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•City of Item #4.1 . <br /> � River E lk MEMORANDUM <br /> TO: Mayor and Council <br /> FROM: Pat Klaers, City Administrator <br /> DATE: June 26, 2000 <br /> SUBJECT: Brookstone Development <br /> On Tuesday, June 20, 2000, Finance Director Lori Johnson and I met with <br /> Rick Martens, president of Brookstone Inc., regarding their financial <br /> obligations for the business park project. The issues discussed included park <br /> dedication fees, surface water management (SWM) fees, and the possible <br /> payment of these fees over time. <br /> Based on the discussion of City Council at its last meeting, I believe I heard <br /> the majority indicate that a compromise on at least the park dedication fee <br /> amount was appropriate and that payment of the fees over time was <br /> acceptable. The Park and Recreation Commissioners' strong feelings regarding <br /> the full payment of park dedication fees make this a sensitive topic. It is very <br /> important for the city to keep the volunteer Park and Recreation <br /> Commissioners enthusiastic about enhancing the park system. <br /> From the staff point of view, full collection of the SWM fee at the time of <br /> platting is very important. The reasoning for this position is that this is an <br /> existing fee and an error was made in documenting the amount of the fee. <br /> Accordingly, if the fee is reduced, or allowed to be paid over time, a clear <br /> precedent would be established. On the other hand, the park dedication fee for <br /> industrial/business park properties is new and this preliminary plat was done <br /> prior to the fee being established. Evidently clear information on this fee was <br /> not provided to the developer in a timely fashion. In fact, if the developers had <br /> been present when the council considered this new fee, they may have been <br /> successful in obtaining some concessions from the city. Nonetheless, we will <br /> not have this type of situation again, so I don't believe allowing a reduced fee <br /> or payment over time for the park dedication obligation will set a precedent. <br /> 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425 <br />