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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-25MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2001 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Ferguson convened the meeting at 4:03 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Jean M. Benson Member Buford A. Crites arrived at 4:07 p.m. Vice Chairman Richard S. Kelly Member Robert A. Spiegel Chairman,lim Ferguson Also Present: Carlos L. Ortega, City Manaar/RDA Executive Director David J. Erwin, City Attorney Sheila R. Gilligan, Asst. City Manager for Community Services/City Clerk Homer Croy, Director of Building & Safety Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Joseph S. Gaugush, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Rachelle D. Klassen, Deputy City Clerk HI. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Housing Authority Meeting of December 14, 2000. Rec: Approve as presented. Upon motion by Crites, second by Spiegel, and unanimous vote of the Authority Board, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented by unanimous vote. IV. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 25, 2001 V. RESOLUTIONS None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF FORMAL APPEAL OF RELOCATION CLAIM RELATIVE TO THE FRED WARING DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (Alberto A. and Consuelo Loza, Appellants). Mr. Ortega noted that the Authority Board had received a letter written in Spanish from the appellants. He said it basically appealed a decision of the Housing Commission. He noted he had met with the appellants to make sure they understood what the procedures were, and he felt they did understand those procedures. He recommended that the Board hear testimony from the appellants regarding their request to increase their approved relocation benefits. He also recommended that the Board withhold the staff recommendation until it has a chance to discuss the matter in Closed Session. Project Administrator Lauri Aylaian stated that staffhad been working with the appellants to establisl relocation benefits, and they were given an entitlement to purchase a replacement home for up tc $190,000. She said they were appealing that entitlement and were requesting an additional $20,000._ MR. AND MRS. LOZA'S daughter spoke on behalf of her parents and stated that they had looked at many of the homes included on the list of comparable homes sent to them by the City. She said they had not yet found a suitable home, although they did find one that was close in size. She noted the home they currently have includes an additional apartment, which is where her nephew resides, and includes a living room, dining room, bedroom, and full kitchen and bath. The home they were looking at now was much smaller and did not have a swimming pool, which their current home does have. She said the one they had looked at behind the Westfield Shoppingtown was $210,000, although it was smaller than what they have now. She added that her parents were in their 70s and had lived at this location for 17 years, and it was going to be difficult for them to move, much less have to be in a smaller house without a pool and with another adult living in the home with them when currently he is in a separate section. She also noted that the house they had found needed to have the garage converted. Chairman Ferguson asked Authority Counsel whether the Board should recess to Closed Session to discuss this if it was of the opinion to grant the request or if it could be done at this time. Mr. Erwin responded that the Board could do so at this time if it wished. Member Crites moved to, by Minute Motion, grant the request. Motion was seconded by Spiegel. Mr. Ortega asked that the motion be amended to include that granting the request did not guarantee that the City would issue any of the building permits to do the conversion they want. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 25, 2001 Chairman Ferguson stated that the appellants were requesting a $20,000 increase over what was offered, not some pre -approved remodel for a home they may purchase, and the appellants' daughter agreed. Chairman Ferguson noted that the appellants would still have to go through the permitting process. The appellants' daughter stated they wanted to make the new home the same size as the current one. Member Spiegel stated that the motion was to grant the additional $20,000. What the appellants do with that money is up to them. If the decision is not to add on, they would just keep the $20,000; if the decision is to add on, the appellants would have to go through the same procedure anyone else would have to go through to obtain approval. The appellants' daughter stated that her parents would definitely to convert the garage. Member Spiegel stated that the Board was not approving the garage conversion at this meeting and that it would only be granting the additional $20,000 to purchase the new home. Mayor Ferguson suggested a friendly amendment to the motion to authorize the City Manager to negotiate a settlement of the matter in an amount up to $210,000. Member Crites agreed to the amendment as the maker of the motion, and Member Spiegel agreed as the second. Motion carried by unanimous vote. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS None IX. REPORTS, REMARKS, AND AGENCY BOARD ITEMS REQUIRING ACTION A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR None B. AUTHORITY COUNSEL Administrative Hearing pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a): Parties: Alberto A. and Consuelo Loza C. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY None 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 25, 2001 X. ADJOURNMENT With Authority Board concurrence, Chairman Ferguson adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m. ATTEST: 2. SHEILA R. \GILLIG RETARY TO THE PALM DESERT OUSING AUTHORITY -.1 SEC 4