Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/18/2021

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Further discussion: Commissioner Walker asked why the fees have not been raised in the past three years, noting that everything costs more money now than it did three years ago. He referenced the anticipated future needs, using the example of the dog park discussions. He commented that real estate value continues to increase, and the fees should increase in a relative manner. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the City Council also provides input and the desire to welcome certain developments. He stated that the Commission can make a different recommendation for the Park Dedication rates related to residential development. Commissioner Sis stated that while the cost of playground equipment and other materials has increased, he believed that there was a decrease in the cost of paving this past year. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided additional clarity on the difference in costs and actual costs for paving and trails. He also provided explanation on the use of charitable gambling funds. Chair Bennett stated that there were previous concerns expressed that if the City was not competitive in terms of fees, Ramsey would not be competitive in terms of development opportunity. Commissioner Walker asked for information on the rates of other communities. Chair Bennett replied that Ramsey was slightly below some cities previously but ended up rating fairly competitively. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that action could be tabled on this matter with clear direction for what the Commission would like to review at the November meeting, which would still be on schedule for the Council review prior to the end of the year. He stated that typically Ramsey has ranked slightly below the median for development fees as the Council has desired to remain competitive. He stated that the rates will vary and provided the example of Anoka, which is almost built out and therefore may have higher rates, and Nowthen which has low rates because there is comparatively less development. Cornrnissioner Sis asked if staff would have sufficient time to bring this matter back in November and then forward to the Council to remain on schedule. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that there should not be an issue. Commissioner Sis withdrew his motion to allow for further exploration and discussion. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood asked for input on what information the Commission would like to review at the November meeting. Cornrnissioner Sis stated that he would like to see the rates of comparable communities. Commissioner Barten stated that he would be interested in Elk River, Otsego, and Rogers. Commissioner Walker mentioned Coon Rapids. Blaine was also mentioned. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that staff would review the neighboring communities and would also review five cities of comparable population in different areas of the metro. Cornrnissioner Leistico asked if there would be a manner to determine if the actual costs are being covered in the rates. She agreed with the statement of Commissioner Walker that everything has increased in cost in the past three years and wanted to ensure that the City's costs are covered in attempt to meet the future desires of the park system. Park and Recreation Commission/October 14, 2021 Page 7 of 9