10/26/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 26, 1998 4. Pat Rickaby suggested mobile homes be included in housing maintenance program adopted by the City. She questioned the number of units allowed under high density. She also questioned the five (5) lots proposed at the sea plane base and could they be expanded. The inclusion of mobile homes will be done. The five (5) lots were previously approved for the sea plane base and future expansion can be incorporated into the Plan. Ms. Rickaby was also advised that the implementation plan suggests revisiting the various Zoning Districts to determine appropriate densities. Council Member Neal referred to the multiply housing proposed for the Town Center and stated that because there are no qualifications regarding high density housing, citizens believe it is low income housing. Mr. Brixius indicated the homes behind Town Center have not been specifically identified. There is no qualifier regarding the price of the homes. High density housing does not necessarily mean low income housing. Council Member Lyden indicated the Plan was derived from people and asked where the number for specific housing came from. Mr. Brixius indicated the policies were adopted from the City. They were reviewed and it was recommended that staff revisit specific goals. Mayor Sullivan asked if the number can be removed from the Plan completely. Mr. Brixius stated the number is one element of the Plan. Mr. Wessel stated that in December, 1995, the City opted to participate in a Livable Communities Plan. The Council made a commitment to those goals. There opportunity to revisit the goals again in December. The goals can be amended. The current goals were set by this Council last December, 1997. Council Member Lyden stated he voted no last December, 1997. He also indicated he did not remember 25% being acceptable to Council. Mr. Wessel indicated that issue can be revisited. Mayor Sullivan stated the point is that Council does not care for the current goals. Council Member Lyden asked if the Council has the intention of not increasing those goals. Mayor Sullivan stated that discussion has not been held yet. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Brixius to comment about Item #4, regarding inspections. Mr. Brixius explained the City has an older housing stock. The City would like to maintain that housing stock. The issue is maintenance and upkeep. The idea for this comes from the need to identify problems. The building code that is applied to a particular house will be the building code that was in place at the time the house was built. An inspection will identify discrepancies and allows for closure. There are modifications in the plan to make sure the seller does not have to pay for the inspection. The plan will determine if a house is compliant and maintains house value. Council Member Bergeson asked if repairs are included in the plan. Mr. Brixius stated the repairs can be negotiated between the buyer and seller. Council Member Lyden stated he is not in favor of additional layers of government. He asked who is responsible if a mistake is made regarding the inspection. Mr. Brixius indicated the City takes a risk every day with building permits. 10