Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/09/1999

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Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated, based upon this discussion, staff has conducted a survey of the communities that have most recently reviewed their park dedication rates. He stated the average of these rates was $1,157 for 1999. He noted, however, some of these communities may have revised their rates since the survey was taken. He stated the City of Ramsey adjusts the park dedication rates for the subsequent year, by resolution at year's end, at the same time all other rates are adjusted. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos suggested that if it was the consensus of the Commission that the park dedication rates be adjusted prior to year's end, this item could be brought forward to the City Council at this time. He stated there are no active developments, subdivisions, or any significant proposals within the City at this time, and this presents an ideal opportunity to increase the rates without impacting a development already in progress. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated in some cases, the City receives land to meet the park dedication. He explained, for example, if a subdivision is required to set aside 10 percent of a one hundred acre subdivision as park dedication, and the City needs 5 acres of park land, 50 percent of the developer's park dedication would be fulfilled with the dedication of the land. He stated half of the money per lot would be due, rather than the full amount, and if Ramsey's park dedication were $1,200, the fee in this case would be $600 per new lot. Chairperson Cook inquired if they had considered changing the percentage of land required. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated this would be difficult to change, as it has been a standard for a very long time, and is a standard in every community he is aware of. Commissioner Asfahl inquired how the percentage was established. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated this had been in effect for as long as he was aware, however, he was uncertain where this percentage originated. Chair Cook stated the City was currently charging a $150 trail fee, in addition to the $975 park dedication fee. He stated he was not aware if this was similar practice within the other communities, however, the total of these fees is $1,125. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated, at this time, staff was recommending a $1,200 park dedication fee, and a $200 trail fee, which would equate to $1,400. Chair Cook inquired if this would bring the City into the median range of the majority of communities surveyed. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated this was somewhat higher than the median range of the other communities, however, the survey was based upon their 1999 rates, and the proposed fees would be for the year 2000, and would not appear to be excessive. He commented he was not aware how many of these communities institute a trail fee, as this was not a part of the survey, however, he would estimate that at least a couple of them do. Park and Recreation Commission/September 9, 1999 Page 5 of 14