10-07-2024 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Commissioner McGuire thanked the Goff Public team for doing a great job on for Ramsey County. She explained she wanted to see this project funded in the coming year and the County had great advocacy working to achieve this. Commissioner Monson asked how Goff and County staff started to make moves in preparation for the coming year. Ms. O’Rourke reported she would be happy to include the JDA and City with updates, noting she could also provide assignments. She discussed how complicated some funding projects were, but she indicated legislators were now very aware of the Rice Creek Commons project. She anticipated Senator Marty and Representative Moller would be the chief authors of a bill for 2025. She stated she did not have a hard time getting co-authors to sign onto the bill in 2024. Commissioner Monson noted the City had spoken to a tournament facility director that was looking for land on TCAAP. She questioned if there was a way to give this project a bump or boost that would be of value. Mr. Willette stated the tournament center would be a great add and he understood cities were competing for these amenities. He stated anything the City and County can do to promote this project would be beneficial. He discussed how well the communications team worked to promote this development. Commissioner Monson asked how well received the energy vision and sustainability goals were within this development. Mr. Willette stated he believed this was really important to a lot of folks. He indicated these aspects certainly give this project a boost or a differentiator. Commissioner Frethem suggested the tournament facility not be brought up at this time because it could confuse the ask. Commissioner McGuire agreed with everything Commissioner Frethem stated. She supported all hands on deck in order to ensure others saw the value of this development. She explained she wanted to be a part of the conversations when it comes to Rice Creek Commons and suggested conversations be held with local business owners, due to the importance of the communities economic base. She commented on how this development would positively impact the economic base for Arden Hills along with the economic base for surrounding communities. Commissioner Monson stated she was looking forward to the next legislative session. Chair Wicklund thanked Ms. O’Rourke, Mr. Willette and Ms. Sosnowchik for attending this meeting and for the information they provided to the JDA. Rice Creek Commons Project Status Update Ms. Mitchell provided an update on the Development Agreement discussions, including an overview of the other agreements that must be drafted alongside the development agreement. She reported the mass grading and the financing gap has been discussed between Alatus, City,