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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee – January 21, 2025 Page 10 these funds for. He sent the Fridley response. They had their 75th anniversary of the City and 50th anniversary of the 49ers Day Festival. Fridley held an anniversary event during the Fridley 49ers Day celebration. That could be a resource for funding, when the anniversary events are being discussed. Committee Member Johnson said it would be nice to talk to the planners of that event. Council Liaison Rousseau said there is a 49ers Day Committee, and we can reach out to the City of Fridley to have that discussion. Committee Member Johnson thought they may have some suggestions on how to organize the volunteers. Council Liaison Rousseau thought Mounds View has a celebration and could possibly offer some input. The 49ers will be a good place to start. She shared that Fridley also used some funds for a Winter Fest that was held at Springbook Nature Center. It is estimated that 250 attendees enjoyed Winter Fest activities like fat tire biking, campfires, photo ops, arts and crafts, frozen bubbles, snow games, bird feeder making, scavenger hunts and a medallion hunt. They also had an Environmental Fun Fair where they used the money. That was also at Springbrook Nature Center. There were about 500 attendees. There were a variety of exhibitors from the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota to share about activities for all ages. The Gateway funds were also used for summer concerts. She said the Gateway Visitors Bureau also has a place for marketing. That can be a resource for advertising any events. Committee Member Johnson asked if there is a formal application process through Arden Hills. Council Liaison Rousseau said no. She thinks it is just an email and they will update their website to promote local events. Council Liaison Rousseau updated that Council approved the senior development at North Heights. Council agreed that they were disappointed with the developer. There was no dedicated affordable housing with that project. The Comprehensive Plan guides that affordable housing is one of the goals. City Code doesn’t specifically address affordable housing. There is no legal standing to deny a project based on that criteria. It was approved. She hopes the City Code will be updated to reflect that Comp Plan criteria, as the Zoning regulations are revised. The City is currently working with a consultant to review and update the City Code. Council Liaison Rousseau said we anticipate receiving $1 million in fees for park dedication from the North Heights project. That can help fund the upcoming trails projects. The developer will build a connector trail. The connector will be built with that park dedication money. The final park dedication amount received will be less, but that extra trail space will be installed with the project. She added that a small playground is required. It is a 55+ community, but the playground will be installed for grandchildren and other visitors.