ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – The Rams have responded to the Convention and Visitors Commission’s rejection of their counter-proposal for improving the Edward Jones Dome.

The CVC sent out a written statement Friday, saying it has expressed to the Rams that it believes it’s in the best interest of the community and the team to engage in meaningful dialogue over the next two weeks.

Team COO Kevin Demoff issued a statement reading: “We are in receipt of the CVC’s letter today and share their belief that the two sides should engage in further discussions. We believe this would be a productive next step in the first tier process.”

In February, the CVC submitted their plan to the team. It called for $124 million in upgrades to the Dome, 52 percent of which would be paid for by the Rams. Last month, the Rams’ submitted their proposal to its landlord, the CVC. Their plan called for a complete overhaul estimated by the city to cost more than $700 million, and it wasn’t clear how it would be funded.

If the two sides can’t agree on a plan by June 15, the process goes to arbitration.

The Rams’ lease of the dome requires that it be a “first-tier” facility in 15 categories by 2015.

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay reacted on his Twitter feed, by saying today’s development means talks, quote, “can and should begin.”