06-05-2023 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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including the preparation and approval of the TCAAP master plan and approval of development agreements. She explained all public meetings and hearings shall be held as required by law. She stated all books, reports and records of the JDA shall be open to public inspection. In addition, the JDA shall conduct its meetings pursuant to the open meeting law. She was of the opinion; the JDA advisory committee has the moral responsibility and legal responsibility to hold public meetings. She reported the JDA was to make sure everything was transparent and that meetings were not held behind closed doors. She requested the JDA Advisory Committee meetings be open to the public and that the JDA Advisory Committee meeting minutes be open to the public. She questioned why the JDA Advisory Committee would not hold open meetings but if this was being done, she would like to know why. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, indicated she had the same question about the JDA Advisory Committee. She explained she would like these meetings open to the public, along with the minutes. She stated if the JDA could not answer this question at this time, she would like to know how to get that answer. She questioned if the Ramsey County Commissioners recalled a time during mediation when the City of Arden Hills stated that they would be willing to increase the number of units from 1460 to a greater number. She realized this may not be able to be answered right now, but she wanted this answer. She commented on the request for development interest (RDI) that was drafted by a County staff person. She noted she worked in development and finance for decades and explained this RDI was very well done. Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, commented he asked over a month ago where the County’s proposal was for this project. He understood the group was interested in negotiations, but he believed only one side was working on this project. He questioned how negotiations could occur without a proposal from the County. Chair Wicklund explained the JDA was taking comments at this time and staff would be responding to the comments at an appropriate time. Mr. Wenzel reported he has lived in Arden Hills for over 50 years and the only thing that has been accomplished on the TCAAP site was that a roundabout has been installed at County Road H. He understood subcommittees have been formed, but still noting was being done. Chair Wicklund thanked Mr. Wenzel for his comments and explained a new JDA was in place to move this project forward. He noted the goal of the JDA was to put a pathway in place to accomplish something. George Winiecki, 4175 Old Highway 10, explained he has been a resident of Arden Hills for almost 75 years. He feared the JDA had a hidden agenda in place and encouraged the JDA to tell the public what the plan was. He indicated he did not like the two minute time limit for speaking. He suggested this be increased to three minutes. He noted he was having trouble with the fact the City was trying to redevelop a site that had filthy dirt and water. He anticipated there would be a lot of difficult variables the JDA would have to deal with throughout the development of this property and the risks could be huge. He noted the JDA