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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-17 JDAJoint Development Authority Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Arden Hills City Council Chambers Minutes 5:30 pm Present: Joint Development Authority: Chair Jonathan Wicklund, Commissioner Blake Huffman, Commissioner Dave McClung, and Commissioner David Grant, and Commissioner Rafael Ortega Also present: Bill Joynes, (Arden Hills); Heather Worthington, (Ramsey County); Josh Olson (Ramsey County) Roll call taken. Approval of Agenda Motion by Commissioner McClung seconded by Commissioner Grant to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of April 19, 2017 Minutes Motion by Commissioner Huffman seconded by Commissioner Grant to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried. Approval of May 17, 2017 Minutes Motion by Commissioner Huffman seconded by Commissioner Grant to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried. Public Inquiries/Informational None Consent Agenda None Old Business Master Developer Agreement Update Administrative Director Worthington provided the JDA with an update on the Master Development Agreement with Alatus. She reported everything needed for the FOSET was now complete. She anticipated the Governor would sign off on this in early July. She reviewed the project timeline noting the she would have more information for the JDA on July 19tH Public Hearing None New Business Updates on broader Ramsey County TCAAP activities Director Olson provided the JDA with an overview on the broader activities occurring at Ramsey County with regard to TCAAP. He stated the bulk of the activities lie within the redevelopment project area (427 acres). He commented on the re -meandering of Rice Creek. He explained the Primer -Tracer parcel has been identified for a Department of Public Safety Facility and as a solar array farm. He reported the County has a purchase agreement for this property, which was contingent upon a number of things. He stated the solar array project was quite complex and the parties involved would continue to work together on this effort. Director Olson indicated Ramsey County Parks was updating their park system plan. He discussed how this would include the TCAAP development. He stated he was available for questions or comments from the JDA. Commissioner Huffman understood the Primer -Tracer land was up in the air. He asked what the plan would be for this land if both the solar array and the Public Safety Facility were to fall through. Director Olson stated these parcels were restricted to public uses. He believed the County would continue to have conversations with Xcel Energy. He reported the County has not considered other uses for these parcels. Commissioner Grant requested further information on the road construction that would run through the 47 acres known as the thumb. Director Olson stated this was a Ramsey County activity and would be for County Road I. He reported the project has been bid and CS McCrossan was awarded the work. Commissioner Grant asked when the bituminous trail would be installed. Director Olson anticipated this work would be completed in early July. Commissioner Ortega questioned if Xcel would walk away from the solar project on the Primer - Tracer property. Director Olson discussed the numerous community solar gardens that have been built in the metro area in recent years. He stated the cost for solar projects has decreased and noted the County would continue to pursue this project. He explained Xcel would need to review their rate structure to ensure their clients were not negatively impacted. Chair Wicklund explained he has not seen any communications between Xcel and the JDA or the County regarding their interest in this project. He inquired how Xcel Energy communicates with the County. Director Olson reported he has regular meetings with Xcel Energy staff for the TCAAP development and Primer -Tracer site. Communications Chair Wicklund noted the memo provided to the JDA members. Development Director's Report Development Director Joynes reviewed his report and explained the City was working on the design plans for the Civic site within TCAAP. He commented the City was also working with Ehlers on a utility rate study. Administrative Director's Report Director Olson provided an update on the County Road H improvement project. He anticipated County Road H would be ready for use in August of 2017. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Grant noted the JDA would not be meeting on July 3rd. He requested a more detailed presentation from the County on Old Highway 8 and the roundabout at County Road I. Commissioner Ortega reported for the record that he was in attendance at the May 17th meeting. Commissioner McClung stated he looked forward to learning more about the County's parks and trails plan. Commissioner Grant commented on the landscaping project at Highway 10 and County Road 96. He thanked the County and everyone that was involved for their great work on this project. Future Meeting Schedule The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at Arden Hills City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 6:12 pm. Approved JAVil"ct", -7 II-) Jonathan Wicklund, Chair Date