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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-23 JDAJoint Development Authority Monday, August 7, 2023 Arden Hills City Council Chambers Minutes 5:30 pm Roll Call Joint Development Authority: Chair Jon Wicklund, Commissioner Nicole Frethem, Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Commissioner Tom Fabel, Commissioner Tena Monson 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 Frethem to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Frethem seconded by Commissioner Fabel to approve the May 1, 2023 JDA Worksession meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried. Motion by Commissioner Reinhardt seconded by Commissioner Frethem to approve the June 5, 2023 JDA meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried. Chair Wicklund explained a minor edit was made to the July 11 EDA worksession meeting minutes by Commissioner Monson noting the grants she discussed were for energy and not housing. Motion by Commissioner Monson seconded by Commissioner Frethem to approve the July 11, 2023 JDA Worksession meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried. Public Input Donna Wieman, 1406 Arden View Drive, noted at the last JDA meeting a member suggested that instead of focusing on the number of TCAAP units that pictures and renderings should be considered. She noted the overall number of units was important because hundreds of more units would create more traffic as well as a strain on public safety and City services. She noted this JDA member also suggested the JDA not focus on the number of affordable units, but rather to focus on the jobs and wages of the companies that will be located on TCAAP. She reported the total number of affordable units has been a subject that Ramsey County has brought up a number of times. She understood Ramsey County needs 15,000 deeply affordable units, which involves public subsidies. She worried that Arden Hills residents could be looking at more taxes, TIF, housing revenue bonds and a great deal of staff time in order to administer CDBG programs. She requested the JDA not ask the public to not look at the total number of units or suggest that the public ask other questions. She believed that the questions being asked by the public were very important and very relevant. Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, questioned where the County’s proposal was for TCAAP. He believed the City had a plan. He reported he has asked to see the County’s plan for the past six months. Chair Wicklund stated the JDA was taking public comments at this time. He noted the short answer at this time was that the group was taking a look at the entire project and there were no proposals on the table. Rather, the group was having discussions surrounding all of the pieces in the puzzle in order to put together plans for a development agreement. Mr. Wenzel expressed concern with the fact a plan could has not been created for this property in over 50 years. Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated she was not able to attend the July 11 JDA meeting. She explained after reviewing the July 11 agenda, she had concerns with some of the information presented in the documents. She wanted Arden Hills residents to know that a number of the items listed never came to light before an Arden Hills residents, such as making the JDA Advisory Committee meetings public. She noted there has been a request from Arden Hills residents since the JDA Advisory Committee was formed to have these meetings held publicly. She understood this group was going to make some, but not all of their meetings public. She reported minutes from these meetings have been requested and they were finally available on the City’s website. She stated since the JDA was formed, Arden Hills residents have been asking for an Open House to inform residents on what is occurring. She expressed concern with the fact there has been nothing about TCAAP in recent City newsletters. She believed Arden Hills residents needed to have more information regarding this project. She recommended the JDA listen to the residents because this was their City and they want what was best for the community. She commented further regarding the concerns she has with the fact the JDA Advisory Committee was holding closed meetings. Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, stated she has been doing some reading about housing and mentioned she would like the JDA to consider attainable housing. She recommended the JDA housing parcels not be sold in large parcels. Rather, the lots should be made available individually in order to accommodate modest homes. She discussed how this would help in making future homes more affordable to families. Cathy Sukki, 1286 Karth Lake Circle, reported none of the JDA members live north of I-694 or east of Highway 10. She explained the JDA was urgently working to approve a term agreement with density without proper consideration of schools, pollution, traffic, funding or proper order. She indicated the urgency was mentioned over and over by Commissioner Reinhardt. She questioned if everything was being done outside of public view. She stated as a former lawyer, she reminded the JDA that Ramsey County sued the City for more density and not the other way around. She requested the financial woes of Ramsey County noted be solved on the backs of Arden Hills residents. She discussed how taxes went up in Ramsey County in 2023 and noted this was linked to the loss of income from commercial properties in the County. She again questioned how this was a problem of Arden Hills residents. She understood that things have changed, but urged the JDA to slow down and do things well. She discussed the diversity and density surrounding TCAAP noting North Heights Church would be building new units, along with the city of Mounds View. She worried how traffic in this area would be impacted. She understood the JDA hoped to receive funding from an inflation reduction act. She worried the City would bond itself to death through this project and she did not want