Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/08/2013

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Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted the City recognizes that parks, trails and open space are essential to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City and persons working in the City, and that the character and quality of the environment as well as recreational opportunities are of major importance — and therefore "park dedication" is critical in the planning and development processes of the City. The City must not only provide these necessary amenities for our citizens today, but also be insightful to the needs of future residents. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed rates for land dedication have remained fairly static for several decades; however, there have been some minor changes now that greater densities are permitted and there were formulaic changes for land uses that have demonstratable lower "demand" for parks and open space (e.g. memory care centers). Additionally the acreage /fee structure is reviewed by Council annually, for "cost of living" adjustments each year as part of the Rates and Charges analysis; however, the last several years there have been no increases to Park Dedication or Trail Fees. Ramsey's rates are compared to similar suburban cities in the metropolitan area, as well as our immediate neighbors on an annual basis; however, while this is useful, development fees must respond to a legitimate need associated with the change in land use (increased densities) and thus the next section is what actually informs Park Dedication and Trail Fee rates. Park land and improvements themselves are identified within the Parks Capital Improvement Plan — which is adopted each year by City Council. This plan is a reflection of community need, with the forecast improvements often out- pacing revenue from Park Dedication and Trail Fees. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed Park Dedication and Trail Fees have been "static" for several years. This reflected depressed land values and little development activity associated with the Great Recession. As these trends are reversing, and new `demand' for parks and trails is at the same time being created by increased development, it is appropriate for the Commission to recommend to City Council the rate structure for 2014. Staff recommends amending the cash Park Dedication rate per residential unit approximately 5 percent from $2,475 (existing rate) to $2,600 with no increase for the commercial /industrial subdivision of land. Trail fees are recommended to be increased from $600 to $700 per residential dwelling unit, again with no proposed changes to commercial /industrial land uses. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated a park dedication increase has not been recommended for many years. A metro -wide survey was provided for Commission review. The Park Dedication fees are needed within the City. Chair Olsen stated she is fine with the fee increases. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated staff is currently looking at all fees. Commissioner Barr stated the park dedication fees would only apply to residential. She is hoping the community is growing and this increase will benefit it. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated a new development of 160 units increases the demand for park dedication. Park and Recreation Commission / August 8, 2013 Page 3 of 6