Council adopts MOU backing Sea Rice Terminals’ RFI response; adds site-collaboration and termination clauses

The Common Council on March 4 adopted a memorandum of understanding (MOU) supporting Sea Rice Terminals’ response to a county request for information, with council amendments that add a commitment to collaborate on a site development plan and an automatic-termination clause if Sea Rice’s proposal is not selected.

Alder Johnson explained the MOU had been advanced by the Redevelopment Authority and noted the council’s action was meant to formalize city support for Sea Rice’s RFI response to the county. Johnson proposed two amendments that Sea Rice’s CEO supported: a new subsection committing Sea Rice to collaborate with the city on a site-development plan for the northern roughly 10 acres to ensure compatibility with downtown zoning uses, and a clause that would automatically terminate the MOU if Sea Rice’s proposal is not selected by the county.

Both amendments passed by voice vote and were folded into the adopted MOU. Johnson then moved adoption of the MOU as amended; the council approved the motion.

In discussion, Johnson said the added collaboration clause was intended to encourage joint planning that could support future TIF or other public investments by aligning prospective uses with city priorities. The termination clause was intended to avoid indefinite obligations if the county does not select Sea Rice’s proposal.

Council members praised the staff and RDA for advancing the RFI response and noted the MOU’s role in demonstrating municipal support to the county-level procurement process.