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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-0628 VLHA Meeting MinutesMinutes Vail Local Housing Authority (VLHA) June 28, 2016 at 3:00 PM Attending the meeting were members: James Wilkins Steve Lindstrom Scott Ashburn Mary McDougall Molly Murphy Town staff attending the meeting: Alan Nazzaro George Ruther Guest: Jill Klosterman, Eagle County Housing A quorum of VLHA Members being present, the meeting was called to order at 3:05 PM. I. Meeting Notice and Approval of minutes The Board considered the minutes sent from the VLHA Meeting held on 5/31/16. Scott Ashburn moved to approve the minutes as submitted. James Wilkins seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. II. Update on Chamonix Neighborhood Development George Ruther was unavailable to speak at the allotted time, so this item was postponed. III. Guest Speaker Jill Klosterman attended the meeting to give the VLHA an update on Eagle County’s efforts to initiate a multi-jurisdictional Housing Authority. Ms. Klosterman disseminated an information sheet on the subject to the Board, which outlined four topics: The need for community housing in eagle County. What is a housing authority? How is a multi-jurisdictional housing authority formed? Pros and Cons of forming a multi-jurisdictional housing authority. The Board reviewed the information and asked questions regarding the relationship of this issue to the possible sales tax ballot issue for a dedicated funding source. She answered that without a multi-jurisdictional authority, the measure if pushed forward might not pass. When asked about options for the authority, there were two: HA Commissioners appointed as an advisory board to the County Commissioners, who would maintain fiduciary responsibility; or HA Commissioners appointed with full fiduciary responsibilities. Ms. Klosterman when asked about the outcomes of the polling relayed the following data: 96% of those polled think housing is a problem 61% would vote for an increase of .1% in the sales tax 64% would vote for an increase of .3% in the sales tax If early childhood programs are included with housing the vote fell to 55% The County Commissioners are trying to decide whether to include early childhood or not. Employee Housing Strategic Plan (EHSP) Update on Stakeholders Meetings Results The Board reviewed the staff compilation of the input from the housing stakeholders and public meetings. They reviewed the Problem Statement and the comments/strategies suggested from all the groups for the four policy objectives that have been identified so far. It was determined that the elements of the problem statement identified among the groups did not reveal anything new related to the source s of the problem. The consensus of the Board is that the extent of the housing problem is worse now than it has ever been, according to the vast majority of participants. The Board discussed the Policy Objectives and suggested the following Preserve Existing Housing needs to be an important part of the overall Plan, because it is “less expensive to buy existing housing than it is to build new”. Strategies discussed under this objective included: Establish a deed restriction purchase program with: dedicated staff, whose compensation is commission or incentive-based Funding from dedicated housing source Different DRs at different prices, e.g., RO, employee only, retirees? Establish incentives for long-term rentals, e.g.: Zero interest housing rehab loan program Clearing house/management company matching rentals with renters Establish a deed restriction education program for home owners Tax implications of DRs Waive RETT on sales to local full-time residents Require Affidavits/proof od employment, and claw-back clause for non-compliance Establish a down payment assistance program for deed restricted homes Offer purchase assistance on free market units, if deed restriction is applied Increase Density to Increase Housing Opportunities – this objective was not discussed at the meeting. Develop a Dedicated Housing Funding Source to Increase Affordable Housing has been the missing component of the Strategic Housing Plan over the years. There is clear consensus within the community that some dedicated funding for housing is necessary to achieve any of the housing goals & objectives. Strategies discussed included: Reallocate a portion of the RETT to housing needs: 10%, 25%, 33% were proffered. Increase sales tax Increase property tax, but institute a homestead exemption for primary residences Tap into Town general fund reserves above the required minimum necessary for sound fiscal necessities - $10 million to $30 million? Actively Seek and Participate in Public/Private Partnerships to Increase Affordable Housing Inventory was not discussed at this meeting. Next Steps The Board discussed the need to vet the ideas form the VLHA with various groups and or key individuals representing certain sectors, before finalizing a draft of the Housing Strategic Plan. This was considered necessary to ensure community buy-in and support. They also discussed the idea of “what are we going to do differently”, this time around? Past efforts to confront the housing problem here have only had marginal success and the conditions today are getting worse, while solutions are becoming more costly. We need to look at all options and think outside of the box when pulling this strategy together. IV. Next Meeting The Board decided that a special meeting would be necessary to continue the discussion and begin to bring the plan to a draft to be held on July 12, 2016 at 3:00 PM in the Large Conference Room at the Community Development Office. Those VLHA Board Members available will attend the next Public Meeting, tomorrow, 6/29/16 at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers, where the Focus Group Results will be presented. The Next regularly scheduled VLHA Meeting will be held at 3:00 PM on July 26, 2016 in the Large Conference Room at the Community Development Office. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM. Respectfully Submitted, ____________________ Housing Staff INTRODUCED, READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this ______ day of ___________________, 2016.