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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-17 JDAJoint Development Authority Monday, August 7, 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, Commissioner Rafael Ortega Also present: Josh Olson (Ramsey County), David Perrault (Arden Hills); Heather Worthington, (Ramsey County) Roll call taken. Approval of Agenda Motion by Commissioner Grant seconded by Commissioner Huffman to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of June 21, 2017 Minutes Motion by Commissioner Grant seconded by Commissioner Ortega to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried. Public Inquiries/Informational Dave Smeel, 1861 West Highway 96, thanked the JDA for having some landscaping done at the corner of Highway 96 and Highway 10. He commented on the LED lights at this intersection and requested this lighting not be directed into his neighborhood. He stated he brought this concern to the City two and a half years ago and requested this concern be addressed. Consent Agenda None Old Business Master Developer Agreement Update Ramsey County Deputy County Manager Worthington provided the JDA with a brief update on the recent negotiations with the master developer. She stated back on July 3111 the Governor signed the FAUCET which would allow the County to close on the final 30 acres of property. This would trigger both parties (the JDA and the developer) to execute engineering contracts. Ms. Worthington explained both parties have determined the unknown outcome of the optimization study by the US Army will negatively influence the construction schedule for infrastructure and grading onsite. At this point, the County feels it would be prudent to pause the expenditure of planning and engineering dollars. Staff was not recommending further amendments to the PDA. Ms. Worthington reported from July 31St, Alatus, the County and the JDA have 75 days to negotiate a Master Development Agreement. It was noted contracts will not be pursued with perspective engineer firms. At this time, there was a one year delay in the construction schedule. If progress was not made within the 75 day time period, the PDA could be extinguished by either party. She stated the County Manager would be assigning a lead negotiator in her place. Ms. Worthington commented she has accepted a position with the City of Minneapolis and her last day with the County would be August 18th. She stated the County would be in touch with the JDA when this appointment is made. It was noted Josh Olson would continue in his role with the County and JDA. Commissioner Grant asked if the delay would go beyond 2018. Administrative Director Worthington was uncertain and noted the County would know more after the optimization study was completed in August. She indicated staff would report back to the JDA with further information. Commissioner McClung questioned if the optimization study would actually be done in August. Administrative Director Worthington stated this was the most recent information she had and noted the information would be available by the end of August. She explained that as soon as a draft report was available she would be forwarding this to the JDA. Commissioner Grant commented on the positive progress that was being made on the thumb property. He asked if the thumb property would be delayed with the remainder of the project. Administrative Director Worthington stated this would be determined by the County and if they wanted to sell of this portion separate from the entire acreage. She indicated the thumb property would be ready this fall. Public Hearing None New Business None Communications Administrative Director Olson noted a communications memo from staff. Development Director's Report There was no report. Administrative Director's Report Administrative Director Olson provided the JDA with an update on the progress being made with County Road H and County Road I. It was noted the road between County Road H and County Road I would be open in September. In addition, the roundabout would be open this season. Commissioner Updates Chair Wicklund requested the County investigate the lighting at the intersection of Highway 96 and Highway 10. Commissioner Grant suggested the lighting under the bridge also be investigated as it was spilling over into the neighborhood. Future Meeting Schedule The next meeting will be Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at Arden Hills City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 5:51 pm. Approved J Jonathan Wicklund, Chair CAt 7-& 11-7 Date