HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-23 JDAJoint Development Authority
Monday, October 2, 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), Rachel Tierney (Kennedy & Graven)
Roll call taken.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Frethem seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt to approve the agenda
as presented. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Fabel seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt to approve the August 7,
2023 and September 5, 2023 JDA meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried.
Public Input
Brad Bjorklund, 3550 Ridgewood Court, stated George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis Police
and it brought to life the term institutional racism. He believed the City of Arden Hills has
practiced institutional racism for years by not encouraging but discouraging meaningful low
income housing. He stated compared to neighboring communities, Arden Hills was a standout
dismal failure, showing just how institutional racism works. He explained if the JDA moves
forward with the 1,960 units on Rice Creek Commons this would help Arden Hills be more
human. He believed this plan speaks well for the City doing the right thing.
Mary Henry, 3521 Ridgewood Court, provided the JDA with an article from August from the
Pioneer Press. She explained this article discussed how the metro area was the first
metropolitan area to fall below 2% inflation in May. She noted this article attributed this result
to building housing in the metro area, while also pumping $320 million into rental assistance.
She indicated there was still a need for more housing in the metro area, but the Twin Cities was
not facing the same struggles as other metropolitan areas around the country. She urged the
JDA to support the 1,960 units on Rice Creek Commons, noting the entire region would benefit
from this development.
Lyle Salmela, 1480 Arden Vista Court, explained he supported the 1,960 residential density on
Rice Creek Commons. He appreciated the fact the development would have affordable housing
as well as architect designed homes. He noted he sent an email to each of the JDA members
and urged them to read it. He stated he supported the entire project being electric and net
zero. In addition, he supported the JDA hiring an energy consultant. He recommended the JDA
speak to what greenhouse gases would be saved by going all electric. He recommended the
consultant produce a video on what can be expected for Xcel and the developer.
Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, stated she was happy to see the JDA moving forward and
exploring ways to find a development plan that would be acceptable to both the City and the
County. She believed it was reasonable to choose something in between the outdated plan and
the AUAR maximum. She urged the JDA to find ways to incorporate affordable housing into Rice
Creek Commons both for rent and owner occupied. She anticipated younger residents would
enjoy walkable amenities. She believed climate change was the community’s greatest threat
and she hoped the JDA would do all it could to embrace designs and technology that would
limit the damage we are inflicting on the planet. She urged the JDA and developer to consider
this thoughtfully in order to be a leader with this development.
Steve Ehler, 1704 Chatham Avenue, commended the JDA for expeditiously restarting the Rice
Creek Commons development project. He discussed how the JDA was building on the work of
their predecessors while adapting to the needs of the future. He stated a key decision before
the JDA was to set a number of housing units. He explained he supported the 1,960 unit. He
believed this was well within the capacity of the site and would assist in providing much needed
housing for the region.
Gregg Larson, 3377 Snelling Avenue North, urged the JDA to support the staff recommendation,
which would be to move forward with the 1,960 units for Rice Creek Commons. He stated the
development of Rice Creek Commons was a tremendous opportunity but one that has been
squandered for the past six years. He discussed how the 1,960 was the midpoint between 1,500
and 2,500 range that has been proposed for this project. He commented on how the additional
500 units would put more affordable housing units on the site. He explained if this proposal was
supported by both the City and the County the JDA could further consider the finances for this
project all in the aim of reaching a master development agreement with Alatus.
Christy Jacob, 1492 Arden Place, stated she supported the proposed 1,960 units within the Rice
Creek Commons development. She believed safe and affordable housing was foundational to a
healthy and diverse community.
Steve Scott, 4286 Norma Avenue, read a comment into the record on behalf of Councilmember
Brenda Holden. The statement read as follows: Councilmember Holden was appalled by the
JDA’s action to perpetuate and allow misinformation. She explained the 1,460 units previously
proposed was not pulled out of thin air. But rather was derived after numerous public
discussions, conversations with stakeholders and multiple open houses. She reported Alatus
President Bob Lux was part of the consensus when the JDA previously established the 1,460
number as was former Councilmember now serving as Chair of the JDA, Jonathan Wicklund.
