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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAffordable Housing Board - Minutes - 03/07/2002CITY OF FORT COLLINS AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD MARCH 7, 2002, MEETING MINUTES Kay Rios, Chair Isabel Garity, Vice Chair Ken Waido, Staff Liaison Chuck Wanner, City Council Liaison Board Members Present: Kay Rios, Isabel Garity, David McKelfresh, David Danforth, Jane Phelan, Jon Fairchild, Mary Glode, Denise Rogers, and Kathleen Cherroff. Staff Present: Ken Waido, Maurice Head, Joe Frank, and Heidi Phelps. Council Members Present: None. Also Present: Jim Dolak, Executive Director, Housing and Food Services for Colorado State University; Grace Harris, League of Women Voters. Kay Rios called the meeting to order with a quorum present at 4 p.m. New Business Minutes David McKelfresh moved to accept the February 7 minutes as submitted, Isabel Garity seconded, motion carried. CSU Housing Presentation The AHB heard a detailed report from Jim Dolak of CSU on plans for additional student housing, both construction and renovation of residence halls on campus and the possibility of a public/private partnership development of new multi -family graduate student units on the South Campus between Prospect and Drake on Research Drive. Detailed data and information on the number of students housed now and projected to be housed in the future was presented. Jim pointed out that University facilities are feeling a squeeze because of Colorado's growth over the past decade and the increased number of freshmen, who are required to live on campus. David McKelfresh confirmed there are no longer any imposed caps on enrollment, and some of the existing residence halls are nearly 50 years old and no longer meet student needs or expectations. Affordable Housing Boaru March 7, 2002 Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 6 Jim presented a 10-year projection of residence hall capacity and a timeline for completion of various projects. A new residence hall on the old Ropes Course site, at Shields and Meridian south of Edwards, is scheduled to open in 2004. He also outlined the results of an RFP process undertaken at the request of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to determine the feasibility of a private developer building and operating this facility. None of the bidders could complete the project for less than $20 million in construction costs, compared to CSU's $16.5 million; none could operate it for less than $1.4 million per year, compared to CSU's $877,000; none could find capital funding for less than $3 million, compared to CSU's $1.7 million. None could provide the same range of student services as CSU under the required cap of $1800 per student per semester. As a result, the University will go back to the CCHE for clarification of its directive. There was discussion as to the effect of CSU students on affordable housing and low-income jobs in Fort Collins. It was conceded that while some students have no trouble affording the average $450 per bed rent now prevalent in town, a significant percentage must work to support themselves while obtaining an education. This leads to competition for low wages with the non -student population and a potential for exploitation by unscrupulous landlords. Jim pointed out that the University plays no part in the second wave of migration off campus, generally juniors and seniors looking for more independent accommodations. Status of AHB's Recommendations for Imorovement Staff presented a detailed report updating the AHB on the status of work to implement the Board's recommendations for improvement. Maurice clarified that anything shown as "Under Consideration" on the matrix meant it was being discussed at the City Manager level by staff, who would be getting it before Council. The Board expressed concerns regarding the work on the development review process and the 120-day review process. Kay suggested Cameron Gloss be invited to address the Board on this issue. Kay also clarified that the Board would like to focus on all city fees that affect the developer's costs -- for example, radon testing -- not just building codes. Kay and David McKelfresh are looking at the Right of First Refusal ordinance currently in use in Denver to see how it could be adapted to Fort Collins, with the approval of Legal. They will work with staff to draft a possible Affordable Housing Boaru March 7, 2002 Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 6 ordinance. Kay would also like fee waivers extended to anyone doing affordable housing projects, not just non-profit organizations. Joe pointed out that the Council Finance Committee has serious concerns about the cost of such waivers and where the funds would come from to cover the reduced revenue. If the proposal is passed out of the Finance Committee, it will go before Council in April. Joe suggested a representative from the Board speak at the April 2 Council meeting in support of the waivers. Maurice reported that progress is being made on the Community Reinvestment Act Clearinghouse, with a draft business plant to be completed by March 11 with comments forwarded to Funding Partners and First National Bank. Affordable Housing Fee Exemption Program The Board received a copy of the latest work -in -progress draft of the ordinance expanding the City's impact fee exemption program. Jon recommended that the word affordable be removed from all references to housing providers in the draft. City Council Retreat Kay Rios reported that the Council's agenda for this retreat was full. Land Bank Program Update The AHB was informed staff was ready to make offers on some property for inclusion into the Land Bank Program. Details should be available in time for the Board's April 4 meeting. Joe suggested the Board receive instruction from the Legal Department on how to properly conduct an executive session to review the deals before negotiations are finalized. Affordable Housing Boai March 7, 2002 Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 