HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-2024 JDA Agenda Packet
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
JDA MEETING AGENDA
Monday, February 5, 2024, 5:30 p.m. at Arden Hills City Hall
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Public Input
5. Consent Agenda
6. Old Business
7. Public Hearings
8. New Business
a. Update on JDA Annual Report
b. Update on Outlot A
c. Update on Communications
d. Review Road Map
e. Update from Energy Advisory Committee
9. Administrative Director’s Report
10. Development Director’s Report
11. Commissioner Updates
12. Adjournment
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 2
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Collins and Perrault
SUBJECT: Approval of Agenda
The agenda for the February 5, 2024, JDA Meeting must be approved.
Action Requested:
Approve the agenda for February 5, 2024.
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 3
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Collins and Perrault
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the January 2, 2024, JDA Meeting must be approved.
Attachment:
1/2/24 JDA meeting minutes
Action Requested:
Approve the minutes.
Joint Development Authority
Monday, January 2, 2024
Arden Hills City Council Chambers
Minutes
5:30 pm
Roll Call
Joint Development Authority: Commissioner Nicole Frethem, Commissioner Tom Fabel,
Commissioner Tena Monson
Members absent: Chair Jon Wicklund and Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt
Also present: Dave Perrault (Arden Hills); Jessica Jagoe (Arden Hills); Kari Collins (Ramsey
County)
Roll call taken.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Fabel seconded by Commissioner Monson to approve the agenda as
presented. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Monson seconded by Commissioner Fabel to approve the December
4, 2023, JDA meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried.
Public Input
Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, commented on a recent article she read in the Star Tribune
which stated rooming houses used to be common and were an affordable option for single
people and young workers. She discussed the housing crisis could be addressed by changing
local zoning restrictions. She recommended the JDA and the City of Arden Hills consider
changing its zoning in order to allow residents to rent out a portion of their house to one, two
or three unrelated individuals. In addition, she recommended Arden Hills residents be allowed
to have an ADU. She commented further on how important it was for the community to have a
variety of housing options at varying price ranges for single people and young families.
Donna Wieman, 1406 Arden View Drive, stated at the community meeting on November 1, no
information was given regarding the affordable units within Rice Creek Commons. She
explained at the December 4 JDA meeting, an agreement with the developer was ready to be
signed stating at least 20% of the 1,960 units would be affordable to households at least than
60% AMI. She said this development could have 500 units of low or very low income housing.
She indicated this does not take into account the County’s need for 15,000 deeply affordable
units and how this will be a part of TCAAP. She understood there was a need for affordable
housing, but she asked that the City and County take into consideration the vast majority of low
and very low income housing in the community would be concentrated in the northwest corner
of Arden Hills. She explained there was no public transit to Rice Creek Commons and there
were no plans for public transit. She questioned how wise it was to put 500+ units of affordable
housing within the development without public transit.
Consent Agenda
A. Adopt 2024 JDA Meeting Schedule
Motion by Commissioner Monson seconded by Commissioner Fabel to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Old Business
None.
Public Hearings
None.
New Business
a. Review of Infrastructure Schedule
John Mazzitello, Ramsey County Deputy Director of Public Works, Program Delivery, provided a
verbal update on the planned schedule for infrastructure improvements for the Rice Creek
Commons site. He explained he was working on final design plans for the spine road and was
hoping to have the RFP released in early February. He hoped to have construction beginning in
January of 2026. He anticipated this project would take two years to complete because this site
was a blank slate.
Commissioner Monson asked if the spine road had to be complete prior to having any
development done on this site. Mr. Mazzitello deferred this question to Director Collins. He
commented that the spine road could be phased, for example 2/3’s of the road could be
completed in 2026, which meant development on that portion of the development could
commence in 2026.
Commissioner Monson questioned if the County would be willing to work with the developer
on the timing for this project. Mr. Mazzitello stated part of 18 month design process would be
coordination with the developer, City of Arden Hills, MNDOT, and watershed district. Director
Collins added that monitoring wells would have to be relocated in order to install the spine
road, which calls for more coordination on this project.
Commissioner Frethem asked if mass grading would occur during the 18 month design phase.
Mr. Mazzitello explained the design consultant would be completing an exercise that would
balance the site, designing a mass grading proposal for the site. He reported the mass grading
of the site was not included in this design phase of the project.
Commissioner Monson inquired if the site balancing information would be provided to the
developer. Mr. Mazzitello reported this would occur.
Commissioner Monson questioned if geothermal was included in the RFP. Mr. Mazzitello
reported this was the case.
Commissioner Frethem asked if the County had financing in place for the spine road. Mr.
