01-11-16-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 14, 2015 7 B. Motion to Approve Ordinance 2015-009 in Planning Case 15-023 (Public Use Dedication Ordinance) and Motion to Approve Publishing a Summary of Ordinance 2015-009 Associate Planner Bachler stated that development results in new residents and employees that have an impact on a community’s existing public infrastructure, such as streets, utilities, and parks. Minnesota State law authorizes cities to require as part of a subdivision approval that a reasonable portion of buildable land be dedicated to the public or preserved for public use specifically for parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands, or open space. The City’s current public use dedication requirements are found in Chapter 11 – Subdivisions, Section 1130.08 of the City Code. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that with the pending redevelopment of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) site, City staff has been working with the City Attorney to update the public use dedication requirements to ensure that sufficient resources will be available for park development on TCAAP. Additionally, the update to the ordinance is meant to clarify park dedication requirements throughout the City and to affirm that these requirements may apply to redevelopment or reuse projects as well. Associate Planner Bachler reported that the City Council reviewed the proposed amendments to Section 1130.08 at their work session on November 16, 2015. City staff presented a summary of the changes to the park dedication ordinance, which would be updated to include two requirements for subdivision or development approval: a land dedication requirement and a park development fee. The land dedication requirement would allow the City to acquire land for park, trail, and open space purposes. The park development fee would enable the City to collect fees to be used for park development and improvements. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the City’s financial advisor, Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers and Associates, provided an analysis of the estimated costs for park acquisition and development on TCAAP at the Work Session. The City Council and Ms. Kvilvang discussed an appropriate park development fee amount to ensure sufficient funds are available to develop the parks and open spaces shown on the TCAAP Regulating Plan. Following their discussion the City Council directed staff to schedule the required public hearing for the ordinance at the Planning Commission meeting on December 9, 2015, and to place the ordinance on the City Council agenda for December 14, 2015. Associate Planner Bachler commented that the Planning Commission raised several issues during their discussion on the proposed ordinance. Staff forwarded these questions to the City Attorney who has since provided a revised version of Ordinance 2015-009. One change was made under Subdivision 1, Paragraph B replacing the word “Council” with “City” for the purpose of consistency. Staff explained the Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 15-023 at their regular meeting on December 9, 2015, and recommended approval (5-1, Zimmerman) of the proposed amendments to Section 1130.08 of the Arden Hills City Code, as presented in the December 14, 2015 Report to the City Council. Councilmember Holden asked if the recommendation had been reviewed by the City Attorney.