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

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Commissioner Johns inquired if the special assessment would pass discrimination testing. Commissioner Droegemueller replied that they would not discriminating against people but charging a fee to the developer. Motion by Commissioner Rolfe, seconded by Commissioner Johns, to recommend keeping the park dedication fee the same for multi-family developments. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Rolfe, Johns, Asfahl, and Ostrum. Voting No: Commissioner Droegemueller. Chairperson Cook stated that the Commission would need to show proof that the multi-family units increase the recreation need of the community in order to justify the special assessment. Commissioner Droegemueller replied that he is trying to come up with a way to bring in funds to the City to assist with future development of parks. He thinks the City needs to be proactive and develop more ways to bring in additional funds to the City because at this point the City is purchasing land for parks and the land is just sitting there. Chairperson Cook replied that he does not think the City should charge an additional fee just because the City Council does not want to use tax dollars to develop parks. Case #3: Review Recreation District Boundaries Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated that at the City Cotmcil meeting of February 22, 2000, Council adopted a resolution amending how Park Dedication moneys are accounted for within Ramsey's 17 Recreation Districts. At that time, it was suggested that there could be too many districts. Commissioner Ostrum stated that they could review the possibility of redistricting. Chairperson Cook stated that he sees the value of the smaller rather than larger districts providing better recreational uses for the areas. If there is a higher density development then they receive more recreational facilities. The borders created, were created because the Commission felt a young child would not be able to cross to the other recreational district because of a major roadway. Before any changes be made to the districts he thought the decision should be very well thought through and suggested a joint meting with the City Council to explain the benefits of the districts. Commissioner Ostrum replied that once the research is done verifying the need for all 17 districts, then he would be comfortable going to the City Council saying the need for the districts it still there and why. Commissioner Rolfe suggested developing a list of things the Park Commission considers and then give the Council the reasons for their decision. Park and Recreation Commission/March 9, 2000 Page 5 of 8