ATTENTION
IN-PERSON AUDIENCES AT HOUSING COMMISSION MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER
IN-PERSON AUDIENCES AT HOUSING COMMISSION MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER
MEETING MINUTES
| HOUSING COMMISSION THURSDAY JUNE 25, 2020 |
VIRTUAL MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE 1:00 P.M. |
1.
Call to Order
Chair Nicole Ellman called meeting to order at 1:01pm.
Chair Nicole Ellman called meeting to order at 1:01pm.
2.
Roll Call
COUNCIL LIAISON PRESENT: Councilmember Jim McCarthy
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| ROSS ALTENBAUGH - Present KAIJAYLAAN BEATTIE - Present ERIC DAVIS - Present MELINDA DEBOER-AYREY - Present NICOLE ELLMAN - Present |
CATHERINE ESQUIVEL - Absent KAREN FLORES - Present KHARA HOUSE - Present CHRIS KEMMERLY - Absent DEVONNA MCLAUGHLIN - Present |
MOSES MILAZZO - Absent ERIN O'LOUGHLIN - Present TAD RIGGS - Absent |
OTHER STAFF PRESENT: Affordable Housing Project Manager Leah Bloom, Housing Director Sarah Darr, Deputy City Manager Shane Dille, Housing Specialist Adriana Fisher, Community Development Director Dan Folke
COUNCIL LIAISON PRESENT: Councilmember Jim McCarthy
3.
Public Comment
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for Public Comment at the time the item is heard.
No members of the public present for public comment.
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for Public Comment at the time the item is heard.
No members of the public present for public comment.
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
Consideration and Approval of Minutes: Housing Commission Meeting, May 28, 2020.
Approve the minutes of the May 28, 2020 Housing Commission Meeting.
Approve the minutes of the May 28, 2020 Housing Commission Meeting.
Moved by Khara House, seconded by Erin O'Loughlin to approve the minutes of the May 28, 2020 Housing Commission Meeting.
Vote: 9 - 0 - Unanimously
5.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Discussion and Input: Mountain Line Bus Rapid Transit Project
Discussion and Input
Presentation provided by Ms. Bizzy (Elizabeth) Collins, Transit Planner for Mountain Line.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions, expressed concerns about, made recommendations for, and discussed the following items:
Commissioners invited Ms. Collins to involve them in future downtown transportation connector conversation and planning. Chair Ellman stated transit could be brought up again in the “Informational Items to/from Commission Members…” section of the agenda.
Discussion and Input
Presentation provided by Ms. Bizzy (Elizabeth) Collins, Transit Planner for Mountain Line.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions, expressed concerns about, made recommendations for, and discussed the following items:
- proposed cross-sections
- current transit routes
- transit community goals
- availability of transit to low-income individuals/families and near social services
- reconfiguration of bus lanes for increased safety for pedestrians and bicyclists
- funding sources for project
Commissioners invited Ms. Collins to involve them in future downtown transportation connector conversation and planning. Chair Ellman stated transit could be brought up again in the “Informational Items to/from Commission Members…” section of the agenda.
B.
Discussion and Input: Review of Flagstaff's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Discussion and Input
Informational presentation provided by Ms. Jenny Niemann, City of Flagstaff Sustainability Section’s Climate and Energy Specialist. Question asked by Commissioner Eric Davis regarding expectations from Housing Commission, which was answered by Ms. Niemann.
Discussion and Input
Informational presentation provided by Ms. Jenny Niemann, City of Flagstaff Sustainability Section’s Climate and Energy Specialist. Question asked by Commissioner Eric Davis regarding expectations from Housing Commission, which was answered by Ms. Niemann.
6.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
Ms. Leah Bloom specified the Housing Commission will take a break in July and reconvene meetings in August. At that point, Ms. Sara Dechter, City of Flagstaff Comprehensive Planning Manager, will provide a presentation about the Regional Plan. Additionally, the Housing Commission will consider work concerning the Affordable Housing Incentive Policy.
Commissioners expressed interest in:
Ms. Leah Bloom specified the Housing Commission will take a break in July and reconvene meetings in August. At that point, Ms. Sara Dechter, City of Flagstaff Comprehensive Planning Manager, will provide a presentation about the Regional Plan. Additionally, the Housing Commission will consider work concerning the Affordable Housing Incentive Policy.
Commissioners expressed interest in:
- Mountain Line’s planning for underserved areas and interest in seeing an increase in transit timing and service from east to west sides of town. Requested an update from NAIPTA in August or September about the planning process. Ms. Bloom emailed Ms. Collins to obtain future agenda items.
- How COVID-19 is impacting the Flagstaff housing market. They’d like to look at affordable housing options and how low income and homeless populations have been impacted. Additionally, they requested data of individuals who took advantage of the moratoriums on rent and mortgages, how they stand now, and data about moratorium on evictions during COVID19.
- Collaborating with sustainability and requested continued discussion about how we could think more intersectional about housing and climate change, especially when discussing possible new housing developments.
- Thanked Council Liaison Jim McCarthy for providing a summary of the last Housing Commission’s meeting to Council on behalf of Housing Commissioners.
- Discussed adding an “a” option for “agree” or “d” option for “disagree” in the Teams’ chat during meetings to express agreement or disagreement with comments. Ms. Sarah Darr followed up with information about Open Meeting Law, and after, it was decided that Chair Ellman will read off names of Commissioners who agree or disagree.
- Shared news about Foundation for Senior living receiving Low Income Housing Tax Credits to re-develop the St. Mary’s property downtown, which will lead to additional affordable housing units for seniors.
- Asked if meetings would be conducted virtually through the end of the year. Ms. Bloom stated she doesn’t have an answer, but it’ll be a consensus with Commissioners about their comfort level moving forward with meetings. The City of Flagstaff is also working on re-entry plan. Ms. Bloom will provide updates as necessary.
7.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:29pm by Chair Ellman.
Meeting adjourned at 2:29pm by Chair Ellman.