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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – NOVEMBER 16, 2015 2 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that in a reuse situation, the City could choose to waive the land dedication fee but still collect a park development fee. She also said that for commercial land dedication, 5% of the value of the land is required to be dedicated but residential land dedication would vary based on density as it is assumed a higher density residential area has a greater need for public open space. This would result in a greater land dedication requirement. She noted the density thresholds in the draft ordinance are aligned with the densities of the TCAAP zoning. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the park development fee is a per unit fee; therefore, a multi-family development would pay a higher park development fee than a single family home. The draft ordinance language states that the park development fee may be reduced for developer installed public park improvements. In that situation, the City would consider the developer’s proposed improvements and make proportionate reductions to the park development fee. She also said that some cities allow private improvements to be used to offset the park dedication fee but this is excluded in Arden Hills as the City is trying to develop a community park system. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that during the development of the TCAAP Master Plan, there was an analysis of the City’s existing park amenities and population, and the information was then extrapolated to determine the need for park space and amenities at TCAAP. Sample park layouts were presented to the PTRC and then reviewed by the City Council. Subsequently, the City contracted with HKGi to estimate park development costs. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted the draft ordinance states that if there is a subdivision occurring adjacent to a trail identified in the City’s comprehensive plan (e.g., on TCAAP, the north/south trail and the trail along the natural resources corridor), the subdivider/developer must provide a connection to the City trail and there would be no reduction in park dedication fees. Stacie Kvilvang stated the goal of the proposed fee structure is to ensure the City gets what it needs for the types of park improvements desired. She said there must be a comfort level in the ordinance by both Legal and City staff that the City can make the determination if it wants to charge a fee versus acquiring dedicated land. The proposed fees are based upon unit counts (1431) and dedicated land requirements (24 acres) per the City’s approved Master Plan. The following table represents the park land, improvements and financing costs: Councilmember Holmes asked for clarification of Park A and Park B.