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Commissioner Huffman read a prepared statement to the JDA. He explained on January 22n6 <br /> the County Board met in a closed session to discuss future negotiations for the sale of Rice <br /> Creek Commons to Alatus. He reported the County has been working to negotiate a Master <br /> Development Agreement but has reached an impasse. He indicated Rice Creek Commons was <br /> a shovel-ready, prime development opportunity that will benefit the community with jobs, <br /> housing and economic growth. He anticipated that all parties want to move forward toward a <br /> development solution but stated the County was losing momentum and development <br /> opportunities as negotiations have not led to an MDA that was appropriate for all parties. As <br /> the property owner, the County had a responsibility to its tax payers to develop this site. He <br /> feared a construction season would be lost given the fact infrastructure plans were not in <br /> place. He explained funding sources and financial tools are set to expire in 2019. He <br /> commented the County would lose State approved funding for the spine road. He reported the <br /> County has invested $40 million in the site, Alatus has invested millions in development plans <br /> and now the project is stalled. Per Section 2.3.11 of the Joint Powers Agreement, the County <br /> would like to resolve outstanding issues through a dispute resolution via mediation to move <br /> the project forward. He stated appropriate housing,job and economic growth were very <br /> important to the community. He explained the County wanted to ensure this project was <br /> done right. He commented successful mediation may be the best option to move this project <br /> forward. He stated he was not looking for JDA approval regarding mediation, but rather the <br /> County and the City would have to approve this. <br /> Commissioner Grant requested further information regarding the State approved funding for <br /> the spine road. Ms. Collins reported the County had several million dollars allocated from the <br /> State to assist with completing the spine road in 2019. <br /> Commissioner Grant questioned who paid for the thumb roadway. Director Olson commented <br /> this was paid for by Ramsey County. He noted there may have been some expenses that were <br /> eligible for State funding. <br /> Commissioner Holden stated she took offense to the statement, "the County has been <br /> negotiating in good faith". She reported the City has been negotiating with the County since <br /> 2012 on this project. She explained she had attended heated meetings where County staff <br /> was yelling at Councilmembers. She commented on all of the concessions the City had made in <br /> order to meet the County's wishes. She stated the City has been negotiating on phasing, <br /> density, building heights and flexibility issues with TCAAP since 2012. She indicated the City <br /> has been working with the County, shoulder to shoulder to give them what they want. She <br /> stated bullet three was a problem for her. <br />