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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-13MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER President Benson convened the meeting at 9:30 a.m. H. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Buford A. Crites Commissioner Jim Ferguson Commissioner Richard S. Kelly Vice President Robert A. Spiegel President Jean M. Benson Also Present: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director Ramon A. Diaz, City Manager David J. Erwin, City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, Authority Secretary Richard J. Folkers, ACM/Director of Public Works John Wohlmuth, ACM/Director of Administrative Services Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Paul Gibson, Finance Director/City Treasurer Teresa LaRocca, Housing Programs Coordinator Hart Ponder, Code Compliance Supervisor Mary P. Gates, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES ADJOURNED PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 13, 1998 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IV. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL, OF AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES. NOTE: THIS MATTER WAS CONSIDERED JOINTLY WITH THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD. Mr. Ortega noted that per direction from the Authority at its January 8, 1998, meeting, interviews had been conducted with the top three firms. He said staff was prepared to make a recommendation, not as originally proposed but that the contract be awarded to RPM for 18 months, said contract to go through the end of Fiscal Year 1998/99. He noted that a provision that would be included in the contract would be that in March, 1999, the Authority would put the management contract out to bid. He stated that also added to the contract would be performance criteria that the firm would be judged by. He added that staffs recommendation also included a request that the Redevelopment Agency Board authorize the advance of monies for the operation and management of the 745 rental units located in the City of Palm Desert. Upon question by President/Chairman Benson, Mr. Ortega responded that background checks had already been done of the three firms. Ms. LaRocca added that staff would also have the financial background reviewed. Commissioner/Member Crites stated that all three firms had assured the City that it would not be making an error in choosing any one of the three. He said all were well -qualified. He noted that with regard to Housing Advisory Committee members' comments, Mr. Jim Richards, while preferring one particular company because of his perceptions of local involvement, when asked by Commissioner/Member Ferguson whether his preference was worth another $45,000 per year, he said he was not sure it was worth that much more. He stated that Mr. Gil Holmes made his recommendation because he was interested in making sure a reserve account was established and was looking ahead relative to replacement costs, etc. He noted that staff assured the members that no matter who is chosen, those issues will be established in the contract. He stated that staff and the San Bernardino County Housing Authority had a clear preference for RPM, with the contract term originally to be for one year with two extensions. That term was changed to 18 months, with everyone knowing that at that time, the contract will be put out to bid, and the City will look at anyone who wants to apply. In addition, after that 18 months, staff will be able to provide better data relative to what the responsibilities of the management firm will be. Commissioner/Member Ferguson stated he liked RPM for a variety of reasons, but mostly because the firm has more experience that anyone else, managing property in the desert for ten years. He said RPM had over $50 million worth of rehabilitation, owned 60% of the units they manage, and treat money like it is their own. He noted he was somewhat reluctant to 2 MINUTES ADJOURNED PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 13, 1998 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * mandate that the contract be put out to bid in 18 months if we have a company we like. He stated that this was a services contract, Palm Desert is a charter city, and we do not have to go out to bid if we do not want to. Commissioner/Member Spiegel asked whether staff was familiar with the crime -free multi - housing program. Ms. LaRocca responded that she was familiar with this, had met with the Sheriff's Department, and that all of the property to be acquired would participate in that program. Commissioner Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, approve an 18-month management service contract with RPM Company Property Management Services for the management of 745 rental units located within the City of Palm Desert. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote of the Housing Authority Board. Member Kelly moved to, by Minute Motion, appropriate $179,000 from the Unobligated 20-Percent Housing Set -Aside funds to the Palm Desert Housing Authority for the operation and management of 745 rental units located in the City of Palm Desert. Motion was seconded by Spiegel and carried by unanimous vote of the Redevelopment Agency Board. V. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Crites, second by Spiegel, and unanimous vote of the Housing Authority Board, President Benson adjourned the meeting at 10:10 a.m. ATTEST: itta,)/4Wd SHEILA R. G'i UGAN, t RETARY PALM DESERTHOU G AUTHORITY 3