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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 10, 2023 5 have Alatus act as the master developer for the California piece. He noted this has not been approved by the County or Alatus. Mayor Grant questioned when this would be decided. City Administrator Perrault anticipated this would occur before a decision was made on the thumb property. Mayor Grant stated the initial intention of the JDA was to have a master developer over the entire development. He explained the JDA did not want a developer to come in an select only certain sections to develop. He feared this would now occur through the development of the thumb property, noting he understood this would be a County initiated project. He asked that staff request a letter from the County requesting information as to their intention on the thumb property. City Administrator Perrault asked if this was the consensus of the Council. Councilmember Holden explained the JPA states the project would have one master developer. She questioned how the thumb property could be sold separately. She feared Alatus could sue the City if this parcel was removed from the TCAAP development. City Attorney Jamnik advised the JPA allows flexibility for the parties to change transactional details, goals and objectives. He reported there would be flexibility, if the JDA wants to proceed or modify the transactional details. He explained any lawsuits brought by the developer would be levied against the JDA and not the City or the County, although the County could be named as a separate party based on the real estate transaction. He indicated the JDA has insurance in place to address any litigation that would arise with the master developer or any other party. Mayor Grant commented he would still like a basic letter from the County that states they would like to move forward with the thumb property. Councilmember Fabel indicated this letter would not be at the request of the City Council, unless there was consensus. He stated one commitment that was being made by the new JDA members was that they would not be pursuing a contentious relationship with the County. He explained the City would not be confrontational with the County, but rather would move forward as a cooperative partner. He did not support the City demanding a letter from the County at this time. He reported the County was strapped for cash because this project has been delayed for six years. He stated the County could not do anything on this project until they had some cash in hand. He explained the JDA would be working on a new agreement with the developer in a cooperative manner. He suggested the Mayor attend a future JDA meeting and ask the County representatives why they were doing what they were doing. Mayor Grant stated the County told the JDA they wanted to develop the thumb property and the JDA offered their support. He reported the development of this property was being done outside of the JDA.