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Mr. Dolan stated that the changes were made so late in the day that staff did not have copies available <br /> for the Council or public. The Council asked that staff prepare copies immediately. <br /> After reviewing the slide, the Council expressed considerable confusion and concern regarding <br /> maximum density and the total potential number of units. <br /> Ms. Stern explained that the last column was inserted at the request of a Councilmember. In some <br /> instances, the SEIR analyzed a maximum density that is higher than that recommended by staff and <br /> the Council and that is what is represented in the final column. <br /> Councilmember McGovern referred to page 7 of the Planning Commission minutes where Ms. Stern <br /> had indicated that 30 units per acre was both a minimum and maximum density. <br /> Ms. Stern explained that some, not all, sites have a minimum density that is equal to the maximum. She <br /> attempted to clarify the matter in stating that the last two columns of revised Table 2.1 really only refer <br /> back to the SEIR analysis, which looked at minimum densities on all sites as well as greater densities <br /> on the sites where it might be appropriate. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan requested clarification on Site 5. <br /> Mr. Dolan said Site 5 was rezoned at a minimum of 30 units per acre but it is unique in that it was a <br /> larger parcel when originally evaluated. In trying to be responsive to the community, the parcel size was <br /> reduced but the SEIR had already analyzed the density at this higher acreage. He explained that the 57 <br /> units per acre listed in Table 2.1 is artificial because it is based upon the original ':en acres, rather than <br /> the seven that were ultimately rezoned. He reiterated that these values are simply what the sites have <br /> environmental clearance for and suggested that the Council could amend any of the maximums if there <br /> is any concern. He cautioned that it would be difficult to defend the Standards and Guidelines as <br /> reasonable if they identified a minimum and maximum of 30 units per acre for every site, as it is very <br /> difficult to design a project under those conditions. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that the purpose of the range in the SEIR <br /> is to allow some flexibility where necessary. He said CEQA documents must be analyzed on a worst- <br /> case basis. Now that the SEIR has provided clearance for a certain number of units, which are <br /> identified in the table, the Council can pull that number back as long as it does not go below the <br /> minimum or some reasonable range above that. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan conceded that expecting every project to come in right at 30 units per acre is <br /> not likely reasonable but thought most people's expectations were that the goal was an average of 30. <br /> He felt that, as presented, the rezonings were much denser than he had anticipated. He said he would <br /> like to have Council discussion on what the appropriate range would be. <br /> Councilmember McGovern said she would like to discuss the fact that all documentation, including the <br /> minutes of the Planning Commission, led her to believe that these sites had been approved with a <br /> minimum and maximum density of 30 units per acre. <br /> Mr. Dolan said staff made no attempts to deceive the Council in any way and believed they had <br /> explained the intent of these ranges as he just described. He stressed that this is simply a different way <br /> of presenting the same information. Staff has tried to be straightforward about the fact that the <br /> minimums were needed to meet Regional Housing Need Allocations (RHNA) but that the SEIR <br /> evaluated something more than that to accommodate policy dialogue that would allow for a different <br /> outcome if needed. Based on the Council's desire to establish a different maximum, Mr. Dolan <br /> suggested that a density range of 5 units per acre (where possible) over the minimum established for <br /> each site would be appropriate. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 11 of 19 August 21, 2012 <br /> • <br />