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THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED r- James Paxson, 4473 Willow Road, Suite 105, stated that the Task Force appreciated the comments made at the November 15 workshop, and he believes that staff did a good job of hearing those comments and making revisions to the document in response to those concerns. He stated that he would urge the Planning Commission to support moving this item forward in order to meet the State requirements. He noted that there will be an opportunity for the Housing Element to go through the public hearing process. Mr. Paxson recognized the Task Force members who are present this evening: Jack Dove, Pat Belding, and Terry Broderick, as well as Commissioners Maas and Roberts. Carolyn Newton, 3793 Smallwood Court, questioned how the school impact fees are paid when affordable housing is built. She asked if these fees are assessed at the market value or the lower price. She referred to Program 32.4, which speaks about the quality of life, noting that quality of life issues go beyond infrastructure, and has to do with the number of players on youth sport teams, parking availability, traffic congestion, and a lot of other everyday issues. She asked about the State mandates for housing and the legal implications for cities. -- Mr. Iserson advised that school impact fees are based on square footage. He indicated that he did not think that the City would have the authority to waive the school impact fees. Ms. Seto advised that this would be an issue for the discussion and negotiation with the school district. Mr. Iserson reported that the City has tried to create a balance and prepare a Housing Element that the State will approve, and that is acceptable to the City for adoption. He noted that there is language in the goals and policies that encourages the City to strive to meet the State's goals. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Arkin asked about the other types of fees that are required for construction. Mr. Iserson advised that the City Council can waive any of the City fees that it would like. Commissioner Arkin stated that in order to be fair and truthful to the community, it should be disclosed in the Housing Element that this may be something that will have to be paid for by a bond or lower quality of services. Discussion ensued regarding the use of the affordable housing fund for the payment of these fees. Planning Commission Recommendations .,....... Commissioner Arkin recommended that: . a specific policy that highlights senior citizen issues be included. . a policy that discusses livability issues in high-density projects be added. . the Housing Element discuss having a separate allocation of units available for "super green homes." . a policy that addresses the impact of housing on regional transportation and making sure that the homes that are built pay their fair-share on the impact of the regional transportation system be included. Commissioner Arkin stated that he does not feel like the document is a housing element and that it seems more like a "high-density and affordable housing element." PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 13, 2002 Page 14