City Council Agenda and Packet 2015 03 03

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City Council Meeting Minutes February 17, 2015 Page 11 of 20 what the tradeoffs are. As 2014 budget closes, there are revenues and expenditures, which may be on the positive side, but more information is needed to know the City's current position. Staff believes it may be better than the adopted 2015 budget however a waiver and direct contribution of this magnitude has significant implications. It is not known over the next five years how this would constrain the City Council's choices on capital projects, operating costs or the revenues. He stated the City needs more time to accurately reflect that information. The Council communication asks for general direction and if there is a recommendation on actual dollar amounts, staff can come back at a later date. If Council is not interested at all, staff asked such direction be provided. Council member Leh was not prepared to oppose the request, but did not feel he had enough information to make a decision at this time, especially if there are tradeoffs. Council member Stolzmann agreed more information was needed. She addressed the Parks and Trails and felt there should be a lot more discussion on both sides. She suggested the County facilitate the Highway 42 Underpass in connection with this project, which would go toward waiving the Parks and Trails fee. She suggested the municipal facilities fee might be waived or increased under an IGA, which ensured Louisville residents would have access to the community space in the future. She felt the contributions were not being tied together in this proposal. She agreed Council will have to know what type of budget amendment will be made to accommodate this assistance. She stated it is great the BCHA has the opportunity to get funds as a result of the flood, but noted Louisville was also impacted by the flood and will have a difficult time making the match. She agreed with Commissioner Gardner there is a need for affordable housing, but felt it had to work financially for the City. She needed more information on the waived fees, particularly on the road construction. Council member Loo had opposed giving the City's affordable housing properties to the County, but was pleased to see the County purchase the Alkonis property for affordable housing. She felt turning those properties over to the County was a gift and the City's contribution to this project. She was not sure Lafayette has given the County all of their affordable housing. She stressed $3 Million is a lot of money for a small town whose reserves are very low. Although she valued the partnership with the County, she did not feel she could support the financial assistance request. Council member Keany was not prepared to make a decision this evening, but wanted to help this project financially. He suggested the City's use tax, which would be a loss of revenue, but would be better than waiving building fees where staff's time has been impacted. He needed more analysis on the tradeoff for the parks and trails, facilities and transportation fees. He wanted to see Council get creative to help support the project. He realized the Louisville Housing Authority properties were for the community, and BCHA does not have a way to give a preference for Louisville residents.