Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/09/2000

Home

Chairperson Cook replied that after reviewing the cities survey he does not think the City is out of line by charging the standard per unit park dedication fee. By charging the higher rate up front he feels it will keep a developer from building an apartment complex of low value. Commissioner Rolfe agreed that the charging the current per unit park dedication rate increases the standards, but does like the idea of collecting a fee on a yearly basis. Commissioner Ostrum inquired if a lien could be placed on the property for that amount owed to the City. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos replied that if a special assessment were not paid within a certain amount of time then the fee would be levied against their property taxes. Chairperson Cook stated that the City of Ramsey has become a higher quality City and thinks they would be doing a harm to the City if they lower the standards for multi-family dwellings. Commissioner Rolfe replied that he did not think it would lower standards, but allow the City to collect more funds over the years. Chairperson Cook replied that the reduced fees lowers the responsibility of the developer and brings in people who want to develop a property fast and make the money and then turn the property over. Consensus of the Park Commission was to direct Staff to research the possibility of charging a special assessment on multi-family dwellings. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that he will conduct a survey to see if other cities use special assessments for park dedication. He questioned if the Commission feels that apartment dwellers have a greater or lesser need for parks and why. Commissioner Johns replied that the impact on the parks and trails in the area would depend on if the complex was a senior development or one that draws a lot of children, but questioned if the higher density increases the need for more green space. Chairperson Cook stated that young couples are more likely to use recreation facilities as if they were living a single family dwelling. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that it would also depend on how the complex is set-up. He suggested the possibility of waiving a portion of the park dedication for tangible things that might be included on the site. Commissioner Rolfe stated that residential neighborhoods place a continuous demand on the parks system also and by charging the special assessment to multi-unit dwelling could be setting a precedent to create a whole new tax for everyone. Park and Recreation Commission/March 9, 2000 Page 4 of 8