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A discussion of Ruby Hill ensued. Commissioner Sullivan agreed with Commissioner Roberts' comment. He understood the issues brought up by the speakers, and did not disagree with their concerns and motives. He agreed that there was a need to fill, and noted that he was tired of seeing $ 1 million homes come forward_ He believed that the City was doing a fairly good job in being more proactive than it was five years ago_ He noted that the most recent projects that had been approved addressed the affordability issue much more proactively than it had in the past. He noted that opportunities had been identit3ed. in the Housing Element, and believed that the City should move forward with the East Side study as soon as possible. He supported updating the Land Use and Circulation Elements as soon as possible. Commissioner Sullivan noted that there was a balance of other important General Plan goals that must be maintained in addition to the Housing Element, such as the growth management process, a housing cap, urban growth boundary, and environmental constraints. With respect to workforce housing, he would like the Chamber of Commerce to address the issue of a living wage. Commissioner Sedlak noted that with respect to a living wage, higher wages and mandated below-market housing would drive the cost of doing business and the cost of housing up. He noted that one element drives the other, and that the unintended consequences of the restrictions iriay make it impossible to maintain a business in the city. He stated that high land costs make providing affordable housing difficult. He felt that the document establishes incentives and that the City is on the right track in creating a balanced community. He noted that he supported forwarding the Housing Element to Council. Chairperson Arkin agreed with the Commissioners' comments, and noted that the Housing Element was a good compromise. He noted that the Northern California was more expensive than North Dakota because of its desirability, and added that the State could not create money without raising taxes and lowering the affordability for its residents. He noted that he would support the Housing Element with the exception of gender speci£ications_ Ms. Nerland advised that single female head of household was a required special needs group that the City must address_ Chairperson Arkin suggested that single male head of household be added to that category. Commissioner Roberts moved to take the following actions_ 1 _ Adopt a I3nding of DeMinimus Impact for the purpose of California Fish and Game fees; 2. Adopt a resolution recommending that the City C~ouacil approve the Negative Declaration; 3_ Adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council approve the General Plan Housing Element Update as shown in the Revised draft Housing Element and the modified pages; PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 22, 2003 Page 25