Recommend Cash Contribution Rates for Park Dedication and Trail Fees for 2019.

Note: this case is a part of the annual Adoption of Rates and Charges, and relates specifically to a portion of development fees.

Description of Park Dedication and Trail Fees
Any time new development occurs within the city of Ramsey, the subdivision of land is evaluated for parks and trail needs. If park land is not needed, the City of Ramsey will accept cash in lieu of physical Park Dedication. The cash payment is then used for current/future park development. The same evaluation of the physical need versus a cash equivalent is true for both Park Dedication (land or cash) and Trail Fees (trail construction or cash).

Dedication is calculated based on the size of a development and the density, as well as residential versus commercial/industrial land use and rates; and is listed within the city’s annual Rates and Charges.

Purpose
The city recognizes that parks, trails, and open space are essential to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the city and persons working in the city, and that the character and quality of the environment as well as recreational opportunities are of major importance - and therefore 'Park Dedication' and 'Trail Fees' are critical development fees in the planning and development processes of the city.  The city must not only provide these necessary amenities for our citizens today, but also be insightful to the needs of future residents.

Methodology and History
Rates for land dedication have remained fairly static for several decades – however there have been some minor changes now that greater densities are permitted; and there were formulaic changes for land uses that have demonstrable lower ‘demand’ for parks and open-space (E.g. memory care centers).

Additionally, the acreage/fee structure is reviewed by Council annually, for ‘cost of living’ adjustments each year as part of the Rates and Charges analysis – however, the last several years there have been minor increases to Park Dedication and Trail Fees.

Further, Ramsey’s rates are compared to similar suburban cities in the metropolitan area, as well as our immediate neighbors on an annual basis - however, while this may be useful, development fees must respond to a legitimate need associated with the change in land use (increased densities and park and trail users) and thus the following is what actually informs Park Dedication and Trail Fee rates.

In concluding, park land and park and trail improvements themselves are identified within the Parks Capital Improvement Plan – which is adopted each year by City Council. This plan is a reflection of community need ( then reflected in development fees), with the forecast improvements often out-pacing revenue from Park Dedication and Trail Fees.
 

Prior to adoption of the 2019 Rates and Charges Schedule, City Council conducts a Public Hearing.  Park Dedication and Trail Fees are a part of this schedule and Public Hearing.

The new 'demand' for parks and trails is increasing with increasing development - it is appropriate for the Commission to recommend to City Council the aforementioned rate structure for 2019 within the Rates and Charges Schedule, and thus the purpose of this case.

For 2019, Staff is recommending an increase of 2% or less, in the following categories; cash Park Dedication per Residential Unit ($50), Commerical/Assisted Living Facilities ($100 per acre), and Industrial ($75 per acre).

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Staff recommends amending the cash Park Dedication rates as shown in the attached table.

Trail Development Fees are not being recomended for an adjustment for 2019..

 Motion to recommend to City Council a 2019 cash Park Dedication rate per residential unit of $3,050 - with a $100 and $75 increase per acre respectfully, for the commercial/industrial subdivision of land.