2017-08-28 Community Development and Neighborhoods Minutes

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City Council Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes August 28, 2017- 5:30 p.m. - Hazelnut Conference Room, City Hall Councilmembers: Kathy Hougardy, Chair, Verna Seal, Kate Kruller Staff: Jack Pace, Mia Navarro, Nora Gierloff, Laurel Humphrey Guests: Pam Carter, resident CALL TO ORDER: Chair Hougardy called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. I. BUSINESS AGENDA A. Community Connectors Program Staff briefed the Committee on the Community Connectors program which aims to improve outreach to residents historically underrepresented in civic processes by contracting with individuals from various groups to act as liaisons between their community and the City. The program began in 2013 and has an annual budget of $32,500. There are currently 8 Connectors, including 2 Hispanic, 2 Somali, 1 Burmese, 1 Ethiopian/Eritrean, 1 senior, and 1 youth. Staff is evaluating the program structure to determine if resources or capacity should be increased to provide more training and a broader reach. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions. Councilmember Seal suggested that the presentation to the Committee of the Whole include information on the 2017-2018 budget and expenditures. Councilmember Kruller stressed the importance of metrics for program evaluation. DISCUSSION ONLY. B. Accessory Dwelling Units Survey Results Earlier this year the Council directed staff to return with policy considerations for updating the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning standards. As part of this, staff conducted a public outreach campaign that included a survey. Of 165 responses, a majority supported making changes. Staff is seeking Council direction on next steps. Policy options to consider include allowing detached ADUs, reducing the lot area requirement from 7,200 sf, increasing the attached ADU size limit, removing owner occupancy requirement, reducing parking, and prohibiting or allowing short term rentals. Councilmember Kruller asked for additional information on what similarly sized cities are doing, including their implementation plan, fee structure, and enforcement. The Committee requested that the full Council receive this presentation and discuss policy options prior to Planning Commission review. Staff will work to find an appropriate date. Chair Hougardy stated that the Council should study the background materials in order to have a productive discussion. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO AUGUST 28, 2017 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.