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Commissioner Monson described on the work that has been done by the Energy Advisory <br />Committee (EAC) since 2023. She explained sustainability and electrification was the main focus <br />as well as figuring out how much carbon was on the site. She reported one of the main goals <br />was to not heat the space with gas because it was carbon intensive. She stated a big decision <br />will have to be made on whether or not to do a big district or small district heating system. <br />Chair Wicklund asked if the TRC code lines up with the energy goals for the project. <br />Commissioner Monson indicated the TRC code lines up with the energy goals but noted more <br />efficient materials may be coming forward. She commented housing affordability issues with <br />the TRC may have to be addressed in the future. <br />Chair Wicklund questioned if the EAC was still meeting. <br />Commissioner Monson indicated the EAC was meeting ad hoc. She indicated solar and waivers <br />were being considered by this group. Mr. Carter reported the group has done the math and was <br />working to get to zero carbon by having this project become all electric. <br />Commissioner Monson reported if a district energy source were not pursued, the developer <br />would have to consider how to provide energy. She indicated the EAC energy agnostic aside <br />from the district energy. <br />Chair Wicklund asked if the JDA had any further comments or questions regarding the waiver <br />process. <br />Commissioner Weber inquired if the EAC was an appointed group by the JDA. <br />Commissioner Monson reported this was the case, noting at this time the group was comprised <br />of herself and staff. Ms. Mitchell explained a Ramsey County member would be appointed to <br />the EAC in March. <br />Commissioner Jebens-Singh thanked staff for providing more detailed information on how the <br />waivers will be considered and for having specific thresholds in place. <br />Commissioner Monson questioned if programmatic waivers would be allowed for a business <br />that brought in a ton of foot traffic and jobs, but was fully gas. Mr. Carter stated there were two <br />over arching metrics, one being the score for LEED Communities and the other was the <br />greenhouse gas balance. He indicated he would be able to tell what the impact of a project was <br />when it was presented and he could provide the JDA with data points. <br />Commissioner Weber stated he would be curious to know what the legal implications were for <br />the JDA and City and if they could pick and choose which businesses go in.