Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/12/2018

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Mr. Riverblood pointed out the proposed area for the bridge. He noted it is not something the Park and Recreation Commission would be expected to weigh in on. It would be coming from an area of new intersection and cross over into Dayton. Chair Bennett stated the bridge has been discussed, but it is out of the purview of the Parks Commission. He also explained the Comp Plan peer review process. Mr. Riverblood added that developers, when they purchase land, want to know what is desired there by the City. Many developers understand that park space adds value to all the lots in the subdivision, rather than adding sole value to a premium area. He also put on the overhead an earlier planning exercise for Sunfish Lake, as an example to illustrate what park space could look like on Mr. Nathe's land. He pointed out it could mean a trail easement through the area, or a trail down in the protected bluff zone, which might not be visible from the residential lots. There are several options that dedicated park space might eventually look like. It all depends on what the character of the development might look like. Chair Bennett commented that the Park and Rec Commission often works with developers and their proposals. As part of the Comp Plan committee, the Commission is looking to ensure a connected community with park resources for all. Maintaining the rural and natural character for Ramsey is part of the mission statement of the Comp Plan. If this area gets developed, this Commission would work with the developer to ensure that whatever the park space potentially looks like will meet the needs of the developer, the landowner, and the folks looking to build and live there. Mr. Nathe stated it is his understanding that developers have a choice to donate the land or pay the park fees; he would plan to pay the park fees rather than donate the land. Chair Bennett thanked Mr. Nathe for coming to the meeting and sharing concerns. Chair Bennett noted that the Comp Plan process has been exhaustive at this point, with a lot of citizen input. The plan is in alignment with what the citizens have expressed. Hopefully the Park and Rec Commission will be able to work with Mr. Nathe and also stay true to the 2040 Comp Plan going forward Mr. Riverblood suggested that over half of the City's parks are where they are at because they were shown as proposed designations, such that when development came forward, the City was able to communicate to the buyer what was intended there. Oftentimes, the proposed park areas are what drives the developer to buy the space. Commissioner Andrusko stated one of the main concerns during his time on the Planning Commission, related to developments, was where would the children play. That continues to be a priority for the Park and Rec Commission. Right now, there is not a great way to cross Highway 10. The kids need to be considered throughout this process. Park and Recreation Commission/April 12, 2018 Page 4 of 7