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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-13 HC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet • •rr • POSTED HOUSING COMMAGENDA ISSION MAY 13, 1998 3:30 P.M. NORTH WING CONFERENCE ROOM DECLARATION OF POSTING I,Diana Leal, Senior Office Assistant of the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency,do hereby declare that the foregoing agenda for the Housing Commission meeting of Wednesday, May 13, 1998 was posted on the bulletin board by the outside entry to the Council Chambers, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive,Palm Desert, on May 6, 1998. Date ."May 6, 19 8 • Diana Leal, Senior Office Assistant Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency • ® PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: May 6, 1998 TO: HOUSING COMMISSION MEMBERS t41 FROM: DIANA LEAL, SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SUBJECT: NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the Housing Commission will be held on Wednesday,May 13, 1998 at 3:30 p.m. in the North Wing Conference Room. Enclosed is the agenda. Please call me at 776-6349 and let me know whether or not you will be able to attend the meeting because we need a quorum in order to conduct business. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. • • POSTED AGENDA HOUSING COMMISSION May 13, 1998, 3:30 P.M. North Wing Conference Room * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Any person wishing to discuss any item not otherwise on the Agenda may address the Commission at this point by giving his/her name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Commission. B. This is the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on nonhearing Agenda items. It should be noted that at Commission discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the Agenda as the item is discussed. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Commission. III. APPROVAL OF MEETING'S MINUTES - APRIL 8, 1998 IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Proposed vacant site acquisition. V. CONTINUED BUSINESS (ORAL REPORTS) A. Mobile Home Park Issues 1. Portola Palms Mobilehome Park Update (Terre) 2. Mobile Home Park Conversion - Proposed Ordinance (Terre) B. Home Improvement Program (Bryce) C. Housing Authority Properties 1. Review of RPM Company Management Plan - (Jim Foley - RPM Company) 2. One Quail Place Suggestions for name change (See 4/8/98 Minutes) D. Santa Rosa Apartments Rehabilitation Update (Charlene) VI. REPORTS (ORAL REPORTS) A. Desert Rose Update B. Housing Projects Update C. "Make a Difference Day" Event - Report VII. ADJOURNMENT POSTED AGENDA HOUSING COMMISSION May 13, 1998, 3:30 P.M. North Wing Conference Roo * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Any person wishing to discuss any item not otl address the Commission at this point by givinc for the record. Remarks shall be limited to ma ;s additional time is authorized by the Commissic B. This is the time and place for any person who '..._....,, iICI ll on nonhearing Agenda items. It should be noted that at Commission discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the Agenda as the item is discussed. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Commission. III. APPROVAL OF MEETING'S MINUTES - APRIL 8, 1998 `''' -eda)4- tr- e(.. . IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Proposed vacant site acquisition. — V. CONTINUED BUSINESS (ORAL REPORT-Sr' )?fir- t ,,,G.,e)... ,, , v j 4 7.c. A. Mobile Home Park Issues te2ceuof . 1. Portola Palms Mobilehome Park Update (Terre) �� 2. Mobile Home Park Conversion - Proposed Ordinance (Terre) B. Home Improvement Program (Bryce) - cuo u en-- d-7,,, ' j C. Housing Authority Properties Q 1. Review of RPM Company Management Plan - • ti �24p'-_ p (Jim Foley - RPM Company) p.ca jay, ✓rr"� � 2. One Quail Place ,i6,_- �- Suggestions for name change (See 4/8/98 Minutes)?,.,�;,.. ,c.� f ---- -.. D ,rit n s p9;nents Rehabilitation Update (Charlene) VI. REPORTS (ORAL REPORTS)r ���� D� �� f G ' A. Desert Rose Update /t.zaz-u, �L B. Housing Projects Update ,/44(. AA. "Make a Difference Day" Event - Report w 0 VII. ADJOURNMENT Cf.(2 jei-IA4 6:4 1(4 1-t ele - 1' -e•‘.A ' ,./4--41--64-2e-e" // --1 * V� 7' PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: June 18, 1998 TO: SHEILA R. GILLIGAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/CITY CLERK 1 4 FROM: DIANA LEAL, SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is a copy of the minutes for: + Housing Commission Meeting of May 13, 1998 approved on June 10, 1998. Please submit to the Agency Board. CITY COUNCIL ACT}ON: APPROVED v DENIED Thank you. RECEIVED OTHBR W.EETING DATE _7,q 1.1 AYES: -; u.sor\_ SENT: Cr-t- A.BSTAIN: t�,;•)G a VERIFIED BY: St- cc: Carlos Ortega Griarinal on File with City Clerk's; Office PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: June 18, 1998 TO: SHEILA R. GILLIGAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/CITY CLERK FROM: DIANA LEAL, SENIOR OFFICE ASSISTANT tifet() SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is a copy of the minutes for: + Housing Commission Meeting of May 13, 1998 approved on June 10, 1998. Please submit to the Agency Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos Ortega Ir19e % 'G,z a 41 . -/-d,`4 /l (y, 04 . 44Z L o. ilyhr 11144N Minutes ,.4 ;' 11CrETSINOr COMMISSION CONVENE 3:37 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 1998 ROLL CALL Members Present: G.A. Holmes, William Winfield, Carrie Wick Members Absent: Roger Dash (Excused) Others Present: Carlos Ortega, Teresa La Rocca, Bryce White, Charlene Sumpter, Diana Leal Guest(s): None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 1 . Introduction of Jim Thorness, observer. 2. Agenda addition: The Housing Commission supports the installation of car canopies for all the spaces at Las Serenas. The City Council, after reviewing the properties (Housing Authority Properties Tour of May 7, 1998), recommended that all spaces be covered. Carrie Wick moved to recommend that all spaces at Las Serenas have car canopies installed. Motion was seconded by G. A. Holmes and unanimously carried. MINUTES It was moved by W. Winfield and seconded by G. A. Holmes to approve the minutes of April 8, 1998. Carrie Wick abstained. Motion was carried to approve the minutes. NEW BUSINESS A. PROPOSED VACANT SITE ACQUISITION Negotiations are underway to acquire a 40-acre site to construct affordable homes. It has not been decided whether the homes will be single-family or a mix of single and multi-family. The site is located between Gary Street and Cheryl/off of Cook Street. It is estimated that 7 to 8 units can be built per acre, ultimately serving about 280 families. Escrow is expected to close at the end of the month. 1 Minutes May 13 , 1998 EEO/USING COMMISSION NEW BUSINESS G. A. Holmes motioned to support Staff's recommendation of (CONTD) acquiring 40-acre site to construct affordable housing and continue with the project. Motion was seconded by W. Winfield and unanimously carried. CONTINUED ITEMS A. MOBILE HOME PARK ISSUES 1. PORTOLA PALMS MOBILE HOME PARK - UPDATE Summary and conclusion of the appraisal report estimate the average retail market value of the subject lots as of April 13, 1998 at $22,500 per lot. There would be a slight variable upwards for those lots that are more desirable and located within the inner greenbelt area of the park. There are currently 15 rented lots and 22 vacant lots at Portola Palms. There have been several contacts from current tenants expressing interest in acquiring their spaces. Two proposals from Coachella Valley Realtors expressing their desire to assist the Agency with the sale of the lots are as follows: 1. Ingrid Baddour and Association Palm Springs, Ca. 92264 Mrs. Baddour has 18 years experience as a broker in the Coachella Valley and has specialized in the sale of mobile home parks and RV parks since 1986, having personally sold over 10 mobile home parks in the Valley. She held the title of President of the local Western Mobile Home Park Owners Association for three years. She proposes to coordinate the sale of the vacant lots with a mobile home dealer and a mobile home park lender to create an easily marketable package for someone interested in buying a mobile home and a lot at Portola Palms Mobile Home Park. She is currently working with a Valley park owner on the sale of his park for land value which will in turn require the relocation of the park tenants. She proposes, with the owner's permission, to solicit existing tenants to move to Portola Palms Mobile Home Park by providing them with a package which would include the purchase 2 Minutes May 13, 1998 EO`L'TS, NG c MM SS ON CONTINUED ITEMS of a new mobile home along with a lot at Portola Palms Mobile (CONTD) Home Park. This would allow the buyer to use their relocation assistance provided by the Park owner toward the purchase of a coach and the lot as described in her proposal. Commission proposed is 10% of the sales price. 2. Mark Shrader RE/Max of the Desert Palm Desert, Ca. 92260 Mr. Shrader has been in the real estate field in the Coachella Valley since 1988 and in Palm Desert since 1992, and has represented 44 mobile home buyers and sellers since May of 1997. He is currently active in the real estate market having closed 6 escrows in the month of May 1998 and 26 escrows in 1998. His marketing campaign would include contact of potential buyers via telephone, internet and mailings. The Desert Sun would be another source of advertising which would include signage along the frontage street of the park. Commission proposed is 10% of the sales price over $20,000 or a flat $2,000 fee for any sales under $20,000 payable at close of escrow. 2. MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSION - PROPOSED ORDINANCE Staff has forwarded to Council, for review at their meeting of May 14, 1998, a request for direction to proceed with the preparation of an ordinance pertaining to the conversion of mobile home parks similar to one adopted by the City of Westminster. Note: City Attorney, Dave Erwin, pulled the item off of the agenda for further review and consideration. He has since reviewed staff's report and has recommended to forward the request to Council for their approval to proceed with the preparation of a mobile home park conversion ordinance. New Minutes May 13 , 1998 HQUS,f1T'C$ COMMISSION CONTINUED ITEMS G. A. Holmes motioned to hold a work session with the attorney assigned (CONTD) to prepare the ordinance. Motion was seconded by W. Winfield and unanimously carried. B. HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Bryce White indicated that literature explaining the program was being distributed at the local schools and various organizations to inform the residents that the program is available. It is estimated that about 2-3 responses are being received for every 150 homes contacted. Teresa La Rocca indicated that the main focus of the program was to canvass the owner occupant homes. C. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES 1 . REVIEW OF RPM COMPANY MANAGEMENT PLAN (Continued) 'NewG. A. Holmes motioned to hold a special meeting with RPM Company prior to June 11, 1998 to discuss: 1) Budget concerns 2) Management Plan 3) Policies 4) Establishment of Deferred Maintenance Reserve Account 5) Assign Director/Manager to monitor the Housing Authority Properties Motion was seconded by W. Winfield and unanimously carried. 2. ONE QUAIL PLACE-SUGGESTIONS FOR NAME CHANGE Suggestions given at Housing Commission meeting of 4/8/98: a. Babbling Brook Apts. b. Waring Palm Apts. c. Willow Bend Apts. d. Center Lane Apts. e. Desert Swan Apts. Nur Minutes May 13 , 1998 EO $IwG, COMM]SSiOw CONTINUED ITEMS Suggestions given at meeting of 5/13/98: (CONTD) a. Town Center Apts./Place b. Plaza Center Apts./Place G. A. Holmes motioned to continue the item until next Housing Commission meeting. Motion was seconded by W. Winfield and unanimously carried. D. SANTA ROSA APARTMENTS REHABILITATION - UPDATE All five buildings have been completed demolished. All the roof plumbing and electrical and windows have been installed in building number 1. Completion is expected in three weeks. The pool was designated to be demolished. It is anticipated that the rehabilitation work on all five buildings will be completed by October 1998. REPORTS A. DESERT ROSE UPDATE Desert Rose is sold out! B. HOUSING PROJECTS UPDATE The Committee was provided with an updated status report. C. MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY EVENT - MAY 9, 1998 Bryce White stated that repairs and improvements were made to approximately 27 homes on Catalina Way and San Anselmo. There was outstanding participation by approximately 250 employees of Marriott 's Desert Springs Resort, Home Depot, City of Palm Desert and Ameri-Corp. The program was a great success. The national "Make A Difference Day" event is held every October. Paul Newman is a major contributor. The Wal-mart and other stores take part in this event. Charlene stated that an effort to combine resources will be made for future events. 5 Minutes May 13 , 19 9 8 HOUSING CO M SS ON REPORTS (CONTD) G. A. Holmes motioned to commend staff and the program - job well done. Motion was seconded by W. Winfield and unanimously carried. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by G. A. Holmes and seconded by W. Winfield to adjourn the meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. 7 6 Carlos L. Ortega Secretary TLR:dcl • • 6 I • PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE : April 28, 1998 TO : Jim Ferguson, Council Member via Ray Diaz, City Manager FROM: Teresa La Rocca, Housing Programs Coordinat SUBJECT: Termination of Bob Fox - Las Serenas Apartments I am in receipt of Ray Diaz's notes regarding a meeting with Mr. Bob Fox who was employed at Las Serenas Apartments by RPM Company and submit the following for your information. I have gone back to review our contract agreement with RPM which calls for RPM to hire personnel that will be responsible for the direct management of the properties. The agreement further states that all such personnel will be employees of the manager and will be hired, payed, supervised and discharged through the management agent. It is further understood that all direct costs associated with employees working (on-site) will be borne by the owner to include the direct salary, social security and employment taxes, medical insurance, pension plan, workers' compensation, housing allowance and other benefits (if applicable). In addition, I have reviewed the policies and procedures