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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – MARCH 8, 2021 4 <br /> <br />E. Motion to Approve Second Amendment to Site Use Lease Agreement with AT&T <br />(North Water Tower – 1221 Cummings Park Drive) <br />F. Motion to Approve Resolution 2021-014 Regarding Support of Job Creation Fund <br />Application in Connection with Boston Scientific Corporation <br /> <br />MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a <br />motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended removing Item 7F and <br />to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. A roll <br />call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). <br /> <br />8. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS <br /> <br />A. Motion to Approve Resolution 2021-014 Regarding Support of Job Creation <br />Fund Application in Connection with Boston Scientific Corporation <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated the Council has not received a presentation on this item and for <br />this reason she would like a presentation on this item. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault explained Boston Scientific Corporation proposes to construct an <br />expansion of their manufacturing facility at Building 14, in the northwest corner of the Arden <br />Hills campus. The purpose of the facility is the development and production of lithium batteries <br />for use in medical devices. The primary space in the facility is a 'dry room', a space maintained at <br />less than 1% relative humidity, which is required for handling lithium. Ancillary functions in the <br />addition include office and conference space. The proposed expansion is expected generate 150 <br />new jobs over the next three years. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault reported to assist with the funding of the proposed addition to <br />Building 14, Boston Scientific is applying to the Minnesota Department of Employment and <br />Economic Development’s Job Creation Fund. The JCF provides financial incentives to new and <br />expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. Companies <br />deemed eligible to participate may receive up to $1 million for creating or retaining high-paying <br />jobs and for constructing or renovating facilities or making other property improvements. In some <br />cases, companies may receive awards of up to $2 million. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault stated business applicants for the Job Creation Fund must apply <br />through the city. To be eligible for funding, DEED requires applicants obtain a resolution of <br />support approved by the City Council. <br /> <br />City Administrator Perrault explained this is one step in assisting the applicant with obtaining <br />funding for the project. Staff commented further on the Findings of Fact and the approval <br />timeline. <br /> <br />Planning Consultant Corrin Bemis reported adoption of the resolution of support does not <br />obligate the City to approve development plans. It also does not obligate the City to provide any <br />financial incentives now or in the future. <br />Councilmember Holmes stated she wanted the specific findings within this Resolution made <br />known to the public. She also wanted residents to understand that the Boston Scientific project <br />was not being approved, but rather their request for a DEED grant.