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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAffordable Housing Board - Minutes - 10/02/1997CITY OF FORT COLLINS AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOARD Meeting Minutes October 2, 1997 Bob Browning, Chair Joanne Greer, Vice Chair 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, Bruce Croissant, Sylvie Glass, Joanne Greer, and Sue Wagner. Staff members present: Ken Waido and Alan Krcmarik. Mr. Browning opened up the meeting to public discussion. The first speaker was Lou Stitzel. Ms. Stitzel had just returned from Estes Park and the Colorado Housing Conference and wanted to extend to the Board words of encouragement; that the work they are doing is being applauded and recognized. There were no other public comments. Old Business - Budget No comments or update on the budget letter which was presented to Council, except the Board did express their approval of the letter. Policy Agenda Mr. Waido gave a brief review of the memorandum comprising a status report of the different policy agenda items. He discussed areas from previous policy agenda that are not complete and the need to include development of a more strategic approach to the affordable housing program, and adopt an ongoing public awareness program. Subcommittee is working with staff, developing techniques and mechanisms dealing with affordable housing issues. Discussion ensued how nothing has changed to affect the cost of housing; costs lust continue to rise. There is a subcommittee working on analyzing the implications of the regulations of the new Land Use Code on lot development costs, and the Board will be included in the loop for their recommendations. Mr. Browning reiterated he did not agree with the implication to Council that progress had been made to reduce costs to affordable housing. Vacant Housing Planner Position Mr. Waido stated interviews were conducted approximately ten days ago; however, the City still has not made a decision. Mr. Browning stated there is a policy decision that Board members should not be a part of the interview process. Impact Fee Rebate Program Mr. Waido stated nothing has happened nor likely will happen for a while. Mr. Browning will get some numbers from Mr. Waido to do some figure crunching. Affordable Housing Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 1997 Page 2 Discussion ensued on rebate schedule, regarding not all fees are paid to Fort Collins. A memo with several attachments was included for the Board's perusal. The Board will soon be faced with a project that will be constructed inside City limits but will not be receiving City utilities as this undeveloped ground is an area served by special purpose utility districts. The City does not provide water or sewer to those. Impact fees will be paid to the District and not to the City; therefore, the rebate amount is in question. The Board discussed the different options. One, no difference on whether City or District receives funds. Two, the rebate program was set up to rebate City fees. If they do not pay their full requirement, a proportion of the reduction in fee rebate will be assessed. Moved by Mr. Croissant, seconded by Ms. Glass: To propose Council to adopt the second option, which would be consistent with earlier policy, already adopted, only rebate a proportion. Motion failed, 2-2. Moved by Mr. Croissant, seconded by Ms. Glass: To adopt Mr. Croissant's motion with the amendment that the Board table the vote until a later meeting when more Board members are present to avoid a tie -breaker. Motion approved unanimously. Rebate Rent Price The Board needs to study this issues. TRAC Mr. Barnett stated closing should be the 7th to the 10th, depending on return of legal documents from the City. New Business No corrections or additions were made to last month's minutes. Moved by Mr. Croissant, seconded by Ms. Glass: To approve the minutes of the September 4, 1997, Affordable Housing Board meeting. Motion approved unanimously. CHAFA Staff met with Colorado Housing Finance Authority and discussed utilization of private activity bonds. The City would allocate its private activity bonds allotment to CHAFA, which would be matched and the City would be allowed to sent conditions and program regulations. Mr. Krcmarik, Executive Director of Finance, distributed CHAFA brochures to Board. He explained the reason this offer was made was because of the flood and flood victims are being given precedence. Input was need by the Board to approve allocation of 1998 money to CHAFA and whether the Board is comfortable in using the HUD income level and price range. Ms. Wagner noted the City needs to be sure the flood victims and other are aware that this is available. Affordable Housing Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 1997 Page 3 Moved by Ms. Wagner, seconded by Mr. Croissant: To approve the allocation with the adjustment to coincide with the HUD guidelines. Motion was approved unanimously. City Plan Items - Density Bonus Mr. Waido addressed a memo summarizing that the City will be make an adjustment to the LMN districts for affordable housing projects, 12 units per acre, the maximum allowed in that district. Moved by Mr. Croissant, seconded by Ms. Wagner: By giving this density bonus and allowing it to apply to everybody, it subverted the work of the City Plan, but provide density bonus for the infill area to minimize handicaps and ensure that affordable housing can be developed. Mr. Browning noted the real issue is should affordable housing be treated differently than City Plan; should it be a special case. The motion passed; not unanimous. Other New Business Mr. Browning distributed copies of a letter he had received because of his affiliation with Habitat. It stated a proposal from CDBG commission to change policy which was noted could have an adverse effect on how nonprofits do business and receive funding. Two very strong concerns in reference to this letter: One, that the Board was made aware of this because of his involvement with Habitat; and two, the CDBG stafff did not bring the information to the Affordable Housing Board regarding these events. Mr. Browning, on behalf of Habitat, responded by letter to the City, basically stating that if there was a problem with a specific agency, sanction that agency, only. Several strong points were made by the Board on this issue, and Mr. Browning, on behalf of the Board, will write a letter addressing the, and Ms. Greer will sign it. Mr. Croissant noted the Board's comments should be that this action would not help produce affordable housing, but would be detrimental to the production of affordable housing. Either Mr. Browning or Ms. Greer will attempt to attend the Council meeting next week when this matter will be discussed. The meeting concluded at 5:30 p.m.