Council reviews proposed McCall Avenue ground‑lease updates; debate centers on remote‑work exclusion and voluntary change

Bree (housing program manager) presented proposed updates to the McCall Avenue ground lease to align the document with McCall’s 2022 Local Housing Action Plan and current housing policy. She said legal had reviewed the draft and that the updates would apply only to a pending sale, but the council should weigh whether updated clauses should be used consistently going forward.

Bree explained the most consequential change was a narrowed definition of a ‘full‑time local employee’ to exclude remote workers who are not primarily employed by Valley or Adams County employers. She said remote work “often pays more than local wages” and that many peer communities exclude remote workers from workforce housing eligibility. "Remote work often pays more than local wages, which can push housing prices up," Bree said, arguing the change preserves units for employees who serve local employers.

The proposal also clarified language on senior prioritization, appraisal timing, and explicitly prohibited short‑term rentals. Staff emphasized the update process would be voluntary for existing owners: only a buyer and seller who agree would move to the new version. However, council members pressed staff and legal counsel for explicit, written language about what happens when leases move from version 2 to version 3 to avoid confusion and perceived arbitrariness. Legal staff said homeowners keep their existing lease version unless they and a buyer mutually agree to adopt a newer version.

Several councilors and residents raised concerns about excluding remote workers—pointing out that some longtime locals rely on nontraditional or remote income streams, seasonal or out‑of‑town work, or face job transitions. Council members asked staff to add explicit hardship and appeal clauses so homeowners who later face employment or income shocks have a clear process for relief. One homeowner in the room clarified there are nine McCall Avenue units total and requested notice to homeowners and an opportunity for public comment when the item returns to the council.

Council did not adopt the draft lease on Jan. 15. Instead, members directed staff to: clarify transition mechanics and packet language before the next meeting, ensure the pending buyer receives the full draft for review, and add explicit hardship and transition provisions; staff also committed to notifying current McCall Avenue homeowners and inviting comment at the next council meeting.