CCMIN120506 - Laserfiche WebLink

Charles Clark addressed the City Council noting the difficulties in doing a condo conversion project. He stressed the need to move forward with this ordinance in the near future so that he might be able to move forward with the condo conversion he is currently involved with. He feels the ordinance would be an affordable solution for people to afford a home. Hearing no further requests to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Councilmember Thorne stated his concerns with the lack of input on this issue. He would like to see the Council delay action on this ordinance. Mr. Bocian indicated this could be referred back to the Housing Commission, which is meeting in December, and request that they hold another workshop to seek public participation, to include the affordable housing advocates. Mr. Fialho noted most likely a separate discussion would be set up for the Chamber of Commerce to walk them through the proposed ordinance. The comments received from them would be reflected either through the Housing Commission or the staff report to the Council. However, if the level of modifications warranted, the draft ordinance would go back to the Planning Commission. Councilmember McGovern indicated she feels moderate affordable income should be included in the ordinance. She referenced the chart used in the General Plan that showed those income levels and how close the City is to meeting those goals. She commented on the valid issue of carry-over costs to the other units. She would like to see a way to increase the number of affordable units within the units that already exist. She asked that staff look at if multi-family housing should be the same, across the board, at the same percentage and looking at whether or not you could add a unit to developments less than 15. She also expressed interest in looking at the senior idea of three years and if someone is staying in a condo conversion unit and it is affordable, it counts toward the affordable percentage. Councilmember Sullivan expressed the need to be clear about the objective and to have that be part of the process. Mayor Hosterman stated her concern for losing rental properties and opportunities for people who may be newcomers to the community and do not yet have the wherewithal to get into a home. She also stated it is important for property owners to have an opportunity to take a piece of property that is in poor shape and be able to improve it. Motion: It was m/s by Thorne/Sullivan to continue this item to allow for more public input. Motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Cook-Kallio, McGovern, Sullivan, Thorne, Mayor Hosterman Noes: None Absent None Mr. Bocian clarified that at the December Housing Commission meeting staff will report the action of the Council, request that the Commission set a workshop date and ask them to talk about any procedures they want. City Council Minutes 11 December 5,2006