Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/13/2022

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Observations and general declarations The Plat is 200.5 acres and if Park Dedication would be satisfied by all land dedication, would equate to 20.05 acres. The Plat is proposed to consist of 270 lots and if Park Dedication would be satisfied solely by cash, it would be in the amount of $3,500 per dwelling unit (the 2021 rate), or $945,000. Trail Fees are $1,000 per dwelling unit (the 2021 rate), or $270,000. The Developer and the City agree that Park Dedication and Trail Fees for the proposed Trott Brook Crossing shall be best satisfied by a combination of land, cash and credit for certain park and trail improvements. This proposed combination and calculation is as follows: Acres of credit eligible land for Park Dedication 10.79 acres of fully usable land are proposed to be dedicated for park, and 4.31 acres encumbered by the overhead electric transmission lines and tower are to be credited at 50% or the equivalent of 2.15 acres for a total of 12.95 acres. (The partial land credit, based upon discussion by the Park & Recreation Commission in 2020, referenced above.) 12.95 acres satisfy 65% ($614,250) of the Park Dedication due, leaving 35% to be satisfied by a cash contribution ($330,750). Staff proposes that the full Park Dedication cash amount in effect at the time of platting be collected on the last 35 lots platted, with the first 175 lots platted considered satisfied. (The alternative and customary manner would be to require 35% of the cash contribution on each lot platted for each phase.) Park fee to be satisfied via cash contribution would be $330,750 (2021 rate). Trail Fees The Developer will be constructing 2,820 of bituminous trail in the appropriate phase of the subdivision, this shall be credited at $25 per lineal foot or $70,500. The Developer will be constructing 160' feet of boardwalk installed on mud pans at $185 per lineal foot, and accordingly $29,600 shall be credited against Trail Fees owed. The Developer shall also be constructing 40' feet of floating boardwalk (bridge) anchored by 4" galvanized spuds at $400 per foot, and accordingly $16,000 shall also be credited against Trail Fees owed. The total of credit against Trail Fees for the bituminous trail and boardwalk is $116,100, leaving 57% of Trail Fees to be satisfied by a cash contribution of the rate at the time of platting each lot. Trail fee to be satisfied via cash contribution would be $153,900 (2021 rate). Observations continued The aforementioned prediction for the need for a 6th community park in this area of north/central Ramsey had much to do with serving the anticipated numbers of new residents and their need for recreation space in this area, north and near Trott Brook. The proposed park with various amenities like the athletic fields, trails, playground, shelter, restroom etc, will fulfill that need. Also over the same decade(s) of envisioning the need for a 6th community park to support more residential growth, Ramsey residents have continually expressed a lament that the community is losing its rural character. The opportunity to 'save' the existing farmstead instead of demolishing the century -old structure's represents a symbolic preservation of Ramsey's past culture or heritage. However, more valuable yet, will be the adaptive reuse of these same wood buildings and barn for public use. The opportunities are many, and align with the communities top refrain (from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan) to 'balance urban growth while preserving our rural character'. The farmstead park may include community gardens, a cooperative style CSA (community supported agriculture), a charming backdrop for photos, and certainly many opportunities for public use of the buildings like the existing farm house for rentals. As a point of reference, Elmcrest Park's building in one month this summer generated $2,400 in rental revenue. The farmstead park, with a renovated barn for large receptions and gatherings would easily quadruple that amount. The farmstead would also lend itself well as the site for a Fall Heritage type festival in addition to weekly Farmer's Market. (For all of the above reasons, staff is proposing using the working name of 'Heritage Farm' as a descriptive, working title for the proposed park.) Upon the Commissions recommendation to City Council on the Park Dedication for Trott Brook