Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-17 JDA Agenda Packet AGENDA Wednesday, June 21, 2017 5:30 p.m. Arden Hills City Hall—Council Chambers 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes a. 4/19/2017 JDA Meeting b. 5/17/2017 JDA Meeting 4. Public Inquiries/Informational a. The intent of the Public Inquiries/Informational part of the agenda is to provide interested parties with an opportunity to speak to the JDA about an issue or concern about a past or future agenda item. The current agenda for tonight's meeting is structured to ensure that the JDA accomplishes their business within that agenda. If there is a public hearing scheduled as an agenda item, the public will be invited to speak to that agenda item. In addressing the JDA, please state your name and address for the record, and a brief summary of the specific matter being addressed. To allow adequate time for each person wishing to address the JDA, individuals should limit their comments to three (3) minutes. Written documents may be distributed to the JDA prior to the meeting, or as bench copies, to allow a more timely presentation. 5. Consent Agenda 6. Old Business a. Master Developer Agreement Update 7. Public Hearing a. None 8. New Business a. Updates on broader Ramsey County TCAAP activities 9. Communications – See attached memo. 10. Development Director Update – Verbal. Joint Development Authority TCAAP Redevelopment Project 11. Administrative Director’s Report – Verbal. 12. Commissioner Updates 13. Adjournment Joint Development Authority Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Arden Hills City Council Chambers Minutes 5:30 pm Present: Joint Development Authority: Chair Jonathan Wicklund, Commissioner Blake Huffman, Commissioner Dave McClung, Commissioner David Grant Absent was: Commissioner Rafael Ortega Also present: Bill Joynes, (Arden Hills); Josh Olson, (Ramsey County); Heather Worthington, (Ramsey County); Jenny Bolton (Kennedy & Graven); Bruce Kimmel (Ehlers) Roll call taken. Approval of Agenda Motion by Commissioner Huffman seconded by Commissioner Grant to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of March 6, 2017 Minutes Motion by Commissioner Grant seconded by Commissioner McClung to approve the minutes from the March 6th, 2017 as presented. Motion carried. Public Inquiries/Informational None Consent Agenda None Old Business None Public Hearing None New Business Master Development Agreement Update Ramsey County Deputy County Manager Worthington provided the JDA with an update on the Master Development Agreement (MDA). She explained the County is making progress on the MDA but issues relating to an ongoing optimization study by the US Army regarding groundwater remediation and the federal government’s delay in the final closing of the remaining 30 acres have delayed site grading and construction of infrastructure. Ms. Worthington outlined the process that the U.S. and Ramsey County are using for a final closing on the sale and delivery of a deed for the final 30 acres of property, also known as the ‘Dirty 30.’ She explained that the US EPA would not take the necessary regulatory step regarding the groundwater remediation system to have allowed a timely delivery of the deed. The USA and County are using an alternative FOSET (Finding of Suitability of Early Transfer) process to allow for the transfer of the property (the 30 acres) while the status of the groundwater system and treatment of an emerging system and treatment of an emerging contaminant of concern – 1,4-dioxane- is being addressed. The FOSET process requires a 30-day public comment period followed by signature by the US Army and concurrence by the EPA and Governor. Ms. Worthington explained that the public comment period is in May and execution of the FOSET is anticipated by late June. Commissioner McClung asked for additional clarity regarding the Army’s Optimization Study. Ms. Worthington explained that the U.S. Army is completing an optimization study to determine how to best continue to treat the groundwater on the site of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. This study is anticipated to be completed in June. The study is being conducted now in response to an emerging contaminant of concern – 1,4-dioxane – that was discovered in the site’s deep groundwater plume in 2015. The Army, Ramsey County, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the cities of St Anthony and New Brighton are actively engaged in the study. Ms. Worthington further explained the continued groundwater treatment does not affect the redevelopment of the land, however it does have an impact the timeline for that development to occur. She stated the Army has agreed that to the extent possible the ground water treatment system will be located in public utility right of way to avoid impacts on future site developments. The results of the optimization study will determine where and how water treatment will occur on the site. The study is needed to finalize the grading plan for the site, which in turn is needed to reach a master development agreement. Ms. Worthington further indicated the timelines for the optimization study and FOSET means that infrastructure construction will be delayed until 2018. Commissioner Grant asked Ms. Worthington why the JDA was hearing this now. Ms. Worthington stated the timeline for the FOSET and optimization study had become increasingly fluid and it became clear that the regulatory requirements and activities of others were now impacting the project schedule. She added the delay was outside of the control of Ramsey County, the City of Arden Hills, and the Joint Development Authority. Ms. Worthington added that a framework approach to the Master Development Agreement was delayed due to the Optimization Study and FOSET. Anticipated delivery of MDA would be later this summer with construction phasing beginning in late 