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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-24MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 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 3:01 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 Bryan White, Battalion Chief, Palm Desert Fire/Riverside Co. Fire Dept./Cal Fire 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 Request for Closed Session: None MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 With Housing Authority Board concurrence, Chairman Weber adjourned the meeting to Closed Session of the City Council at 3:02p.m. She reconvened the meeting at 4:06 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 - Member Jan C. Harnik VII. INVOCATION - Member Sabby Jonathan VIII. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS A. PRESENTATION TO RECOGNIZE ROBERT NEVARES AND JOY WHITEHURST EACH FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT AND THE PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION. On behalf of the entire Authority Board/City Council, Chairman/Mayor Weber made the presentation to honor Ms. Whitehurst in appreciation for her valuable service to the Housing Commission. Ms. Whitehurst graciously accepted the engraved crystal clock and commended staff for their outstanding work on behalf of the City. Mr. Nevares was unable to be present at today's meeting; therefore, his clock will be presented to him separately. B. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION DECLARING THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019, AS "FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS VOLUNTEER DAY" IN THE CITY OF PALM DESERT. On behalf of the entire Authority Board/City Council, Chairman/Mayor Weber presented the proclamation to Ms. Tammy Martin, Executive Director of the Friends of the Desert Mountains, along with a group of Friends Volunteers. Ms. Martin accepted the proclamation and expressed sincere appreciation to the City Council and staff, particularly Mr. Stendell's Department, for their continued support and always responding when the Friends calls upon the City for help, especially on the trails. 2 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 C. INFORMATIONAL QUARTERLY REPORT OF ACTIVITIES FROM THE •.. PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION BY CITY OF PALM DESERT'S APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE MR. ROLF HOEHN. Chairman/Mayor Weber called attention to the written report provided with the agenda packets. With Authority Board/City Council concurrence, the Palm Springs International Airport Commission quarterly report was received and filed. IX. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - B MR. WALLY MELENDEZ addressed the City Council about his belief that the Coachella Valley's own College of the Desert (COD) needed to offer a four-year Bachelor's Degree in addition to its Associate's Degree offering. He said the existing two-year program was very good and offered local students the opportunity to go to college. However, after he spoke with some COD students, most didn't understand the distinction between an Associate's and a Bachelor's degree and just went with COD counselors' advice - get an Associate's Degree then transfer to a four-year degree - he didn't think that was very wise. He felt COD is synonymous with the Coachella Valley; when students graduate and take their two-year degree to another city or state for a four-year degree, their alma mater is no longer their Coachella Valley home. After they become professionals (i.e., doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, and architects), they may not return here to serve their neighbors. He didn't want to do away with the existing COD two-year program but had heard this would lead to a hybrid university; although, he was skeptical about that belief. X. CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY REPORTS & REMARKS TO THE COMMUNITY A. Member Jan C. Harnik Committee Reports and General Comments. 1. Palm Desert Charter Middle School Panther 5K Run — held Sunday, January 20, was well attended with great community support, including many folks from City Hall (e.g. Ryan Stendell, Debbie Thompson, Martin Alvarez and his son, and Janine Judy), raising money for education. 2. SCAG - Emeraina Technology Committee - reported she was now serving as a member of this Southern California Association of Governments' Subcommittee. First meeting held this week, and felt work by this body would assist the City with its iHUB, along with many other such efforts being made. 3 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 3. Swing 'N Hops on Saturday. February 2 — reminded all that it's coming up next weekend — music, dancing, cars, and libations. B. Member Sabbv Jonathan Committee Reports and General Comments. 