Minutes - Council - 03/25/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.02: Consider Adoption of Housing Assistance Policy for Affordable Housing Projects Development Services Manager Gladhill reviewed the staff report and described the work of the Planning Commission's Ad -Hoc Subcommittee, EDA, and third -party review by Ehlers & Associates, to develop a Housing Assistance Policy for affordable housing projects. He described the draft Policy, scoring matrix, and presented staff's recommendation to adopt the Affordable Housing Assistance Policy. Development Services Manager Gladhill explained that if adopted, it is expected to evolve over time. He stated it has been suggested to place a cap on the amount of assistance per unit and Ehlers suggested it be considered based on the project's true need and project proforma. Development Services Manager Gladhill presented scoring examples based on Stony River, Residence at The COR, and Seasons of Ramsey. It was noted that Residence at The COR is market rate housing, not affordable housing. Development Services Manager Gladhill stated staff would follow up at a future date regarding the Market Rate Assistance Policy. Councilmember Tossey stated he understands developers will ask, but he does not support subsidies whether affordable or market rate housing. Mayor Strommen extended the Council's appreciation for the work of staff, the Ad -Hoc Subcommittee, Planning Commission, and EDA for their work on this Policy that will serve to be a useful tool when the Council considers requests for assistance. Motion by Mayor Strommen, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to Adopt Housing Assistance Policy. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Kuzma, Johns, Riley, and Tossey. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmembers Backous and LeTourneau. 7.03: Consider Advance Construction of Portions of the Mississippi River Trail Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and recommendation to authorize advance construction of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) segments through the Riverdale Drive Reconstruction/Extension Project in 2014, and through the Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard Interchange Project in 2015. He requested authorization to use $18,000 from the Park Dedication Fund for consulting engineering work to develop the Project Memorandum for the westerly section of the Mississippi River Trail. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Tossey, to approve proceeding with Mn/DOT authorization for advance construction of portions of the Mississippi River Trail, including authorization for Bolton -Menk to prepare the necessary early notification documents and Project Memorandum for the westerly section of the Mississippi River Trail. Further discussion: The Council acknowledged the public's support for trails and connectivity. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Kuzma, Tossey, Johns, and Riley. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmembers Backous and LeTourneau. City Council / March 25, 2014 Page 5 of 7