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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAffordable Housing Board - Minutes - 01/08/1998i CITY OF FORT COLLINS AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD Meeting Minutes January 8, 1998 Bob Browning, Chair Joanne Greer, Vice Chair Chuck Wanner, City Council Liaison The meeting of the Affordable Housing Board began at 4:10 p.m., at 281 North College Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. Board members present included: Chairman Bob Browning, Sylvie Glass, Joanne Greer, Mike Nicely, Stacy Overton, Kay Rios, and Sue Wagner. Staff members present: Ann Watts and Ken Waido. Mr. Browning opened up the meeting to public discussion. The first speaker was Sister Mary Alice Murphy from CARE Housing. She expressed how important the rebate program is to CARE Housing and that it is crucial it continue in the future. Mr. Browning confirmed this Board has had no discussion regarding discontinuing the rebate program. Modifications may be made to it, but there has been no discussion of it not continuing. Betty Maloney reported the task force has become a coalition and Sister Mary Alice Murphy is one of the new officers. There were no other public comments. Old Business - Rebate Schedule Ms. Watts, following the Board's request to rebate a percentage of fees paid instead of a flat rate, has devised a method of doing that and distributed a chart to the Board for their review and comments. This item will be tabled for next month's meeting for further discussion. Rebate Program Mr. Waido noted a subcommittee has been formed. One of their main issues is to assure the rebate actually affects the rental rate or purchase price of the units that they are applied to. Proposed Policy for Projects Receiving Utilities from Special Purpose Districts This item was to go to Council on the 6th, but was pulled because of concerns raised by some of the districts. Discussions have taken place, and this item should be going to Council shortly. Affordable Housing Board • • Meeting of January 8, 1998 Page 2 TRAC Update Mr. Waido updated the Board that some units will close on Monday, as many as ten, or as little as three. Hopefully, this project will close out in the very near future. New Business - Minutes No corrections or additions were made to last month's minutes. Moved by Ms. Glass, seconded by Ms. Overton: To approve the minutes of the December 4, 1997, Affordable Housing Board meeting. Motion was approved unanimously. Private Activity Bond Request Mr. Waido gave a brief explanation of private activity bonds. A request has been made by a private developer to use the County and State private activity bond allocation for a project located inside the city limits. Because of the location, an endorsement must be made by the City Council. The Council would like a recommendation from the Board on this item. A presentation was made by the developer, Scott Price, who gave an overview of the townhome unit project site plan. Lee Wolf, a consultant from Colorado Springs, presented the marketing and feasibility study information. He recommended the product envisioned here are two three -bedroom units with garages, washers and dryers. He noted half were to be income -based rent and the other half market -based rents. The maximum income would be $27,000 to roughly $30,000 a year range, of which rent would be 30%. Andy Krane from Kirkpatrick Pettis, a Mutual of Omaha company, and James Lewin of Centennial Mortgage, explained the reason for their involvement with this issue. This process affects the City because they, technically, are the issuer of this debt. The government limits the amount of bonds issued across the nation, which is done by setting limits in each state. Therefore, they must come before the community and obtain what is called their inducement. Mr. Browning questioned what it would take to acquire housing at a 30% level, and a brief discussion ensued. Moved by Ms. Glass, seconded by Ms. Greer: The Board will give their endorsement to this program. Motion was approved unanimously. Human Rights Ordinance Mr. Browning noted the Board was asked to review this ordinance from the City Manager, requesting the Board's input. The members expressed a couple areas of concern or question. One was under the definition of age: at least 40 years but less than 70. What was significant about that group? No answer was given as to the target group. Another Affordable Housing Board Meeting of January 8, 1998 Page 3 was the Public Assistance Status and Section 8 program. Mr. Waido explained any major concerns can be forwarded to the City Attorney to look at and make any necessary adjustments before going to Council. The City is not looking for a motion unless the Board has major questions or concerns. Mr. Browning asked for comments on the second ordinance. Mr. Waido noted that Council cannot adopt the second ordinance without the first one. Ms. Greer questioned the City's involvement with this issue. Mr. Browning explained that the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission wanted to make a statement within the City. When State and Federal laws are changed, they want to be able to go back and make a statement as well. Another explanation was that this allows for less stringent remedies, and allows for moderation and mediation at the community level. If a complaint was raised, one would not have to go through the Federal government first, but could go through mediation first, without the onus of proving a case in federal court. Other Business Ms. Watts told the Board that she found information on vacancy rates for various bedroom sizes on the Internet. It can be found under Division of Housing, Department of Local Affairs, www.state.co.us. Ms. Rios notified the Board of the Affordable Housing Network Lunch. The Board was asked to look over the information and comment. She would like the Board to act as a co- sponsor, give their names, and participate as facilitators. The Lincoln Center Hall has been reserved for February 25. Mr. Browning acknowledged that the Board would participate in this event. Ms. Greer stated she had received a call from Rusty Collins regarding a meeting next Wednesday. She is unable to attend and needs someone from the Board to give an update on the Board's past and future work plans. Mr. Nicely volunteered to attend on behalf of the Board. Mr. Browning informed the Board of Habitat's Open House and Dedication this coming Saturday. The meeting concluded at 5:10 p.m.