Mazzitello reported the County had design funding in place and explained the project could not
be bid until full construction funding was available.
b. Update on Traffic Study
Director Collins explained the JDA requested an independent study to answer questions
regarding the impact of the proposed development scenario to traffic. Ramsey County, on
behalf of the JDA, hired Alliant to perform this study.
Brad Estochen, Ramsey County Engineer, provided a preview of the findings from the traffic
study. He discussed the trip generation numbers noting the proposed land use changes had
been taken into consideration. He explained the proposed land use changes would result in a
3% reduction in total trips. He reported commercial properties generate more trips than
residential uses. He provided intersection performance analysis information that had both
current and projected performance data. Lastly, he commented on the spine road cross section
assessment.
Further discussion ensued regarding how intersections were graded based on the weighted
average delay for vehicles using an intersection.
Commissioner Monson stated she believed the intersection at County Road 96/Keithson
Avenue was an unsafe intersection because of the hill and because it is such a major
thoroughfare. She anticipated the traffic levels on this roadway would continue to increase, and
she believed the driveways and other entrances onto this roadway would continue to be a
problem. Mr. Estochen stated access management would continue to be evaluated by the
County. He explained residents may redirect their trips in order to avoid County Road 96.
Commissioner Frethem asked if the County had a policy on intersection level of service grades.
Mr. Estochen commented on the three warrants that were considered by County engineers.
Commissioner Frethem stated the area at Hamline and County Road 96 was a challenge now.
She recommended the County take into consideration how this intersection could be improved
given the fact traffic was already congested. Mr. Estochen reported delays, intersection
performance, number of crashes, and safety were looked at when improvements were
considered by the County.
Discussion ensued on how potential future transit trips could reduce daily trips to and from the
site.
Director Collins requested further information on how the annualized growth rate has changed
based on the evolution of ride sharing and technological innovations. Mr. Estochen explained
the annualized growth rate was a function of an area’s economy, facilities and mobility. He
stated this rate can ebb and flow as more dense developments are constructed and if mass
transit was available.
Director Perrault commented on the traffic levels at Hamline Avenue and County Road 96. He
questioned if the entire peak PM period was an F or was this only for a certain amount of time.
Mr. Estochen explained that only certain southbound delays at this intersection were in the
triple digits during this time. He reported if signal timings were modified the service level may
get down to a level E but there are tradeoffs to consider. He stated a total of 63 vehicles were
being impacted at this time.
Director Perrault discussed how vertical construction could begin on Rice Creek Commons in
2028 and there would be a 10-to-15-year buildout. He stated this would mean that realistically
we would not see the build scenario intersection grades for 10 to 15 years when the
development was completed. Mr. Estochen reported that this was correct and that the study
assumed full build out in 2030 in order to provide data that can be compared to previous
studies.
Commissioner Fabel asked if the spine road would be signalized. Mr. Estochen stated he
anticipated there would be a signalized intersection at the southern access point. He indicated
further traffic control measures within the development would be considered in the design
phase.
Commissioner Monson thanked Mr. Estochen for his detailed report on the infrastructure
study.
c. Update from Energy Advisory Committee
Commissioner Monson provided a verbal update from the Energy Advisory Committee. She
explained the RFP for the energy consultant was closed and the procurement team was now
reviewing the submittals. She stated the Energy Advisory Committee recently toured the Red
Bull facility which was constructed in 2020. She noted the Energy Advisory Committee would be
meeting with the energy team from Camp Ripley in order to better understand their expansion
and energy goals for the future. She stated the group was also discussing how to work with the
National Guard to have Building 116 removed from the site.
d. Review Development Agreement Schedule
Director Collins stated in order to meet the goals of the approved term sheet, JDA staff plan to
meet biweekly with the developer and consultants to negotiate terms. The first meeting is
scheduled for Thursday, January 4th. The JDA Advisory Committee will meet on a monthly basis
to provide interim input, and a report on the progress of negotiations will be brought to the JDA
each month. She explained the goal would be to reach a final development agreement by mid-
August.
e. Review Road Map for 2024
Director Collins reviewed the 2024 road map with the JDA. She provided the JDA with timeline
information on the purchase and sale agreement for Outlot A.
Director Collins explained staff had a meeting scheduled for Friday with Met Council staff to
begin conversations about transit service to the site.
Administrative Director’s Report
Director Collins stated she had nothing additional to report.
