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

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linking the new developments are necessary, because the City does not have sidewalks, as opposed to some cities who have the ability to put sidewalks in. Motion by Commissioner Ostrum, seconded by Commissioner Droegemueller, to increase the park dedication fee to $1,200 and increase the trail fee to $300. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Ostrum, Droegemueller, Asfahl, and Johns. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners LaMere and Rolfe. Commissioner Droegemueller stated he believed it was necessary to take an aggressive approach to see that the trails are funded. Chair Cook stated it was also important to maintain credibility. He stated that if they request more than they need, in order to insure they will get what they require, they might lose their credibility. Commissioner Droegemueller stated many citizens over the age of 40 no longer have children who utilize the athletic facilities of the parks, however, they do utilize the trails. He stated this was the segment of the population to which the amount must be rationalized. He stated he did not feel the Commission was being too aggressive in requesting the $300 trail fee. Commissioner Johns inquired if the City Council could reduce the trail fee, and the Commission, thereby lose the ability to further recommend in regard to trails as a priority. She inquired if the Commission would rather have the park dedication reduced, or the trail fee. Commissioner Asfahl stated 50 percent of the fee would provide for flexibility in spending, and this could be indicated within the C.I.P. plan. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated the prior year, the City Council had increased the park dedication more than the requested amount. He stated it could be included in the motion that any reduction that might be considered be brought back before the Commission for discussion. Chair Cook stated the Commission should discuss the second issue of this item, which is whether they should take park dedication within a particular Recreation District, and use 50 percent of that dedication. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated there were 17 recreational districts within the City. He stated since 1992, those citizens located within the large area around Emerald Pond were aware that the dollars that were incorporated within their lot home purchase would be spent within that area. He stated this policy has worked very well, in that has removed some of the politics from the expenditures. He stated there was a sizeable amount in the park trust fund, spread out over a number of districts, and without that mechanism it would be very easy for a particular interest group to lobby for a particular project. He stated the existing program assures that those who pay receive some of the benefit. Park/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated staff recommends the present policy be modified to provide that 50 percent of the funds would stay within the Recreational District from which they were collected, and the Park and Recreation Commission/September 9, 1999 Page 8 of 14