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<br /> -- - ------------- <br /> --- --- <br /> . " <br /> Minutes of Special Council Meeting <br /> Thursday, November 8, 1984 - 8:00 p.m. <br /> Page Six <br /> will windows be closed; will dogs be exercised out doors: feels it <br /> is not appropriate service for downtown Arden Hills because of <br /> noise and ventilation. <br /> Routhe said that there will be no noise or odors: a fence will surround <br /> the yard and any boarding will be in the lower unit; exerCising will <br /> be in the fenced area - no animals will be unattended' outside. <br /> Dr. Jensen said Routhe worked for him for four years: said he isn't <br /> going to comment on Routhe's competency: said what brought this <br /> to his attention was articles in the papers and calls wondering <br /> what was going on. Jensen said, as he understands government revenue 4It <br /> bonds,' their intent is to creat new business - they are not intended <br /> to cut into existing business: feels there are some guidelines ~ <br /> that's what I was trying to find out about - guidelines such as <br /> 1 job for each $30.000 of money issued: project should not exceed <br /> 18% for land purchase: there are tremendous administrative feeS for <br /> that $400,000.00. I would like that to be addressed. ,IRBs are <br /> not cheap financing and where this becomes a public issue vs private <br /> funding, I would not even be here: the fact that taxpayer's money <br /> is gOing into this and the need is a very strong issue that hasn't been <br /> addressed. There are at least five or six clinics all around <br /> this area within a 2-3 mile diameter, and the Council is endorsing <br /> this project - you have to be aware of your reputations with the <br /> State and funding providers, that they are viable, and the type of <br /> dollars you are talking are astronomically high figures. In the <br /> paper, the reporter commented that Dr. Rich has 300 clients - well, <br /> you try to figure how he's going to pay for all this - I mean, I <br /> wish him well, but I don:t see how he's going to make it. If you <br /> estimate $30/call and 300 clients, its going to take 200 clients <br /> at $30/call/month to just pay the land costs - no taxes, no salaries <br /> no drugs - all the overhead is very very costly. When you think of <br /> endorsing the project at this tremendous cost, it has to come from <br /> somewhere, Most of us started out very small - has taken 15 - 20 <br /> years to become viable. <br /> Bob Carlson said he concurs with that approach; said this is a <br /> free enterprise system, he respects the doctor and understands he <br /> is a good doctor - no question there; the question he has is it a <br /> viable project and why has private financing fallen through; thinks <br /> this is a situation where it's viable and possible only if it has <br /> IRB funding. There is other property available in the City where <br /> he can service his customers at a lesser cost. This is prime <br /> property; is one of the very few properties in Arden Hills which <br /> is commercial, which is retail and which can address a service <br /> enterpri se: an animal hospital can be placed almost anywhere. <br /> Carlson said he's been a resident for 20 years: in that course of <br /> time has had 5 animals and has never had a problem getting them <br /> serviced; there are plenty of animal hospitals around the area. <br /> There might be a market place to support another one. I don't <br /> question that. Are we cutting the same pie smaller or are we <br /> appealing to the market place or an expanding market place. I don't <br /> think IRBs are intended to compete with existing businesses. They <br /> say these won't cost the taxpayers a cent. I don't believe that. 4It <br /> I can take you around the State and show all kinds of empty <br /> buildings where IRBs were used for small businesses. Taxpayers <br /> pay for it; so, I'm on record as saying no. I don't think this <br /> project should be approved. <br /> Dr. Craig Frobum, veterinarian, currently resides in Roseville and <br /> now self-employed as a house call veterinarian, serving St. Paul <br /> and its suburbs, addressing the need for an animal hospital ~ <br /> economic indicators are pretty strong for a need. 8 years ago <br /> Dr. Clinton built a new facility: 2 years ago Dr. Sime built a new <br /> facility and now I understand Minnesota Veterinary Hospital is also <br /> expanding to address a larger need. Regarding Dr. Rich (Routhe). <br /> I've known him for five years and have personally worked with him at <br /> an animal hospital in Shoreview for nearly two years. Dr. Routhe <br /> has a reputation of being a kind, caring dedicated practitioner. <br /> I don't believe there is any veterinarian who would dispute his <br /> excellent reputation. Dr. Routhe has served his profession and his <br />