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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-10MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBER 73510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER - 3:00 P.M. Chairman Weber convened the meeting at 3:03 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Jan C. Harnik Member Sabby Jonathan Member Kathleen Kelly Vice Chairman Gina Nestande Chairman Susan Marie Weber Also Present: Lauri Aylaian, Executive Director Robert W. Hargreaves, City Attorney Rachelle D. Klassen, Secretary Lori Carney, Director of Administrative Services Russell Grance, Director of Building & Safety Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development Janet M. Moore, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Tom Garcia, Director of Public Works Lt. Matt Martello, Asst. Chief, Palm Desert Police/Riverside Co. Sheriffs Dept. Grace L. Rocha, Deputy City Clerk III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - A (CLOSED SESSION ITEMS) None IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION Reauest for Closed Session: None MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019 With Housing Authority Board concurrence, Chairman Weber adjourned the meeting to Closed Session of the City Council at 3:05 p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:03 p.m. V. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING - 4:00 P.M. A. REPORT ON ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION None VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Authority Vice Chairman Gina Nestande VII. INVOCATION - Authority Board Member Kathleen Kelly VIII. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE XAVIER PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HUNTER MARTIN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A COACHELLA VALLEY PUBLIC ART APP. On behalf of the Authority Board, Chairman Weber presented a framed copy of the Desert Sun ad recognizing Mr. Martin for creating a Coachella Valley Public Art App. Mr. Martin stated the App he created is for all nine cities in the Desert, which includes Palm Desert. You will be able to view public art images, descriptions, locations, and information about the artists. Also included is access to a map showing all the art in the entire Coachella Valley, along with locations to lodging, dining, and places to visit. He is grateful for the opportunity that the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau afforded him and thankful to the City of Palm Desert for the cooperation and information provided to him. He's excited and ready for the App to launch in late January or early February. Responding to question, he said the design and idea for the app were formulated by him. B. PRESENTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY QUEEN SCHEHERAZADE AND HER COURT AS AMBASSADORS OF THE 2019 RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR AND NATIONAL DATE FESTIVAL. Ms. Julianna Gaytan, Queen Scheherazade, Ms. Christina Marquez, Princess Dunyazade, and Ms. Zoe Elders , Princess Jasmine, each greeted the City Council and provided background information about themselves, and personally invited Council and all present to visit the upcoming Riverside 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019 County Fair & National Date Festival, February 15-24, 2019, in Indio, California. IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. EDWARD HOLZHAUER, Goleta, Palm Desert, approached the City Council to talk about leadership. He said his husband, Carlos Pineda, migrated to the United States from Guatemala. He and his family believed in the American dream, and in his last 14 months, lived that dream to its fullest. He went on to say that in December 2017, Mr. Pineda became a citizen of the United States, spoke before five different city councils in the Coachella Valley, marched and spoke at rallies from Coachella to Sacramento, worked the election polls in 2018, and ran for City Council in the City of Palm Desert. He said his husband spoke out against racism and mistreatment of children and on issues of public safety, healthcare, affordable housing, homelessness, and sanctuary status. The biggest lesson he learned from his husband is that in order to be an effective leader one must listen, which he did. What he heard was that elected officials are under the impression that people are doing just fine, but the fact is many are not. He hopes this City Council listens to those who feel they are not being heard, and although his husband has passed away, he will continue to speak to this City Council in the future. Chairman Weber extended her condolences to Mr. Holzhauer. MR. MICHAEL MARTINEZ, Representing Clymer's Body Shop, presented a 2-minute video of their past vehicle giveaway events. He invited the City Council to the next giveaway event scheduled for Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. He noted they are still looking for recipients. MR. GUALBERTO (WALLY) MELENDEZ, stated he was happy for the Brown Act and the Oral Communication portion of the agenda, otherwise people like him wouldn't have an opportunity to speak to the City Council. He said the City of Palm Desert needed a beautiful public library because the City was worthy of one. Additionally, the City needed a court house. Currently there is a court house in Palm Springs and Indio, but not in the middle of the Coachella Valley, which he felt was needed. He added that students at College of the Desert could benefit by being exposed and educated to the court justice system. X. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY REPORTS & REMARKS TO THE COMMUNITY A. Member Jan C. Harnik Committee Reports and General Comments. 1. Coachella Valley Public Art Aoo - noted the app will also include an Art Calendar. 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019 2. Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) - reported that beginning in mid 2019, Interstate 60 will be narrowed down to one lane just beyond west of Jack Rabbit Trail to Gilman Springs Road. There will be major construction going on for installation of a truck climbing and truck descending lanes, and it will take 21/2 years to complete. Additionally, there will also be construction in San Bernardino, so taking Interstate 10 may not be much better. The project will cost approximately $130 million. She said it has prompted the Commission to again ask for funds for the passenger rail service for the Music Festivals, recognizing how congested traffic can get. B. Member Sabbv Jonathan Committee Reports and General Comments. 1. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting - reported that the Board will be looking at the Golf Cart Parade in a broad sense, potentially improving and making it more relevant, and building on its success. As a member on the Board, he brought this up in case Members/Councilmembers have any input to share with the Board. An email is forthcoming on the date of the meeting. 2. Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homelessness Committee - announced that an upcoming special public meeting will be held in the Palm Desert Council Chamber on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., stating they are expecting a good turnout. Ms. Barbara Poppe, the consultant retained by Desert Healthcare District to look at what is being done with regard to homelessness in the Coachella Valley, will be making a presentation. She has already made her presentation to the District and now to the CVAG Homelessness Committee. She was touted as nationally acclaimed, and he happened to read a Wall Street Article on homelessness, and she was quoted. He's looking forward to hearing her report, as well as a summary of where the Valley stands with regard to homelessness. He encouraged those who have an interest on the subject to attend. C. Member Kathleen Kelly. Committee Reports and General Comments. 1. Art Exhibit at the Palm Desert Library - invited everyone to view the art collection displayed in the Community Room at the Palm Desert Library. This exhibit includes winners from a global competition in which youth were invited to creatively express the art of diplomacy, stating it's a superb collection. She sent a shout out to Management Analyst Amy Lawrence who was extremely helpful in getting the exhibit installed. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019 D. Vice Chairman Gina Nestande Committee Reports and General Comments. None E. Chairman Susan Marie Weber Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of December 1-23, 2018. With Authority Board concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and filed. 1. Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG' Conservation Commission - reported the Commission took a tour of the west valley to learn about the properties that have been put under conservation and others being contemplated. It's quite an accomplishment, stating the entire Valley works together to preserve property from development for the fringe -toe lizard. Anyone interested in taking this tour, please contact CVAG for the date of the next one. 2. Bov Scout Award Ceremony - attended the event and noted that Mr. Manual Belandres received his Eagle Scout Award. She recalled for the City Council that Mr. Belandres did the Eagle Project on the Bump 'N Grind Trailhead, and everyone should be proud of his long-lasting contribution to the trail. F Authority Member/Citv Council Reauests for Action. 1. San Pablo Traffic Signal Light - Vice Chairman Gina Nestande stated that during this past holiday season she was on El Paseo quite often, and she encountered high traffic. As the City starts studying the traffic patterns, she would like staff to take into account the San Pablo traffic light. On average, it takes her two to three light cycles to get through it, and that's with two lanes of traffic. G. Authoritv/Citv Council Consideration of Travel Reauests/Reports. None XI. STAFF REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Executive Director/City Manager 1. City Manager's Meeting Summaries Resort for the Period of December 3-26, 2018. With Authority Board concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and filed. 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019 2. Request for Appointment of Two (2) Authority Board/Councilmembers to Participate with Staff on an Affordable Housing Policy Subcommittee. Ms. Aylaian requested two volunteers from the City Council to serve on a special subcommittee with staff members to discuss an affordable housing policy. Previously, Council requested staff come back with a recommendation for establishing a policy, stating it will be a single -topic committee for a limited duration. Members/Councilmembers Kelly and Harnik indicated they were interested. Member/Councilman Jonathan asked what specifically was this about. Ms. Aylaian explained that for a number of years staff has been working off an administratively developed policy for including affordable housing in market -rate developments and for addressing developers who come to the City with proposals or projects that will impact the need for affordable housing. There have been study sessions on the subject and Council indicated they are not comfortable with the current policy that was developed at staff level. Therefore, Council had requested staff propose different options and ways it might be able to meet the legal requirements as well as what is appropriate for the Palm Desert community for affordable housing. As staff wrestles with the myriad ways this could be addressed, she would like to have a couple of Councilmembers as part of the committee to avoid Council being completely blindsided, because it will include a couple of Councilmembers input in crafting the recommendation. Member/Councilmember Harnik moved to, by Minute Motion, appoint Member/Councilmember Kathleen Kelly and Member/Councilmember Jan Harnik to participate with staff on an Affordable Housing Policy Subcommittee. Motion was seconded by Nestande and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None). B. City Attorney/Authority Counsel None 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019 C. Authority Secretary/City Clerk Ms. Klassen noted the upcoming Study Sessions: 1. Annual Goal Settina Study Session - Friday, January 11, 2019, at Desert Willow Golf Resort, starting at 8:00 a.m. 2. Committee/Commission Interviews - Session 1- Monday, January 14, 2019, in the City Council Conference Room at 12:45 p.m. D. Public Safety 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department None XII. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Housing Authority Meeting of December 13, 2018. Rec: Approve as presented. B. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY/HOUSING TREASURIES - Warrants Dated 12/7/2018 and 12/13/2018 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council). Rec: Approve as presented. C. HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES for the Meeting of November 14, 2018. Rec: Receive and file. D. ANNUAL Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund Report Relative to SB 341 for the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year. Rec: By Minute Motion, receive and file. Upon motion by Kelly, second by Nestande, and 5-0 vote of the Authority Board (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 10, 2019 XIII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None XIV. RESOLUTIONS None XV. NEW BUSINESS None XVI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None XVII. OLD BUSINESS None XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XIX. ADJOURNMENT With Authority Board concurrence, Chairman Weber adjourned the meeting at 5:02 p.m. ATTEST: RA ELLE D. KLASSEI , SECRETARY PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHOR! (l-%-z SUSAN MARIE WEBER, CHAIRMAN 8