Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-20-17 JDAJoint Development Authority Monday, September 20, 2017 Arden Hills City Council Chambers Minutes 5:30pm Present: Joint Development Authority: Chair Jonathan Wicklund, Commissioner Blake Huffman, Commissioner Dave McClung, Commissioner David Grant, Commissioner Rafael Ortega Also present: Bill Joynes, (Arden Hills); Josh Olson, (Ramsey County), Louis Jambois (Ramsey County); Lee Mehrkens (Ramsey County); Bruce Kimmel (Ehlers); Jenny Boulton (Kennedy & Graven); David Perrault (Arden Hills) Roll call taken. Approval of Agenda Chair Wicklund added two items to the agenda, Item 8B - 2018 Meeting Schedule and Item 8C — JDA Income Statement Report. Motion by Commissioner Ortega seconded by Commissioner Grant to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. Approval of August 7, 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 Development Agreement Update Director Olson provided the JDA with an update on the Master Development Agreement. He explained the County has had some personnel changes and described the roles of Lee Mehrkens and Louis Jambois with the County. Commissioner Grant requested further information on the optimization study. Director Olson provided the JDA with an update on the optimization study noting a summary report would be released in early October. Commissioner Grant questioned if the land transfer was being drafted by the County. Director Olson explained in late July the impending approval of an early transfer was discussed. This FOSET was approved by all entities on July 31St which will allow the County to close on the final 30 acres. He reported the County was working on this final transfer and the closing date had yet to be scheduled. Commissioner McClung asked when the JDA and City would be briefed on the preliminary findings within the optimization study. Director Olson stated he could draft a memo. Public Hearing None New Business Amazon HQ2 Director Olson stated the County was working to prep itself for an Amazon HQ2. He commented on the RFP and noted this was a sizeable North American call. Louis Jambois introduced himself to the JDA and noted he was consulting with the County at this time. He described how the Amazon proposal was causing the County to rethink the timing of this project. He explained the County intends to pursue Amazon as one of the entrants to the Rice Creek Commons site. It was noted the Amazon RFP was due on Friday, September 22nd. He believed the size of Rice Creek Commons fit the proposal well, as well as the freeway and A-line access to the property. It was anticipated a decision would be made by Amazon in early 2018. Chair Wicklund understood that Greater MSP and DEED was putting together a response to the RFP. He asked who was supportive or driving the desire for TCAAP to be the chosen location for Amazon. Mr. Jambois explained there would be numerous sites from the Twin Cities metropolitan area chosen for Amazon. From this, Amazon would then have to choose a site. Commissioner Huffman reported the County Commissioners were speaking with Greater MSP and DEED in order to draw their attention to the Rice Creek Commons site. Commissioner Huffman requested Alatus to speak to this potential project. Bob Lux, Alatus, believed the Amazon opportunity was rare and exciting. He understood that the City and JDA had created a well thought out plan for the site, but believed it would be extraordinary to accommodate a corporate campus for Amazon. He explained that Minnesota had a well trained workforce that was willing and able to make this happen. Tom Shaver, Alatus, reported he and his staff was working 24/7 with Mr. Jambois and the County in order to meet the RFP deadlines. Commissioner McClung was glad the County was playing to win for this opportunity. However, he understood other parts of the country would also be working to secure Amazon. He asked how going through this process would enhance the site if Amazon did not opt to locate in Arden Hills. Mr. Lux stated this activity has prepped Alatus and the County to address another national scale corporate campus effort. Chair Wicklund asked if Alatus was willing to keep this project on hold until a decision was reached by Amazon. Mr. Lux stated this would be an elongated process and he was willing to put plans on hold as the County and Alatus work through the RFP qualifying process. 2018 Meeting Schedule The 2018 JDA meeting schedule was provided to the members. JDA Income Statement Report The JDA income statement report through July was reviewed in detail. Development Director's Report None Administrative Director's Report None Commissioner Updates Commissioner Grant explained he supported the Amazon HQ2 proposal moving forward. Chair Wicklund agreed and stated he looked forward to hearing more from the County and Alatus on this endeavor. Future Meeting Schedule The next meeting will be Monday, October 2, 2017, at Arden Hills City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 6:09 pm. Approved � ..� TZPLJ (��" (/, t0 ` 1 Jonathan Wicklund, Chair Date