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Mayor Thorne asked and Mr. Bocian confirmed that Alternative 3 does not preclude the Council from <br /> using the $3,458,000 for affordable, senior or special needs housing. Mr. Bocian added that staffs <br /> perspective is that these funds could be used for any purpose that the Council sees fit, including the <br /> broad range of things spelled out in the LIHF. <br /> Vice-Chair Pentin asked and Mr. Bocian confirmed that inclusionary requirements are no longer set in <br /> stone as a result of the Palmer case and other similar cases, and that the AHA includes an agreement <br /> by the developer to either provide the units or pay the negotiated fee. <br /> Councilmember Narum asked and Mr. Bocian confirmed that the Lower Income Housing Fee being <br /> used to determine the contribution to the LIHF is supported and was determined to be appropriate by <br /> the recent nexus study on the city's affordable housing fees. <br /> Mayor Thome opened the item for public comment. <br /> Arne Olson, Planning Commission, said he favored Alternative 2 because of its more definitive <br /> contributions toward affordable housing solutions. He said he would particularly like to see these funds <br /> used to support senior affordable housing, which is a clear and pressing need for this community. <br /> John Pringle, applicant, commended the city on its negotiation of an in lieu fee that is 4.5 times that <br /> required in the IZO. He requested the Council's support for Alternative 2 or 3, which provide a long-term <br /> benefit to the property and create an incredible opportunity for the city to leverage funds in a way that <br /> benefits a broader community demographic. <br /> Scott Raty commended the Council and staff on their management of the current drought challenge. He <br /> shared his support for Alternative 3 as it provides the greatest level of flexibility and still allows for <br /> financial support of affordable housing and BMR units. He encouraged the Council to take the time <br /> afforded by this option to consider the city's changing priorities in the context of opportunities that can <br /> have a broad impact on the community in addition to supporting affordable housing. <br /> Mayor Thorne closed public comment. <br /> Mayor Thome said he was especially concerned with what is a clear shortage of senior housing in this <br /> community. He said he would like to ensure that the Council has the opportunity, whether it is through <br /> Alternative 2 or 3, to use these funds for something like senior or disabled housing that doesn't heavily <br /> impact traffic or schools. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio advocated for Alternative 1, noting that little has actually been actually <br /> been done with the LIHF to support affordable housing in her time on the Council. She acknowledged <br /> the extreme generosity of the in lieu fee but said it does little good just sitting in the LIEF. She <br /> expressed concern that people have a tendency to focus on affordable housing for specific groups such <br /> as seniors or the disabled when workforce or entry-level housing is also a very real and pressing need. <br /> She also expressed concern over reducing the RHNA surplus by 27 units and thought it was unrealistic <br /> to assume that the current Housing Element site inventory would be accepted as proposed. She said <br /> the city has very laudable goals in terms of working with non-profits to provide affordable housing but <br /> noted that no steps have been taken in that direction and said again that she would like to see actual <br /> units constructed rather than wait for what might not come. <br /> MOTION: It was moved by Cook-Kallio to accept Alternative 1. Motion died for lack of a second. <br /> Councilmember Brown said she supported Alternative 3 as she believed the Council should have the <br /> flexibility to determine how these additional funds should be spent, which would include facilities and <br /> amenities to support the needs of families residing in multi-family developments like this project. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 8 of 12 September 16, 2014 <br />