Agenda - Council - 03/22/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich asked if Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle had a chance to talk to Representative John Heinrich and Representative Peggy Scott and if they are supportive of the legislation. Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle stated he has spoken to Representative Heinrich and asked him to sign on the bill but he deferred, stating next year may be better. He stated Representative Heinrich also serves on the committee and that they will be heard on Thursday and will see which way he votes but he expected support. As to Senator Abler, he is on the bill in the Senate. Councilmember Musgrove asked Towle if there are any building locations already established. Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle replied there are not any established yet but what is established is a contractor that has built many buildings across the State. He stated there are plans underway with the City of St. Paul, which is a tough place to get through and is being used to work out details. Mayor Kuzma asked Deputy City Administrator/Community Dev. Director Hagen where the City is With this. Deputy City Administrator/ Community Dev. Director Hagen replied Staff has met with Towle and have selected a location that is close to the VA Clinic. They haven't gotten into great detail on site selection but there is land available. He stated it could progress as far as legislation. If it goes through, it would go through the EDA, Planning Commission, and Council for a full review process. Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle commented that plans haven't been fully formulated but they are looking for the level of interest by the City. He stated there are opportunities to work with other community partners such as the community college. Councilmember Heineman asked Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle about the plans for the community center he mentioned including a farmer's market. He also asked if there was a focus on vocational rehab for veterans. Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle replied as far as manufacturing or carpentry work if there are places veterans could plug in. He stated every veteran has a fund they could tap into as well as workforce development grants. There are also federal level veterans job trainings available for certifications and such. He stated the plan is to ask the veterans what they want. Mayor Kuzma asked Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle if there was something specific other than support that he is seeking from the City. Contained Solutions Executive Director Towle replied the question is if the City is interested in this project and would want it in the City. Mayor Kuzma replied it sounds like an interesting project but it comes down to economics. City Council Work Session /March 8, 2022 Page 2 of 13