CCMIN 01192021 - Laserfiche WebLink

MOTION: It was m/s by Balch/Arkin to introduce and waive first reading of Ordinance No. 2213 to approve amendments to Chapters 18.08, 18.28, 18.32, 18.36, 18.44, 18.46, 18.84, 18.88, and 18.106 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code to comply with state legislation for accessory dwelling units except second story attached and detached accessory dwelling units are not allowed City-wide; and to adopt and waive full reading of Resolution No. 21-1198 amending the Master Fee Schedule for accessory dwelling units. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Arkin, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: Councilmember Balch Absent: None 17. Adopt a resolution approving Down Payment Assistance Program preferences for Pleasanton Unified School District, City of Pleasanton, and Alameda County employees and employees of not-for-profit agencies providing social services to Pleasanton residents. Assistant City Manager Dolan noted a related item was before the City Council in October 2020. He noted, at the time, staff did not bring forward a smaller part of the Housing Commission's recommendation relating to a preference program for people employed as teachers or firefighters, working for the City or County, or with non-profit agencies. He stated staff's intention then and now is to base it on an existing Below Market Rate (BMR) program. Housing Manager Steve Hernandez noted for background the City's Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program assists moderate income first-time homebuyers with moderate-income being defined as 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in Alameda County. He added the City's existing 21-point preference system applies to the BMR housing rental programs. Housing Manager Hernandez stated the proposed modifications are to assist public-serving employees. He stated it would retain the program's existing structure, but add two bonus points to any household where at least one member of the signators is employed by the Pleasanton Unified School District, the City of Pleasanton, the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, Alameda County, or any non-profit agency providing social services to Pleasanton residents. Housing Manager Hernandez stated, in addition to the DPA program, staff is seeking the City Council's direction on whether the new preference point criteria and list of employment categories, should be added to the rental program as well. Councilmember Arkin stated she pulled the Item in order to suggest including the BMR units, adding a category for essential workers, and reducing the bonus points from two to one. She suggested defining essential as any occupation which, during shelter-in-place, does not have the ability to work from home. She noted the City currently gives one bonus point to a single parent, disabled person, or a seven-year resident and stated her belief the new categories should count the same. Assistant City Manager Dolan stated the one point vs. two points is a policy decision based around the Housing Commission's perceived intention to give these employees an advantage. He added staff has no objection to reducing the number to one. Assistant City Manager Dolan noted adding essential workers as a category would require more expansive discussion. He stated the premise of the discussion predates the pandemic and will extend for years beyond it. He showed a lengthy list of categories Alameda County considers essential during the pandemic and expressed his opinion it is almost easier to state who would not be included. He stated if the list will be so broad. the bonus point system loses its value. He expressed his opinion a smaller subset of categories would be required for a workable program. City Council Minutes Page 13 of 17 January 19. 2021