of RPM and have noted that RPM Company has an "at-will" employment policy. This means that staff members are not employed for a specific term and that employment may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without warning or advance notice. No agreement contrary to this "at-will" employment policy is valid unless it is in writing and signed by the president of the company. The "at-will" employment policy applies to all RPM Company staff members regardless of position or title. With regard to Mr. Fox's additional concerns, I would like to give RPM an opportunity to respond. Attached are some excerpts from the Management Plan for your review. Please let me know if I can provide additional information. cc: Carlos Ortega IAttachment low w Now, MANAGER'S PROCEDURES FOR TERMINATING STAFF MEMBERS "AT-WILL" EMPLOYMENT RPM Company has an"at-will"employment policy. This means that staff members are not employed for a specified term and that employment may be terminated at the will of either party,with or without advance notice. No agreement contrary to this at will employment policy is valid unless it is in writing and signed by the President of the Company. This at will employment policy applies to all RPM Company staff members,regardless of position or title. IN ADDITION: 1. Supervisory and management personnel are not authorized to make representations to staff members or applicants concerning terms or conditions of employment with the Company which are not consistent with this at will employment policy. 2. Completion of a"probationary"or other initial employment review period does not change a staff member's status as an employee"at will"or in any way restrict the Company's right to terminate the staff member"at will"before or after the completion of such a period. 3. Favorable comments,performance reviews,salary increases,bonuses merit increases,promotions, Now awards,prizes and the like do not imply employment on terms other than"at will". Nothing contained in the Policy Manual or any other statements or materials provided to staff members in connection with their employment shall require the Company to have"just cause"to terminate employment"at will". 4. The Company's management-staff member relations policies are not intended to constitute, and do not create, a contract of any kind between the Company and any of its staff members. All employment relationships are terminable at will(see above). We make no promises to the contrary to any of our staff members. The following are not to be constructed in any way as contractual obligations to our staff members. Rather, they are guidelines to assist supervisory personnel who may find it necessary to terminate a staff member. p N,.. CHECKLIST OF PRE-TERMINATION AND TERMINATION PROCEDURES 1. Collect and review staff member's records and personnel file, including all performance evaluations,warning notices, etc. 2. How to Document Certain Common Causes of Termination: • Make the staff member aware of his/her poor performance by oral warnings(document these warnings in the staff members personnel file). • Counsel the staff member at to how his/her performance could be improved. • If his/her performance does not improve significantly, inform the staff member that the continued bad performance will result in termination. (Document these warnings in staff • member's personnel file.) • Give the staff member the opportunity to eliminate the performance problem(s) you have identified, if possible. Document any failures to improve. • Have staff member sign performance reviews and warning notices whenever they are issued to confirm that he/she has read them. IF THE STAFF MEMBER DOES NOT AGREE WITH WHAT IS ON THE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, HAVE THEM SIGN THE FORM UNDER PROTEST. Give the staff member space on the form and time to note any disagreement he/she may have. • Treat the staff member in the same manner as other staff members with similar records, being especially careful to avoid discriminatory reasons for differences in treatment(i.e., race, sex, age, etc.). 3. Layoff. If termination is due to a layoff(i.e., economic conditions, Company restructuring, elimination of an operation,etc.)be prepared to explain why the layoff is necessary. 4. Theft or Dishonesty. If you can verify theft(i.e.,of money,or other property)or dishonesty (i.e., falsification of reports, etc.)termination should take place immediately. Termination on these grounds must be based on a carefully documented investigation and should be immediate once the investigation is complete. 