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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-13-14 Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board MinutesCity of Bozeman Community Affordable Housing Advisory Board (CAHAB) August 13, 2014 8:00 – 9:00 am City Commission Room, City Hall Attending: Brian LaMeres, Mary Martin, Anders Lewendal, Ann Kesting, Kevin Thane Absent: Kris Keller, SharlaRae Stuber, Dave Magistrelli, Melvin Howe, Commissioner Carson Taylor Staff: Tracy Menuez, HRDC; Wendy Thomas, Community Development Director Public: Jeff Rupp, President/CEO HRDC The meeting was called to order at 8:02 am by Chair Brian LaMeres. Changes to Agenda: None Approval of Minutes from 7-9-14 Kevin Thane moved to approve the minutes from 7-9-14; Mary Martin provided the second. Motion was approved unanimously. Public Comment: Wendy Thomas informed the board that she presented the quarterly housing report to the commission on August 11th. The commission has requested that City staff move forward with the hiring of a consultant to review the City’s existing affordable housing ordinances and make recommendations. Action Items 1) Recommendations regarding proposed outcomes for Request for Proposals (RFP) scope of work for affordable housing consultant Tracy presented the proposed scope of work outcomes, reminding the group that they had requested the opportunity to review them as part of the RFP process. Anders Lewendal asked if the commission’s desire to move forward was the result of the CAHAB’s recommendations during the budget cycle. He commented that the CAHAB’s recommendation was to focus on incentives. Tracy replied that the CAHAB’s recommendations were considered, and the scope of work reflects a review of incentives in addition to a review of current policies. Wendy Thomas noted that the scope lists 8 proposed items the City would like the consultant to study and report back on. The scope was prepared based on direction provided by CAHAB and the Commission to gather the information necessary to make decisions regarding the future of our housing policies. Mary Martin asked if CAHAB could be added to #8 as a recipient of the staff report. She commented that #6 captured the information that CAHAB was requesting on incentives. Kevin Thane commented that he did not feel that a review of the existing workforce housing program was necessary, and that the study should only focus on incentives. Ann Kesting commented that the current ordinance was not effective and poorly designed, and that she wants someone to review our current ordinances to see what, if anything can work. She has found that there are examples where this type of ordinance can work, and she would like that information. Mary Martin recalled to the board that the Commission that when the ordinance was placed on hiatus that a review would take place, and she sees this as fulfilling that commitment. Tracy reminded the group that the ordinance is the result of a long community process, which is likely why the commission has chosen to start at that point. Mary Martin moved to recommend the scope of work with the addition of CAHAB to #8. Ann Kesting seconded the motion. Anders Lewendal expressed his concern that the workforce housing ordinance will not achieve results and that he would rather spend the money elsewhere. His research suggests that this type of ordinance increases the cost of all other housing, is too costly to administer, and will push housing to the county. He feels that people would be more interested in other, less costly methods to create housing. He is not in favor of studying inclusionary zoning as an alternative in Bozeman. Mary Martin reminded the group that the budget recommendation has been passed, and that the purpose of the meeting is to approve a scope that supports the City Commission and CAHAB goals. Brian LaMeres agreed that today we are focusing on the scope, and asked if there was more discussion on that topic. Mary Martin called for the question. Chairman LaMeres called for a vote on the motion. Three ayes (Mary Martin, Brian LaMeres and Ann Kesting) to two nays (Kevin Thane and Anders Lewendal); the motion carried. Tracy reminded the board that she forwards the minutes with the recommendation, so the objections to the study of workforce housing by the two nay votes will be clear. Non-Action Items - None FYI/Discussion Tracy informed the group that Summit Housing and HRDC would be hosting the public meeting for the Stoneridge Development August 13th at 5:45 at HRDC. Tracy let the group know she has accepted employment at MSU. The CAHAB will be coordinated by Jeff Rupp while the HRDC seeks a new development officer. Jeff noted that as staff, he will focus on ensuring that the CAHAB participates in the City’s housing conversations in a productive manner that supports the commission’s direction and focuses on the future. Kevin asked how the CAHAB could have input into the QAP process. Tracy noted that the process occurs annually, and that the board could be informed when that time comes. Kevin followed up with a question regarding MBOH meeting participation. Tracy replied that the meetings occur monthly and that she does let the board know if/when relevant topics are on the agenda. Tracy informed the board that the rental housing study was nearly completed, and that she has tentatively scheduled a presentation of the information for the September meeting. The next meeting will be held on September 10th at 8 am. The meeting will be held at the Stiff Professional Building in the upstairs conference room, as the normal meeting space is occupied. Adjourn – Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 am with a motion by Mary Martin.