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Councilmember Shachner expressed support for Ms. Urbanek's suggestion that the City's landlord seminar devote a portion of its content to dispelling myths about the housing choice voucher program. To address the housing shortage, Councilmember Shachner contemplated increasing the vacant property license fee to an amount that would discourage homeowners from keeping their properties vacant. He committed to following up to determine if such an approach is legal, or, if fees are required to be correlated with the amount of city time and expense. Later, he suggested a potential vacant property tax based on the value of the home. Mr. Heckelmoser remarked further on the mismatch between true affordability and the HUD definitions of affordability. He noted that the average income for a Westerly resident is $14,000/year. He stated that is it easier to create new affordable housing for residents at 60% AMI, but that the demand is stemming from individuals who need 30% AMI housing. Ms. Urbanek emphasized that the 30% gross income standard is inadequate and does not take into consideration a person's other significant expenses. Ms. Wellborn pointed to the need to break down barriers of discrimination. She asked for data on the breakdown of income levels by race to better understand the intersection of race and poverty. Ms. Keniray of the Fair Housing Center provided data on the number of housing vouchers within the City, noting that there were 433 vouchers in 2012 and 267 today. She noted that the average voucher-holder in the city has been a resident for 9 years and is disabled. She provided other statistics about the characteristics of Lakewood voucher holders. She reported that many people would love to live in Lakewood and to stay in Lakewood but are struggling to find affordable housing. Chairman Bullock suggested that affordable housing be established as a council priority moving forward. He provided background on the rationale for originally establishing a housing license program. He pointed out that the code requires landlords to fulfill 2 of 3 requirements to hold a housing license, including attending a city-sponsored landlord training seminar. The committee established that the landlord training seminar used to be provide twice annually and is now provided one time. Councilmember Bullock advocated for multiple landlord training opportunities throughout the year and that housing vouchers are discussed. Councilmember Kepple asked how about how much accessible rental housing is available that is not specifically for seniors. Mr. Wyman replied that this is brought up with each of the city's loan applicants and grant recipients. The city also has a grant program for installing, chair lifts, stair lifts and ramps. Lakewood Alive will do a free aging-in-place assessment for residents and install easy fixes such as grab bars for free. Ms. Keniray spoke about accessible building design guidelines and how they do not apply to the majority of buildings in Lakewood which were constructed before 1939. 2