Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-12-15 RRC Minutes MINUTES PALM DESERT RENT REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1986 4:00 P.M. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jonathan convened the meeting at 4:10 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Power III. ROLL CALL Present: Excused Absence: Vice Chairman Joe Gibbs Commissioner Mike Isbell Commissioner Patti Power Commissioner Lois Kent Chairman Sabby Jonathan Also Present: Jean M. Benson, Council Liaison Doug Phillips, Deputy City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, City Clerk/P.I.O. Mary P. Frazier, Secretary IV. OLD BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF LETTER FROM MR. JIM GOLDSTEIN DATED NOVEMBER 10, 1986, RELATIVE TO ASSESSMENT OF PAYMENT OF J. K. MORAN'S BILL FOR INDIAN SPRINGS MOBILE HOME PARK PETITION FOR HARDSHIP RENT INCREASE. Chairman Jonathan stated that several of the Commissioners had expressed concern relative to payment of the bill for Mr. J. K. Moran. He asked for comments from Mrs. Gilligan and Mr. Phillips regarding this matter. Mrs. Gilligan reviewed the selection of Mr. Moran as hearing officer in this petition for hardship rent increase, noting that Mr. Moran had been chosen because of his background in rent control. The City had subsequently received complaints from Mr. Goldstein, the park owner, stating that Mr. Moran was biased in favor of the tenants. The Rent Review Commission had then met and could find no evidence of bias on the part of Mr. Moran but decided to retain Mr. Rick Erwood as the hearing officer for this case. She added that this meeting had then been scheduled because of letters received from two of the Commissioners. _J MINUTES PALM DESERT RENT REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 15, 1986 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mr. Phillips stated that if the Commission decided to rescind its previous decision relative to payment of Mr. Moran's bill, a unanimous vote would be necessary. He reviewed the memorandum dated December 15, 1986, (on file and of record in the City Clerk's Office) noting that the guidelines and ordinance allowed the Commission to choose any of the options listed. Upon question by Ms. Power, Mr. Phillips responded that Mr. Moran had already been paid and that the first time the City became aware that Mr. Moran had represented G.S.M.O.L. (Golden State Mobilehome Owners League, Inc.) was at the November 3rd Commission meeting. Upon question by Chairman Jonathan, Mrs. Gilligan responded that Mr. Moran's bill was primarily for reviewing material provided by the park owner and the City. She added that Mr. Moran had also met with her regarding the City's ordinance and past history of Indian Springs Mobile Home Park. The bill also involved telephone calls to the City and a letter submitted to Mr. Goldstein. Mr. Gibbs asked if the City would have the option of pursuing this matter to see if some of the money paid to Mr. Moran could be recovered, and Mr. Phillips stated that the Commission could make that recommendation to the City Council. Upon question by Chairman Jonathan, Mrs. Gilligan responded that Mr. Moran was to be paid $125 per hour to include serving as hearing officer, preparing for the hearing, writing a report of findings and recommendation, and attending the Rent Review Commission meeting. Mr. Phillips asked whether Mr. Erwood had used any of Mr. Moran's work. Mrs. Gilligan responded that with the exception of reviewing Mr. Moran's letter to Mr. Goldstein, Mr. Erwood had not used any of that information. Mr. Gibbs stated that he had been surprised to see Mr. Moran at the November 3rd Commission meeting as the homeowners' representative and that he had submitted a letter dated November 18th because of his concern regarding Mr. Moran's objectivity. He said he felt it would be unfair to impose this on the park owner or the homeowners. He strongly recommended that the City Council look into this matter and take any action they would consider appropriate. Commissioner Power stated she agreed with Mr. Gibbs' comments and added that she did not think the City should be penalized either. Chairman Jonathan agreed and stated that he had also written a letter to the City expressing concern. He stated he did not feel either side should be made to pay for the selection of Mr. Moran. Mr. Phillips stated that half of the bill had already been reimbursed to the City out of the registration fee fund. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT RENT REVIEW COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 15, 1986 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mr. Gibbs moved to: 1) Rescind the Commission's previous decision requiring that half of Mr. Moran's bill be paid by Mr. Goldstein and half by the homeowners; 2) Recommend to the City Council that 100% of Mr. Moran's bill be paid from the City's General Fund, with the registration fee fund being reimbursed for the amount already charged; 3) Recommend that the City Council take whatever steps necessary to recover the amount paid to Mr. Moran, $2,237.75; and 4) Advise Mr. Goldstein that half of Mr. Rick Erwood's bill is still to be paid by him. Motion was seconded by Ms. Power and carried by unanimous vote of the Commission members present. V. ADJOURNMENT With consensus of the Commission members present, Chairman Jonathan adjourned the meeting at 4:28 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, MARY P. R ZIER, SECRt.' ARY 3