Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-17 JDAJoint 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