She indicated the JDA was all about transparency, but did nothing to correct the
misinformation. Historical information was provided on how the previous JDA came together to
decide on park sizes, lot sizes for the different neighborhoods, parking and street locations. She
expressed frustration with the fact the JDA did not correct the misinformation that the 1,460
number was picked out of thin air. She reported this claim was not part of the public record
and on video for all to view. She noted when the City arrived at this number, none of the
people serving on the JDA choose to attend the public meetings, except for Chair Wicklund. She
expressed frustration with the fact the JDA Advisory Committee was holding closed door
meetings and was then announcing plans, which was not transparent. She discussed how
Commissioner Frethem came to the City Council and spoke to them about all kinds of County
projects and yet the largest project facing the community, TCAAP, was not one of them. She
commented on how the Councilmembers serving on the JDA ran on a campaign that promised
transparency, that TCAAP was not to impact traffic, and that residents would be allowed to
vote on the final decision. She questioned what happened. She believed the JDA has embarked
on decisions without providing information or input from current or past Councilmembers,
without involving the public, or without considering any transportation solutions or studies. She
noted Congresswomen Betty McCullum once told her this was her city and not the county’s and
it was her job to do what was in the best interest of the City. She urged the JDA to consider the
impacts of their decisions on the City.
Donna Weiman, 1406 Arden View Drive, noted the JDA were elected representatives were
closing in on a TCAAP plan without any public participation. She explained the plan was
conceived behind closed doors at JDA Advisory Committee meetings. She indicated even the
mayor was not allowed to attend these meetings. She stated a plan was being presented to the
public when it was so far along the JDA was seeking feedback instead of input. She discussed
how the TCAAP development will change the character of northern Arden Hills for decades to
come. She indicated there were currently 1,435 units in the northern part of the City and the
population was 3,730. She explained the number of units proposed for TCAAP was 1,960, which
would add 5,170 people to northern Arden Hills. She reported there were no plans for public
transportation for this area and most of the people living in the new units would need cars to
get groceries, to medical appointments, etc. She feared how traffic in northern Arden Hills
would be impacted. In addition, a big box retail store was being proposed within the
development, which would draw additional traffic to the area. She believed the proposed
density for northern Arden Hills was excessive. She asked what she could do to make the JDA
care about the people living in northern Arden Hills.
Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated she was saddened and appalled that the Arden Hills
City Council, nor its residents were invited to attend the November 1 community event that has
been planned. She explained she found out about this event after visiting the Ramsey County
Rice Creek Commons website. She reported there was nothing on the Arden Hills website about
the event. She stated based upon the agenda she believed the JDA minds were already made
up, long before involving the public. She feared that Councilmembers Monson and Fabel were
not holding up to their transparency promises. She noted decisions were being made and the
public was not involved. She requested that a list be created of any and all resident
recommendations that have been included in JDA plans. She stated she was requesting this
information because it appears the only recommendations the JDA has considered have come
from Tom Fabel and Tena Monson.
Emily Carr, 4265 Norma Avenue, stated she supported the increased housing density proposal.
She indicated she was not scared by the increased density and traffic, or how this project will
impact the schools. She noted she has spoken to a lot of her neighbors and they supported this
proposal as well.
Susan Johnson, 1220 Karth Lake Drive, commended this group because TCAAP/Rice Creek
Commons was the City’s future. She stated when Patty Wetterling ran for Senate, her platform
was if it was good for our children, it was good for us. She discussed how affordable housing
was the best thing the community could do for its children. She believed it was a moral
imperative, noting she fully supported the increased density. She indicated the problems
people had with increased taxes would be minor when compared to the positive impact the
new affordable housing could have on children. She supported the JDA moving this project
forward.
Esther Dant, 3511 Ridgewood Road, commented on how loneliness and depression were filling
the lives of this City, country and world. She believed the JDA had an amazing opportunity to
address this through the proposed project.
Khan Winn, 1304 Amal Road, stated she supported an increased level of affordable housing
within this project. She urged the JDA to consider how to be good citizens and good neighbors.
She indicated she came as a refugee from Vietnam and people helped her. She wanted to see
continued goodwill in this community.
Consent Agenda
None.
Old Business
None.
Public Hearings
None.
New Business
a. Review Road Map
Director Collins reviewed the Road Map with the JDA. She reported the JDA would be hosting a
community event on November 1. She indicated the JDA could hold a worksession meeting on
November 6 where the community event could be debriefed. The JDA supported holding a
worksession meeting on November 6.
