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Director Mitchell reported at this same November meeting, the JDA requested further analysis <br />on the Sustainability Design Guidelines and in particular the waiver process. JDA staff worked <br />with consultant LHB to develop a scope of work that included refinement of the Sustainability <br />Design Guidelines, support on implementation of these guidelines with developers, and <br />community engagement. This new scope of work was $118,000 over two years. As fiscal agent <br />of the JDA, Ramsey County holds the contracts for green energy and sustainability work on <br />behalf of the JDA, so JDA staff worked with Ramsey County procurement to execute an <br />agreement with LHB for this scope of work. <br /> <br />Director Mitchell explained in 2024, the Minnesota Legislature established the Geothermal <br />Planning Grant Program to provide financial assistance to examine the technical and economic <br />feasibility of installing geothermal energy systems. Ramsey County applied to the Minnesota <br />Department of Commerce for this grant on behalf of Rice Creek Commons and in April 2025 <br />was awarded $72,479 in grant funds. JDA staff are working on a scope of work for the use of <br />these funds. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jebens-Singh asked if the budget reflects an accurate amount of coaching/ <br />assistance or would additional funding be required. Director Mitchell stated the hope would be <br />that Ryan Companies understands the guidelines going forward and will not this level of <br />coaching for the next phase of this project. In addition, if they are not asking for waivers, less <br />work is involved. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jebens-Singh recommended the dollars invested in this process be utilized going <br />forward. <br /> <br />Commissioner McGuire stated she supported the JDA continuing work with this consultant <br />going forward. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber requested staff provide the JDA with a lessons learned summary from <br />Ryan Companies. <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Weber seconded by Commissioner McGuire to approve 2025 Budget <br />Amendment. Motion carried. <br /> <br />c. Review Road Map <br /> <br />Director Mitchell reviewed the 2025 Road Map with the JDA. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber asked if the Wednesday, May 7, JDA Advisory Committee meeting would <br />be held. Director Mitchell stated she was waiting to hear back from the developer on this. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />