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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – APRIL 13, 2015 2 B. Joint Development Authority Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that on Monday, April 6, 2015, the Joint Development Authority (JDA) adopted the Energy Integration Resiliency Framework (EIRF) and authorized staff to move forward with the implementation steps identified by the EIRF including:  Negotiate with the General Services Administration for conveyance of the excess portion of the former Primer Tracer Area (PTA) for use as a Solar PV site;  Secure a demolition/remediation contract to prepare the PTA for Solar PV installation;  Prepare a RFP and solicit proposals for construction and operation of Solar PV; and  Continue to work with the Army to secure long term rights to utilize heat from the ground water treatment system and install a heat exchanger/pumping station within the ground water filtration building for operation of a low-temperature district energy system. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the Joint Development Authority also had a preliminary discussion of the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The JDA will approve the RFP process, forms, and documents. The JDA will outline criteria for selection of proposals, review evaluations of proposals, and make recommendations to Ramsey County regarding preferred developers. The JDA anticipates having a more detailed discussion of the RFP process after the approval of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code. Councilmember Woodburn requested that staff provide the Council with information on how much residents would be asked to pay for the energy plans for TCAAP. He questioned why staff had sent out an RFP for the TCAAP site when the Council was unaware if this was the best option for the site. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the JDA was pursuing a solar array on the Primer Tracer site on TCAAP and the RFP was for this energy option. She indicated that experts from this field could be invited to speak with the Council. Councilmember Holden stated that the Army has provided the JDA with information on solar panels for the Primer Tracer site. She discussed the urgency of the RFP noting that the Federal Government was offering major tax grants at this time. She commented that Xcel Energy would be a major player with the solar panels and was interested in assisting with upfront costs. Councilmember Woodburn discussed the cost to install and use solar power. He feared that solar power would raise utility rates for Arden Hills’ residents. He believed there was not enough evidence to prove this was the best option for the City. Mayor Grant explained that the JDA has authorized the investigation of a solar panel. This was due in part to have it operational by 2016 in order to receive tax credits. He explained that surrounding issues would still be investigated by the JDA and its staff. He reported that the City has not committed any funds to this endeavor.