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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 11, 2016 7 Councilmember Holmes stated that she would be supporting the proposed tax abatement due to the fact that Land O'Lakes is a Fortune 200 company and an important employer in the City. She did not want the City to lose a major headquarter tenant, given what had happened with Smiths Medical. She wanted the City to appear full and vibrant due to the fact TCAAP will soon be developing. Councilmember McClung did not believe the City would be setting a precedent by approving the tax abatement. He indicated that these matters were reviewed and approved by the Council on a case-by-case basis. Generally, he does not support tax abatement or TIF. In this case, he supports Land O'Lakes remaining in the community given the fact that they have deep roots in this City and have not requested much. He commented on the major investment Land O'Lakes will be making in the community and looked forward to the future job expansion. Mayor Grant stated that he would also be supporting the Resolution. He agreed that a precedent would not be set. He believed the abatement made sense when looking at the long-term benefits to both the City and Land O'Lakes. He explained that Land O'Lakes would be a positive economic force that has been a good corporate citizen in Arden Hills. He did not want to see the Land O'Lakes headquarters vacant. He believed that a 15-year tax abatement was reasonable and looked forward to this business continuing to grow in the community. The motion carried (5-0). 8. NEW BUSINESS None. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Wicklund commented that the Ramsey County Conservation District would be conducting a presentation on Urban Pollinators on Thursday, April 21St from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Marsden Room at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility. This is a free event open to the public. Councilmember McClung reminded residents that it has been windy and dry. He encouraged Arden Hills' residents to be cautious with fire. Councilmember Holmes stated that on Sunday, April 24th at the Arden Hills Army Training Center there will be a Scoops for Troops Event from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event includes a 5K run and an ice cream social. She encouraged the City's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon liaisons to attend this event. Councilmember Holmes noted that the Metro Cities Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the University Club on Summit Avenue.