Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/13/2022

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Councilmember Musgrove commented that she did not recall the discussion. She stated that the Council did raise some fees where it felt appropriate. She referenced the concern related to limited land for development and the need to capture funds now. She stated that the money raised through Park Dedication cannot be used in existing parks and therefore asked where the additional funds would be used. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the discussion of the Commission last year overlapped the discussion of the Council and therefore it was an issue of timing as the recommendation from the Commission came in the night before the first reading of the fees by the Council. He explained that there needs to be a nexus between the fees and the need. He commented that within the CIP there are millions of dollars of projects, therefore there is a demonstrable need. Vice Chair Sis stated that he would also recommend an increase beyond what was previously recommended because of the increasing cost of materials to build out park spaces and features. He stated that perhaps the recommendation from last year be doubled, which would be $4,500 for residential park dedication and $1,300 for trail fees. Commissioner Loss commented that he agrees with the Trail Fees but asked if the Park Dedication should be even higher. He asked Councilmember Musgrove for details on the discussion the Council may have. Councilmember Musgrove commented that City staff will make a presentation with the recommendation of the Commission, a potential alternative, and/or the Council could make a different choice. Vice Chair Sis stated that the increases proposed as not out of line with inflation and believed that that increase will most likely remain at that level. Commissioner Walker stated that he would support $1,500 for a trail fee. Vice Chair Sis asked if there is a delineation for Trail Fees and whether there is a separate fund for trails versus parks. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that the Trail Fees are deposited into the Park Trust Fund and therefore there is not a distinction. He agreed that there is a lot of need for trail projects as well. Commissioner Leistico stated that in light of the additional information related to the Council decision last year she would support the additional increase. Motion by Commissioner Barten, seconded by Commissioner Loss,to recommend to City Council that Park Dedication effective for 2023, be $4,500 per dwelling unit, and that Trail Fees be $1,500 per dwelling unit and that the per acre rates for the commercial/industrial subdivision of land remain static, at the existing 2022 rates. Park and Recreation Commission/October 13, 2022 Page 3 of 6