WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN 10/6-10/19/23
Leesa Greenlee (10/16/23) Concerning: The implementation of the Parkland, Park and Recreation Facilities, Open Space and Trails Fee,
Frank Kern (10/18/23) Concerning: The implementation of the Parkland, Park and Recreation Facilities, Open Space and Trails Fee
From: Leesa Greenlee <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 3:22 PM
To: Padilla, Ingrid <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter to City Council, Re: Park Usage Fee
Hi Ingrid,
I would like for this letter to be read aloud at the City Council meeting on Thursday, to be recorded into the public record.
Thanks for doing this for me,
Leesa Greenlee
To: The Brisbane City Council
From: Park and Recreation Commissioner Leesa Greenlee
Concerning: The implementation of the Parkland, Park and Recreation Facilities, Open Space and Trails Fee, Dear Esteemed Council members,
I am writing this letter to support the implementation of the proposed Parkland, Park and Recreation Facilities, Open Space and Trails usage fee under consideration. I would have attended this important meeting in person, but my schedule has kept me away, so a letter will have to do.
Speaking as a member of The City of Brisbane Park and Rec Commission, I would like to emphasize what the citizens of Brisbane would gain by the money that this fee would generate.
The Park and Recreation facilities in this town are what the residents of Brisbane use on a regular basis. We are the most public-facing department the city has. Everyone from little kids to seniors, businesses and employees all use our public parks and buildings.These areas make our town a healthier more enjoyable place to live.
The City Council has already spent the money to do the nexus study to explore applying small fee to only large developments. Now is the time to make the decision to move forward and make this happen. Just like the already existing Public art fee, this money will accrue over time and could add a very much needed source of money to help maintain the parks and facilities the city owns and the citizens deserve.
This fee has already been applied in a majority of the cities in San Mateo County. It is completely reasonable and legal according to our own city lawyer. The funds will only be used when needs arise and are identified and approved by the Park and Rec Commission along with the City Council.
The best aspect of this fund would be how it will help the City balance it’s budget. This fund will help support Park and Rec projects without using money that would otherwise come from the general fund… this will free up other money in the general fund for other pressing projects that the City Council needs to address.
I dont see any reason to oppose this fee. It will only help enhance our public spaces. The City Council has an obligation to maintain our most publicly used places. This is a very easy way to preserve some of what makes Brisbane such a special place to live.
Respectfully,
Leesa Greenlee,
Park and Recreation Commissioner.
From: Frank Kern <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:18:59 PM
To: Padilla, Ingrid <[email protected]>
Subject: 10/18/23 City Council - Written Communication
Hi Ingrid -
Is it possible to have the attached presented in tomorrow's City Council Meeting as written communication? I am unable to attend in person.
Please advise.
Best regards,
Frank Kern
October 18, 2023
To: The Brisbane City Council
From: Frank Kern, Park and Recreation Commissioner
Concerning: The implementation of the Parkland, Park and Recreation Facilities, Open Space and Trails Fee Dear Esteemed Council members,
I understand City Council is currently studying and considering adopting a building development park impact fee that could yield funds benefiting Brisbane’s Park and Recreation Facilities and Open Space/Trails. I’m in full support of such a fee.
From how I’ve observed other cities, it’s not uncommon for builders to contribute to the on-going maintenance/creation of park features and most cities within San Mateo County have implemented an impact fee. Doing so in Brisbane could go a long way in creating long term funding for the upkeep/enhancements to the current facilities and execution of Capital Improvement Projects, like some or all of the Crocker Park Master Plan, while shielding some of the general fund.
The Parks & Recreation facilities, programming and staff are one of the primary reasons that make Brisbane so desirable to residents, visitors and businesses. This is an opportunity to make them even stronger.
Sincerely,
Frank Kern
Brisbane Park and Recreation Commissioner