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Councilmember Buscher supported the systematic approach, emphasizing fairness and the need to <br />give businesses time to address issues before enforcement. <br />Councilmember Stewart asked about repercussions for non-compliance. <br />Planning Manager Larson outlined the path to compliance, including obtaining building permits <br />and navigating the planning commission process. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan discussed the importance of communication and <br />proactive enforcement, noting that businesses appreciated knowing what to expect. <br />Mayor Heineman emphasized the need to focus on aesthetics and avoid expanding the scope of <br />enforcement to unrelated issues. <br />Planning Manager Larson assured the council that the focus would be on visible issues from the <br />highway and not on interior inspections. <br />Mayor Heineman expressed concerns about the perception of selective enforcement and the <br />importance of articulating the policy clearly. <br />City Attorney Johnson explained the legal justification for the policy and the importance of <br />articulating the public purpose. <br />Planning Manager Larson clarified that the goal was to bring businesses into compliance and that <br />the policy would be communicated clearly to avoid misunderstandings. <br />Councilmember Specht supported the proactive enforcement but emphasized the need to avoid <br />scope creep and ensure fairness. <br />2.02: Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Policy Discussion and Direction <br />Planner Manager Larson opened the discussion on local affordable housing aid, outlining <br />eligibility criteria and the types of projects that can be funded. <br />Councilmember Riley suggested focusing on exterior improvements and forgivable loans to <br />prevent properties from flipping. <br />Councilmember Buscher supported matching funds and income verification for recipients. <br />Mayor Heineman and the council discussed the potential for targeting specific demographics, such <br />as seniors, and the importance of prioritizing structural improvements. <br />Planning Manager Larson outlined the available funding and the need for a balanced approach to <br />ensure the program's impact. <br />City Council Work Session / February 10, 2026 <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />