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Joint Development Authority Worksession <br />Tuesday, September 10, 2024 <br />Arden Hills City Council Chambers <br />Minutes <br />5:30 pm <br /> <br />Roll Call <br /> <br />Joint Development Authority members present: Chair Jon Wicklund, Commissioner Nicole <br />Frethem, Commissioner Tom Fabel, Commissioner Tena Monson <br /> <br />Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt was absent <br /> <br />Also present: Jessica Jagoe (Arden Hills); Ella Mitchell (Ramsey County), Jenny Boulton <br />(Kennedy & Graven), Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire <br /> <br />Roll call taken. <br /> <br />Public Input <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />Legislative Update <br /> <br />Jennifer O’Rourke, Director of Government Relations at Ramsey County, introduced Pierre <br />Willette, Director of Government Relations, and Rachel Sosnowchik, Lobbyist, of Goff Public to <br />provide a recap of the 2024 legislative session and to discuss strategy for the 2025 session. <br /> <br />Pierre Willette, Goff Public, introduced himself to the JDA noting he works on behalf Ramsey <br />County, specifically around their bonding priorities which includes Rice Creek Commons. He was <br />of the opinion the 2024 session as very successful even though a bonding bill was not approved. <br />He believed Rice Creek Commons was very well positioned for consideration at the State <br />legislature and had strong support from the authors and other delegates. He indicated the <br />tours of the property were well attended. He discussed what has changed in the bonding world, <br />noting there is fierce competition. He understood it would have been great to receive $25 <br />million in bonding, but he was of the opinion the County was well positioned for consideration. <br />He stated he appreciated the fact that the developer was active at the legislature. <br /> <br />Commissioner Fabel asked if there was any prospect for a bonding bill in 2025. Mr. Willette <br />stated there were discussions and he anticipated there were representatives that would want <br />to get this done. Ms. O’Rourke commented after speaking with Senator Pappas she understood <br />Senator Pappas was hopeful an early bonding bill would be considered in 2025. She indicated <br />this would be her top priority in the new year. <br />