HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-2025 JDA Agenda Packet
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
JDA MEETING AGENDA
Monday, May 5, 2025, 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. Review Communications Report
b. Approve 2025 Budget Amendment
c. Review Road Map
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: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Jagoe and Mitchell
SUBJECT: Approval of Agenda
The agenda for the May 5, 2025, JDA Meeting is presented for approval.
Action Requested:
Approve the agenda for May 5, 2025.
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 3
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Jagoe and Mitchell
SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the previous JDA Meeting are presented for approval.
Attachment:
4/7/25 JDA Minutes
Action Requested:
Approve the meeting minutes from April 7, 2025.
Joint Development Authority
Monday, April 7, 2025
Arden Hills City Council Chambers
Minutes
5:30 pm
Roll Call
Joint Development Authority: Chair Jon Wicklund, Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh,
Commissioner Kurt Weber, Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire, Commissioner Tena Monson
Also present: Jessica Jagoe (Arden Hills); Ella Mitchell (Ramsey County), Rachel Tierney
(Kennedy & Graven)
Roll call taken.
Approval of Agenda
Motion by Commissioner McGuire seconded by Commissioner Weber to approve the agenda as
presented. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Jebens-Singh seconded by Commissioner Monson to approve the
April 3, 2025 JDA meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried.
Public Input
Tom Lemke, 5577 Shuta Road in Shoreview, explained he lived close to the TCAAP property and
he was excited to see something happening. He commented his only concern was with how the
truck traffic would be accessing this property. He stated it was his understanding the trucks
would be accessing the site from the thumb road (Rice Creek Parkway). He discussed how he
used to have access to the freeway from County Road I, but this access had been eliminated
and he now had to go up to County Road H. He questioned if Rice Creek Parkway had been
developed for heavy truck traffic and inquired how much truck traffic would be using this
roadway.
Consent Agenda
a. Approve Execution of League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust Liability Waiver
b. JDA Planning Case 25-002 – Ryan Companies US, Inc. Development Agreement and
authorizing staff to complete signatures
Motion by Commissioner Weber seconded by Commissioner McGuire to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Old Business
None.
Public Hearings
None.
New Business
a. Review Communications Report
Director Mitchell reviewed the communications report with the JDA. She explained there was
coverage last week of Ramsey County’s approval of the amendment to the purchase agreement
with Ryan Companies for Outlot A. She indicated the winter newsletter was sent out by Goff
Public in February. She reported staff continues to work with Ryan Companies to set a date for
a potential ground breaking ceremony at the end of April.
b. Review Draft 2026 Budget
Director Mitchell reviewed the draft 2026 budget with the JDA.
Commissioner McGuire asked when the year began for the JDA. Director Mitchell stated the
JDA runs off a calendar year, January through December.
Commissioner Weber discussed how the 2024 budget ran over noting the majority of this came
from the formation sustainability guidelines. Director Mitchell reported when the 2024 budget
was set $125,000 was estimated for the green energy proposals. Staff soon learned this dollar
amount was insufficient and Ramsey County created a larger budget for the scope of work that
needed to be completed.
Commissioner Monson questioned who creates and manages the Rice Creek Commons
website. Director Mitchell reported this work was completed by Ramsey County
communications staff.
Commissioner Monson stated she had a lot of ideas to make the Rice Creek Commons website
more comprehensive. Director Mitchell explained she can work with Goff Public on content for
the website.
Chair Wicklund recommended this topic be further discussed by the JDA at the June 2
worksession meeting. In the meantime, he recommended the JDA members review the website
and come to the June 2 meeting with recommendations.
Commissioner McGuire asked how the funding for this budget was managed. Director Mitchell
explained Ramsey County was the fiscal sponsor for the JDA and the County has a project
account that is used to pay for expenditures.