2017-early 2018. The site would ready for residential and commercial development in early 2019. Ms. Worthington stated Ramsey County was continuing its work to improve transportation infrastructure on and around the site to provide the necessary access to the site. This work will continue this summer with construction of a roundabout at County Road I and the county road between County Road I and County Road H, also known as the Thumb Road. A public open house is scheduled for April 25th from 4:30-6:30 in the Marsden room of Ramsey County Public Works building. Commissioner Grant asked if trunk utilities were being included in the construction of County Road I/Thumb Road. Ms. Worthington stated they were and added that the County was going to pay for the construction. Ms. Worthington stated the installation of landscaping near Hwy 10 and County Road 96 is anticipated for June. Commissioner McClung and Chair Wicklund asked about the impact to Arden Hills and requested staff provide the JDA with some talking points regarding the reasons for the delay. Ms. Worthington stated staff would put together some information for the JDA. Development Director’s Report None. Administrative Director’s Report Administrative Director Olson directed the JDA to a memo and insurance coverage proposal from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). He noted that the insurance coverage is for a one- year period and is the same coverage levels and cost as last year. He added LMCIT requires the JDA indicated whether to waive or not waive tort liabilities. Mr. Olson added that JDA staff recommend that the JDA not waive monetary limits on municipal tort liability. Motion by Commissioner Grant seconded by Commissioner Huffman to approve the insurance package by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust and that the JDA not waive monetary limits on municipal tort liability. Motion carried. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Grant inquired about JDA’s legal representation and whether Michael Norton was still the lead attorney. Administrative Director Olson responded that there was no change in legal representation for the JDA. Kennedy and Graven and specifically Michael Norton remains JDA legal representation. He further added that Jenny Bolton from Kennedy Graven serves as the JDA’s attorney while Mr. Norton is absent. Commissioners agreed to cancel the May 1st meeting. Future Meeting Schedule The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Arden Hills City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 6:22 pm. Approved _____________________________________ _______________________ Jonathan Wicklund, Chair Date Joint Development Authority Wednesday, May 17, 2017 Arden Hills City Council Chambers Minutes 5:30 pm Present: Joint Development Authority: Chair Jonathan Wicklund, Commissioner Blake Huffman, Commissioner Dave McClung, Commissioner David Grant Absent was: Commissioner Rafael Ortega Also present: Bill Joynes, (Arden Hills); Josh Olson, (Ramsey County); Heather Worthington, (Ramsey County); Jenny Bolton (Kennedy & Graven); Bruce Kimmel (Ehlers) Roll call taken. Approval of Agenda Motion by Commissioner Huffman seconded by Commissioner McClung to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes None Public Inquiries/Informational None Consent Agenda None Old Business None Public Hearing None New Business 2017-18 Budget Josh Olson, Ramsey County, reviewed the 2017-18 budget with the JDA. Commissioner Grant asked if the Communications Budget would increase in 2018. Mr. Olson reported in 2017 Communications were managed by Ramsey County. He stated in 2018 Communications would need to be a part of the budget but not all costs were known at this time. He explained staff would report back to the JDA after costs were more clear. Commissioner Grant questioned if the City should be sending its bills for communication to the JDA. Mr. Olson discussed the different communication needs regarding TCAAP. Chair Wicklund understood Zipko was hired on behalf of the City and was not working for the JDA. Commissioner Grant inquired why the budget was not brought to the JDA prior to May 1st as stated within the bylaws. Mr. Olson stated this was his intention, however, there were schedule changes and meetings were canceled. Commissioner Huffman asked where Alatus’ communications fell in the budget. Mr. Olson indicated their expenses were outside the JDA budget. Motion by Commissioner McClung seconded by Commissioner Grant to approve the 2017-18 Budget as presented. Motion carried. Master Development Agreement Update Administrative Director Worthington provided the JDA with an update on the Master Development Agreement. She explained the County was making progress and requested the JDA offer their approval of an amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement. This would then enable the County to proceed with final design for the site and a construction plan for 2018. She stated the intent of the amendment was for the County and City to move together on this project. She reported the amendment shows significant progress has been made. Commissioner Grant asked if the County would be bringing forward a framework document for the MDA. Administrative Director Worthington explained she had brought forward an amendment to the preliminary development agreement, which was an interim step between this and the framework document. Commissioner McClung questioned what the County’s confidence was that the JDA would receive a framework document in June. Administrative Director Worthington believed a June timeframe would be reasonable. Commissioner McClung requested the framework clearly define the gaps and timeframes for the TCAAP project. Amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement Administrative Director Worthington described an amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement in detail with the JDA. Commissioner Grant requested further information from staff on Attachment 2. Administrative Director Worthington commented on the document noting the responsibilities of the master developer and the County with respect to grading and infrastructure construction for the site. She noted the project had been broken into two bidding projects, east and west. Chair Wicklund asked how the City would be made aware of the infrastructure costs. Administrative Director Worthington reported she began working with City staff several years ago on the spine road construction. She explained she has had numerous conversations with City staff regarding this topic and was fairly well defined within the preliminary design report. She stated she would continue to include the City as plans progressed. Motion by Commissioner Grant seconded by Commissioner Huffman to approve the proposed amendment as presented. Motion carried. Communications Mr. Olson noted communications received regarding TCAAP with the JDA. Development Director’s Report None Administrative Director’s Report Beth Engum, Ramsey County presented the JDA with a verbal report on TCAAP infrastructure and the County Road H project. It was noted the County Road H project would be completed in August 2017. Commissioner Grant commented on the pedestrian bridge and questioned when this would be completed. Ms. Engum reported the pedestrian bridge would be completed by the second week of June. Ms. Engum provided further comment on the County Road H/Old Highway 8 project. She noted the thumb road would be an extension of Old Highway 8. Commissioner Huffman questioned the timeline for this project. Ms. Engum stated bids would be opened later this week, construction would begin in June, and the project would be completed by the end of November. Commissioner McClung asked if this project would be continued into 2018 for assorted items. Ms. Engum anticipated the project would be substantially complete by November and several items would be completed in 2018. Further discussion ensued regarding a landscaping project being completed by the County. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Grant asked if the ownership of the entire 427 acres on TCAAP was with the County. Administrative Director Worthington stated the County took possession of all but 30 acres of the property in 2012. The remaining 30 acres were under lease by the Army to the County during cleaning. She reported the County was supposed to close with the Army on this land in July of 2016. This closing was delayed by the EPA and Army. This delay was not foreseen. She indicated the land would be owned by the County and would be transferred to the Master Developer. Commissioner Grant appreciated the County working on this issue. He questioned if the 80 acre parcel known as the Primer-Tracer property was owned by the County. Administrative Director Worthington reported the Primer-Tracer property was not owned by the County. She explained the County was exploring the transfer of this 60 acre parcel to the County for a solar farm. She commented on a separate 90 acre parcel that would be used as a wildlife corridor/park space. Commissioner Grant requested staff provide the JDA with additional information on the solar farm and wildlife corridor trails being planned for TCAAP. Commissioner McClung asked if the two parcels being discussed as the wildlife corridor were Parcels B and C. Administrative Director Worthington reported this was the case. Future Meeting Schedule The next meeting will be Monday, June 5, 2017, at Arden Hills City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 6:29 pm. Approved _____________________________________ _______________________ Jonathan Wicklund, Chair Date Page 1 of 1 Joint Development Authority TCAAP Redevelopment Project DATE: June 16, 2017 TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners FROM: Administrators Olson and Joynes SUBJECT: Master Development Agreement Update TCAAP Joint Development Authority Staff will provide an update on the Master Development Agreement with Alatus Arden Hills LLC. AGENDA ITEM 6a MEMORANDUM Page 1 of 1 Joint Development Authority TCAAP Redevelopment Project DATE: June 16, 2017 TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners FROM: Administrators Olson and Joynes SUBJECT: Updates on broader Ramsey County TCAAP activities Ramsey County Staff will provide updates on broader Ramsey County TCAAP activities. AGENDA ITEM 8a MEMORANDUM Page 1 of 1 Joint Development Authority TCAAP Redevelopment Project DATE: June 15, 2017 TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners FROM: Sara Thatcher, Goff Public SUBJECT: Rice Creek Commons Communications Ramsey County received an Environmental Initiative award for Rice Creek Commons. The award honors innovative environmental projects that have achieved extraordinary results by harnessing the power of partnership. The award recognized the demolition and cleanup process, which has made Rice Creek Commons possible, as well as the high level of collaboration and cooperation between the project partners. We continue to work closely with communications teams from the City and Alatus to coordinate media requests. We jointly responded to requests from the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and Bulletin Press regarding the updated development timeline for the site. The following articles were published: • Arden Hills megaproject delayed by underground pollution – Star Tribune; May 31, 2017 • Former ammunition plant site in Arden Hills will stand empty a year longer – Pioneer Press; June 7, 2017 Over the past several months, we have also received dozens of inquiries about residential housing through the website and are working with Alatus to maintain a list of people who have expressed interest in purchasing property at Rice Creek Commons. AGENDA ITEM 9 MEMORANDUM