6 Competitive Process Copies of the housing applications received by the City for CDBG funding were distributed to the AHB. Staff also distributed a summary analysis and spread sheet showing the staff's preliminary attempt at ranking the proposals in preparation for the Board's input to the Community Development Block Grant Commission. The Board had a discussion as to the role they will play in this cycle of the competitive process by reviewing the proposals and making comments based on how well the application fits adopted City policies. This will be a two-step process, in which the Board members first review the proposals individually, then meet as a group to agree on a final prioritization to forward to the CDBG. Kay pointed out that this is a new approach for the Board, prioritizing projects rather than determining actual funding levels. Joe added that while the scope is a lot narrower than it was last year, it is still important for the Board to help the CDBG understand how the projects relate to the issues of affordable housing. Ken pointed out that the Board is the only special interest group that has the chance to give input to the CDBG before it makes its funding decisions. Some members were not happy with the more limited role, and would like access to better information before making official recommendations. Mary suggested that a member of the Board sit as an observer and/or develop a relationship with the CDBG Commission to share concerns on an informal as well as formal level. During a protracted discussion, many members felt that they could glean more than enough information to make a recommendation from the applications as submitted, and would be comfortable submitting questions about any missing items to the CDBG for further exploration with the developers of the proposals. Others felt there would be value in the Board submitting additional comments to the CDBG after the Commission has heard the formal presentations of developers but before the CDBG makes its final decision a week later. The Board will conduct a special meeting on March 21, 4-6 p.m., to formulate comments to the CDBG Commission. Affordable Housing Boars March 7, 2002 Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 6 Old Business Update/Reports on Subcommittee Efforts Isabel presented a report on the Education and Outreach Subcommittee. The subcommittee will not be re-creating the public awareness committee nor hosting events such as breakfast in the park this year. The Subcommittee will not be working on the Needs Assessment. Kathleen is in charge of the Affordable Housing Web site and is working to make it more useful to both consumers and developers. The Affordable Housing Resources Guide has been marketed to groups and individuals. Kathleen, Mary, Jane and Isabel have set a goal of delivering six presentations on the why, what and how of affordable housing to various groups throughout Fort Collins by December 2002. They are targeting potential homeowners, realtors, bankers, schools, service clubs, developers, neighborhood groups, and any other groups recommended by the Board. Heidi reported that she had given the PowerPoint presentation to a group of 15 people at Plymouth Congregational Church and it was well received. Ken added that the affordable housing poster was displayed at a national convention of realtors, where it was described as "the best example of community awareness efforts of any local government" the convention organizers had ever seen. As a result, Ken has received numerous inquiries on how realtors can become more involved in the process. Jon will chair the Subcommittee for Policy Development and Review, with Kay and Denise as members. Liaisons with other boards: Jon is working with the Transportation Board; Kay has responsibility for Senior Attainable Housing Board, Senior Advisory Board and Larimer County Affordable Housing Coalition. Isabel said she would like to work with Planning and Zoning, Jane volunteered for Natural Resources, Denise will work with Continuum of Care, and David McKelfresh will take care of Air Quality. Other suggestions should be e-mailed to Kay. Liaisons should be aware of what these boards are working on, and get copies of their minutes to see what actions they are taking that could affect affordable housing. Affordable Housing Boaiu March 7, 2002 Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 6 Other Business Meeting Change The AHB rescheduled the meeting to discuss the Relationship Study with the consultant to Monday, April 8, at noon. Ken will e-mail notices to all Board members, confirming the change. Senate Bill 102 David Danforth reported that he had been in e-mail correspondence with State Senator Ed Perlmutter regarding information on SB 102 to liberalize impact fee determination. The bill would expand the power of boards that levy impact fees to include those that are indirectly applicable as well as those directly applicable to a project. The bill has received three readings in the Senate and has moved into the House for consideration. Ken pointed out that this bill is in response to one passed last year that tightened the use of such fees. The Board felt that anything that could increase developers' fees could have an impact on affordable housing; David's opinion from his correspondence was that no one in the Legislature seems to be looking at that aspect of the bill and it would be a good idea for the Board to ask that a waiver for affordable housing projects be included in the bill. Joe advised the Board that City Council's Legislative Affairs Committee wants to present a coordinated effort to the Legislature, and all Board concerns should be forwarded to the committee for communication to the Capitol, since advising the legislature is not within the purview of the Board. Kay felt that anyone could contact the legislators as a private citizen. Board members would like to know more about SB 102 and will discuss it at future meetings. Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kate Jeracki March 12, 2002