Commissioner Monson reported the Energy Advisory Commission met on September 28.
b. Communications Update
Director Collins provided the JDA with a communications update. She stated Goff Public worked
with Ramsey County to complete updates to the Rice Creek Commons microsite, including the
FAQ. One person submitted an inquiry through the microsite contact portal, which Ella Mitchell
from Ramsey County responded to directly. In August, Goff Public responded to a reporter
inquiry from Sahan Journal regarding the current status, funding and community engagement
timeline for Rice Creek Commons. No coverage has been published to date. Separately, the
Pioneer Press covered Rice Creek Commons as part of an article on current county and city
bonding requests with the Minnesota Legislature: St. Paul, Ramsey County ask lawmakers to
boost 26 major construction projects. Goff Public is preparing to promote a community
engagement event that will be hosted by the JDA in November. Communications will begin as
soon as event details are finalized.
Chair Wicklund stated he has had investigative reporters reaching out to him and he has been
referring these individuals to Goff.
c. Environmental Update
Director Collins provided the JDA with an environmental update. She stated County staff will
provide a brief Environmental Update for Rice Creek Commons as it relates to the former Twin
Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP). Environmental Update summary provided is based on
information obtained through staff attendance at recent TCAAP Environmental meetings
conducted by the Army and its consultants. It was noted environmental consultants will attend
the Community Engagement Event on November 1 to provide additional details and answer
specific questions.
Redevelopment Manager Larina DeWalt provided the JDA with an environmental update. She
explained as the Army continues to perform ground water remediation on the site City and
County staff was staying apprised of the situation. She reported the packet included an outline
of recent environmental updates that were provided by the Army. She noted in September, the
Army held three meetings with the Army’s internal team, consultants, as well as City and
County staff. She indicated the Army announced they have a new remedial project manager for
the site, Thomas Toudouze. She reported the next meetings with the Army would be held in
February. She provided further comment on the information that was provided by the Army
regarding the ground water remediation system. She reported the new system was shrinking
the plume and clean water was being pumped, which was good news. She stated the Army
would continue to update the modeling and test the system. She provided further comment on
the compounds (PFAS) that were being studied on the site. She noted four sites on the TCAAP
property were found to have PFAS in the ground water, three of the four being within the Rice
Creek Commons area. She explained the final report was under review and would be posted on
the Army’s website for the TCAAP project. She stated the next steps would involve remedial
investigation and a feasibility study that would be completed in 2024. She commented further
on the Round Lake remediation project noting this project was awarded in August and design of
the project would continue through 2024. She noted environmental specialists would be on
hand at the community event to address questions or comments.
Commissioner Reinhardt thanked Ms. DeWalt for her detailed presentation.
Commissioner Fabel requested further information regarding how the Round Lake remediation
project would be completed. He questioned why the sediment from the lake would be stored
on Rice Lake Commons property. Ms. DeWalt explained moving the material off site was looked
at within the feasibility study and was determined to be less efficient. She commented this
project would take six months to complete and the County does not believe the placement of
this material on Rice Creek Commons property would impede the overall development.
Director Collins added in conversations with the Army they have agreed to not disrupt or
impact this project. She noted the contaminants within Round Lake were not concerns for
human life, but rather were ecological contaminants that impacted plants and fish. She
reiterated that the placement of the material would not interrupt the installation of the spine
road.
Commissioner Fabel asked if the Round Lake remediation project was an Army expense.
Director Collins reported this was the case.
Commissioner Frethem thanked staff for the update and for working with the Army on the
Round Lake remediation. She recommended information regarding the cleaning and delisting
process be provided to the public at a future JDA meeting. She indicated the public needs to
know this site is not going to be provided with ground water from the site. She supported a
general environmental overview be provided at a future JDA meeting to ensure everyone was
on the same page.
Chair Wicklund suggested this information be provided on the JDA website as well. Director
Collins stated she planned to have an environmental consultant at this meeting, but they could
not attend this evening. She noted representatives would be at the community event and staff
could then build off of this event.
Commissioner Monson asked where the three PFAS sites were located on the Rice Creek
Commons property. Ms. DeWalt noted one was around the former fire station and two areas
around Site K. She explained no soil or surface water samples were taken.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated it was important to note the Army’s contractor would properly
manage the remediation work on Round Lake and she looked forward to seeing how the site
looks after the work was completed. Ms. DeWalt commented further on how the Army’s
contractor would be using mechanical dredging and the soils will be hauled off.
d. Recommend Proposal for Outlot A to County Board
Director Collins stated staff has prepared a presentation that reviews the evaluation process of
proposals received through the Outlot A Request for Development Interest (RDI) and provides
an overview of the proposals recommended by the evaluation team for consideration by the
JDA.