Chair Wicklund stated after reviewing the proposed budget for 2026, it appears to be in line
with previous years.
c. Review Term Sheet
Director Mitchell reviewed the term sheet with the JDA. She reported on March 27 the JDA
Advisory Committee met with representatives from Alatus to discuss the development
agreement. She asked that the JDA Advisory Committee members speak to this further.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh explained she was glad the JDA recommended the Advisory
Committee meet with Alatus. She indicated her impression was there was not a lot of increased
action or urgency on the project and unfortunately not all of the lead players from Alatus were
in attendance at the meeting. She stated after reviewing the Term Sheet there were no new
information, but she was able to have a meeting where all of the main sticking points could be
reviewed and a more aggressive meeting timeline was put in place. She noted the Advisory
Committee would be meeting with representatives from Alatus again this week in hopes of
moving this project forward.
Commissioner Monson commented she was a little disappointed with the fact Alatus did not
have their full leadership slate in attendance at this meeting. She was hopeful the Advisory
Committee could work with Alatus to keep the ball moving.
Commissioner McGuire thanked Commissioners Monson and Jebens-Singh for attending this
meeting. She asked that the term sheet be updated to clarify which party was responsible for
completing certain tasks.
Chair Wicklund requested the Advisory Commission members speak to the top two or three
sticking points.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh explained one of the sticking points is the removing or relocation of
Building 116. Director Mitchell noted this was an Army building that houses the TCAAP ground
water remediation system. She stated staff has started to do some feasibility analysis on this
but the Army has to be a key partner in these discussions.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh asked if this matter has to be finalized to move forward with the
two agreements, or could this matter be addressed at a later date. Director Mitchell
commented the term sheet states there was interest in working together, but noted there was
an external party (the Army), which meant the outcome was not guaranteed.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh commented another sticking point was the grading of the site
along with the sequencing of the spine road. Director Mitchell explained a big topic of
conversation has been how the project will be phased and whether or not the mass grading will
be completed all at once or phased.
Commissioner Weber thanked the Advisory Commission and staff members for their work on
this. He asked if Alatus indicated they feel like all of the work could be hammered in order to
meet the June 30 deadline.
Commissioner Monson did not believe Alatus came prepared to have this discussion.
Chair Wicklund stated he was pleased the Advisory Commission would be meeting with Alatus
again and he hoped this meeting would go well.
d. Review Road Map
Director Mitchell reviewed the Road Map with the JDA. She noted the community engagement
event had been moved to September.
Commissioner McGuire asked if the 30 day notice to Alatus had been written into the Road
Map. Director Mitchell stated the preliminary development agreement does have a clause that
the JDA could give a 30 day notice and this was discussed at past JDA meetings. She indicated to
date, there has been no action to give this notice.
Chair Wicklund recommended the remaining issues be addressed by the Advisory Commission
and that the 30 day notice not be exercised at this time.
Commissioner Weber indicated he hoped the developer could continue to move toward the
JDA’s goals.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh stated she anticipated some of the issues on the term sheet would
require resolution for this project and if there are questions regarding the timing of things,
having discussions internally would benefit the JDA going forward.
Commissioner Monson commented there were several topics, such as the housing ownership
versus rental topic could be addressed by the City and County. She indicated she had a good
conversation with the Ryan Companies sustainability lead and she had some good
recommendations about the design guidelines. She suggested the Energy Advisory Committee
meet in order to discuss what worked and did not work.
Chair Wicklund asked that staff work with Ryan Companies in order to create a two page
summary on what worked and what did not work for this project. Director Mitchell stated she
could work with Ryan Companies on this project.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh appreciated that a moment of reflection would be done at this
time in order to assist with development any future development.
Chair Wicklund commended the City and County officials for being willing to compromise in
order to keep this project moving forward.
Administrative Director’s Report
Director Mitchell reported both City and County staff has been working with Ryan Companies
and she was excited that the final approval was granted from the JDA at this meeting.
