2007-03-20_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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9.Information, Reports and Other Business a.Update on Rental Housing Recommendations CD Director Stark noted that the parking study is on the Planning Commission agenda for April 4, 2007. The code enforcement issue is going before the City Council for discussion at their study session in April. Chair Majerus inquired if the City is getting input from the public? Mr. Stark indicated that Building Official Don Munson is carrying this forward and City Council may require additional involvement from the public. Chair Majerus opined that additional input is needed from the Citizens Advisory Group (CAG). Mr. Stark noted that Mr. Munson is taking the CAG and HRA’s recommendations and input into consideration regarding the issue. Member Kelsey inquired as to who will administer this program. Member Pust referred this to the HRA and the HRA made a recommendation to the City Council on how to proceed. Mr. Stark noted that the Rental Registration piece will go to City Council in May/June to recommend an ordinance. b.Update on Lot Split Study Mr. Stark updated the HRA on the progress of the Lot Split Study Citizens Advisory Group. The goal of the CAG is to bring its recommendations to the City Council at the April 26, 2007 meeting as the moratorium on residential lot splits expires April 30, 2007. Mr. Stark indicated that had it not been for such a tight timeline, the HRA would have been more involved in this process. However, information from the HRA Housing Plan regarding affordability, density, diversity, etc. will be presented to the CAG at their meeting March 26, 2007. Mr. Stark also indicated that information on the Lot Split Study and the Citizens Advisory Group meetings can be found on the City’s website. c.Report on HRA Ownership Loan Program recipients Ms. Bennett provided a summary of the loan activity between 2005-2006 and levels of incomes served by the program. Less than 50% of the loans are serving resident at or below the 120% affordability benchmark set by the HRA for other programs. This program currently does not require an income limit. Member Pust brought up her concern that the HRA is supporting government-subsidized loans for people making $175,000 a year. Member Pust has been hearing from people that this program amounts to public assistance for people who don’t need it. Member Kelsey asked what the HRA is collecting in interest and payments on a monthly basis. Chair Majerus opined that the HRA must have additional information about this program before making a decision to continue its funding. Member Elkins noted that the Housing Resource Center receives a fee to administer this program. Member Masche added that the HRA should market this program for those that have a real need. d.Board & Staff Reports Ms. Bennett handed out a status report on the items that the City Council requested to be reviewed regarding the Housing Improvement Area for Westwood Village I. 4