Development Director’s Report
Director Perrault explained the Planning Commission recommended approval of the changes to
the TRC and Comp Plan for the City Council to consider. He reported the City Council would be
considering these changes on Monday, January 8.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Fabel commented on a conversation he had with Habitat for Humanity noting
they would be interested in partnering with the developer in order to provide affordable
housing within Rice Creek Commons.
Commissioner Fabel indicated he recently spoke with Costco to see if they would be interested
in being a retail developer in the northwest portion of Rice Creek Commons. He was pleased to
report they were interested in this site. He commented on how Costco was a tremendous
employer that offered fair wages and white collar benefits to its employees.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm.
Approved _____________________________________ _______________________
Nicole Frethem, Acting Chair Date
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 4
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Collins and Perrault
SUBJECT: Public Input
The public is invited to provide input. Comments will be limited to three minutes per person.
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 8a
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Ella Mitchell, Ramsey County
SUBJECT: Update on JDA Annual Report
Per the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), the JDA shall prepare an annual report to be submitted to the
City and County not later than February 15 of each year. The JPA does not prescribe what the annual
report must entail. In the past, this requirement has typically been fulfilled by a County project financial
report. Staff propose the creation of a new Annual Report standard that describes the work of the JDA,
including:
-Review of JDA meetings and activities
-Review of JDA revenues and expenditures
-Review of Rice Creek Commons development activities
-Review of City and County activities relevant to Rice Creek Commons
In advance of this Annual Report, below is an overview of JDA expenditures for 2023.
2023 JDA Expenditures Budget Actual Balance
Legal $ 60,000.00 $ 30,468.46 $ 29,531.54
Communications and Community Engagement $ 170,000.00 $ 24,661.42 $ 145,338.58
Insurance $ 2,035.00 $ 2,035.00 $ -
Meeting Expense $ 3,600.00 $ 4,409.13 $ (809.13)
Contingency $ 5,000.00 $ 809.13 $ 4,190.87
Total $ 240,635.00 $ 62,383.14 $ 178,251.86
Attachment:
None
Action Requested:
None
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 8b
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Director Collins
SUBJECT: Update on Outlot A
On April 24, 2023, a Request for Development Interest (RDI) for Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Outlot A
(also known as the Thumb Parcel) was released on DemandStar. The response deadline was July 28,
2023, and six proposals for commercial/industrial development concepts were received. An evaluation
team made up of County staff, City of Arden Hills staff, and a financial consultant reviewed and
evaluated all proposals based on the criteria listed in the RDI. Through this evaluation process, the pool
of proposals was narrowed to the three top scoring proposals for consideration.
On August 22, 2023, an overview of all proposals was given in a closed session of the Ramsey County
Board. On October 2, 2023, the TCAAP Joint Development Authority (JDA) received a presentation on
the top three proposals and recommended a proposal from Ryan Companies, labeled in the
presentation as Proposal A, to the Ramsey County Board for consideration.
On October 10, 2023, the Ramsey County Board met in closed session to review the JDA‘s
recommendation and directed staff to move forward with negotiations with Ryan Companies. Staff
worked with Ryan Companies to negotiate a Letter of Intent (LOI), signed on November 6, 2023, and
then began drafting a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA).
A Purchase and Sale Agreement was negotiated based on Ryan Companies’ concept plan for build-to-
suit light-industrial/office and retail development that includes placemaking aspects and pedestrian
access to the adjacent Rice Creek Regional Park trails and open space. The Purchase and Sale Agreement
provides for an inspection period up to 15 months, during which Ryan Companies will complete their
due diligence on the property. The sale transaction is anticipated to close in early 2025, with site
development work to begin thereafter.
A closed session of the Ramsey County Board was held on January 9, 2024, where the Ramsey County
Board reviewed the terms of the PSA and the timeline associated with the proposed Outlot A site
development.
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
On January 16, 2024, the Ramsey County Board voted unanimously to approve and execute the PSA with
Ryan Companies, and the PSA was fully executed on January 17, 2024. Ryan Companies thus
commenced the due diligence period and began working directly with City and County staff on pre-
development activities such as entitlement process and document review. Media coverage of Outlot A is
described in agenda item 8c, Update on Communications.
The disposition of Outlot A to Ryan Companies will result in land sale proceeds of $12,751,319, which
will be deposited into the County Rice Creek Commons Project account for future reinvestment into the
Rice Creek Commons development.
Attachments:
None
Action Requested:
None
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 8c
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Allison Winters and Sara Swenson, Goff Public
SUBJECT: Update on Communications
Goff Public worked with Ramsey County, Arden Hills and Ryan Companies to announce the purchase and
sale agreement for Outlot A, approved by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 16.