Development Director’s Report
Director Jagoe stated she looked forward to providing updates at the next meeting on
construction permits being issued. She reported the next JDA Advisory Committee meeting
would be held on Wednesday, April 9 and noted this meeting would be posted on the City’s
website.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner McGuire noted the County Board would be meeting next on Tuesday, April 8.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:14 pm.
Approved _____________________________________ _______________________
Jon Wicklund, Chair Date
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 3
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Jagoe and Mitchell
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: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Allison Winters and Sara Swenson, Goff Public
SUBJECT: Review Communications Report
Goff Public worked with Ramsey County, the City of Arden Hills, JDA and Ryan Companies on a media
relations strategy to support and celebrate the April 30 groundbreaking of Outlot A phase one.
The strategy included:
• Issuing a media advisory on April 28 to provide notice of the event.
• Targeted pitching to reporters with previous and/or current interest in Rice Creek Commons.
• Issuing a post-event press release with photos on April 30.
Total media exposure: 37 placements
As of Friday, May 2, there have been 37 total earned media placements specific to the groundbreaking
event. All four Twin Cities regional TV affiliates attended the event (WCCO, KARE, KSTP and KMSP) along
with Nine North TV.
Star Tribune reporter Matt McKinney also attended the groundbreaking and is currently conducting
follow-up interviews; the timeline for a resulting article is still pending. Coverage in the Shoreview Press
is also pending.
Commissioner Jebens-Singh, Councilmember Monson and project staff did interviews with the Star
Tribune, Finance & Commerce and Fox 9’s online streaming show outside of the groundbreaking event.
Coverage highlights include:
• Pioneer Press: Officials to break ground on 1st Rice Creek Commons project in Arden Hills
o Article was syndicated by Yahoo News
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal: $1 billion Arden Hills development launches with Micro
Control HQ construction
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
• Finance & Commerce: Project construction finally underway at Rice Creek Commons in Arden
Hills
• WCCO: Construction begins on former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site, Crews finally
break ground on Arden Hills' Rice Creek Commons
o Similar segments aired at noon, 4 and 5 p.m.
o Preview segments aired at 6, 7 and 11 a.m.
• KMSP: Groundbreaking begins on Rice Creek Commons
o Similar segments aired at 5, 6, 7 and 9 p.m.
o Preview segments aired at 5, 6, 8 and 11 a.m.
o All Day Live – Interview with Ella Mitchell (streaming only – no video available)
• KSTP: Crews break ground at Rice Creek Commons on Wednesday
o Similar segments aired at 11 a.m., noon and 9 p.m.
o Preview segments aired at 5, 6, 7 and 8 a.m.
• KARE: Arden Hills development moving forward
o Similar segments aired at 4, 5 and 6 p.m.
• Nine North: Arden Hills Rice Creek Commons ground breaking
Total potential reach: 205 million users
The estimated number of potential users exposed to news articles about the Rice Creek Commons grand
opening is 204,879,458. These numbers reflect national online syndication through Yahoo, the Business
Journals and broadcast network. The estimated reach without syndication is 2,402,187.
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 8b
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Jagoe and Mitchell
SUBJECT: Approve 2025 JDA Budget Amendment
An amended JDA budget is presented for approval. This amendment includes additional scope for green
energy and sustainability work and also reflects a grant awarded to the project.
The JDA developed a 2025 JDA budget in accordance with the procedures outlined in the JPA. The
budget for the Green Energy Consultant was $92,750 for support on the pre-certification process for
LEED for Communities. The JDA approved this as part of the 2025 JDA budget at the November 2024
meeting.
At this same November meeting, the JDA requested further analysis on the Sustainability Design
Guidelines and in particular the waiver process. JDA staff worked with consultant LHB to develop a
scope of work that included refinement of the Sustainability Design Guidelines, support on
implementation of these guidelines with developers, and community engagement. This new scope of
work was $118,000 over two years. As fiscal agent of the JDA, Ramsey County holds the contracts for
green energy and sustainability work on behalf of the JDA, so JDA staff worked with Ramsey County
procurement to execute an agreement with LHB for this scope of work.
