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New Business <br /> <br />a. Update on Communications <br /> <br />Ms. Mitchell stated Goff Public worked with Ramsey County to prepare messaging for the Rice <br />Creek Commons public infrastructure development and design request for proposals (RFP). <br />Messaging tools included talking points, website copy and a reactive media statement. There <br />have been no media inquiries or coverage regarding the infrastructure RFP to date. Student <br />journalists with the Mounds View High School student newspaper, The Viewer, wrote an article <br />about the Outlot A purchase and sale agreement and history of Rice Creek Commons in late <br />February: TCAAP land development changes. Goff Public worked with Ramsey County and <br />Arden Hills to coordinate information, clarifications and an interview with Councilmember <br />Monson. Goff Public also worked with Ramsey County and Arden Hills on edits to the Joint <br />Development Authority annual report. One person submitted an inquiry through the microsite <br />contact portal regarding parks and trails, which Ramsey County staff responded to directly. <br /> <br />Commissioner Fabel stated he was having trouble with his audio. <br /> <br />Acting Chair Frethem called a short recess in order to allow staff to address the audio concerns. <br /> <br />Acting Chair Frethem reconvened the JDA meeting at 5:35 p.m. <br /> <br />b. Update from the State Legislative Session <br /> <br />Ms. Mitchell stated according to the legislative schedule, 2024 is traditionally a bonding year. <br />Speaker Hortman has been consistent with her messaging—the only thing left she wants to <br />accomplish this year is passing a bonding bill. Some speculate that there won’t be a bonding bill <br />and they don’t have the necessary Republican votes to pass a bonding bill as they need a <br />supermajority. Others remain hopeful that they will pass a bonding bill—Senate Capitol <br />Investment chair Senator Pappas (Saint Paul) has certainly expressed a desire to pass one. <br />Going into an election year, conventional wisdom would say most legislators should be <br />motivated to pass the bill so they can talk about projects they’ve been able to deliver on. <br /> <br />Ms. Mitchell explained on the House side, HF3510 was introduced on 2/12/24, with <br />Representative Moller as the chief author and Ramsey / Anoka County area Representatives <br />Hussein, Curran, Fischer, Norris, Feist, Kraft, Newton who have signed on as co-authors. On the <br />Senate side, SF3990 as introduced on 2/20/24, with Senator Marty as the chief author and <br />Senators Xiong, Gustafson, and Oumou Verbeten as co-authors. <br /> <br />Ms. Mitchell reported Ramsey County commissioners and Government Relations staff have <br />been consistent with all legislators, our Ramsey County delegation, and the Governor’s office <br />that bonding for Rice Creek Commons is our number one issue and we need the full $25 million. <br />Rice Creek Commons has been popular with members and everyone seems to understand the