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Member Bauer asked how comfortable the Met Council is with the population projections, as the <br />forecasts provided by the Met Council are what Ramsey uses when developing the elements of <br />the its Comprehensive Plan. <br />Mr. Wojchik stated that he believes the forecasts are much more accurate than they had been in <br />the past. He noted that they also ask cities for their input as well in order to make the forecast <br />even more accurate. He stated that following discussions with cities they attempt to "meet in the <br />middle", as there are sometimes issues that the Met Council may not make immediately and staff <br />can provide that input. <br />Member Valentine thanked Mr. Wojchik for taking the time to provide this presentation. He <br />asked if there is information available from the Met Council regarding changes in technology, <br />specifically regarding transportation and changes to brick and mortar commercial as that market <br />is changing faster than anticipated. <br />Mr. Wojchik recognized the change from brick and mortar and the difficulty that provides to <br />redevelopment of those sites. He stated that those questions are great to hear because that means <br />that he is thinking in the future in terms of planning elements. He stated that there is a lot of <br />latitude in the plan and the Committee can think of how those elements relate to different <br />portions of the plan. <br />Member Breuer asked if the cost of land and/or development is considered in terms of affordable <br />housing. <br />Mr. Wojchik stated that there are a lot of variables as each housing situation is so unique. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill explained how the affordable housing threshold is <br />determined and confirmed that construction and land costs are accounted. <br />Member Roering stated that as incomes increase, construction costs also increase and therefore <br />the tables provided from the Met Council are updated annually. <br />Member Breuer stated that income is often slower to increase compared to other costs and asked <br />how often those projections are updated. <br />Mr. Wojchik stated that the figures are updated at least annually, sometimes more often. <br />Member Breuer asked for information on the rental thresholds. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill provided the affordability thresholds for rentals as of <br />2015. <br />Member Kingston stated that he looked at the population forecasts for the City and noted that it <br />did not appear to match the chart that was shown in the chart. He also noted that there was a <br />slight decrease between 2030 and 2040 and asked for the reason. <br />City Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee / January 9, 2017 <br />Page 4 of 8 <br />