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Business gets TIF to move into Stacy |
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By Anne Thom
Randy Lindholm, owner of Stacy Metalcrafters, came to the council seeking tax increment financing (TIF) to expand his business in Stacy and got it. Accompanying Lindholm to the Stacy City Council meeting last week was Tom Anderson of Finntek of North Branch. Lindholm is interested in a lot in Stacy Ponds Business Park. Anderson’s firm has designed and will construct the new facility provided the city’s Economic Development Authority and council can broker a deal with Lindholm. Lindholm is asking for TIF. “I’m just hoping for some help, for a few years to get us going,” Lindholm said. Lindholm and Anderson would like to begin construction in May.
Metalcrafters products include medical, various industrial prototypes, materials for hockey arenas and and elevators. Metalcrafters currently employs three people but Lindholm said they were looking to expand. Metalcrafters’ current facility on Lindholm’s property in Lent Township where he has been running the business for 18 years.
The one concern brought up as the council and counsel looked over the plans was parking. Lindholm and Anderson said they had already redesigned the lot and presented detailed sketches of the proposed building and grounds to prove this.
The mayor offered TIF at 75 percent and the motion passed unanimously.
In other business:
• The 2007 Drinking Water Report was given. The good news, Tom Archibald reported, was “no violations and no contaminants.” A copy of the report will be posted to the city’s Web site stacymn.org or a copy may be obtained by contacting city hall at (651) 462-4486.
• Public works will begin flushing the city’s water distribution system April 23. Crews will be working on this job for approximately three weeks. Spring street sweeping will also begin soon.
• Plans for the new hockey arena have hit some rough ice. The North Branch Hockey Association is, according to discussion by the Stacy City Council, short $300,000. The NBHA is looking for a grant writing opportunity to close the funding gap. Mayor Daher encouraged the councilors to brainstorm for the names of any corporations or foundations that might be contacted to meet the need.
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