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New Business <br />a. Communications Report <br />Ms. Mitchell stated Goff Public worked with Ramsey County to develop the fall 2024 Rice Creek <br />Commons newsletter that was distributed to 4,787 subscribers on Tuesday, October 9. Topics <br />included progress toward the green energy vision for Rice Creek Commons, engineering work <br />on the final design of the Spine Road, and development updates on the main parcel, Outlot A <br />and approved Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). The newsletter had a 2% click rate <br />(about twice the industry average) and a 35% open rate, which are both in line with industry <br />average. Goff Public also worked with county staff to update content on the infrastructure RFP <br />webpage and developed general language highlighting 2024 progress for use on county and <br />partner communications channels. Goff Public continues to discuss communications <br />opportunities with county staff for future development updates. <br />Commissioner Reinhardt stated she appreciated the communication plan that was in place. <br />Commissioner Monson commented in general the plan was working well and she <br />recommended continued outreach be made to the public through open houses or other <br />formats. She asked if a legislative plan had been considered for 2025. Ms. Mitchell reported <br />Ramsey County Government Relations was taking the lead on this with Goff Public. <br />Commissioner Monson questioned when the JDA would be hearing about this plan. Ms. <br />Mitchell stated she could provide the JDA with an update at the next meeting. <br />Commissioner Reinhardt reported a virtual Ramsey County delegation meeting was held today <br />and noted the top priority for Ramsey County was Rice Creek Commons. She explained the <br />group discussed how it would be difficult to move this project without a bonding bill in 2025, <br />but reported all legislators would be working in order to move this project along. <br />Commissioner Fabel stated Senator Marty and Representative Moller attended a recent City <br />Council meeting and shared strong support for a bonding bill. <br />Chair Wicklund requested a Communication Update be placed on the February JDA agenda. <br />b. Update on Developer Discussion <br />Ms. Mitchell provided the JDA with an update on Outlot A. She explained Ryan Companies <br />continues to advance negotiations with one potential end user for the site. She stated this end <br />user only needs a portion of the site and so Ryan Companies has asked to amend the purchase <br />and sale agreement to close on a smaller portion of the site first and extend the term of the <br />agreement further to allow them to find additional users. She reported the County was feeling <br />positive about this and would be speaking with Ryan Companies about this further next week.