Communications tactics included a media advisory, press release, county and city social media channels,
the Rice Creek Commons e-newsletter, and updates to the Rice Creek Commons microsite, including a
revised Outlot A webpage.
Media outreach resulted in the following news coverage:
• Star Tribune: Ramsey County approves sale of land at former Twin Cities Army Ammunition
Plant site (Jan. 17)
• Pioneer Press: Ramsey County Board approves sale of 40-acre Rice Creek Commons parcel
(Jan. 16)
• Finance & Commerce:
o Rice Creek Commons ‘Outlot A’ poised for $12.75M sale to Ryan Cos. (Jan. 11)
o County approves Ryan land deal in Arden Hills (Jan. 17)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal:
o Ramsey County OKs sale of TCAAP outlot in Arden Hills to Ryan Cos (Jan. 16)
o Breaking news alert email (Jan. 16)
• KSTP:
o Ramsey County approves sale of 40 acres of Rice Creek Commons land, a big step in
redevelopment plan (Jan. 16)
o Report on the Jan. 16 5 p.m. newscast
o Reports on the Jan. 17 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 9 a.m. and midday newscasts
• WCCO-TV:
o Ramsey County Board approves sale of former Twin Cities Army Ammunition plant land
(Jan. 16)
o Reports on the Jan. 16 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 9 a.m. and noon newscasts
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
• MPR (KNOW-FM): Reports on the Jan. 17 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. news
• WCCO-AM: Jan. 17 5:30 p.m. news report
• Real Estate Business: Ryan Cos. Purchases 40-Acre Land Site in Arden Hills, Minnesota for
$12.7M (Jan. 17)
• Connect CRE: Ryan Cos. Purchases 40-Acre Parcel in Minnesota for $12.7M (Jan. 17)
Goff Public also worked with Ramsey County and the Joint Development Authority on reactive
messaging for the updated Alatus term sheet approved in December.
Nine people submitted inquiries through the microsite contact portal, which Ramsey County staff
responded to directly. Topics included trails, commercial use, schools, safety, traffic and multiple people
interested in future housing units.
Attachment:
None
Action Requested:
None
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 8d
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Collins and Perrault
SUBJECT: Review 2024 JDA Road Map
Staff will provide an update on project updates since the last JDA meeting and a review of scheduled JDA
meetings and work sessions.
Attachment:
2024 JDA Road Map
Action Requested:
None
Month Date Meeting/Action or Deadline Topics or Notes
Jan 2 JDA Meeting JDA Schedule, Development Agreement Schedule,
Infrastructure and Traffic Updates
2 JDA Advisory Committee Prep for February JDA
5 JDA Meeting 2023 JDA Annual Report, Development Agreement Progress
Report
15
22 JDA Advisory Committee
4 JDA Work Session Development Agreement Progress Report
21 JDA Advisory Committee
31 Term Sheet Goal: Financial Sources Identified
1 JDA Meeting Development Agreement Progress Report
25 JDA Advisory Committee
1
6 JDA Work Session Development Agreement Progress Report
23 JDA Advisory Committee
3 JDA Meeting Development Agreement Progress Report
20 JDA Advisory Committee
1 JDA Work Session Development Agreement Progress Report
25 JDA Advisory Committee
5 JDA Meeting Review and Approve Development Agreement, JDA 6-month
Expense Report
22 JDA Advisory Committee
Jul
Aug
Feb
Deadline: JDA Annual Report due to City and County
Deadline: Draft 2025 JDA Budget
Mar
May
Rice Creek Commons 2024 Roadmap
Apr
Jun
1 Deadline: Coordinate JDA Budget with City and County budget processes
10 JDA Work Session
19 JDA Advisory Committee
7 JDA Meeting
31 JDA Advisory Committee
4 JDA Work Session
14 JDA Advisory Committee
15 Deadline: Report back on City/County approval of JDA budget
2 JDA Meeting Adopt 2025 JDA budget
19 JDA Advisory Committee
Key
JDA Meeting
JDA Work Session
Advisory Committee Meeting
Dec
Oct
Nov
Sept
Deadline
Other Meeting
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 8e
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Commissioner Monson
SUBJECT: Update from Energy Advisory Committee
Commissioner Monson and staff will provide a verbal update from the Energy Advisory Committee.
Attachment:
None
Action Requested:
None
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 9
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Director Collins
SUBJECT: Administrative Director’s Report
A verbal update will be provided by County staff.
Attachments:
None
Action Requested:
None
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 10
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 5, 2024
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Director Perrault
SUBJECT: Development Director’s Report
A verbal update will be provided by Director Perrault.
Attachments:
None
Action Requested:
None