River Heights opens hearing on updated impact fees; no public comment

Summary

Engineers explained the updated impact‑fee study (last done in 2012), noting strict state rules that limit impact‑fee uses to new growth buy‑ins; the mayor opened the hearing, received no public comment, and the council signaled interest in adopting the fees with ordinance/resolution drafts to follow.

Engineer Craig Rasmussen presented the updated impact‑fee analysis, noting the last study was performed in 2012 and state law strictly limits impact fees to pay for growth‑related infrastructure (they cannot be used for maintenance or improvements for existing users). Rasmussen explained the proposed schedules represent the maximum the city may charge under the required methodologies and that fees vary across the city because of differing existing system costs.

Mayor Blake Wright opened the public hearing; no members of the public spoke. Councilmembers discussed whether to reduce any fees, and Rasmussen reiterated that lowering the level of service would permit lower fees. Recorder Sheila Lind was directed to prepare an ordinance and resolution reflecting the figures in the analysis for council consideration at the next meeting.

The council did not adopt the fees at this meeting; staff will return with ordinance and resolution drafts.