In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the Hoisington City Council met Tuesday evening to continue a discussion on how to alleviate a housing crunch that is keeping some of the professionals who work in the city from living there too.
The council received a simplified breakdown of a proposal by Russ Vogel of Rural Housing Partners hopes the city will agree upon in order to begin a project at McKenna Meadows subdivision.  
The council also heard from a representative from Housing Opportunities Incorporated, the Great Bend based entity that plans to build five duplexes in the city beginning this fall.  While the proposal was similar to that of RHP, it had some marked differences, including the ability to customize homes, something RHP has indicated it is unwilling to do.  
Council person Brian Wilborn stated that customization has come up as a compelling factor when speaking with most of the individuals that have expressed interest in purchasing a new home in Hoisington.
Both proposals include plans for houses of similar size and quality, with RHP anticipating a selling price below $200,000, and HOI estimating $220,000, depending on customizations the buyer would like.  In addition, RHP would require commitment from three or four buyers in order to move forward, while HOI could move forward with one.  Both companies would require commitment before a build could begin, however.
Two other factors concerned council members.  RHP seeks the help of the city in locating and acquiring locations and buyers for two duplexes, while HOI did not.  Also, RHP would like the city to drop the option for neighborhood revitalization funds for the units they build, and instead funnel the money into paving the road to the community.  HOI would leave the choice up to the consumer.  
City Manager Jonathan Mitchell stated there is still one more company with a proposal he is expecting to receive shortly.  But, he pointed out, RHP has set a deadline of June 30 to hear from the city its decision.  Waiting too long could cause the city to lose an opportunity.  Still, the council agreed it could not make any written commitment until all options were on the table, so no action was taken and the issue will be on the agenda at the June 8 meeting.  
Mitchell then requested the council enter into executive session to consult with the city attorney on matters that would be deemed privileged in an attorney-client relationship.  The session lasted 5 minutes.  No action was taken.  
The next city council meeting will be Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m. at the city offices.  Council priorities forms will be due at that meeting.