5. Additional examples of behavior that may result in termination include,but are not limited to: inappropriate attire/appearance, absences/tardiness,drug or alcohol use or possession, disclosure of confidential information, insubordination/failure to follow directions or orders, neglect of duties. The Company retains the sole discretion to decide whether warning, suspension or other discipline,or terminations desired for the first or any subsequent offenses • 6. Managers are responsible for promptly and thoroughly investigating and documenting any staff member's inappropriate behavior and assuring that any staff member who is discipline or r terminated has been treated in the same manner as other staff members with similar records of offenses. 7. Avoid"bad"reasons for termination. Examples of bad reasons include,but are not limited to: termination in retaliation for filing a claim or testifying concerning a wage and hour matter (i.e., overtime pay),worker's compensation matter,occupational safety and health matter; termination due to staff member's service on a jury or as a witness;termination due to organizing activities(staff members acting in concert as a group to complain about or seek changes in terms and conditions of employment);termination due to pregnancy,childbirth,or related medical condition when staff member has not exhausted disability leave; termination due to a single garnishment; termination due to a refusal to voluntarily submit to a polygraph (lie detector)or similar test. It is the Manager's responsibility to avoid bad reasons for termination. 8. Termination Meeting. Have a face to face termination meeting with the staff member. Arrange for another Company representative to be present at the time of termination. Having another person present sometimes helps to avoid confusion over what was said and done during the termination. Try to minimize staff member's embarrassment and discomfort by conducting the meeting in a private place, not in front of other staff members,customers,etc. Honestly state the real reason or reasons for the termination. Try to answer the staff member's questions,but avoid excessive detail and a long or emotional termination meeting. IMPORTANT--Inform the staff member that health insurance,if applicable will run through the end of the month. If staff member wishes to continue coverage,he/she may do so under the COBRA continuation coverage plan. Staff member should fill out the form provided with the termination check and return it to the Lodi Office Manager if interested in this continuation coverage. Collect from the staff member all keys, files,documents,computer disks, and any other property of the Company. Treat the staff member with respect no matter what the circumstances that led to the termination. 9. It is your responsibility to request a final paycheck from the Accounting Department on the Staff Member Status Form. It is important to plan for the final paycheck in advance and to have it in hand at the time of termination. Include unpaid vacation if applicable. Note: If staff member is being terminated by the Company he/she must be paid at the time of termination. If staff member voluntarily quits without notice,wages become due and payable no later than 72 hours after staff member quits. If staff member has given 72 hour prior notice of his/her intent to quit,he/she must be paid at the time of quitting. PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE : April 23, 1998 TO : Jim Ferguson, Councilman FROM: Teresa La Rocca, Housing Programs Coordfnato SUBJECT: COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ONE QUAIL PLA I have forwarded Ms. Shirley Coffee's concerns to RPM for them to respond directly to me relative to some of the questions she poses that I am unable to answer. I can at this time respond to the following concerns: Response to No. 2 RPM has been working with Jerry Clark, the City's Urban Forester to begin a thinning process of trees that are currently dying from disease, or are causing damage to sidewalks, plumbing and roofs throughout the property. In many cases, because of the density of the trees and their proximity to the units extensive roof damage has occurred. Hence, the need to replace and/or repair 40 roofs throughout the property. The roof repair has been put out to bid and I expect to receive the bid results within a few days for review and response to RPM. Response to No. 4 Yes, the models were moved from their previous location in order to take advantage of locations that would show the property in a better light. This was an management decision based on their extensive experience in marketing rental properties. They did consult with staff prior to making the change. Response to No. 7 Each staff member was interviewed and evaluated based on experience. Staff works on a base salary, plus bonuses which is the norm in property management positions. As employees of the Housing Authority, employees were strictly salary with County benefits. The purpose for the change is to create an incentive to employees to retain tenants at the expiration of their lease which ultimately will save the property money as a result of lowering turn over. I have been