01/28/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Bennett said he feels very strongly about the condominium conversion ordinance. He said he has a case to make, and he has a point of view to present. He said he has thought about what is perceived in the community, about his credibility, and about how his comments would be perceived. He said he has sought advise from many people. Mr. Bennett said he has decided not to vote on the condominium conversion ordinance. He said he has had considerable experience with the ordinance and would like to discuss some of the issues. He said the City Attorney has indicated that he may participate in the discussion and not vote on the ordinance. Ms. Schue said Mr. Bennett's decision is wise. She said she thinks the council will want to hear his experience. She said she understands the perceptions of a conflict of interest and she applauds his decision. Ms. Bascom said she agrees with Mr. Bennett's decision. She said she is looking forward to his comments now that the question has been settled. Mayor Obie said he and the councilors respect Mr. Bennett's decision and welcome his participation in the discussion. e Beginning her discussion of the tenant protections, Ms. Johnson said the existing ordinance and the State law require a Notice of Conversion be given to all tenants when the conversion process begins. The Planning Commission recommended the requirement be retained. Ms. Johnson referred to two matrices at the end of the Condominium Conversion Ordinance Report which were reproduced on the wall. One matrix illustrated the tenant benefits in the existing ordinance and the other matrix illustrated the tenant benefits recommended by the Planning Commission. Ms. Johnson said there are three groups of special category tenants in the existing ordinance. They are: 1) people with annual incomes of 80 percent or less of the median income; 2) people 62 years old or older; and 3) handicapped people. She said a provision in the existing ordinance that requires the offer of comparable units and, if comparable units cannot be found, lifetime leases to special category tenants have never been activated. Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman, Ms. Johnson said the annual incomes are calculated from the areals median income and updated annually by the Federal Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). This year, 80 percent of the median income for one person is $1,077 a month. The eviction protections in the ordinance become effective when the conversion process begins and the Notice of Conversion is delivered. Replying to questions from Mr. Holmer, Ms. Johnson said the eviction protections do not apply to tenants in buildings that are not being converted to condominiums. Responding to questions from Mayor Obie, Ms. Johnson said the eviction protection in the existing ordinance means that all tenants may remain in their apartments at least 180 days after receiving the Notice of Conversion or e MINUTES--Eugene City Council January 28, 1987 Page 6