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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-25 JDAJoint Development Authority Monday, December 1, 2025 Arden Hills City Council Chambers Minutes 7:15 p.m. Roll Call Joint Development Authority: Chair Jon Wicklund, Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh, Commissioner Kurt Weber, Commissioner Tena Monson Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire was absent. Also present: Jessica Jagoe (Arden Hills); Ella Mitchell (Ramsey County), Rachel Tierney (Kennedy & Graven) Roll call taken. Approval of Agenda Motion by Commissioner Monson seconded by Commissioner Weber to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Monson seconded by Commissioner Jebens-Singh to approve the November 3, 2025 JDA meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried. Public Input None. Consent Agenda None. Old Business None. Public Hearings None. New Business a. Approve 2026 Budget Director Mitchell stated the proposed 2026 JDA budget is presented for adoption, consistent with the budget processes outlined in the Joint Power Agreement. The budget has been updated since it was originally drafted to include a preliminary estimate for legal costs related to litigation. For informational purposes, an overview of JDA expenditures for 2023 and 2024 is provided. Preliminary expenditures for January 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, are also provided, though note that these numbers are subject to change due to potential future reimbursements and anticipated invoices. Commissioner Jebens-Singh asked if the budget could be revisited if the JDA were to shift anything within the budget in the coming year. Director Mitchell reported the budget could be revisited by the JDA as amendments were always welcome. Motion by Commissioner Jebens-Singh seconded by Commissioner Monson to approve the 2026 Budget. Motion carried. b. Communications Update Director Mitchell stated Goff Public worked with Ramsey County on promotional communications to support the Request for Information (RFI) extension and the November 13 sustainability webinar. The webinar was promoted via the Rice Creek Commons website, Ramsey County and City of Arden Hills social media platforms, and three emails to the Rice Creek Commons newsletter list: •October 29: Join our November 13 webinar to learn about sustainability at Rice Creek Commons •November 4: Don’t miss our November 13 webinar on sustainability at Rice Creek Commons •November 12: Tomorrow, November 13: Learn about sustainability at Rice Creek Commons Director Mitchell explained the emails were sent to 3,177 subscribers and had open rates between 16-18%. The click rate across all messages was 1%. There were 33 total attendees at the November 13 webinar. A recording of the webinar is available on the Rice Creek Commons website for community members who were unable to attend. Director Mitchell reported there has not been recent media coverage of Rice Creek Commons. Goff Public responded to an initial inquiry from Bill Lindeke at MinnPost in October regarding the development status; we are still waiting for a response from Bill regarding next steps. There have been two recent inquiries through the Rice Creek Commons microsite contact portal regarding project timeline and impact on surrounding roads. Staff responded to each inquiry directly. Commissioner Jebens-Singh explained she appreciated the comprehensive discussion that was had regarding the history of the Rice Creek Commons property. Commissioner Monson stated she believed the webinar went really well and she hoped the JDA could plan another for the future. Chair Wicklund recommended the next webinar be on the spine road. Commissioner Monson supported this recommendation. c. Review Road Map Director Mitchell reviewed the Road Map in detail with the JDA. Chair Wicklund asked if representation on the JDA would be changing in 2026 for the City or County. It was noted the City appointees would not change in 2026. Director Mitchell indicated the County appointees would be made in early January. Commissioner Jebens-Singh suggested the road map include a JDA meeting in February in the event a developer has to be discussed and/or considered. The JDA supported this recommendation. Administrative Director’s Report Director Mitchell stated she had nothing further to report. Commissioner Monson commented on the open house the County held for Highway 96. She asked if County staff had any information from this meeting and how Rice Creek Commons would be impacted. Director Mitchell stated she did not have this information but would report back to the JDA. Development Director’s Report Director Jagoe stated she had nothing additional to report. Commissioner Updates None. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 7:31 pm. Approved _____________________________________ _______________________ Jon Wicklund, Chair Date February 2, 2026