Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/08/2018

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Motion carried.Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Bayer, Trappen, Leistico, Sis. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Recommend Proposed 2019 Facility Use Policy and Rental Rates Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood introduced a discussion of the 2019 facility polices and rental rates. He noted that the Council reviews these policies and rates each year for all City facilities, and will consider them again at the Council meeting next week. There are some minor revisions suggestions for the rate structure. He noted that many 501c3 non- profits have been requesting to use the facilities, and many were not located in Ramsey. In doing so, they were able to use a large meeting room for the $5 minimum maintenance fee. That has become a concern because some of these groups would cause a great deal of demand for maintenance. One group a few weeks ago left bags and bags of garbage in addition to ordinary wear and tear. The policy revision requires a 501c3 physical facility in Ramsey or requires the organization to have some other recent, significant contribution to Ramsey. The other change increases the $5 minimum maintenance fee to $10. He also pointed out some other minor changes in facility use of for-profit businesses. Commissioner Trappen commented that the proposed $10 cleaning/maintenance fee is still too low and suggested $20 may be more appropriate. Commissioner Leistico noted that she leads a youth group that meets at the Central Park building, and they meet twice monthly for an annual fee of $90. Now the fee will be $180, which is a sizable increase. Increasing it more than that would cause her group to look elsewhere. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated there is definitely a difference between the Anoka/Ramsey Athletic Association with a $800,000 budget and the Girl Scout group which may have an operating expense account of $200. There is not a good way to find that balance. But the $5 fee was not even covering paper towels and basic supplies. Staff is recommending a $5 increase. In special circumstances, it is appropriate to consider a waiver of fees. If a Scout group uses a building, for example, and they sponsor the park, there could be room for negotiation. Motion by Commissioner Sis, seconded by Commissioner Bayer, to approve the Facility Use Policy and the rental rates structure as indicated within the attachments to the staff report and as discussed. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Sis, Bayer, Leistico, Trappen. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5.02: Recommend Cash Contribution Rates for Park Dedication and Trail Fees for 2019 Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood introduced a discussion of development fees associated with new development in the community. These fees will also be Park and Recreation Commission/November 8, 2018 Page 2 of 6