on site in a number of occasions and have not noticed a morale problem. Those employees that I have talked with appear to understand that the incentive program can be financially beneficial to all employees. I will contact you as soon as I receive a response from RPM with regard to the balance of Ms. Coffee's concerns. cc: Carlos Ortega Asp" ter► MEMORANDUM CITY OF PALM DESERT TO: Terre La Rocca Housing Coordinator Carlos Ortega Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency FROM: Jim Ferguson Councilmember SUBJECT: COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ONE QUAIL PLACE DATE: April 20, 1998 ,4400, This morning I met with Ms. Shirley Coffee, a resident in Unit 702, located at 72-600 Fred Waring Drive, otherwise known as One Quail Place, concerning a number of complaints she has with respect to RPM Management Company, the company we recently hired to manage this property. Ms. Coffee states that she has lived at One Quail Place for the past twelve years, and her current appraisal is that the property has never in all that time been in worse shape. I asked her if these problems were specific to RPM or whether they were longstanding problems associated with the County Housing Authority. She indicated that they were particular to RPM Management. Accordingly, the following ten items represent, in no particular order, her concerns: 1) The waterfall at the front entryway has not been in use for the past six weeks which has caused water stagnation problems and has generated foul odor. 2) A certain number of trees in and around the property are being cut down for no apparent reason other than for ease of maintenance. She indicates that these trees provide significant shade for the units located there and thus reduce utility bills. 3) The on-site manager"Steve" is seldom on site. She indicated this to have occurred on the following dates and times: April 3, 1998, left at 10:30 a.m. never to return. April 16, 1998, left at 4:30 p.m. not to return that day or the next two days. April20, 1998 Now TERRE TERRE LA ROCCA Page 2 4) The model apartment used for attracting new tenants has been moved from downstairs to upstairs thus, in Ms. Coffee's opinion, creating additional liability for the City. 5) The former property manager, Mr. Rich Biggs, has been replaced by RPM, and since that time the condition of the property has gone downhill. 6) The gardeners at One Quail Place use leaf blowers for two hours at a time often beginning at 7:00 a.m. 7) All the employees at One Quail Place were told to take either a pay cut or leave. Apparently this has caused a morale problem and has further diminished the service being provided. 8) The roofs are in horrible condition. According to Ms. Coffee, the Housing Authority placed plastic on them as a temporary fix which has only sealed in bad odors and escalated the median temperature of the apartment by some ten degrees. She indicated a ►► good example of this was Apartment 702. 9) Tenants are frequently seen with dogs in the pool. 10) The front office no longer accepts UPS packages. This has created a severe hardship for a number of residents, and according to Ms. Coffee, this is the first time in twelve years the front office has refused to accept packages. In meeting with Ms. Coffee, I merely noted her concerns and informed her that I would be providing you with this memo with a request that a status report be provided as to these items within two weeks time. Ms. Coffee seemed somewhat reluctant to move forward, particular at the City Council level, but felt that since most of her complaints concerned the RPM Company they were in the least likely position to give the time and attention she desired on these matters. If you desire additional details concerning Ms. Coffee's complaints, she may be reached at (760) 346-4379. JIM FERGUSON COUNCILMEMBER Nifty JF:wjm ?R. ISM I SS I OH RE1=,1I APR-23-98 13:37 ID:7603416372 CITY OF PALM DESERT JOB 141.3MEER 1 9 "our I /NIFOR PIE A"I' I 01.1 CODE OK TELEPHONE NUMBER 19093902829 NAME( ID NUMBER) 9093902829 START TIME APR-23-9e 13:35 - PAGES TRANSMITTED 004 TRANSMISSION MODE G3 RESOLUTION STD REDIALING TIMES 00 SECURITY OFF MAILBOX OFF MACHINE ENGAGED 02 .23 THIS TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETED. LAST SUCCESSFUL PAGE 004 7 -E 10 Fq EO WARNINGS oRtV t. PALM OQas CA tJPORNrA 8a.1160-s 'NNW Tr.LEPMON6(76O)346-0611 FAX(700)341-62117Z -- Ff�CS7IIy_rL iE TRANSMITTAL COVER SHEET DELIVER TO: ACrENCS'/FIRM: f.P V\/\ DEPART MENT: DATE: LA- �o�-}j-�,g • FAX 1,11..)1vI$ER /: �9.oR-) C5 PHONE: VERIFY: 4 pages 1NCLUDINc this cover shoot_ IF this tr wsmissiorts is incomplete, irrtrttediatcly call the person designated below: FROM: hA C am_ PHONE: r'74.0� 7 -74- —4. Q L 1?rlivar io recipient imm»adiataly- Jn accordance with your rayuast_ Hard copy lolollow. COMMENTSs PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE : May 4, 1998 TO : Jim Ferguson, Councilman FROM: Teresa La Rocca, Housing Programs Coordin SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP TO COMPLAINTS CONCERN! ONE QUAIL PLACE As a follow-up and in response to the balance of your April 20, 1998 questions that I was unable to answer in my memo to you of April 23, 1998. I have received and submit the following responses from RPM Company with respect to Ms. Shirley Coffee's concerns. RESPONSE TO NO. 1 The front waterfall is operated by 2 pumps. One of the 2 pumps was not operating and the pond service company had to assess whether to rebuild or replace it. It was 8 working days from the time the pump went down to when the new one was installed. The water was being circulated by the pump that was still operating. RESPONSE TO NO. 3 Mr. Skibel was out of the office on April 3, 1998 conducting market surveys and taking pictures of the competition properties throughout the area. On April 16, 1998 he requested a personal day off which was granted. Mr. Skibel consistently works through his lunch hour, after hours and takes work home with him on the weekends. It is RPM's feeling that the entire staff has been working extremely hard dealing with many unsolved issues left behind for them by the County of Riverside. They attempt to be responsive to tenants on an equal basis, but have found that some tenants demand more attention than others. RESPONSE TO NO. 5 Rich Briggs, former manager, was offered an Assistant manager's position, however, chose to leave the company for other employment. Since assuming management responsibilities of the property, RPM has completed two clean-ups. The first focused on dead plant material and raking all the planter areas. Five-30 yd dumpsters were filled with debris along with several truck loads belonging to the landscape company. Trimming and transplanting plant material was addressed on the second pass through of the property to achieve continuity. It seems that the day prior to Ms. Coffee's visit to your office she confronted Mr. Skibel regarding the removal of trees on the property and was advised that due to the damage being caused by those trees, it was necessary to begin thinning the trees throughout the property. MEMORANDUM TO: Jim Ferguson, Councilman SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP TO COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ONE QUAIL PLACE May 4, 1998 Page 2 RESPONSE TO NO. 6 Landscape blowers; this was apparently an isolated incident which occurred more than a month ago when the landscape company started their blowers at approximately 7:45 a.m. They have since been instructed to not begin using the blowing machines until after 9:00 a.m. for the comfort of the tenants. RESPONSE TO NO. 8 Staff has received roof bids submitted by RPM Company which will be reviewed and authorization to proceed given. RESPONSE TO NO. 9 Dog in pool; This was an isolated incident on April 20, 1998. A voice mail page was received. The message was from a resident at One Quail stating that a dog was in the pool. The on-site staff was advised at 9:00 a.m. when they arrived at the property. They spoke to the resident who then complied and removed the dog from the area. There was no evidence that the dog was in the water, but as a precautionary measure the pool was closed and the following Monday the pool service was instructed to chemical and treat the water. RESPONSE TO NO. 10 UPS packages: RPM Company policy is not to accept packages, if a signature is required. It is RPM's policy not to assume responsibility or liability for lost or damaged packages left by UPS at the office. The residents may choose to sign a slip with the overnight service giving the service permission to leave the package at the office without a signature -- at their own risk. cc: Carlos Ortega Ray Diaz PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE : April 9, 1998 TO : Mayor Jean Benson, Councilman Buford Crites an• Councilman Jim Ferguson FROM: Teresa La Rocca, Housing Programs Coord. ator SUBJECT: CATHERINE AND TIM FLYNN - ONE QUAIL RESIDENTS This is a follow-up to the attached March 30, 1998 letter from Catherine and Tim Flynn. I forwarded the Flynn letter to RPM Company on April 2, 1998 for their review and response. The Flynn have been given three options as the roof leaks at this building have existed for an extended period of time and had not been addressed by the Housing Authority. Hence, the roof will require complete replacement as a patch job would not suffice. Based on this, the Flynn have been given the following options: 1) They can terminate their lease without the required 30 day notice and receive a full refund of their deposit, less the applicable cleaning charges. 