MAMMOTH LAKES HOUSING, INC.
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, December 5, 2016
Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 437 OLD MAMMOTH ROAD
MINARET VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER, SUITE Z
Minutes
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Members present: Larry Johnston, Jiselle Kenny, Kirk Stapp, Bill Taylor and John Wentworth were in attendance; Lindsay Barksdale was absent, as previously announced.
Staff Present: Jennifer Halferty, Executive Director; Anita Hatter (for Patricia Robertson)
III. Public Comments
There were no public comments.
IV. Approval of minutes from November 7, 2016 Regular Board meeting
Moved by Taylor, seconded by Johnston, and carried by a 5-0 vote with Barksdale absent to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2016 meeting.
V. Board Member reports
Johnston reported on discussions at the County Supervisor level regarding the voter passage of propositions pertaining to marijuana legalization and affordable housing.
VI. MLH monthly status report
There was discussion of the Director’s report, including the potential timing of the release of the Notice of Funding Availability for Cap and Trade funds, which could apply to the cost of constructing affordable housing on the Shady Rest parcel. There was discussion of potential impacts of the incoming Presidential administration and reductions in the corporate tax rate on available funding for housing, as well as other funding gaps. The Director reported that the Nordica #5 unit was in escrow for sale to a local resident. There was discussion of the potential for the Town’s retaining a “data-mining” consultant (Host Compliance) to assist with the identification and enforcement of illegal rentals in town that may be occurring as a result of the increase in Airbnb- and VRBO-type internet rentals. There was discussion of the need to have the County GIS system and the Town’s Business License system utilizing the same address/property/parcel numbers and business license information. The Director reported that the Town and MLH had coordinated to send second homeowners a mailer encouraging them to explore longer term or seasonal rentals, because of the current workforce housing shortage. There was discussion regarding steps taken in other resort communities to encourage long-term rentals. Impacts of “tech economy” issues will be discussed at the next Board meeting, rescheduled to be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2016. There was discussion of the schedule and coordination issues related to the Town’s 2019 Housing Element Update.
VII. Information and possible next steps from MLH Board President on discussion with MMSA CEO
Board President Stapp reported on his meeting with MMSA CEO Rusty Gregory prior to the previous Town Council meeting regarding how best to work together towards long-term solutions to the worker housing shortage. There was discussion regarding the role of the Shady Rest property in meeting affordable housing needs; the lack of suitable properties out of town for affordable housing; the increased production of greenhouse gasses from long commutes to town; and the long waiting lists for housing in town. The Board discussed the need for significant public engagement and accurate data on which to base decisions for the community. Consensus to include an agenda item on the next regular meeting to appoint a subcommittee to work with the Town’s consultant on what data is needed. Members discussed strategies used in other jurisdictions to increase the availability of housing for local workers, including taxing unoccupied dwellings.
VIII. Review of Town Council action adopting a guiding principle for the Shady Rest Negotiations with the land investors
“Strive to meet or exceed the affordable/workforce housing unit count as provided by the current zoning and master plan while ensuring livability standards and quality of life at Shady Rest and surrounding neighborhoods consistent with the General Plan.”
Stapp distributed a handout he wrote on the history of the Shady Rest parcel and summarized its contents. Members discussed public perceptions of the loss of some deed restrictions as a result of the foreclosure of eight units during the economic downturn in 2008-2009. Members suggested that the handout be provided to the consultant prior to meeting with him on December 6. There was discussion of the value of the Shady Rest to the community, the need for coordination among the many entities included in the Hart-Howerton concept, the lack of alignment between the concept and current approved Town plans, the need for a plan and timeline on moving forward on Cap and Trade Funding, and the current pressures imposed by the conflicting demands for weekend rentals and long-term housing rentals. There was discussion regarding the Board’s desire to work towards site control of Shady Rest during the next several months before the issuance of the Cap and Trade Fund NOFA. Consensus that the guiding principle as stated above is adequate for moving forward.
IX. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.