Ella Mitchell commented further on proposals that were submitted for Outlot A or the thumb
parcel. She reviewed the process that was followed for the RDI noting the request was issued
on April 24. She explained the County received six proposals for the property. On August 31 the
evaluation team discussed all proposals and the JDA Advisory Committee met on September 7
and made recommendations for the JDA. She reported the JDA would review the
recommendations from the Advisory Committee and would make a recommendation to the
County Board. The County Board would review this recommendation on (in a closed meeting)
October 10.
Ms. Mitchell discussed the evaluation criteria that was considered by the evaluation team for
the six proposals for Outlot A. She explained the top three proposals (A, E and F) would be
presented to the JDA this evening. Staff provided further comment on the proposals and it was
noted Proposal A rated the highest scores from the evaluation team.
Chair Wicklund asked what direction staff was seeking from the JDA. Director Collins explained
staff was looking for a recommendation on which proposal should be brought to the County
Board. She reported a subsequent development agreement would be brought back to the JDA
in the future.
Commissioner Fabel questioned how the evaluation team rated things, such as racial equity and
inclusion when future tenants were unknown. Ms. Mitchell reported the proposals that scored
high on this were based on their construction hiring practices and had thorough answers on
how they hired a diverse or minority workforce. Director Collins explained one of the scoring
criteria was the diverse contracting and workforce goals. She noted this language would be
found in any development agreement with the County. She commented on how these
developers have businesses waiting in the wings that were eager to find a spot in this region,
but this information was protected at this time.
Commissioner Fabel expressed concern with how the evaluation team determined how many
employees would be located on the site without knowing the nature of the final tenants. Ms.
Mitchell commented the final three proposals rated highly because of their development
experience. She reported the employee numbers were based on past development experience
as well as the proposed square footage of the space being developed.
Commissioner Monson asked if any of the proposals had a timeline for construction. Ms.
Mitchell indicated a broad range was proposed for each of the proposals, but noted this would
hinge on the approval process. She anticipated the site would not be developed until 2025 or
2026.
Commissioner Monson requested further comment on the clean energy questions that were
asked of the developers. Ms. Mitchell commented on the questions that were asked of
developers, noting they were asked if all electrical was possible. She stated Proposals A and F
said all electric would be feasible. She noted Proposals A, E and F all had good green building
practices.
Commissioner Monson stated Proposal F appeared a little tired to her. She commented on how
the JDA was working to make a unique development and she wanted to see this area of Rice
Creek Commons having walkability. She indicated she supported Proposal A moving forward to
the County Board and appreciated the fact this developer would be coming in all electric.
Commissioner Fabel asked who served as the financial consultant on the evaluation team. Ms.
Mitchell stated Bruce Kimmel from Ehlers served as the financial consultant.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated she appreciated hearing from the city representatives first
regarding this matter. She indicated the County Board had reviewed all six proposals at a closed
meeting. She explained Proposal A hits the mark the most and she supported this proposal
moving forward.
Commissioner Frethem requested staff speak to the tax base increase for the different
proposals. Ms. Mitchell stated the County Assessor’s office did a high level assessment based
on the proposals. She recalled Proposals A and F were on the high end and Proposal E was hard
to determine because there was no information for the north portion of the development.
Commissioner Frethem questioned how each of the developments would impact traffic. Ms.
Mitchell noted Public Works did a broad estimate based on the information provided and noted
Proposal E would drive more traffic than the office uses. She stated Proposals A and F would
have similar traffic counts.
Commissioner Frethem indicated she appreciated the return on investment, the all electric
concept and walkability that was incorporated into Proposal A. For this reason, she supported
Proposal A moving forward.
Commissioner Fabel explained based on the recommendation of the evaluation team, he would
be supporting Proposal A.
