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