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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-03 Housing MIN ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 1999 CALL TO ORDER – Chair Gerry Sea called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. at Hillah Temple. Other Commissioners present were Jan Vaughn, Joan Legg, Joe McKeever, Carlus Harris, and Madeline Hill. Larry Medinger arrived at 4:30 p.m. and Vaughn left the meeting at 4:40 p.m. Staff present were Bill Molnar and Sue Yates. PRESENTATION BY SOU STUDENTS – Sophia McDonald, SOU Council Representative, wrote a letter that was included in the packet. She and several other SOU students addressed the Housing Commission with their concerns about the difficulty SOU students have in obtaining rental housing. McDonald said about 50 percent of the SOU students live in Ashland. Twenty percent live on-campus in Ashland. The college provides only 200 housing units but mainly “family” housing. McDonald explained the lack of availability of three bedroom rental houses for students is a big concern. Students are turned away from the rental agencies because they are students. The rental listings state: No Students Please. McDonald feels this is the epitome of discrimination. McDonald offered some solutions which are noted in her letter. She would be interested in the Housing Commission or someone, writing a mandate or statement saying the rental agencies are not allowed to discriminate against students. She has considered working with the college or ACCESS to develop some type of renter’s training program. Students could become certified as responsible renters. Legg asked what the legal status is—is it discrimination? If it is, there are some strong housing laws that could be involved. Harris said the Fair Housing law covers only protected classes which includes “families” but he is not sure if students are included. Sea wondered if wording could be added to the Fair Housing ordinance to include students. She was hoping Staff could investigate this possibility. Legg suggested the students speak with State Senator Lenn Hannon. Hill, who has had some experience in fair housing, said the City could do anything they want with their Fair Housing ordinance. (Medinger arrived at the meeting.) Harris asked if the University had addressed the lack of housing. McDonald said they are working on a master plan for the next ten years, however, the space available is going to be used for faculty housing. The students said the apartments are not too hard to secure, but houses are very difficult. Sea thought a public education campaign might be in order. This is a college town. She is working with the ACCESS on a renter’s class. McKeever added that SOU students add economically to the city. Vaughn wondered if offering a higher deposit to the landlord might help. McKeever thought the more money deposited, the greater likelihood of losing it. One of the students suggested creating an inspection system to challenge the cleaning deposit. McKeever agreed and said “normal wear and tear” cannot be defined. Harris feels the University should be addressing this in some way as it is profiting. Without housing, there cannot be students. There should be some assurance, guarantee or bond for a student to certify or assure that the student is a reputable and credible renter so a landlord would have some background on the student as a renter. Legg suggested the students speak with Friends of the University. Sea asked if Staff would research the rights and find out politically what the process is to make a change to the Fair Housing ordinance. She offered to be the students’ contact. Hill thought it would be helpful to invite the SOU Renter’s Association (contact person is James Stout) to the next meeting to give their perspective. Harris suggested the students do some preliminary interfacing with the SOU Housing Office to see what they are doing and why they are not doing more. Hill added they should find out what the long-range plan is and who to contact. Molnar thought it might be well to talk about a more comprehensive approach. He mentioned the “party house” ordinance. Perhaps this has triggered property managers to be wary of renting homes to students in an existing neighborhood. He thought Harris’ idea of a certification process would be helpful. LAND TRUST RE-CAP – Molnar reported that the Ashland Community Land Trust meeting was a success with about 35 people in attendance (not including the board). Harris said six people have signed up for membership. Harris thought the questions asked were excellent and he is continuing to answer calls regarding the land trust. Hill appreciated seeing Councilors Hauck and Fine in attendance. What’s next for the ACLT? Harris is firming up the Federal non-profit status. They are ready to do some heavy marketing to get memberships and get people interested in the houses. ACCESS is working to get more loan options. Molnar said at the meeting next week they will be discussing the house on North Main Street. OTHER – Sea asked if Medinger had a report from the Technical Advisory Committee. He and Hauck will be setting up a meeting with Molnar. Legg had not yet contacted Steve Reno to see if a college class would do some statistical surveying. Legg reported that an expert on affordable housing from Denver would be in Ashland on November 17, th 18, and 19. The land trust group will contact Legg to set up a meeting. Next Meeting – The next meeting will be December 8, 1999 at the Council Chambers. Sea would like to talk about goals for the next year and would like the Commissioners to be thinking about them. ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION 2 MINUTES NOVEMBER 3, 1999