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

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chair Sis; Commissioners Ealain, and Arts. Voting No: None. Absent: Chair Barten and Commissioner Leistico. Abstained: Commissioners Bennett and Olson. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Recommend 2025 Park Development Fees Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that each year the Commission reviewed the park development fees and provides a recommendation to the City Council. He provided background information on the purpose of Park Dedication fees from different types of development and how those funds are used. He stated that in 2021 and 2022 the Commission did a deep dive of the park dedication rates, comparing those to other communities as well as the nexus of capital improvements planned and future growth in the future. He stated that an increase was recommended in 2023, and no change was proposed for 2024. Staff does not recommend any increases or changes to the rates established for 2024. Acting Chair Sis commented that he would be fine with the staff recommendation. He asked if developers have provided feedback on the fees and whether they are a hindrance. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that staff does sometimes receive that comment from smaller developers, or those looking to subdivide a single lot into two, as they are not as familiar with the typical City fees. Acting Chair Sis stated that when the Commission did the deeper dive and compared to other communities, they discovered that it was difficult to compare to other communities as some communities are completely built out and no longer have a need to expand their park system. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood confirmed that it is difficult to compare to other communities as some use revenue from municipal liquor stores to fund parks needs and others split fees in different ways. He explained that the Park Dedication for a community must be linked to the needs for the community's park system. Acting Chair Sis asked if there has been consideration of trying to find a better source of funding for a potential community center at The Waterfront. Councilmember Musgrove replied that a lot of funding would be needed for that element and currently there are higher priority needs for those funds. She stated that the Council does recognize the desire for the community to have that center and they will continue to look at options for creative funding. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that the ultimate funding for a community building/center would likely have multiple funding sources. He also noted revenue that could be generated from the different elements of the community building/center. He advised of other demands on the Park Trust fund and Charitable Gambling fund within the parks system. He stated that the direction of the Council was to move forward with the trails and water play area and work towards the other elements in the future. Park and Recreation Commission/ October 10, 2024 Page 2 of 6