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

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Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that would be difficult to determine conclusively, because it cannot be certain when and how properties will develop. He stated that estimates could be done based on the current zoning or projection growth. Acting Chair Sis stated that the fee structure has to be based on reality and need and therefore he wondered whether there is a metric that would establish such a need. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that the need is the CIP. He stated that plan also includes a community center which is often a public/private partnership. He provided details on the interfund loan that was used to purchase properties within The COR. He stated that land sales are currently paying back that loan, but once that is paid off, staff would propose to use a majority of the land sales within The COR used for construction of Municipal Plaza and The Waterfront. He noted that another option would be to perhaps gain additional funding through referendum to support community desires, such as a community center to include other park needs. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the Park Trust Funds must be used for new development. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that it is legal for the City to impose development fees, as every home permitted places new need on City infrastructure and facilities. He noted that some developments are already near larger city parks that meet that need. He explained that there needs to be a nexus between Park Dedication fees collected and how the funds are used. He stated that the trail system helps to provide that geographical connection to existing park features. He stated that the nexus is more important in The COR because of the density and need for additional outside space for apartment residents. He stated that when a city does not do a good job allocating park dedication dollars, there can be liability from developers that may take the city to court. He stated that the previous year they reviewed the 2021 and 2022 projects, which had a very good geographic distribution. Commissioner Leistico asked if the City has the funding and projects identified but is lacking the manpower or labor to implement the projects. She noted that some of these projects are not that large in scale of funding but have remained on the list for years. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that people and funding is required for projects. He noted that the boardwalk project required a certain amount of time and energy to develop the plans and specifications along with the time needed to go through the proper Commissions for review. He stated that even when a contract is brought on for the project, staff still has oversight of the project and there needs to be ongoing maintenance. He noted that the Commission would probably be suprised to hear the amount of maintenance that is required for the dog park. He estimated that 30,000 dog waste bags are used throughout the city as an example. He stated that the larger the park and trail system grows, the more time and energy is needed for maintenance, therefore it is a balancing act. Acting Chair Sis stated that the additional information that was requested has been provided, and asked the Commission on input on the direction it would like to take. Park and Recreation Commission/November 18, 2021 Page 7 of 12