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Planning Director Sofia Mangalam introduced Aaron Barrall and Dan Wery of Michael Baker International who provided an update on the housing element. The overview included the state -mandated schedule: 8 -year cycle (2023 — 2031); the adoption deadline of January 31, 2023; the review and certification by the State Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) to determine compliance with state law. It was also stated that the Housing Element must plan for accommodating a jurisdiction's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Councilmember Schmidt asked if senior communities count in the identified area. Mr. Wery responded yes, but there are limitations on what the town could require. She also asked about the site identified and if they have made initial inquires with the owners. Director Mangalam said that the work is in progress. Councilmember Mok asked if it was possible to have one of the plots on the Foothill College campus location dedicated towards students and the other for staff? With respect to the median income, does it need to be a family of four that lives there? Mr. Barrall replied yes, you can designate some for -student housing and others for staff. If it would meet the definition of a unit (including a kitchen and bathroom), then it would count. A dorm would not count towards the RHNA numbers based on state law. A family of four is a baseline, but anyone could live there. The median income does scale for individuals living there. Councilmember Mok also asked about the penalties for the town not reaching the RHNA goals? Mr. Barrall replied that a plan needs to be adopted. If a plan is not adopted, there are many issues and the state attorney general has the authority to sue the town and there are many escalating actions, but the state does have the jurisdiction to write the housing element itself. Councilmember Mok further inquired if there is any credit for infrastructure? Mr. Barrall replied that most cities have sewer service, but if the town doesn't, it might limit the viability of the site. There is no state funding to provide infrastructure, but there may be some creative ways to support infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure grant funding to support affordable housing. Councilmember Tankha asked to the extent that the town is required to meet its RHNA obligations, is it good enough to show intent to build low- or moderate - income housing or do the units have to be built? Mr. Wery replied that we need to demonstrate upfront that we have the capacity, zoning, infrastructure for each site to show it is possible to meet the RHNA. That can 2 City Council/Planning Commission Joint Special Meeting Minutes March 24, 2022