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APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES <br />There were none. - <br />NOTE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES <br />The Council minutes were noted. <br />PUBLIC HEARINGS /COMMISSION BUSINESS <br />Case #1: Discuss Development Review Process, Regulations, Standards and <br />Development Fees <br />Senior Planner Gladhill presented the Staff Report. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated there has been some pressure on the Council to keep the fees more <br />competitive with other cities to be sure Ramsey's fees do not hinder development. He noted he <br />was not sure if there were sufficient fees over the years and he was reluctant to bring the fees <br />down. He did not want to have to raise the fees in time, having residents pay in the long run. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated he did not see a problem with the current fees. He questioned how to <br />qualify that the builders and residents are getting what they pay for in a building permit. He <br />suggested looking into the next five permits to watch how much work goes into them internally <br />and document the staff time. That could be compared to what the consumer pays for in the <br />permit. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he was tentative regarding the fact that the builder has to pay a fee <br />to build, and the City retains $100 of that fee in setting up an erosion control escrow. That fee is <br />kept in an escrow account that doesn't grow interest. He suggested rather than giving a subsidy <br />on the back end, the fee can be reduced on the front end and thereby, make it more competitive. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he had been appalled at the Park dedication fees. He indicated <br />when he was on the Park and Recreation Commission, he found Ramsey's fees were lower than <br />those nearby. He stated it is more important to break even, and the City should be determining <br />whether the fees cover the costs. If the costs are covered and the City's fees are still quite a bit <br />different than neighboring communities, they should be reconsidered. <br />Senior Planner Gladhill noted as the 2040 Comp Plan moves closer, staff may have to look at all <br />the management plans again. <br />Councilmember Tossey explained he spoke with Senior Planner Gladhill that day and asked how <br />many building permits were issued in the current year. There were 9. Of those fees, the City <br />kept $100 each for a total of $900. He said he felt the City did not need to take that amount from <br />the builders. He suggested the money be deducted from escrow if the soils become an issue. <br />Planning Commission /June 2, 2011 <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />