Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/20/2001

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Case #7: Recommend Park Dedication Rates and Trail Fees for 2002 Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted that each year the City Council adopts rates and charges for the year ahead, which includes cash park dedication and trail fees. He presented the rates proposed by staff for the various charges and services for 2000 as contained in the staff report. Commissioner Rolfe noted that two years ago the trail fee was added and last year the park dedication fee was increased by ten percent. Commissioner Ostrum indicated his support for an increase of five percent. Motion by Commissioner Ostrum to recommend that the cash per unit park dedication rate for 2002 be increased by five percent. Motion died for lack of a second. Motion by Commissioner Rolfe, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to recommend that the park dedication rate for 2002 be $1,700 per unit and the trail fee be $400 per unit. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Cook, Commissioners Rolfe, Johns, LaMere, and Olds. Voting No: Commissioner Ostrum. Commissioner Ostrum stated he does not want rates to be set too high or to be priced out of the market. He noted there has been dramatic increases in park fees over the past few years. He stated he would have supported a park dedication rate of $1,500 per unit and a trail fee of $400. Commissioner Ostrum stated he is hearing more complaints from developers about having to put in trails and pay a trail fee plus higher park dedication rates. Chairperson Cook stated he did not think there would he complaints if park improvements are made with the fees collected. Commissioner Olds stated the Commission needs to support parks and he believes citizens want quality developments and parks. He believed this is also shown in the rates and fees that are set. Commissioner Ostrum stated the Commission needs to assure a good job is being done with the fees and not raise fees just because other cities charge a certain rate. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos pointed out the park dedication and trail fees are invested back into the parks. In response to Commissioner Ostrum, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos indicated the recommended fee increase represents a twenty-four percent increase. He also noted that the cost of blacktop has increased by twenty-some percent. Commissioner Ostrum suggested the increase be justified by that rationale rather than the rationale that Andover needs to charge the same fees as other communities. Park and Recreation Commission/September 20, 2001 Page 8 of 9