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this manner that takes away from addressing issues at other existing parks in the City that serve <br /> other neighborhoods. <br /> Councilmember Shryock asked the density of this development compared to other developments <br /> that have constructed and maintain their own playgrounds at their own costs. <br /> Mayor Strommen noted that the market has changed since the older plats were approved and <br /> therefore the economics should also be considered. <br /> Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that there are just a few <br /> weeks to sort out this issue with the developer and therefore he was hoping for a strong <br /> consensus to help guide this. He asked if the City would be responsible for this in terms of park <br /> dedication credit or future maintenance. He stated that if the park was going to be park <br /> dedication credit funded then perhaps the park should be made more unique. He stated that if the <br /> park is on the greenway corridor that could bring other people in from other neighborhoods. He <br /> stated that people are not going to travel to reach a neighborhood park that looks just like theirs. <br /> Parks Commission Chair Bennett stated that he has heard over and over the comment that people <br /> want the parks to have every amenity and that cannot occur if the City continues to pursue <br /> pocket parks. He stated that while this looks great, the City has to be careful to go against its <br /> own policy. <br /> Mayor Strommen stated that the policy is important and maybe if there is a unique opportunity, <br /> such as a homeowners' association with a dense development, perhaps there is an opportunity to <br /> carve something out that would not give dollar to dollar credit towards park dedication but would <br /> give credit for unique options. <br /> Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that perhaps the City could <br /> offer half the development costs of the park with park dedication credit and the homeowners <br /> association would provide long-term maintenance for a nature based park. He noted that could <br /> be an interim policy until the long-term policy is reviewed. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich noted that the City does give credit for trails and if the park area is <br /> open and accessible to trail users, perhaps a credit could be negotiated. He stated that bathrooms <br /> would be reserved for large community programs. <br /> Parks Commissioner Trappen stated that he lives in a neighborhood where the lots vary in size <br /> from one acre to three acres and therefore it could take a lot of space to service a large number of <br /> homes compared to this denser development that would serve a lot of people. He stated that <br /> perhaps the idea of density could be considered in a long-term policy discussion. <br /> It was the consensus of the Council to create an interim exception that would allow for <br /> negotiations on this development case for a trail system and trail wayside park area that would be <br /> accessible and inviting. <br /> 3. TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION <br /> City Council Work Session /May 9, 2017 <br /> Page 9 of 10 <br />