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date of November 14, 2025. The purpose of the RFI was to gain information to inform a future <br />solicitation for development partner(s) at Rice Creek Commons. The RFI was published to <br />DemandStar (Ramsey County’s procurement website) and on the project website, and it was <br />publicized through the Rice Creek Commons newsletter, City of Arden Hills newsletter, <br />Commissioner Jebens-Singh’s newsletter and through announcements at meetings including <br />the October and November JDA meetings and the Sustainability Webinar. <br />Director Mitchell reported by the close of the RFI window, five responses were received. The <br />name of the respondents are: Lyle Salmela, SLV Enterprises LLC, Twin Cities Land Development, <br />Maplewood Development Inc/Belair Sitework Services Inc, and Costco Wholesale Corporation. <br />Staff did hear that some potential respondents did not have the capacity to respond in this time <br />period. There is a sense that they may wait to respond to the future competitive development <br />solicitation. A summary of the findings from these responses is provided below, with select <br />quotes from responses. This feedback does not necessarily reflect all developer perspectives, <br />and the respondents do not necessarily represent all developers who may be interested in <br />developing at the site. <br />Director Mitchell explained this information is provided to the JDA for discussion as they <br />consider a path forward for a competitive solicitation for new development partner(s). The <br />outcomes of this discussion could include a range of direction by the JDA to staff, including but <br />not limited to further questions for follow-up with developers and/or research or next steps for <br />a competitive developer solicitation. <br />Chair Wicklund asked if the JDA was comfortable with staff sending out an RFP. <br />Commissioner Weber supported staff sending out an RFP. <br />Commissioner Jebens-Singh inquired if a parallel process could be considered in order to ensure <br />the development does not lose Costco as an anchor and then the remainder of the property <br />could be developed through a lead developer. <br />Director Mitchell stated the JDA could give direction towards that for the northwest corner of <br />the site where a big box retailer could be located. <br />Chair Wicklund indicated this was something the County could drive as the property owner and <br />the JDA could react. <br />Commissioner Weber stated he could support a development just for Costco. <br />Commissioner Jebens-Singh commented she could only support this moving forward because <br />the JDA had a plan in place that had a designated space for a big box retailer. <br />Director Jagoe explained if the JDA were to move forward in this direction, there may be other <br />developers that come forward wanting to develop only a portion or sliver of the project.