City Council Minutes 1984 03 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

3/7/84 Page -4- 1. How many lots are there in the City that are not covered by growth limiting sub- divisions agreements? He felt that this number would be from 100-200. Many of these have been on the books for a long, long time, perhaps 30-40 years. He supposed that if someone who lived 5 blocks away and has a vacant lot that he has been paying taxes on for 40 years next to his house, decides that he would build a house for his mother or other family member, next to his that he would fall under a new ordinance which took effect 40 years after he made his investment. That is probably not something that will not work too well from a moral standpoint regardless of the legality. 2. Felt that Council needed to take a look at the product mix in the City. They need to make sure that they have a balance of housing. If this is not the case, perhaps maybe the middle price range is lacking, then you are going to come under efforts to provide that type of housing in the future. Then when that happens you are liable to get whatever types of reasonable growth con- tols that you get overturned or at least a great deal of pressure on them. Felt that some of these problems could be avoided by examining the situation and provide for it today. 3. It was his opinion that Council should take a close look at the economics of the City finances. Those in the industry know very well that it is cyclic. In a good year you do quite well in terms of sales while in a bad year you may do next to nothing. Since the City finances in certain areas are directly limited to the market for hous- ing, and will be for the next few years, he felt this needed to be taken into consideration so that the City, like the developers and builders, can save for rainy days. Also felt that Council should look ahead 5 years and if housing does slow down, they needed to have a plan implemented now so that you do not provide the City Administrator with a ;moritorium which would necessitate firing 35-40 employees in a week because the funds are not available. Provide for it now, if possible sub-contract some services instead of exapanding - do it.