HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-01-26 Housing MIN
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
MINUTES
JANUARY 26, 2000
CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. by Chair Gerry Sea. Other
Commissioners present were Joe McKeever, Nancy Richardson, Larry Medinger, Madeline Hill,
Carlus Harris and Jan Vaughn. Joan Legg was absent. Nancy Richardson was introduced as
the newest member. Staff present were Bill Molnar and Sue Yates.
APPOINTMENT OF LARRY MEDINGER TO STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE - Medinger has
not yet received any materials from the State explaining his duties or purpose. It is his
understanding the committee will handle the Community Incentive Fund whose purpose it is to
foster good land use planning and affordable housing. The money comes from lottery funds
Medinger mentioned the enlarging of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival could bring more people
in need of affordable housing. Harris said ACCESS has been contacted by SOU about the
Ashland Community Land Trust. He said the people SOU are trying to attract (students and
faculty) cannot even afford to live in Ashland. Molnar added that SOU is hoping to have their
Master Plan adopted soon. A part of the plan discusses an area for faculty housing. This plan
will become part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
ASHLAND COMMUNITY LAND TRUST - McKeever reported that three homes are under
construction at Chautauqua Trace. Nine applications have been taken with three qualifying to
take ownership of the homes. The financing has been a unique blend of loan packages. They
will be getting low mortgage rates.
McKeever said the ACLT Board is looking into getting a reduction of property taxes for the
affordable housing program. So far, there has never been a precedent set for the reduction of
taxes but there is currently proposed legislation being discussed. McKeever believes this would
be an excellent item for the Housing Commission to look at and advocate.
There are 29 members of the Trust with $595 collected in dues. The first newsletter will come out
at the end of this month. They are working on finishing the marketing plan, which will include the
land trust video. They are looking at creating their own video. They may advertise in Living and
Doing Business in Ashland and have also talked about creating a web site. They want to put up a
real estate-type sign at Chautauqua Trace where the Land Trust homes are being constructed.
Molnar said there would be an article in Sneak Preview and the City Source newsletter.
Jeff Yegian, Institute for Community Economics (ICE) met with the Board and lenders and
applicants on a recent trip to Ashland, according to McKeever.
The first annual meeting will be held in May to elect the first Board of Directors.
Molnar explained the Board is continuing to work on acquiring more property. There is a possible
parcel on North Main that belongs to the Parks Department. They are aware of the Land Trust’s
interest in purchasing the property at a fair market value. There is an existing livable residence
on the property and enough land area to add another unit. Molnar said they will have to get
permission from the Council prior to the CDBG deadline for the Request for Proposal.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT – Molnar reported there is $144,000 available
st
this year and the application deadline is February 21. Sea thought it would be beneficial if the
Housing Commission would write a letter in support of the Land Trust receiving the block grant
money. Hill moved to support the ACLT in their application for CDBG funds for the acquisition of
future housing for the Trust. Vaughn seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
INCLUSIONARY ZONING - Molnar explained the current method of determining density bonuses
for affordable housing. By possibly expanding the ordinance, an applicant could still earn a
similar density bonus by using one of three options. He read the draft with the additional two
sections. (Attached to Minutes)
Hill suggested the word “or” in between each section. She also said she could see where people
would want to combine the options.
McKeever is concerned because none of these formulas involve any equity capture. If it is not
included in section i. or ii., the housing will remain affordable only so long. Medinger added the
goal is to keep affordable housing in the program. He wondered if we need to worry about the
moderate income qualifiers. They are very close to being in a home anyway. It is the people in
the 80 to 100 percent of median that need the boost. Harris would like to see the City capture a
percentage including inflation. Considerable discussion ensued regarding this issue.
Sea believes the Housing Commission needs to develop a long-range plan for affordable housing
as stated in the City’s Strategic Plan. She proposes the Commission continue reviewing this next
month.
STRATEGIC PLAN - Hill thought the Housing Commission should write Steve Hauck a glowing
letter thanking him for being such a loyal and persistent advocate for the Housing Commission.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS -No elections were held at this meeting.
OTHER
SOU HOUSING – Harris has talked with Sophia McDonald about putting together a training
program for SOU students with the end result being a certification. The certification would let a
landlord know this person has committed to so many hours of training. The Housing Commission
will be hearing more from Harris and McDonald.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 P.M.
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
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JANUARY 26, 2000
MINUTES