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Councilmember Johns echoed and agreed with the comments from Councilmember Shryock. <br /> She stated that the policy as drafted benefits the community as a whole and therefore the dollars <br /> from development should continue to be focused on community parks and trail connection rather <br /> than small pocket parks. <br /> Councilmember Williams stated that Snake Park is the only park accessible to her home and the <br /> only way she can access the park is by walking VI mile along Highway 47. She stated that it is <br /> essential that the entire community has access to the facilities without driving. She stated that <br /> there are parks without safe crossings to community parks. She stated that while the far north <br /> portion of the community is more developed, the rest of the community should not be left out. <br /> She stated that it is time as the community grows to review how traffic patterns have changed <br /> and identify areas that can bring the community together as there are large portions of the <br /> community that are not being served by the resources today. <br /> Parks Commissioner Sis noted that his development did not receive a pocket park and he felt <br /> conflicted as he felt he would value a park in his neighborhood. He stated that now that he has <br /> joined the Commission he can see the value in focusing efforts on community parks. He stated <br /> that he would not let his children walk alone to nearby parks and therefore he can see the benefit <br /> in larger community parks with more amenities. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated that he understands the big picture but noted that there are two <br /> separate issues. He recognized that there is limited funding on the big picture. He noted that the <br /> developer is willing to contribute a third of the funds necessary for a park and this is an <br /> opportunity to get this small park built. He believed that each opportunity should be reviewed on <br /> its own merits. <br /> Mayor Strommen appreciated the separation of the two issues. She noted that sometimes there <br /> are things that do not fit into the mold. She noted that this development is on another magnitude <br /> because of its size. She stated that she agreed with the comments of Councilmember Williams <br /> that people need to have access to parks and she values that. She stated that there is a balance <br /> somewhere because there is a value to the large regional parks but there is also need sometimes <br /> for smaller parks. <br /> Councilmember Riley stated that he has received a number of emails asking why a park is not <br /> being built in the development near the old municipal center. He agreed that this is a much <br /> larger development that needs a park. He stated that he would support a reduction in park <br /> dedication but perhaps not a dollar to dollar match. He stated that as Ramsey continues to be <br /> developed the needs of the City will change, noting that this development is different than any <br /> other development in Ramsey. <br /> Parks Commission Chair Bennett stated that this is a different issue because the developer wants <br /> this park in their development because it is an amenity. He questioned whether the overall <br /> community would have good access to the park within this development. He stated that he won't <br /> argue that this would be a great spot for a park but he was unsure that going against the policy <br /> would set the City up for the future. He noted that if these parks need to be maintained by the <br /> City there would be additional operations costs as well. He stated that if the funds are used in <br /> City Council Work Session/May 9,2017 <br /> Page 8 of 10 <br />