Forest Lake council approves parks master‑plan update; allocates up to $55,800 from park‑dedication funds

The Forest Lake City Council approved a contract to finish the city’s parks master plan and to analyze park‑dedication fees, authorizing the use of park‑dedication funds to pay for the work.

Dave, representing parks staff, told the council the Parks Commission asked staff to obtain costs to complete the 2022 master plan. "They provided a scope of service for $28,500 to complete the master plan, but they also gave a few more options," Dave said, reporting that the total cost for the base scope plus four alternates and a park‑dedication fee analysis would be $55,800. Staff recommended using park dedication funds to pay the cost because the work is planning for future development.

Council members asked clarifying questions about scope and the best timing to align the park plan with the city’s comprehensive plan update. A council member moved to approve the Parks Plan Consulting Services proposal and a second was recorded; the motion carried by voice vote. The transcript records one council member clarifying the dollar amounts during the discussion; staff reiterated the recommended total of $55,800 and that the Parks Commission had unanimously recommended approval.

The council requested that staff ensure the study includes defensible justification for any proposed park‑dedication fee, noting that a well‑documented methodology helps the city defend fee amounts if challenged by developers. The approved scope includes the base master‑plan completion, alternates identified by staff and an analysis of park‑dedication fees.