An official complaint has been lodged by Ramsey County against the City of Arden Hills concerning the city’s refusal to participate in mediation or to terminate the joint powers agreement if it chooses not to enter mediation.  The joint powers agreement is related to the Rice Creek Commons.

Ramsey County filed a lawsuit against the city alleging breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.  The lawsuit related to the planning and development of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site at Rice Creek Commons.

According to the lawsuit, Ramsey County stated that negotiations broke down concerning a number of issues and the city then breached the joint powers agreement by refusing to enter into mediation.  It further breached the contract by refusing to terminate that joint powers contract.  The negotiations were linked to the density, affordability of the housing, and financing of the Rick Creek Commons development.

Both the city and Ramsey County own a portion of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site.

Ramsey County officials have been present at only one Joint Development Authority meeting in 2019.  That took place in February and it was suggested during that meeting that the county and city attempt mediation to resolve the outstanding issues related to the development project.  Later that month, city council members refused to participate and sent their refusal via letter to the county.  In the letter, they called mediation “premature” and asked that the county provide “more exact figures. ”

The county wants the agreement declared null.  An update on the status of mediation and the project in general will be given at the upcoming town council meeting.