City Council Minutes 2012 05 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes May 15, 2012 Page 3 of 11 DISCUSSIOWDIRECTION/ACTION — PURSUIT OF IGA WITH LOUISVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY (LHA), BOULDER COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY (BCHA) AND CITY OF LOUISVILLE REGARDING LHA CONSOLIDATION WITH BCHA Mayor Muckle requested a staff presentation. City Manager Fleming explained City Council discussed a potential for the Louisville Housing Authority (LHA) to consolidate with the Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) at two study sessions. The discussions covered various financial aspects of the proposed merger and the pursuit of the Louisville Housing Authority's mission to provide affordable housing in Louisville. The Louisville Housing Authority and staff believe this is in the best interest of the City. The key issues of the proposal are to provide affordable housing and an additional fifteen units over the next five years. He introduced Terry Abbott, of the Louisville Housing Authority. Terry Abbott, Louisville Housing Authority Chairperson, 303 S. Adams Drive, Louisville, CO stated in the opinion of the LHA, it is in Louisville's best interest to consolidate with the Boulder County Housing Authority. The proposal includes a provision to add fifteen units of affordable housing over the next five years. There are benefits to consolidating the assets and dissolving the LHA, including BCHA's ability to refinance and renovate the properties. The LHA felt this is a logical consolidation as BCHA has always managed the Louisville properties. The LHA believes the best path forward is consolidating the LHA's assets with BCHA and requested the Council direct the LHA Board and City staff to draft an IGA between the LHA, BCHA and the City, to transfer current assets and liabilities to BCHA. COUNCIL COMMENT Council member Keany commented on his involvement with the Louisville Housing Authority since 1993. He felt the consolidation of the LHA and BCHA will be a benefit to the City and sustain affordable housing. Council member Sackett asked Ms. Abbott if the LHA had taken a vote on this merger, and if so, was the vote unanimous. Ms. Abbott confirmed the vote was unanimous. Councilor Yamell stated at one time she felt the City should hold on to the properties to preserve the history, but now believes the consolidation will benefit the City. She stressed the importance of the IGA to protect the City's interests. Mayor Muckle noted at one time affordable housing received more federal funding. He stated this consolidation will assist in building more affordable housing by working with a larger governmental agency. Mayor Muckle requested public comment. There were no comments.