Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-15Joint Development Authority Monday, April 6, 2015 Arden Hills City Council Chambers Minutes 5:30 pm Present: Joint Development Authority: Chair David Sand, Commissioner Blake Huffman, Commissioner Brenda Holden, Commissioner David Grant, Commissioner Rafael Ortega Also present: Patrick Klaers, Jill Hutmacher, (Arden Hills); Heather Worthington, (Ramsey County), Mike Norton (Attorney for the JDA) Chair Sand called the meeting to order and roll call was taken at 5:04 p.m. Approval of agenda. Motion by Commissioner Huffman seconded by Commissioner Holden to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of February 2, 2015 minutes. Motion by Commissioner Ortega seconded by Commissioner Holden to approve the February 2, 2015 meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried. Public Inquiries/Informational Lyle Salmela, Chair of the ERAB, recommended the JDA consider reorienting the streets within the Hill and Creek neighborhoods east and west as the current orientation would limit the ability to maximize solar energy production. Consent Agenda None Old Business None Public Hearing None New Business Election of 2015 Officers JDA Attorney Norton requested the JDA reconfirm officers for 2015. Chair Sand understood that the City Council reappointed him as Chair of the JDA in February of 2015 and the County reappointed Commissioner Ortega as Vice Chair. He recommended that the JDA make a motion confirming these reappointments. Motion by Commissioner Holden seconded by Commissioner Huffman to confirm the reappointment of Chair Sand and Vice Chair Ortega on the JDA for 2015. Motion carried. Presentation of Energy Integration Resiliency Framework (EIRF) from Energy Resilience Advisory Board (ERAB) —Lyle Salmela Chair ERAB; Greg Mack, Staff Liaison; Michael Ahern, Ever-Green EnergV Greg Mack, ERAB Staff Liaison, thanked the members of the Energy Resilience Advisory Board for their contributions. He appreciated the partnerships that were created between the ERAB and local energy providers while working on the framework. It was his hope that these partnerships would continue in the future. Lyle Salmela, Chair of the ERAB, introduced the Energy Integration Resiliency Framework (EIRF) with the JDA. He introduced the team of consultants and ERAB members present. Michael Ahern, Ever-Green Energy, explained that the goal of the EIRF was to create partnerships while establishing a framework or model that other communities can look to for redevelopment. He wanted to see the City leverage new technologies and energy sources as they become available in order to optimize opportunities, while remaining environmentally conscious. He reported that Xcel Energy would be a valuable partner throughout the energy infrastructure planning process. He then reviewed the solar and geothermal options that were available on the TCAAP site. He discussed the investment tax credit that would be available through the end of 2016. Colonel Herke, National Guard, introduced himself to the JDA and discussed the geothermal energy in place on the National Guard site. He commented that Camp Ripley would be constructing a similar large-scale solar array in the near future. Chair Sand questioned what action the JDA had to take with regard to the EIRF. Administrative Director Worthington requested the JDA adopt the EIRF and direct staff to move forward with the implementation steps outlined in the document, including negotiations with the General Services Administration for conveyance of the excess portion of the former primer tracer property. Commissioner Grant understood there were a number of hurdles in place prior to the TCAAP site being developed. He asked if the JDA would be receiving updates on the progress of the EIRF. Administrative Director Worthington noted that JDA staff would be providing updates to the JDA on a regular basis as negotiations progress with the GSA and the Army. Further comment was provided on the negotiation process. Chair Sand asked if JDA staff would be negotiating on the primer tracer property. Administrative Director Worthington indicated she would be working to negotiate the acquisition of the entire 60 acres of the primer tracer property. John Marshall, Xcel Energy, introduced himself to the JDA and commended the ERAB on their efforts. He was excited about the potential for TCAAP and looked forward to working with the JDA, Ramsey County and the City of Arden Hills on this project. He discussed how Xcel was working to expand their solar utilities. Motion by Commissioner Huffman seconded by Commissioner Holden to adopt the EIRF and to direct staff to move forward with the implementation steps outlined in the document. Motion carried. Governance Overview—Mike Norton, Attorney for the JDA Mike Norton, Attorney for the JDA, provided the group with a governance overview. He discussed the role of Ramsey County as the property owner of TCAAP and noted the County would be responsible for drafting purchase agreements. He advised that the JDA would be responsible for drafting an appropriate RFP. Development Director's Report Development Director Hutmacher reviewed her report and upcoming meeting schedule with the JDA. She noted that the City Council recently reviewed Option 1 of the Fit Test. Administrative Director's Report Administrative Director Worthington presented the March activity report. She discussed the Highway 96 diverging diamond interchange project noting work would begin May 1St. She noted that Building 502 had been demolished. Commissioner Updates None Future Meeting Schedule The next meeting will be Monday, May 4, 2015, at Arden Hills City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm. Approved David B. Sand, Chair D 9te