Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/14/1996

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comment - An intern is being used to complete the mapping corrections. Mr. Boos encouraged anyone to contact him for additional noted changes. COMMISSION INPUT Ace-Solid Waste continues to make contributions to the Park Trust Fund based on new subscribers to their service ($5.00 per customer). During the month of October $25 was received from A-Solid Waste. Park Dedication Rates are required per City code for all new homes and commercial property. Current rates for single family homes are ten percent of the land or cash value, and for commercial property five percent of fair market value have been established. Each year the City Council set amounts of rates charged for various things including Park Dedication Rates. At this time, Staff consensus is that rates charged for park dedication may be comparable. A questionnaire inquiring about Park Dedication Rates has been sent to comparable cities (growing suburbs such as Apple Valley and Chaska). So far, approximately ten responses have been received. Information from returned questionnaires will be compiled in spreadsheet format for comparison purposes and will be presented for Commission review in the near future. There is an overall desire to remain competitive in rates. Work continues on the Mississippi River Recreation Area. Recently, k was featured in the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area periodical and is available for review. Commissioner Droegemueller inquired the realistic outlook for the Mississippi West project. Mr. Boos indicated at meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 19th with Anoka County park staff to discuss detailed logistics with Rum River Central (located at 179th on 7th); construction is slated to begin in 1997. Mississippi West just became a part of the parks system this fall. Mr. Boos stated he was not sure if Mississippi West was in the five-year plan yet and did not foresee its construction beginning much before two years. Ramsey is unique in that of its 28 square miles, there are two Regional parks within its borders. Commissioner LaMere commented that Sunwood Drive Park has turned out nicely with respect to the trees. Mr. Boos agreed adding this road will probably be one of the most scenic within the urban area. PineCone Nursery donated approximately $4-6,000 of trees which were distributed to various locations. About fifteen crab apples were planted along Sunwood Drive (from County Road 5 west to where the 1996 street project left off). The rest of the trees were placed at Ramsey Commons Park and along the trail into Wood Pond Hills. Park and Recreation Commission/November 14, 1996 Page 4 of 5