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

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Acting Chair Sis commented that it appears there is a difference between what commercial/assisted living and industrial properties are charged for park dedication. Commissioner Bennett commented that there is not enough time to gather more details and provide a specific recommendation to the Council given the timeline for this discussion. He stated that he would not be comfortable providing a percentage of increase but would feel comfortable providing direction to the Council to potentially increase the fees in line with the other development costs as they see fit. Acting Chair Sis stated that he could support three to five percent as an increase to keep in line with inflation, as there was no increase made last year. He noted that this is a recommendation, and the Council would make the ultimate decision. Commissioner Olson stated that he could support an increase between three and five percent to ensure there is sufficient funding for the proposed community amenities in the park system. Acting Chair Sis asked Councilmember Musgrove for input on the appetite of the Council for a single digit increase. Councilmember Musgrove commented that a single digit increase would be better. She stated that the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO) is increasing its fees in response to not increasing fees for a period of time and if therefore playing catch up. She stated that it is harder on developers to have large increases and therefore incremental fees are easier. She stated that the fees need to be connected to the needs. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that within the capital improvement program, there are approximately $30,000,000 of projects included and the community center has been included with an approximate cost of$20,000,000, in addition to that overall cost. He noted that an index of$50,000,000 can be linked to an increase in development fees. He stated that there is a demand, and projects proposed within the parks and trails plan that will always over-strip the available park dedication fees. Acting Chair Sis asked if the Commission would be comfortable with four percent for an increase. Commissioner Bennett commented that he would not feel comfortable with an arbitrary percentage. He stated that these are developer-paid costs, but those are passed on to consumers. He stated that he would feel more comfortable supporting an increase if there were some type of funding gap identified. Acting Chair Sis clarified that this would be an increase of 4.5 percent to the park dedication fee and not the overall project cost. Commissioner Bennett commented that he has difficulty supporting an arbitrary increase if it is not linked to a funding gap. Park and Recreation Commission/ October 10, 2024 Page 4 of 6