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7.1.A. - Page 26 <br /> sorts of programs (presentation on file). He said that with hard work they hope to get a <br /> community benefit program ordinance done by the end of this calendar year. <br /> Public Comment <br /> Sandra Cooperman spoke in favor of affordable housing and developers taking into <br /> consideration people displaced on the recent fires and that many includes seniors and <br /> disabled people. She spoke about seniors being property rich and cash poor. She <br /> hopes the city and the developers can talk and discuss these issues and looks for <br /> positive outcomes from the community benefits program. <br /> Diane Reddy spoke about her concerns that the over 2,000 housing units that are <br /> currently in pipeline tend be at a moderate level of affordability in our high cost area. <br /> She believes that affordable housing for low income people and seniors is crucial at this <br /> time and spoke in favor of having an effective anti - displacement policy in place for <br /> future planning. <br /> Belen Seara said she works for the San Mateo Union Community Alliance, a community <br /> and labor -based organization, which is affiliated with the San Mateo Labor Council and <br /> the Building and Trades Council. She expressed their support for the staff report for <br /> robust community outreach for the community benefits program to be as inclusive as <br /> possible. She also spoke in support of ensuring underserviced and underrepresented <br /> people to attend meetings, with translations and varied meeting times; looking at job co- <br /> benefits; regional economic prosperity strategy; how this region can work together to <br /> move low wage workers into mid -wage jobs; and, the need for more affordable housing. <br /> Dr. Bell announced that as part of the certification of the Housing Elements the City will <br /> be participating in a nexus study with 21 Elements. One Council Member believes this <br /> is the right course of action and he appreciates the speakers tonight. The issue of <br /> densities bonus were discussed and Mr. Ekern confirmed that is in the books. This <br /> Council Member about the Green Belt Alliance and how they have produced a good <br /> report. One Council Member would like additional information from the City of San <br /> Mateo and from their prior experience, and she would like to look at the greater <br /> framework such as the fees we have in place. Another Council Member inquired if we <br /> follow the state guidelines for a density bonus and Mr. Ekern confirmed that the City <br /> follows it. <br /> Vice Mayor Foust would like to see a menu of options so that the Council can pick from. <br /> Vice Mayor Foust said that we want San Mateo County to be a place for everyone and <br /> for housing as well. She pointed to the development on Redwood Shores and how this <br /> has changed thanks to Mr. Keech for the partnerships he built. She believes there is a <br /> need for flexibility and if we were to present the developer with a menu of choices for a <br /> benefit package that equates to 10% or 15% or whatever that figure is. She referenced <br /> the work with the Stanford Committee and how there was a lot of thinking outside the <br /> box which might be unusual. <br /> Mayor Gee said that this will not be easy but having more data will be helpful and he <br /> heard a desire for a robust stakeholder's process. Dr. Bell said that staff might come <br /> back with a request for additional staffing via a consultant. <br /> CITY COUNCIL January 27, 2014 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 12 <br />