this forced upon Arden Hills residents. She reported the density has to be reconsidered given the fact there were still concerns regarding traffic, pollution, finances, livability and greenspaces. She reported a clean, sustainable project could not be done the way it was being pursued now. Chair Wicklund stated there will be times questions are raised and responses to these questions will be found under the FAQ portion of the Rice Creek Commons website or information will be provided on a future agenda. Consent Agenda None. Old Business None. Public Hearings None. New Business a. Update on Communications Director Collins stated Sara Swenson from Goff Public would be leaving on maternity leave very shortly and an individual from Goff Public would be filling in in her absence. She then discussed how Goff Public has been working with Ramsey County to solidify the communications infrastructure for the Rice Creek Commons microsite, including finalizing the FAQ on the website, which has now been posted. One person submitted an inquiry through the microsite contact portal, which Ella Mitchell from Ramsey County was able to respond to. Additionally, Goff Public worked with the JDA Advisory Committee to prepare for media inquiries that might result from the closing of the Outlot A Request for Development Interest. b. Update on General Services Administration Auction for Hillview Site (Primer Tracer) Director Collins stated John Mazzitello from the Ramsey County Public Works Department would be reporting on this item. John Mazzitello, Deputy Director of Program Delivery at Ramsey County Public Works, provided an update on road infrastructure projects adjacent to the Rice Creek Commons site, including projects completed over the past few years and planned projects. A map of the projects completed over the past ten years was discussed with the JDA and reviewed in further detail the projects being planned for the next few years. Commissioner Fabel asked if Ramsey County would be going forward with a study for Highway 96. Deputy Director of Program Delivery Mazzetillo reported the County would be updating the traffic modeling and study within the AUAR. He explained the yellow projects on the map were designed with the AUAR in mind, which meant there was capacity surrounding the development area. Director Collins added that the AUAR was a five year plan and required an update in 2024. She understood the City was considering doing this earlier. She commented on how increased residential density may impact the existing facilities and noted she has been in conversation with public works about doing a more robust traffic analysis to help inform the AUAR. Chair Wicklund stated a lot of residents were questioning how this project might impact traffic in this area of Arden Hills. He questioned when an updated analysis would be available for the public to view. Director Collins anticipated it would take the County three or four months to complete the analysis based on the new numbers. Commissioner Frethem indicated it may be helpful to review the results from the previous AUAR. She asked if the previous AUAR took into account 1500 units. Deputy Director of Program Delivery Mazzetillo explained they looked at the density numbers and reported they over designed the project for safety purposes. Commissioner Frethem wanted the public to know a meeting was scheduled with the Arden Hills City Council on August 21 to discuss the Lake Johanna Boulevard project. Commissioner Monson asked if the AUAR included Highway 96. Deputy Director of Program Delivery Mazzitello stated Highway 96 was not included. He explained the improvements made to Highway 96 were made as a result of the improvements shown in the circles in anticipation of making a connection. Commissioner Monson questioned how Highway 96 could be improved. Deputy Director of Program Delivery Mazzetillo discussed how the access or connection points into Rice Creek Commons would have to be controlled and properly aligned. Commissioner Monson encouraged staff to properly and fully understand the traffic needs for Highway 96 within the updated AUAR. c. Review and Update on Adjacent Infrastructure Projects Director Collins stated Ella Mitchell from Ramsey County would be reporting on this item. Ella Mitchell stated the General Services Administration (GSA) began soft marketing the 62-acre “Hillview” property (also referred to as “Primer Tracer”) in Fall 2022. In Spring 2023 GSA and the County developed a draft document to describe access to the property. GSA continued to manage the interest/questions related to the condition and timing of the sale. In May 2023, GSA drafted the terms and conditions of the sale and posted the property on the auction website (realestatesales.gov). In June 2023, the first bid on property ($121,121) was received. In July 2023, GSA scheduled site inspections with assistance from Ramsey County and City of Arden Hills. Based on additional interest, GSA may make the property available for another inspection opportunity. With regard to the closing of the auction, GSA anticipates a soft close date notice being posted after Labor Day for a mid-September close time. Commissioner Fabel questioned how many parties were bidding on the property. Ms. Mitchell reported it was her understanding two parties were bidding on the property. She explained more information regarding the bidding was available online. d. Review of County Housing Resources Director Collins provided an overview of housing resources that have become available to the County over the past several years that could be used to support housing infrastructure and development on Rice Creek Commons. She further discussed the tools and resources that would be available to assist with funding affordable housing and commented on the need for affordable housing in Ramsey County. Through the County’s efforts, the County would have $75 million available to invest in affordable housing over the next three years. She indicated another $11 million would be generated through the affordable housing sales tax. She reviewed how her staffing levels have