In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature established the Geothermal Planning Grant Program to provide
financial assistance to examine the technical and economic feasibility of installing geothermal energy
systems. Ramsey County applied to the Minnesota Department of Commerce for this grant on behalf of
Rice Creek Commons and in April 2025 was awarded $72,479 in grant funds. JDA staff are working on a
scope of work for the use of these funds.
Attachment:
JDA Budget 2025 – proposed amendment
Action Requested:
Approve the proposed amendment to the 2025 JDA budget.
JDA Budget 2025 Approved Proposed
Amendment
Estimated Revenues
Grants 72,479$
JDA Application fees
JDA Permit fees
Contributions from Ramsey County 273,850$ 332,850$
Reserves
Developer escrow/fees
Miscellaneous revenues
TOTAL 273,850$ 405,329$
Estimated Expenditures
Personnel services
Contract Services
Legal 60,000$ 60,000$
Engineering
Fiscal/Audit (including Fiscal Agent)60,000$ 60,000$
Planning
Administrative 3,600$ 3,600$
Communications & Community Engagement 50,000$ 50,000$
Green Energy & Sustainability 92,750$ 224,229$
Services other than personnel or consultants
Supplies and materials
Office administration
Capital outlay (office rent, computer equipment, etc.)
Payment of invoices for services to the JDA provided by a Party
Insurance 2,500$ 2,500$
Miscellaneous expenditures 5,000$ 5,000$
TOTAL 273,850$ 405,329$
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 8d
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Directors Jagoe and Mitchell
SUBJECT: Review Road Map
The Road Map has been updated to reflect future meeting topics.
Attachments:
2025 JDA Road Map
Action Requested:
None
Month Date Meeting/Action or Deadline Topics or Notes
JDA Commissioner Onboarding City/County onboarding of respective new commissioners
21 JDA Meeting Organizational Items, Sustainability Design Guidelines, Outlot
A Concept Review
3 JDA Work Session 2024 JDA Annual Report, Legislative and Communications
Update
15
17 JDA Meeting Outlot A Entitlements Review, Committee Assignments
27 JDA Advisory Committee Meeting Discuss Development Agreement
7 JDA Meeting Outlot A Development Agreement, Budget Review
9 JDA Advisory Committee Meeting Discuss Development Plans
16 Energy Advisory Committee Meeting Onboarding
1
5 JDA Meeting Budget Amendment
7 JDA Advisory Committee Meeting
16 Energy Advisory Committee Meeting District Energy
2 JDA Work Session
30
Jul 7 JDA Meeting
Aug 4 JDA Work Session
1 Deadline: Coordinate JDA Budget with City and County budget processes
9 JDA Meeting
Potential Community Education Event
Oct 6 JDA Work Session
Jun
Expiration: Preliminary Development Agreement with Alatus
Sept
May
Jan
Rice Creek Commons 2025 Roadmap
Feb
Deadline: JDA Annual Report due to City and County
Deadline: Draft 2026 JDA Budget
Mar
Apr
3 JDA Meeting
15 Deadline: Report back on City/County approval of JDA budget
Dec 1 JDA Meeting Adopt 2026 JDA budget
Key
JDA Meeting
JDA Work Session
Advisory Committee Meeting
Deadline
Other Meeting
Nov
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 9
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Director Mitchell
SUBJECT: Administrative Director’s Report
A verbal update will be provided by staff.
Attachments:
None
Action Requested:
None
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
Joint Development Authority
TCAAP Redevelopment Project
AGENDA ITEM 10
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 5, 2025
TO: Joint Development Authority Board of Commissioners
FROM: Director Jagoe
SUBJECT: Development Director’s Report
A verbal update will be provided by Director Jagoe.
Attachments:
None
Action Requested:
None