Motion by Commissioner Monson seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt to recommend
Proposal A for Outlot A to the County Board. Motion carried.
e. Request City and County Consideration of TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC)
Amendments
Director Perrault stated following the presentation from Alatus to the JDA at the September 27,
2023, Special Work Session, City Staff reviewed the proposed development density scenario of
1,960 units to the City’s TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) in order to determine what
amendments, if any, would be necessary. As shown in the Alatus presentation, the TRC includes
as Attachment 1 the TCAAP Proposed Regulating Plan. This regulating plan illustrates the
breakdown of total acreage for all of the TRC zoning districts, as well as the gross density range
and maximum residential units by residential neighborhood/zoning district totaling 1,460 units
as currently approved under the TRC. Based on the proposed density of 1,960 units from Alatus,
Staff has confirmed that a TRC Amendment would be required to modify this table. It should be
noted that a TRC Amendment would be triggered most likely with any change to the
breakdown of acreage by zoning district and/or density as a result of the adopted Maximum
Residential Units table which is formulated to 1,460 units.
Director Perrault explained along with the TRC Amendment, staff would note that the City’s
Comprehensive Plan would also need to be amended for the proposed density scenarios due to
the increase in residential units of the Town Center NR-4 zoning district and conversion of the
southwest corner of the TCAAP site from Flex Office to Residential. While regular zoning code
changes can be done on a simple majority vote, Comprehensive Plan amendments require at
least four affirmative votes by the City Council. However, per State Statute, a Comprehensive
Plan Amendment can be done on a simple majority of it allows for affordable housing, the
stipulation is that 20% of housing units in the development must be affordable at 60% of Area
Median Income. The exact language from statute is as follows:
Amendments to permit an affordable housing development are approved by a simple
majority of all of the members. For purposes of this subdivision, "affordable housing
development" means a development in which at least 20 percent of the residential units
are restricted to occupancy for at least ten years by residents whose household income
at the time of initial occupancy does not exceed 60 percent of area median income,
adjusted for household size, as determined by the United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development, and with respect to rental units, the rents for affordable units
do not exceed 30 percent of 60 percent of area median income, adjusted for household
size, as determined annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
Director Perrault reported this means that for approval at the City level, the proposed changes
would require at least four affirmative votes, unless the affordable housing clause is met, in
that case the proposed changes could be done with a simple majority. Upon a recommendation
of the JDA to direct City and County Staff to bring forth the proposed density of 1,960 units to
their elected officials. Staff provided a summary of the proposed review of processes and
timelines for the anticipated amendments.
Commissioner Reinhardt commented on how the world runs on compromise because not all
people run their lives the same. She appreciated the work that was done by the City on the
AUAR. She supported the proposed compromise of 1,960 units and believed this would be a
great project moving forward.
Commissioner Fabel stated density within this project was one of the most controversial items
when it came to this development. He discussed how the previous impasse led him to run for
office for Arden Hills in order to get this project moving again. He knew from the very beginning
that 1,460 was a non-starter. In addition, he believed a larger number was politically necessary
but also financially and morally necessary. He commented on how the developer was asked to
provide a range and the JDA Advisory Committee was provided a range between 1,700 to 2,200
units. He explained he appreciated the high level of consultants and the information that was
presented by the developer last week. He reported he would be supporting the density of 1,960
for the Rice Creek Commons development.
Commissioner Frethem believed it made sense to proceed forward with the proposed density
of 1,960. She supported the JDA reviewing and amending the term sheet that was previously
discussed between the City and Alatus.
Commissioner Monson stated 1,960 units would be a maximum that the developer could build.
She commented on The Heights development in St. Paul, noting this development would have
1,000 units on 112 acres. She urged residents to see the difference between an urban and
suburban development. She explained she was excited to see how the developer had the
density focused in the Town Center that would then transition to larger lots moving away from
the Town Center. She indicated the vast majority of the site would have less than five units per
acre. She appreciated how the developer was willing to work with the JDA to meet its energy
goals. She wanted to see this development built for the future, which would different from how
current neighborhoods in the City looked. She thanked staff for all of their efforts and noted
she would be supporting 1,960 units moving forward for the Rice Creek Commons
development.
Commissioner Frethem explained Rice Creek Commons was the size of downtown St. Paul. She
clarified that 40 of the 400+ acres would be at a slightly higher density than what Arden Hills
was right now. She did not believe the proposed density was out of line, but rather was
informed by experts and was in line with other developments occurring in the metro area.
Motion by Commissioner Fabel seconded by Commissioner Frethem to direct City and County
staff to bring forward TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) Amendments to their elected officials
based on a density scenario of 1,960 units.
