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Commissioner Fabel explained he wanted to be able to talk real numbers but he understood <br />this would be difficult. He encouraged staff to further consider what subsidy levels would be <br />available to assist with affordable housing. Director Collins stated the County’s level of <br />commitment to affordable housing could be better determined once the overall density within <br />Rice Creek Commons was determined. <br /> <br />Commissioner Reinhardt stated the County may not have a specific dollar amount estimated at <br />this time, but the County has been clear about its goals or commitments, when it comes to <br />affordable housing. She discussed how the County would be partnering with the City on this <br />project. She believed this project was a great opportunity for the community and the City of <br />Arden Hills would benefit greatly through this development. <br /> <br />Commissioner Frethem reported she appreciated this presentation and learning more about all <br />of the resources the County had available to assist with creating affordable housing. She stated <br />the County did not have these resources available in 2018. She discussed the obligations both <br />the City and County would have for infrastructure and noted this would have to be taken into <br />consideration within the term sheet. She wanted the JDA to remember the intricate design <br />details that will have to be considered in the future and how these will impact future <br />homeownership. <br /> <br />Commissioner Monson thanked staff for the detailed presentation and for all of their efforts to <br />make affordable housing a priority. She stated it was important to talk about affordable <br />housing, how it will be funded and what the ROI would be for these projects. <br /> <br />Commissioner Frethem commented on how this project has to provide a variety of housing <br />opportunities for all within the middle class. She discussed how important it would be to better <br />understand the market demand for housing in order to better understand what type of units <br />should be constructed on Rice Creek Commons, while also taking into consideration the green <br />initiatives the JDA wants to pursue on the site. <br /> <br />Chair Wicklund requested further information regarding the financial health of Ramsey County. <br />Director Collins deferred this question to Commissioner Reinhardt. <br /> <br />Commissioner Reinhardt explained she served on the Budget Committee for Ramsey County <br />and has for a number of years. She was proud of the fact Ramsey County has a AAA bond rating <br />and has received the top three government financial officer association awards for its budget <br />cycle. She indicated the County has a portal on the website where the budget and further <br />financial information is available. <br /> <br />e. Review Objectives of Potential Community Event/Town Hall <br /> <br />Director Collins stated the JDA has requested staff engage a community engagement consultant <br />to advise and plan a community event. A Request for Proposal has been sent to a prospective <br />consultant. Staff commented on a process that could potentially be followed. In order to guide