06-05-2023 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Goff Public for public relations. He noted the County was putting forward an RDI for the Thumb Parcel on TCAAP. He indicated this item would be addressed under Item 7C. He explained the Committee was planning future public presentations and public engagement to educate residents about the development. He stated the JDA would be provided with a presentation on parks and recreation, and economic competitiveness and inclusion at this meeting. He reported future public presentations would be on remediation, real estate trends, green energy and project financing. Commissioner Reinhardt thanked staff for the report and noted the JDA was working diligently to move this project forward. She stated she was excited to be a part of this group. Commissioner Frethem commented because this was a new team, there were some logistical items that had to be put back in place, such as a communications team and attorneys. She noted the County was trying to pull this back together quickly. She reported the Advisory Committee was working to address how the JDA moves forward quickly with momentum in a manner that is transparent and allows for public engagement. She commented on all that has changed in four years. She noted she supported the JDA holding a worksession meeting on May 1. She explained the JDA was working to address the questions residents have, along with how the housing market has changed, potential connectivity options, and to address the concerns regarding the soil quality. She discussed how the County was moving forward with an RDI for the Thumb Parcel. Commissioner Fabel indicated the Advisory Committee meetings were the same kinds of meetings that have occurred since 2012 with staff gathering information and preparing recommendations for the JDA. He noted the only difference was only two Commissioners were participating in these meetings with staff. He stated with only two JDA members in attendance, a quorum was not present and no decisions were being made. He explained these two JDA members were working with staff to come up with and help guide the JDA. He reported minutes have been drafted for each of the Advisory Committee meetings and this was public information. Commissioner Monson asked if staff was working on a financial model. Director Perrault stated this would be brought to the JDA at a future worksession or regular JDA meeting. Chair Wicklund questioned where the public would find the JDA Advisory Committee meeting minutes. Director Perrault explained the minutes have not been posted on the website, but he can work with County staff to get these minutes posted. In addition, he noted the full packet for this meeting was posted on the City’s website. New Business a. Receive Presentation from Ramsey County Parks and Recreation (Building 189 Schedule – Rice Creek Regional Trail Summary Presentation)