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Councilmember Allen stated he had the understanding a public conversation had never been held and now was <br /> the time for the Council to consider this matter. <br /> Mayor Johnson requested comment from Council on this issue. <br /> Councilmember Jacobsen asked if the project would be delayed if the affordability issue and TIF were <br /> readdressed. Lotter commented the challenge with developments is they occur over an extended period of time <br /> and require a large number of meetings. He stated he was surprised by the fact a Commissioner of the EDC <br /> raised this question and not the Chair of the EDC. He explained that part of the issue with this particular <br /> development was that the developers were brought together by direction of the Council. He indicated that may <br /> have been a time to have a discussion regarding the AMI mix with the body. However, once a land use <br /> application has been submitted, rights were in place to see this process through. He reported it was a <br /> competitive process to receive tax credits for affordable housing units. <br /> Gozola commented State law may be changing in the coming years for allow for averaging to address the <br /> current problem. He explained affordable housing tax credits were extremely competitive and another avenue <br /> needs to be provided to allow for some flexibility in the AMI for the units. He stated at this time, once bonds <br /> are in place, the units would have to remain at 60% AMI. Lotter indicated he was more comfortable with the <br /> private sector financing, constructing and owning a building as they seem fit. He was of the opinion the City <br /> was in the best possible position for this project as the City was constructing valuable housing that a teacher or <br /> shop mechanic could afford. <br /> Councilmember Burg stated she appreciated the fact this item was being discussed and understood it should <br /> have perhaps been addressed at an earlier date. <br /> Mayor Johnson discussed the process that was followed to get an item on a worksession agenda noting only <br /> two Councilmembers have to make the request. She indicated she had not placed this item on an agenda in the <br /> past because she supported the affordability of the units as proposed by the developer. She stated for time <br /> purposes she would like to end discussion on this topic in order to get to the regularly scheduled City Council <br /> meeting. <br /> Worksession adjourned at 6:18 pm <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> (41/44,f-g-7,4{,g,( <br /> Terri Spangrud <br /> City Clerk <br />