changed which would greatly assist with bringing new and affordable housing to the County. Commissioner Fabel questioned what dollar amount in County subsidies would be available to Rice Creek Commons. Director Collins stated because this project would have a 10 year build out, the County would be able to plan within each individual project how to invest in affordable housing based on the various tools and funding sources that were available. Commissioner Fabel explained he wanted to be able to talk real numbers but he understood this would be difficult. He encouraged staff to further consider what subsidy levels would be available to assist with affordable housing. Director Collins stated the County’s level of commitment to affordable housing could be better determined once the overall density within Rice Creek Commons was determined. Commissioner Reinhardt stated the County may not have a specific dollar amount estimated at this time, but the County has been clear about its goals or commitments, when it comes to affordable housing. She discussed how the County would be partnering with the City on this project. She believed this project was a great opportunity for the community and the City of Arden Hills would benefit greatly through this development. Commissioner Frethem reported she appreciated this presentation and learning more about all of the resources the County had available to assist with creating affordable housing. She stated the County did not have these resources available in 2018. She discussed the obligations both the City and County would have for infrastructure and noted this would have to be taken into consideration within the term sheet. She wanted the JDA to remember the intricate design details that will have to be considered in the future and how these will impact future homeownership. Commissioner Monson thanked staff for the detailed presentation and for all of their efforts to make affordable housing a priority. She stated it was important to talk about affordable housing, how it will be funded and what the ROI would be for these projects. Commissioner Frethem commented on how this project has to provide a variety of housing opportunities for all within the middle class. She discussed how important it would be to better understand the market demand for housing in order to better understand what type of units should be constructed on Rice Creek Commons, while also taking into consideration the green initiatives the JDA wants to pursue on the site. Chair Wicklund requested further information regarding the financial health of Ramsey County. Director Collins deferred this question to Commissioner Reinhardt. Commissioner Reinhardt explained she served on the Budget Committee for Ramsey County and has for a number of years. She was proud of the fact Ramsey County has a AAA bond rating and has received the top three government financial officer association awards for its budget cycle. She indicated the County has a portal on the website where the budget and further financial information is available. e. Review Objectives of Potential Community Event/Town Hall Director Collins stated the JDA has requested staff engage a community engagement consultant to advise and plan a community event. A Request for Proposal has been sent to a prospective consultant. Staff commented on a process that could potentially be followed. In order to guide the consultant’s proposal, Directs Collins and Perrault would like to further clarify the objectives of a potential fall community event. Chair Wicklund requested the JDA provide staff with clear direction on how to create a successful community event/town hall meeting. Commissioner Reinhardt explained she would like to see hands on models or maps and data for residents to review. She wanted information to be provided to residents and for residents to be heard at the event. She stated she was excited about this event, because she hoped fears would be lessened and ideas could be collected. Commissioner Fabel stated he wanted the event to be meaningful. He believed there was a need for a presentation as to the zoning or concepts that were in place and where there was room for rezoning. He recommended a presentation be provided prior to the JDA taking comments or recommendations on what should change. Commissioner Frethem indicated she appreciated Councilmember Monson’s previous statement that a cohesive vision be presented. She believed this would be really important, along with identifying the goals for this project. She suggested the economics of the project be clarified along with the project timeline. She recommended the concerns surrounding traffic be addressed. She supported staff and outside experts presenting on topics at the community event. Commissioner Monson recommended the event have a focused core message. She suggested the core message be three or four scenarios, what this looks like and what the economics would be. She anticipated all of the concerns could be addressed through the core message and scenarios. She would love to have a presentation with one message delivered in a more formal manner. She indicated she would be more than happy to make the presentation, or this could be done by a staff member. After a presentation is made, she stated an open house could be held for Q&A. Chair Wicklund suggested the event be held for 2½ hours with the first 30 minutes being informal discussion. He recommended a formal presentation then be made by staff on the topics that have been mentioned (remediation, housing density/TRC modeling, economics and cost, traffic updates, energy, roadmap, updates/values for the project). He indicated the event could then turn back into informal discussions. Commissioner Reinhardt stated she liked the idea of a formal presentation and that all subjects would be touched on. She recommended informational booths be created and staffed for each of the topics in order to allow residents to direct their questions or comments after the formal presentation. She did not want too much of the meeting to be a presentation. Chair Wicklund explained it would