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Commissioner Grant requested further information on the optimization study. Director Olson <br />provided the JDA with an update on the optimization study noting a summary report would be <br />released in early October. <br />Commissioner Grant questioned if the land transfer was being drafted by the County. Director <br />Olson explained in late July the impending approval of an early transfer was discussed. This <br />FOSET was approved by all entities on July 31St which will allow the County to close on the final <br />30 acres. He reported the County was working on this final transfer and the closing date had <br />yet to be scheduled. <br />Commissioner McClung asked when the JDA and City would be briefed on the preliminary <br />findings within the optimization study. Director Olson stated he could draft a memo. <br />Public Hearing <br />None <br />New Business <br />Amazon HQ2 <br />Director Olson stated the County was working to prep itself for an Amazon HQ2. He <br />commented on the RFP and noted this was a sizeable North American call. <br />Louis Jambois introduced himself to the JDA and noted he was consulting with the County at <br />this time. He described how the Amazon proposal was causing the County to rethink the timing <br />of this project. He explained the County intends to pursue Amazon as one of the entrants to <br />the Rice Creek Commons site. It was noted the Amazon RFP was due on Friday, September <br />22nd. He believed the size of Rice Creek Commons fit the proposal well, as well as the freeway <br />and A-line access to the property. It was anticipated a decision would be made by Amazon in <br />early 2018. <br />Chair Wicklund understood that Greater MSP and DEED was putting together a response to the <br />RFP. He asked who was supportive or driving the desire for TCAAP to be the chosen location for <br />Amazon. Mr. Jambois explained there would be numerous sites from the Twin Cities <br />metropolitan area chosen for Amazon. From this, Amazon would then have to choose a site. <br />Commissioner Huffman reported the County Commissioners were speaking with Greater MSP <br />and DEED in order to draw their attention to the Rice Creek Commons site. <br />Commissioner Huffman requested Alatus to speak to this potential project. Bob Lux, Alatus, <br />believed the Amazon opportunity was rare and exciting. He understood that the City and JDA <br />had created a well thought out plan for the site, but believed it would be extraordinary to <br />accommodate a corporate campus for Amazon. He explained that Minnesota had a well <br />trained workforce that was willing and able to make this happen. Tom Shaver, Alatus, reported <br />