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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 9, 2024 2 <br /> <br />County staff informed the JDA that they had received an LOI from Alatus that has a “new" terms <br />structure. It was communicated that this new structure would be with Alatus finding private <br />financing for mass grading and the County would transfer the land to Alatus and then they would <br />do private financing of the mass grading versus County bonding and public funding for the mass <br />grading. The County Board held a closed session on December 3rd to review this new structure <br />and discussions continue on potential PSA terms. Additionally, County staff noted there is a <br />tentative placeholder for an agenda item at the County Board meeting on December 17th. <br /> <br />Also from the JDA discussion, Jenny Boulton, the JDA Attorney, provided an update on the PDA <br />terms which includes language to have reached substantial agreement as to the terms of the final <br />DA by October 31, 2024. She reviewed the notice details should substantial progress have not <br />been made and noted that neither party has issued that notice. <br /> <br />Following these updates, the JDA has tentatively scheduled a Special Work Session on December <br />20th at 4 PM to hear updates on the PSA and discuss the terms of the PDA. <br /> <br />Councilmember Monson discussed the events that occurred at the last JDA meeting noting the <br />JDA was made fully aware of the preliminary development agreement notice. She indicated if the <br />JDA were to give notice, there would be a 30-day period where additional negotiations could be <br />made to try and reach substantial progress. She commented the JDA would be holding a special <br />meeting on December 20 in order to be able to respond quickly in the event the County does not <br />approve the purchase and sale agreement on December 17. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fabel commented the developer has worked very hard to overcome the <br />financial problems which were created by the long delay of this project. He noted this led to <br />tremendous increases in interest rates and construction costs which has thrown a substantial <br />monkey wrench in moving this project forward. He indicated the proposed private financing for <br />the mass grading would help the County’s reluctance to inject bonding funds into the <br />development and creates a level of hopefulness for him. He stated the next couple of weeks would <br />be critically important for this project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated this was the same action that happened to the long delay when <br />Alatus did not come forward with any agreement with the County. She understood the financial <br />costs have gone up, along with the cost for the land given the delays. <br /> <br />3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL <br /> <br />Ed Dickinson, 3188 Asbury Avenue, stated a section of Old Snelling from Trunk Highway 51 to <br />County Road E had a 40 mile per hour limit and for much of that time the road was in a <br />deteriorated condition. He reported this section of roadway has been completely resurfaced and a <br />curbed walkway was created for pedestrians. However, at this time, the speed limit was lowered <br />to 25 miles per hour. He indicated this roadway runs through an uncongested area where houses <br />along the roadway were set well back. He recommended the 25 mile per hour speed limit be <br />reconsidered and changed back to 40 miles per hour as this would be more in synch with the area <br />north of the roundabout. <br /> <br />Steve Scott, 4286 Norma Avenue, thanked the Council for the Christmas card that was sent to his <br />address. He explained 10 months ago there was a large deployment ceremony for the 34th Infantry <br />Division known as the Red Bulls. He indicated this impacted 574 soldiers that were sent to the