Minutes - Council Work Session - 11/23/2021

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Councilmember Specht commented that he would not be in favor of increasing the fees and thinks development ought to be encouraged. Councilmember Howell asked how the City’s rates compare to the City of Andover. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied he can look at the Commission’s agenda and get that information. He stated some of the adjacent communities were near similar, some were higher, and he believed Andover may have been higher. It gets difficult to tell because some communities are requiring developers to put all trails in their costs while other communities, like Ramsey and Andover, have trail fees and some communities don’t have trail fees. He explained that was a part of the discussion with the Commission last Thursday and there are other variables as well. He noted Elk River has part of the revenue from the liquor store go back into the parks so there is not a very good comparison. City Administrator Ulrich interjected that it is clear the Council wants to hear more about this so it will be kept off the agenda tonight and brought to a future work session when more details can be discussed. Councilmember Specht agreed stating he would like to hear more details and determine how to bring the current parks up to standards. Councilmember Heineman commented he was a part of the meeting where rates from surrounding communities were discussed and Ramsey’s rates were low in comparison even with the 15% increase. City Administrator Ulrich commented for clarification in response to Councilmember Musgrove’s questions, he didn’t get a summary if any or all of those items would be moved up and asked for direction. He noted aeration and signage were proposed and asked if those would be moved up and funded from the Parks Maintenance Fund. Councilmember Howell asked if it would be possible to see multiple price points for the signage so there are options. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed this. He added that discussions should include Community Development because the entrance monument has been worked on for Bunker and 47. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that he would support moving the items earlier in the CIP with the understanding that it is a guiding document that doesn’t require commitment. He would support getting things done as soon as possible. Finance Director Lund asked whether they are under the year 2022, noting projects have to be approved by Council and there is one meeting left in 2021. City Council Work Session / November 23, 2021 Page 11 of 15