12-11-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 2 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Perrault stated since the last City Council meeting, the JDA met on December 4th. The full agenda and supporting information can be found on the online packet on the City's website. Notable items from the meeting include the JDA approving a Preliminary Development Agreement with Alatus, this agreement binds Alatus to come to a development agreement on the project until June 2025. The JDA also passed a term sheet which outlines significant deal points to be worked into the future development agreement, such as, density, affordability, and financing goals. On December 6th, the City of Arden Hills' Planning Commission considered the proposal to increase the allowable density from 1,460 housing units to 1,960 housing units on Rice Creek Commons. The plan was recommended for approval and is set to go to the City Council at their January 8th City Council meeting. The January 8th City Council meeting will also include a public hearing for the public to provide feedback on the proposal. Lastly, the energy committee is still seeking a consultant to help shape energy policies at RCC, the RFP closes on December 13th and the contract start date is anticipated to be January 1st. That concludes my JDA update. Councilmember Monson reported within the JDA term sheet it did specifically address the density, setting the maximum at 1,960 units. She explained as information comes in and finer details are negotiated with the developer, the number of units may be reduced. She stated the survey responses from the open house were reviewed by the JDA. She indicated she was not surprised by many of the comments that were made. She highlighted one comment, suggesting the JDA and City Council consider how TCAAP will be accessed by foot or via bicycle. She reported the Energy Advisory Committee met recently and discussed a recently drafted geothermal memo. Councilmember Holden asked if the JDA would be going around the Army, since the City was told previously and on more than one occasion that geothermal would not be allowed on this site. Councilmember Monson stated the Army has not told the JDA no, which was one of the initial findings from the recent geothermal memo. She reported a formal request would have to go before the Army and in the meantime the Energy Advisory Committee and the JDA would be doing their due diligence. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated since nothing was listed on the materials provided to the residents, was she to believe that no funding would be expended in 2024 related to TCAAP. She explained if the City expects expenses, why was nothing listed or identified. She hoped that the Council would address this matter within the 2024 budget. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, reported she asked a question at the last Council meeting that had not been answered. She asked what other cities along Highway 96 built whatever they wanted along this roadway. She requested staff identify these other cities and name the approved developments along Highway 96 that were similar to TCAAP. Carol Moss, Hellmuth & Johnson, 8050 West 78t' Street, Edina, explained she was an attorney representing a client (Arden Hills Tobacco) and she wished to address the City Council regarding