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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – FEBRUARY 10, 2025 3 Councilmember Holden indicated the June 30th timeline was important in order to reach a PSA as well as a negotiated development agreement speaking to all of the terms on the term sheet. Mayor Grant commented June 30th was described as the deadline but could be extended by the County and Alatus. City Administrator Jagoe reported the parties able to extend the deadline were Alatus and the JDA. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, questioned who she was more disappointed in, Rafael Ortego after writing the January 2025 article about Rice Creek Commons or the JDA members. She believed it was the later. She stated she understood TCAAP will be developed, but how it was being developed was a concern. She commented TCAAP was being developed for the State of Minnesota, Ramsey County and finally for the City of Arden Hills and its residents. She was of the opinion the City was shouldering a lot of the financial burden for this project. She indicated she was taken aback by Mr. Ortega’s comments that stated “we are a fully developed County and the only way to expand the tax base was to clear up the brownfields. We will expand the County tax base and would then reduce every Ramsey County taxpayers burden”. She indicated the Rice Creek Commons site remains one of the premier opportunities in Minnesota and among urbanized counties like Ramsey County. She asked if the JDA members believed this project would reduce the taxpayer burden and requested these members provide her with specific examples of when this has occurred. She indicated there was nothing in the article about what this project will cost the City or its residents. She anticipated Arden Hills residents would be paying additional taxes for increased water usage, sewage treatment, road maintenance, police and fire protection, garbage services and other services, as well as an increase in traffic. She stated when it comes to gratitude, Mr. Ortega was only thankful to the City of Arden Hills colleagues that were serving on the JDA. She was of the opinion, JDA individuals have failed to tell it like it is to Mr. Ortega regarding what will have to be sacrificed for the TCAAP development. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Updates John Connelly, Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce President, thanked the Council for their time and explained the vision of the Chamber which was to promote business, develop leaders and connect communities. He commented on the individuals that serve on the Chamber board and discussed how they serve the community. He stated the Chamber has seen incremental growth over the past two years. He invited the Council to attend the next Business Council meeting which would be held on March 19. He commented on the new initiatives that have been pursued by the Chamber, which included Green to Go and a manufacturing cohort. He further described the marketing initiatives that were being pursued by the Chamber at a local level and thanked the City of Arden Hills for their continued support and partnership.