Mendon council approves funding to begin impact-fee studies for parks and trails

Mendon — The Mendon City Council voted to fund initial impact-fee analyses and to pursue partner funding for additional studies on Feb. 12.

City Treasurer Daphne Carlson outlined a plan for four impact-fee studies to help new development pay for growth-related infrastructure. She noted Mendon already charges water and sidewalk impact fees and said new fees must meet statutory restrictions: they "cannot be used to cure deficiencies in public facilities," cannot raise an existing level of service, and must be spent within roughly five to six years.

Carlson recommended updating the sidewalk/trails and pathway fees and conducting additional studies for road and public-safety impacts. Councilmember Ben Watkins moved to explore funding options and approved up to $18,000 for parks and trails/trails-and-pathway analyses, while asking staff to pursue BRAG and other agency funding for the remaining studies. Councilmember Brian Myers seconded the motion; Myers, Garbe, Watkins, Heers and Jepsen voted aye and the motion passed.

Council discussed timing: Carlson estimated study and hearing timelines at about two and a half to three months before fees could be charged. The minutes record that the city is too late to assess fees on homes with building permits already posted and that impact fees cannot be assessed against construction of internal accessory dwelling units.

The council directed staff to explore grant options and suggested some funding could be shifted from the snow-removal budget this fiscal year.

Next steps include commissioning the analyses and scheduling required hearings before any fees are adopted.