Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/14/2021

Home

Commissioner Sis referenced the estimated park size of 23.06 acres and asked if that calculation includes wetlands. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that the wetland area is included in that total acreage. Commissioner Sis asked if it is common to accept wetland as part of a park area. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that the City has done that a lot as the wetland area is used for different recreational activities and wildlife. He commented that land credit is not provided for that wetland area, therefore it would in essence provide additional space for public use without cost. Motion by Commissioner Barten, seconded by Commissioner Sis, to recommend to the City Council that Park Dedication and Trail Fees for the Trott Brook Crossing shall be satisfied by a combination of land, cash and credit for certain park and trail improvements as specified within the case. Further discussion: Commissioner Walker stated that at the last meeting there was a different development request for a project building in rural Ramsey. He stated that he also would not support this project as it is not supported the residents in rural Ramsey. He stated that he also does not support accepting a park without the full scope of costs being known. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Bennett; Commissioners Barten, Sis, Leistico, and Olson. Voting No: Commissioner Walker. Absent: Commissioner Loss. 5.02: Recommend No Changes for 2022 Park Development Fees Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that each year the City Council adopts a resolution approving the fees and charges for the next year, which relates to all City and development fees. He stated that the Commission therefore provides a review and recommendation related to Park Dedication in anticipation of the review of the Council. He provided background on the purpose and intent of park dedication. He explained that the Park Dedication ensures that the new parks and trails that will be needed to support new residents, is funded by the developers to ensure that existing residents are not burdened with that expense. He explained the factors that are considered when reviewing the rates each year, including comparison with other communities. He stated that staff is not recommending an increase to park dedication fees for 2022. Commissioner Sis asked the last time park dedication was increased. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that a small adjustment to round out the numbers was made in 2018, which became effective in 2019. Motion by Commissioner Sis, seconded by Commissioner Barten, to recommend to City Council maintaining Park Dedication and Trail Fees at the existing rates,for 2022,to include the residential per unit fees — and including the per acre rates for the commercial/industrial subdivision of land. Park and Recreation Commission/October 14, 2021 Page 6 of 9