01-21-2025 Special JDA Agenda Packet

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on this project. She believed this project would continue to move forward and did not believe now was the time to give a 30 day notice. She stated she was hopeful this project would move forward. Commissioner Frethem explained the County had scheduled a closed session with Alatus for November 26 to discuss the purchase and sale agreement, however, this meeting was canceled. She indicated she reached out to staff at Alatus with a reminder the JDA had one more meeting in December and that the County board had only two more meetings. She commented a purchase and sale agreement would have to be reviewed on December 3, in order to be ratified on December 17. She indicated the Board would discuss the final draft that came to the County tomorrow and would determine the next steps forward. She explained based on the conversations she has had over the past few weeks she was less hopeful that the County would get there. She stated what becomes more concerning to her was that the JDA and the County board would have substantial change to their representation. She indicated it would be harder to execute a deal under these new conditions, which could cause additional delays. She thought the group was making progress, but the agreement terms have not gotten there. She stated the JDA could consider whether or not they want to continue to make time, or if the 30 day clock should be started. She stated in good faith all parties believed it was best to stick with the developer that has worked hard on this project, but this hasn’t resulted in a workable deal. She commented if action was not taken today, the JDA should consider calling a special meeting to take action prior to 2025. She reported the term substantial agreement was somewhat ambiguous. She asked if the JDA could state if an approved purchase and sale agreement was reached in the next 30 days the JDA would continue and if not, the group would dissolve. Attorney Bolton stated the language within the agreement is intended to be the party that is making the determination would determine what it believes in good faith was reaching substantial agreement as to the terms. She believed it would be good to have direction from the JDA to say what that means and direct staff to provide notice if this condition were not met. Chair Wicklund reported Ramsey County would have a County Board meeting on December 17 where the public may learn more about the outcome of the discussions with Alatus. He discussed how the makeup of the JDA could change in the new year. Commissioner Frethem anticipated at least three members would be new. Chair Wicklund appreciated the comment that depending what happens during the closed session meeting and County Board meeting on December 17, the JDA should respond, which would require a special meeting to deal with the new reality or facts facing this project. Commissioner Monson reported the JDA received an LOI on July 31 and the last time the County spoke with the developer regarding a purchase agreement was October 17. Ms. Mitchell stated she has emailed back and forth with Alatus and was told the developer did not have anything new after October 17.