07-12-2004 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 4 July 12, 2004 Councilmember Tveite suggested that Recreation Manager Michele Bergh and Environmental Assistant Rebecca Haug meet with the Boys & Girls Club to discuss current programs and possible funding options. It was the consensus of the Council to have the Boys & Girls Club provide specific information on programs that will benefit the city, that are not redundant to the ones currently offered by City Recreation, and set costs for the projects/programs. 5.4. Affordable Housing Senior Planner Scott Harlicker provided the Council with information on affordable housing as presented in his staff report. Mr. Harlicker presented the number and type of building permits issued, an updated lot inventory, and information on future residential projects. Mayor I~dinzing noted that the number of lots that are listed as available does not necessarily mean that they are available for sale on the open market but that there has been no building permit issued to date. She stated that normally the lots are builder or developer owned. Councilmember Motin indicated that he requested this item be added to the Council agenda in order to clarify whether or not affordable housing is an issue in Elk River. He stated the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HR_A) has reviewed a lot of information and studies regarding affordable housing in Elk River. Councilmember Motin stated the HRA consensus is that there does not appear to be a problem with affordable housing in Elk River but that discussion on this issue needs to take place at the City Council level. Mayor Fdinzing stated that she is not opposed to affordable housing but that she does not believe that affordable housing should be government run; it should come from private or non- profit organizations. Councilmember Dietz stated that he agrees with Councilmember Motin that affordable housing is not a current problem in Elk River and that so much time does not need to be spent monitoring the affordable housing market. He requested that something be put in writing to let the commissions know the Council's feelings on the affordable housing issue. The Council concurred that something should be put in writing to be given to the Planning Commission that makes the Council's views on affordable housing known so that they are aware when reviewing sketch plans of proposed developments. Councilmember Motin stated that he will put the Council views on affordable housing in writing to be distributed to the Planning Commission. Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that staff will provide the Planning Commission with the same information the Council received tonight and she will verbally pass on the Council views and notify them that something in writing will follow. 5.5. Comprehensive Plan Director of Planning Michele McPherson provided a brief overview of the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan discussion and reviewed the outstanding issues which may prohibit adoption of the plan (Urban Service District expansion east of County Road 40, change in lot size north of County Road 33, need for more commercial land in the future). She noted that the information provided to the Council included a cover memo as well as a memo from the City Administrator and meeting minutes of the November and December 2003 Council meetings.