11/28/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Rutan requested a list of the types of activities that would be subject to SDC credits. Mr. Boles noted that the committee spent a lot of time attempting to strike a balanced proposal that recognizes both the costs and the benefits of develop- ment. He said that while it is unfortunate that credits have to stay within a phased development, the proposal does give the developer the choice to absorb the full SDC or to engage in activities which would help the developer offset certain costs. Ms. Schue pointed out that while allowing developers the opportunity to make choices about a public improvement reduces the City's flexibility to make decisions, it increases the likelihood that the improvement will be done in an expedient fashion. Mr. Nicholson said that this also dilutes the City's ability to set priorities. Council recommendation: Provide credits for the public share of on-site improvements not to exceed the value of the SDC for the specific system. B. low-income Housing Exemption Mr. Rutan expressed his support for this exemption, noting that it is consis- tent with the council's social goal. However, he also noted the council should have a good understanding of what the costs would be. Mr. Boles said that while he supports the construction of low-income housing, e he does not believe this exemption will get at this goal. He noted that exempting low-income housing from SDCs simply shifts the burden of housing construction to the General Fund. If the council decides to move forward with this exemption) it should be subject to a mandatory one-year review. Responding to a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Lyle said that the term low- income housing is clearly defined within State law; it would be easy to de- termine which housing projects would qualify for SDC credits. Mr. Green said that he supported the staff recommendation because it provided incentives for much-needed low-income housing. Ms. Bascom concurred, noting that providing credits for housing construction would make it possible to reduce housing construction costs. Mr. Nicholson agreed on the benefit of providing incentives for low-income housing development, but emphasized that the public contribution to this cause should be explicit. Responding to a question from Mr. Robinette, Tom Schwetz explained that be- cause of the multiplier effect it makes sense to exempt low-income housing projects from SDCs altogether, rather than levying a charge and then provid- ing credits retroactively. Council recommendation: Allow credits to be included in the rate setting process. Require a one-year review. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 28, 1990 Page 5 I