Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/10/2024

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Commissioner Olson referenced the playground replacement schedule and asked if there should be an increase in the fees related to the rise in inflation and cost of materials. Acting Chair Sis commented that he could consider that as well. Councilmember Musgrove stated that while she does not like to see these fees increased, the amount of space available for development will continue to decrease. She asked if there is information on the available land for development. She stated that it would seem practical to build that increase in for development so that the burden does not shift to the residents. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that these are fees paid by developers for impacts to the community and do not impact the levy or property taxes paid by residents. Commissioner Bennett agreed with the comments of Councilmember Musgrove. He stated that he does see benefit in avoiding raising fees, but also recognized that they will eventually run out of developable land. He stated that they have begun to see great development progress in Ramsey and was unsure if this would be the right time to increase fees as he wanted Ramsey to remain friendly to development. He did not feel comfortable arbitrarily throwing out a proposed increase to simply increase the funding source without understanding if there is a gap in funding they are trying to fulfill. Parks &Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the Commission would need to make a recommendation at this meeting in order for the Council to review the fee schedule with sufficient time. He agreed that capital costs have increased and did not believe that a two percent increase would be impactful to developers. He stated that the recommendation could be made that the increase only be applicable to residential development,which would allow the City to continue to remain more competitive in the commercial/industrial market. Commissioner Bennett commented that he would assume that there are other developer fees in addition to parks and trails. He commented that he would want to be consistent with the other fees, as it is hard to make a decision in a vacuum. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that he is not familiar with any proposed fee increases for development through public works but was unsure about community development. He stated that the fee discussion by the City Council will occur on October 22na Acting Chair Sis noted that assisted living facilities fall under commercial use and would have impact on the parks and trail system, as would employees of other businesses that use the parks and trails during their lunch breaks. He stated that he would be fine excluding industrial users from an increase but would want to see commercial/assisted living increased as well. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that it would be difficult to distinguish commercial from industrial, as those uses would have similar impacts on the parks and trail system. Park and Recreation Commission/ October 10, 2024 Page 3 of 6