2) If a comparable unit becomes available, they would have the option to relocate to that unit. However, because of the number of units that are uninhabitable as a result of roof leaks, this is not an option at the current time. 3) The Flynn can choose to stay in the unit and work with us until the roof can be replaced (anticipated roof replacement to be 2 months). Upon receipt of the attached Flynn letter by RPM, numerous attempts were made by RPM staff to set up an appointment to inspect the apartment. As of April 7, the Flynn had not granted permission to management to make that inspection. On April 8, I spoke with Steve Squabble, Manager of One Quail, and was advised that he had met with the Flynn to discuss their issues and concerns and they appeared to be satisfied with the solutions. With regard to the security gates, the gates have now been repaired. A part for the gate was on back order and recently received. The part was ordered shortly after RPM took control of the property. The security patrol has been reduced based on the opinion of the Management Company that 24-hour patrol is not necessary. Current patrol hours are 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. seven days a week. The security patrol's role is to observe and advise -- not to police the community as they are not sworn police officers. I will continue to monitor this matter. TLR:dcl cc: Carlos Ortega ASV AIM/ ♦.. Catherine 8 Tim Flynn 72-600 Fred Waring Dr #1909 Palm Desert. CA 92260 -.�► SFr • ��`— �'' ` L Home Phone(760)T73-2497 March 30. 1998 APR f '^ PALM DESERT Attn: Tern LaRocca REP '.'LLOi'l.IENT City Hall. Palm Desert Dear Ms. LaRocca. We arc writing in regards to our current living conditions here at One Quail Place. Our primary concern is our living-room ceiling which has been subject to several leaks. This may not seem unusual to %ou except for the fact that we live in a ground floor unit. Which means that the rain first has to go through the roof and floor of the unit above us. Last year. the tenant upstairs moved out because his roof suffered damage and part of it collapsed. No effort was made then to repair it and it is still not fixed today. That unit remains vacant. It has been soaked through so many times. the rain is now seeping through our ceiling. We have spent most of the last two months with a bucket in the middle of our living-room floor. Not to mention the unsightly stains on our ceiling and the inevitable mildew and odor. We are also worried that our ceiling won't hold up to man} more soakings. This letter comes to you out of frustration and as a last resort, as wwe have talked to our management office several times over this and other issues. Nobody seems to be interested. When we called the office this morning to report yet another leak. we were told that the manager'Steve' was gone for the weekend and could not be reached-even for what we considered to be an emergency. We have never met 'Steve' although everyone apparently relays our messages to him and tell us that he will take care of our problem. Who''and Where is he?He does not live on the premises. who is accessible in an emergency?We understand that recently One Quail Place underwent a change in management. and we were hoping it would mean some changes for the better. Apparently not. Security patrols have been drastically cut and many residents here do not feel this is a safe living environment lately. Another factor being the security gates. For three months now, the'exit' gate has been broken and therefore standing open. allowing admittance to anybody. Each gate pass costs us$20, if we pay for the privilege of having security-where is the security? Twice this week I narrowly avoided an accident as I was leaving the complex,a person speeding in through the exit gate,did not care to look in case anybody was coining the other way. This is a safety as well as a security issue. We understand that a change in management can mean a transitional period. and certain changes may ensue. However. we feel that so far. any changes have only been detrimental to us. Also. it is a poor excuse for ignoring the needs and requests of the tenants. For two and a half years we have been paying$65()per month in rent, and because we liked this unit so much. continued to keep it even though wwc don't live here year round. We know that we deserve better treatment than this. When we were being shown the place originally. the manager at the time prided herself on having round the clock security. This fact,along with the well maintained grounds. is what prompted us to decide to live here. As you can imagine,we are feeling very disillusioned right now. We hope that you may be able to help us out. Or even advise us on how we might get results on these matters. The on-site staff here arc usually quite helpful but we realize that they are not in a position to make all the decisions. We appreciate your taking the time to read this letter and would appreciate even more your assistance.Thank-you. Yours sincerely. Catherine&Tim Flynn cc Jean Benson Buford Crites Jim Ferguson