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residents. He stated he was uncertain of which option he supported at this time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen expressed concern with allowing temporary health care dwellings in the older <br />portion of the City given their small lot sizes. He suggested the City opt out at this time and take some time to <br />review how to best make this legislation work for the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman supported the City opting out of this legislation. She stated she had experience with <br />providing care for the elderly as she had her mother in her home for 6½ years. She thought the care provided <br />within a temporary unit was similar to that which would be provided by an in-home health care nurse. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson believed this was a narrow view. She also took care of her mother and was of the opinion not <br />all residents wanted to put their parents in nursing homes. She saw the benefit of having a loved one close by <br />and commented on the cost of installing a handicap accessible bathroom. She felt the temporary units were an <br />affordable solution for residents in need of short-term healthcare and were not creating a situation where the <br />City would have to manage health care. She discussed the cost of the temporary health care units compared to <br />the price of nursing homes. She commented on the growing need for temporary affordable housing for seniors. <br />Councilmember Strub asked if the temporary units would be allowed into perpetuity. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson explained the temporary housing units would be allowed on a property for six months with one <br />six-month extension. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg reported she made many calls regarding this legislation and noted she also toured one of <br />the temporary healthcare dwelling units. She stated she worked in a field where she was responsible for <br />finding temporary and long-term housing for disabled individuals. She saw the value of allowing short term <br />healthcare units on residential lots and suggested the units be allowed for more than a year. She recommended <br />the City take a closer look at the options available to the City before moving forward. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman did not believe she had a closed minded view. She reiterated the fact that she had <br />cared for her mother. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub questioned if the City had a model of legislation that could be followed other than the <br />language from the State. Gundlach stated this would have to be further reviewed by staff. City Attorney <br />Sonsalla advised most cities are electing to opt out of the legislation in order to have the time to modify their <br />own Zoning Code. <br /> <br />Councilmember Burg encouraged the remaining Councilmembers to tour one of the temporary health care <br />dwellings. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson summarized that the Council would like this matter sent to the Planning Commission for <br />review and consideration. A public hearing should be held by this group and a recommendation should be <br />forwarded to the City Council. She liked the idea of the City being a leader. She supported the Council opting <br />out of the proposed legislation so long as the City was willing to pursue a code amendment to allow for <br />temporary health care dwellings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub questioned if the City would be allowed to opt back in to the legislation at some point in <br />the future. City Attorney Sonsalla believed this would be possible. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strub looked forward to the Planning Commission discussing this matter further. <br />