2004-09-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Initiative program to initially capitalize a fund. Decision point: a) Do you desire to create or be part of a housing trust fund and if so, request staff to work with other non-profits in the community to put together a specific housing trust fund program for Council to consider? b) As a matter of policy, would you like to take dollars from the sale of closed right-of-way and sale of other public land to put into the housing trust fund? and c) Do you consider it appropriate to take part of the housing initiatives fund to begin the initial capitalization of a City contribution to that trust fund? Mr. Lynch said he does not think it is equitable for the City to pick up half of the trust fund for a regional plan. Mr. Armstrong said the City funds would not co-mingle with County funds. He said PHA will only manage the funds, and they will be used to leverage other funds. Mr. Tolbert said there is a balance of $400,000 in the housing initiative funds, though some of that is already committed. Mr. Lynch expressed concern about using all the housing funds for this, and questioned whether more funding should be provided for housing initiatives. Dr. Brown said that the housing initiative fund is flexible. He said a decision can be made on an annual basis about whether to put funds in the trust fund or decide on other uses. Dr. Brown said the committee could make recommendations about how the funds are spent. Mr. Armstrong said the vision for the trust fund is for a multi-year commitment in order to get matching funds. He said this will allow continuity in programs. Mr. Caravati said he aims to put as much money as possible into housing. He said we need to help 25% of the population with rental housing. He said we need to protect our citizens, but not be a magnet. Dr. Brown said that what the City can do for low-income renters is not addressed. Mr. Lynch said he thinks we need to address the issue of increasing salaries of those households who make less than $25,000. Ms. Hamilton said she feels it is important to explore participation in the trust fund, and if we do it, there needs to be a dedicated income stream. She said we need more information on what it would do and how flexible it would be. Mr. Schilling said he needs more information, though he thinks it is an interesting concept. He said he favors flexibility. Dr. Brown said we need to start thinking about what is our greatest need. He said we may want to change the focus to low-income rental housing. Dr. Brown recommended that Council return to the decision points in December. 9) The remainder of the Housing Strategy contains primarily administrative recommendations to make all these other activities happen. Decision points: Do you desire to adopt the Housing Strategy? Mr. Lynch expressed concern about a paid position. Dr. Brown suggested that discussion of this item be deferred until December. Other Business Mr. Caravati said he would like to see another vote on the implementation date of the water protection ordinance, and thinks Council should go back to what it has traditionally done.