01-08-24-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JANUARY 8, 2024 5 Councilmember Fabel asked about a hold harmless agreement regarding the remediation. Mr. Cocchiarella replied that the NBCA is a governing body they deal with a lot. Once the property is cleaned up, then they want a deed that is clean too. His legal counsel is telling him that one of the problems is the CERCLA Clause which is Federal law. He hoped that once it was cleaned up the Army's access could be limited. He thought the difference between this site and the land to the south was there wasn't any PCBs on this site. It's about the pipe that provides heat and once that's removed along with the creosote they are hopeful they can find a way through it. Councilmember Rousseau asked if they have any estimates of how many jobs the two different scenarios might bring in or the average pay. Mr. Cocchiarella said across the site there is potential for 100-400 jobs. Councilmember Rousseau wondered if this property was included in the energy aspect scope of Rice Creek Commons. Councilmember Monson said at this time it is separate. Councilmember Rousseau asked if solar might be a possibility on the roofs. Mr. Cocchiarella felt that wouldn't generate enough power for what the potential needs would be inside the buildings, but it was an option. He thought the market was looking for that with users that want alternative energy sources. Mayor Grant noted they are estimating one million square feet. Mr. Cocciarella responded that was roughly what they were estimating, but the second option would be more like 750,000 square feet. Mayor Grant said they seem to think Option 2 would bring in more of a regional account. Why did they believe that? Mr. Cocciarella said they owned a 36-acre industrial site right across the freeway. They just sold it and the number of companies that contacted him for trailer storage and for transportation related distribution was off the charts. The need for that kind of distribution center is very high. There are a lot of national companies looking for that. Mayor Grant said not all warehouses are the same, some are much more automated than others. He'd like to see this generate some jobs. Mr. Cocciarella stated they won't really be in control of that as they market the site, but the hard reality is too many people want to stay home and finding labor is difficult. So, they mitigate that through the kind of workforce they think can manage the kind of operation they have. Mayor Grant said it would be nice if one of the buildings could incorporate an office/warehouse concept.