make sense for each of the seven or eight important topics to have a booth where people could be directed to for more information. Commissioner Monson stated she would continue to advocate for the scenarios versus specific subjects. She explained the remediation was done and any feedback garnered would not be as meaningful as feedback gained regarding scenarios. Commissioner Frethem indicated she liked the idea of a presentation and a time for mingling or discussions. She stated it would be nice for this event to be long enough to be informative without too many transitions. She wanted the event to be short and complete enough to properly inform the public, while also providing an opportunity for the public to provide feedback. She suggested the formal presentation be no more than 20 minutes. Chair Wicklund recommended the JDA members consider introducing themselves at the event as a show of unity and that each member speak to the three or four most important topics within the project. Commissioner Reinhardt stated she liked this idea of the scenarios being presented and that the staff experts be available during the mingling time to address comments or questions from the public. Chair Wicklund questioned what Commissioner Monson meant by scenarios. Commissioner Monson stated she would like the different density scenarios presented. She commented a 20 minute presentation may be too short for the public. She suggested the presentation be somewhere between 30 and 50 minutes. Director Collins commented on how stations could be created and the top three thematic questions surrounding each topic could be answered within the materials provided. In addition, a comment card could be available at each station in order to assist with gathering feedback from the public. Commissioner Fabel supported the event focusing on a presentation of scenarios with the event then moving into a time of Q&A. He supported the JDA having a small role in order to avoid political posturing. Chair Wicklund summarized the comments from the JDA noting the community event would have a mingle time/FAQ, presentation and mingle time/FAQ. He reported the presentation would be focused on several scenarios that are more than just housing infrastructure. The elected officials on the JDA may or may not want to introduce those speaking during the presentation. He noted there will be stations that will assist with taking a deeper dive into the seven or eight topics, while also assisting with gaining feedback from the public. The JDA supported this event being held mid to late October. Administrative Director’s Report Director Collins explained the County received six proposals for the Outlot A property. She noted a summary of these proposals will be reviewed by the County Board in a Closed Session. She commented further on the process that would be followed for this project. She further reviewed the road map for Rice Creek Commons in detail with the JDA. She stated the JDA would be holding a worksession meeting in September and noted experts in the retail industry and housing industry would have presentations for the group. She noted unfortunately, the developer would not be able to attend the September meeting. She questioned if the JDA wanted to hold off on having a discussion regarding residential density until after the community engagement event was held. Commissioner Reinhardt deferred to staff on this matter. Commissioner Fabel supported staff getting the developer before the JDA soon in order to better understand his assumptions and economic analysis for the project. Commissioner Frethem agreed it would be valuable to have the developer attending the JDA meeting in September. Commissioner Monson expressed concern with the fact the developer wasn’t available in September and how this may impact the overall project timeline. Commissioner Reinhardt asked if the developer was assumed to be Alatus. Director Collins stated staff has been negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with Alatus. Commissioner Reinhardt explained she supported staff taking this action. She urged staff to speak with Alatus and encourage them to have someone attend the September JDA meeting. Director Perrault stated he would ask. Commissioner Fabel reported not all of the scheduled JDA Advisory Committee meetings would be held. He recommended that these meetings only be held when deemed necessary by staff. Commissioner Frethem suggested the meeting dates be held, in the event a meeting has to be held between staff and the JDA Advisory Committee. Commissioner Monson noted the Energy Advisory Committee would be meeting next on Thursday, August 31. Development Director’s Report Director Perrault provided the JDA with an update from the JDA Advisory Committee. He explained the JDA Advisory Committee met last on July 27 to prep for this meeting. He reported the Energy Advisory Committee met last Thursday, August 3, and discussed guiding principles and what net zero means. The early goals for the committee are to ensure the project is equitable, resilient and carbon neutral. He noted a summary for all committee meetings were available on the Rice Creek Commons website. Commissioner Reinhardt discussed how the project completed on the thumb parcel would set the stage for the carbon free/resiliency initiatives for this entire development. Commissioner Fabel asked if the JDA would have an opportunity to review the proposal for the thumb parcel. Director Collins stated this information would be presented to the JDA at a future meeting after the information was provided to the County Board in a closed session. She indicated the JDA would be asked to make a recommendation to the Ramsey county Board. commissioner Monson explained the JDA understands how important it was to address the density within the development and this would be further explored through the scenarios that would be presented to the public at the community engagement event in October. Adiournment Meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm Approved J."^sL-f,<,1;J^-. J t'z- Jon Wicklund, Chair Date Commissioner Uodates