Director Perrault explained through this motion, City staff would be directed to bring forward
the administrative changes required as put forward by Alatus.
Director Collins reported the process would first start at the City level with the Planning
Commission, then the City Council and the County Board would be asked to affirm this decision.
Motion carried.
f. Approve Rice Creek Commons Energy Vision
Commissioner Monson stated the JDA Energy Advisory Committee drafted a vision statement
outlining the clean energy and sustainability goals and vision for Rice Creek Commons. This
vision reads as follows:
Rice Creek Commons Energy Vision
Rice Creek Commons will be a vibrant and unique, climate-forward development that
aligns with the goals outlined in the State of Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework:
carbon neutrality, clean energy, climate resiliency, equity and innovation. Rice Creek
Commons will attract investment and partnership that will create sustainable benefits
for the community.
Guiding Principles
Develop a resilient community for energy and other utilities using clean energy
technologies, reducing consumption, and reusing local resources onsite.
Implement infrastructure solutions that are flexible and scalable over 50 years, including
developing the site to be adaptable to future technological needs.
Deliver a model of efficient energy and water usage that minimizes Rice Creek
Commons’ impact on the environment.
Create an economically competitive and attractive environment for developers and
businesses to create a vibrant community with multi-modal transportation options.
Commissioner Monson explained the committee would like the JDA to approve this vision.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated she appreciated the efforts of the Energy Advisory Committee
for creating an updated vision and guiding principles for this project.
Commissioner Fabel asked if this vison has been provided to the developer.
Commissioner Monson stated the developer was aware of the vision and noted more
information would be included in the MOU.
Commissioner Frethem thanked the Energy Advisory Committee for all of their work on this.
Chair Wicklund proposed a minor language change noting the equity concept comes from the
vision and goals from the State of Minnesota Climate Action Framework.
Commissioner Monson supported this minor change.
Motion by Commissioner Monson seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt to recommend
approval of the Rice Creek Commons Energy Vision as amended. Motion carried.
g. Approve Scope of Work for Energy Consultant
Commissioner Monson stated the JDA Energy Advisory Committee (EAC) drafted a scope of
work for an energy consultant to guide the JDA and developer in creating practical strategies
for achieving the Energy Vision for Rice Creek Commons. The EAC requests that the JDA
approve this scope of work so that they may begin the process for getting a consultant on
board, including determining budget, timeline, and procurement process.
Commissioner Reinhardt stated she appreciated how this consultant would assist the EAC and
JDA with reaching its goals and visions for this project.
Commissioner Fabel asked if it was typical to have a consultant on board to work with the
developer on a project of this type.
Commissioner Monson stated the JDA would have a consultant and she anticipated the
developer would have its own energy consultant once the project begins. She commented on
how the JDA’s energy consultant would be able assist the group with pursuing bonding and
grants for energy initiatives.
Motion by Commissioner Frethem seconded by Commissioner Monson to approve the Scope of
Work for Energy Consultant. Motion carried.
Administrative Director’s Report
Director Collins provided an update on the community event that was scheduled for November
1 noting this event would be held in the Marsden Room at the Ramsey County Public Works
Facility in Arden Hills from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. She explained a short presentation would be
provided and there would be topic specific stations. She indicated staff would be on hand to
field questions. She reported the County continued to engage with legislators regarding the
bonding ask. She stated a draft preliminary development agreement has been presented to the
developer for Outlot A.
Commissioner Monson recommended all of the greenspace, parks and water features be
featured during the community event. She asked that a representative from the school district
be invited to attend the community event.
Chair Wicklund asked if Arden Hills was considering an open house. Director Perrault
anticipated this would be discussed at the Council's next worksession meeting.
Development Director's Report
Director Perrault reported the JDA Advisory Committee has not met since the last JDA meeting.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Frethem stated there was a difference in not caring for Arden Hills residents and
not agreeing with their conclusions on certain items. She cared deeply about the residents of
Arden Hills and in her entire District. She noted she lived closer to the TCAAP development than
many residents in Arden Hills. She indicated this development would impact her personally and
she would not do anything to hurt this community. She reported she was taking time away
from her family in order for this project to more forward in a productive and transparent
manner.
Adiournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm
Approved J t'l--b ?9Il
Jon Wicklund, Chair Date