HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-26 Housing & Human Services MIN
Ashland Housing and Human Services Commission
Minutes January 26, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Boettiger called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm in the Siskiyou Room at the Community Development and
Engineering Offices located at 51 Winburn Way, Ashland OR 97520.
Commissioners Present:
Council Liaison
Sue CraderDennis Slattery
Rich Rohde
SOU Liaison
Joshua Boettiger
Tom GundersonMegan Mercier, absent
Sharon Harris
Staff Present:
Michelle Linley
Heidi ParkerLinda Reid, Housing Specialist
Commissioners Absent:
Carolyn Schwendener, Clerk
Tom Buechele
Gina DuQuenne
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Rohde/Harris m/s to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2016 Housing and Human Services Commission
regular meeting. Voice Vote: All Ayes, minutes were approved as presented.
PUBLIC FORUM
Debbie Neuenswander was present to observe the meeting.
COTTAGE HOUISNG STANDARD UPDATES
Maria Harris, City of Ashland Planning Manager was present to answer any questions and explain the changes
proposed by the Planning Commission to the ordinance. Ms. Harris outlined the changes.
Cottage Housing developments would only be allowed in R-1-5, R-1-7.5 and the Normal Neighborhood
single family zones. The R-1-
available lands in the R-1-10 larger lot zones
The number of allowable units in a cottage housing development was changed from a minimum of four to
a minimum of three and the maximum of sixteen was lowered to a maximum of twelve. Ms. Harris
explained that the smaller numbers tend to be more successful throughout the country and the lower
amount of units are more compatible in single family zones. It was also mentioned that when the number
of households grow beyond a dozen or so it becomes difficult for people to know their neighbors in any
depth or to live close enough to call them in an emergency.
The size of the cottages is based on a floor area ratio (FAR). FAR is the relationship between the total
amount of usable floor area that a building has and the total area of the lot on which the building stands.
In an analysis it as determined that a typical single family home built on a standard lot has a floor area
ratio of approximately .40 to .50. The ordinance states that cottage housing development will not exceed
an FAR of 0.35. This will affect the average unit sizes.
Originally the lot coverage could only cover the same percentage as in a single family zone. The new
proposal is increasing lot coverage slightly because there tends to be more walkways going to the
different units in a cottage development. At this time there is no minimum lot coverage, stated Ms. Harris.
The Commissioners asked a few questions of Ms. Harris.
Can you develop a cottage housing in an R-2 zone?
It was not necessary to include cottage housing in the R-2 zones because this housing type is already
allowed in that zone if the lot is big enough.
To what extent did anybody consider affordability in the cottage housing designs?
The planning commission discussion was really centered around the need to provide another smaller
housing type
Would a developer get any dens?
Only if the cottage housing development is over seven units in size. Ms. Harris did remind the
Commissioners that most of the available building lands inventory in Ashland is smaller lots and it would be
difficult to get up to twelve units on them.
It was questioned if it was really necessary to give density bonuses for recreational facilities, tennis courts,
swimming pools etc. Seems like the intent of the cottage developments is not for a resort atmosphere.
Ms. Harris explained this is part of the existing code and the intent behind it is if you provide recreational
facilities within your development it possibly could take some of the pressure off of our City Parks and Facilities.
Ms. Harris also reminded the Commissioners this is not a requirement.
The commissioners asked Ms. Harris if anyone on the planning commission actually tried to put four units in a
10,000 square foot lot adhering to the setbacks. The Commissioners questioned whether or not it could be done,
especially without a variance which is expensive. The Commissioners also like the concept but feel that the
design restrictions are too cumbersome. They would like to see alternative parking allowed. The proposal seems
to have so much area designated to parking that it could restrict the amount of units on the lot.
for review
th
and approval. The Planning Commission will be discussing the ordinance again at their February 28 Study
Session. It was suggested that as many Commissioners that were available attend the Study Session and
express their concerns.
AFFORDABLE HOUISNG TRUST FUND ORDINANCE AND RFP PROCESS OVERVIEW
Reid asked the qu
back in and the Commission would need to identify a priority use as
Rohde acknowledged this is an important discussion because we need complete transparency and understanding
that this money has been unavailable for years. Rhode explained there are two ways to use the money, Request
for Proposal and Notice of Funding Availability. By ordinance ten percent of the money can be utilized for
immediate use for help with the housing crisis. Rohde shared his frustration that it is difficult to find the line item in
the budget.
budget.
Rohde gave an example saying recently the City had the potential of a thirty unit affordable housing project. The
Housing Trust fund money could be used for pre-development costs for projects such as that, stated Rohde. Reid
clarified the thirty unit affordable housing project was never a formal application.
The Commissioners agreed they need a tangible project to present to the Council before they will release the
funds. Would also like to see the Council find a funding steam to grow the amount.
Rohde/Crader m/s that the Housing Commission recommend to the City that we follow our responsibility and
present a request that the existing dollars in the end of fund balance be put into the useable budget for the
coming two years and additional funds be surveyed and looked for additions to the $166,000. Voice Vote: All
Ayes, motion passed.
PORTA-POTTY MEMO REVIEW
The Commissioners reviewed the memo that Reid prepared for the Council regarding the porta-potty proposal.
Harris heard back from both the Parks Department and the Public Works Department in support of the proposal.
The Commissioners agreed they would like to request two more porta potties, one around the railroad park and
one at the south end of town.
Parker/Crader m/s that we approve with some additions that Linda will wordsmith on the draft Porta-Potty and
submit it to the Council. Voice Vote: All Ayes, motion passed.
COUNCIL LIAISON INTRODUCTION
The Commissioners welcomed the new Council Liaison Dennis Slattery. Slattery expressed his intention to be on
this Commission as both affordable housing and affordable living are of specific interest to him. Slattery
acknowledged there are issues in the Planning Department. There appears to be plenty of laws that prohibit but
we need planning rules that promote, stated Slattery. Slattery also sees the homeless issues in our Community
there enough staff to manage that? During the summer he would like us to identify some resident homeless
priorities. Slattery is committed to being present and active at this Commissions meetings.
STRATEGIC GOAL PRIORITY REVIEW AND NEXT STEPS
The Commissioners reviewed the strategic goals identified at the retreat held in December. The Commission felt
that it was important to revisit these goals and check in on their progress regularly.
LIAISON REPORTS DISCUSSION
Council ed himself. No other report at
this time.
Staff Reid will try and get in touch with Megan Mercier the SOU Liaison for this Commission. She has not been
present at the meetings for quite some time. Perhaps Leo would be able to take her place.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS JANUARY 26, 2017 METTING AGENDA ITEMS
Quorum Check Everyone should be present
A discussion surrounding zero tolerance on hate speech and what we can do to keep it out of our community. Be
a partner in bringing forth a resolution.
Review questions for Social Service Grant applications.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Next Housing and Human Services Regular Commission Meeting 4:30-6:30 PM; February 23, 2017, in the
Siskiyou Room at the Community Development & Engineering Department located at 51 Winburn Way.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Carolyn Schwendener