1. CVAG Homelessness Committee - this Coachella Valley Association of Governments Subcommittee met in the Palm Desert Council Chamber on Wednesday, January 16, where Councilmembers from throughout the Valley were invited, there was excellent representation from all stakeholders. He thanked Councilmember Kelly for attending on Palm Desert's behalf, as she always does as Alternate to the Committee. Purpose of the meeting and for holding it in this Council Chamber was for Ms. Barbara Poppe to present her report and conclusions, as commissioned by the Desert Healthcare District. Next step is for staff, along with he, as Chair of the Committee, Vice Chair/Palm Springs Councilmember Christy Holstege, and Desert Healthcare District to meet and develop a strategy based on the report. He was hopeful that the good work already done approaching homelessness from a regional collaborative standpoint will be taken to the next level, as recommended by Ms. Poppe. He will keep his colleagues and the community informed as they move forward. Member/Councilmember Kelly expressed appreciation to Member/Councilman Jonathan for his leadership, pushing this regional initiative along so that tangible progress and results can be expected. 2. International Holocaust Remembrance Dav - January 28 — on Monday at 1:00 p.m., the 10`h annual event will be held in Civic Center Park, and everyone was invited to attend this special remembrance. He noted that among others, Holocaust survivors will be making remarks, and there are dwindling opportunities for this as time goes on. 3. City Employees Recognized — Member/Councilman Jonathan commented that in the past week, he'd had occasion to observe two staff members interacting with the public and other stakeholders, making him very proud. He commended Public Works Project Administrator Ryan Gayler, who met with Member/Councilmember Harnik and he, staff and Board Members from Marrakesh Country Club on a utility undergrounding issue, and Mr. Gayler's representation of the City was terrific. He was additionally proud of Management Analyst Chris Gerry for the presentation he'd made to the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a group of very active and involved people, and here, too, Mr. Gerry represented the City with equal aplomb. 4 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 Member/Councilmember Harnik added that yesterday she received two telephone calls and someone also stopped her at an event last evening, all to say how great the City's Code Compliance Department Office was. Recently they were called to a very unfortunate circumstance and did a great job, as did the Police Department there. Further, at last evening's event, someone told her about how great it was each time they got their business license, how professionally they were always treated at the counter, what a great experience it is — she was very pleased to both hear these compliments and report on them today. C. Member Kathleen Kelly Committee Reports and General Comments. 1. Leaaue of California Cities - reported that LOCC is the primary entity through which the City advocates with other cities, particularly in Sacramento tracking legislation, supporting that which will equip Palm Desert to address problems, also in opposing legislation that treads on its autonomy and flexibility. Pleased to be newly serving the City on one of the League's Statewide Policy Committees, attending meetings last week where all Committees met with Governor Newsome's Cabinet Secretary Ana Matosantos, who provided a brief on the proposed budget. One significant part catching the attention of cities is the prospect of being penalized with withholding of transportation funds if housing goals are not met. Member/Councilmember Kelly went on to say that issue raised many questions, but Ms. Matosantos was quite firm in promising that cities who have updated their General Plan and passed conforming zoning to allow for meeting housing goals would not be subject to penalties. So if the City's in a position of having done its part, but simply, economic conditions or other circumstances outside the City's control don't lead to homes being built, it won't be penalized. She was reassured by this promise, especially since it was on record. 2. SunLine Transit Aaencv — pleased to report that at yesterday's meeting, she'd been elected as Board Chair of the Agency. D. Vice Chairman Gina Nestande Committee Reports and General Comments. 1. Citizens' Sustainabilitv Committee Meetina — commented that next meeting will be held Monday, January 28, at 3:00 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room (ACR), with agenda topics including Executive Director of the Salton Sea Authority providing a presentation on restoration efforts, E-Scooters, and an update on the Envision San Pablo Project. 5 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 E. Chairman Susan Marie Weber Meeting Summaries Report for the Period of December 24, 2018 - January 13, 2019. With Authority Board concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and filed. 1. City Employee Service Awards - on Wednesday, January 16, City Council and staff lunched at Desert Willow, celebrating employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to the City. Most significantly is that former Mayor Jean Benson attended to honor both 30-year employees, Janet Moore and Pedro Rodriguez. Hearty congratulations were again offered to both of them, along with all the others celebrating a milestone this year. She reminded everyone that the strength of Palm Desert comes from that of its employees and their history — they carry forward City Council's beliefs, its mission statement and everything it signifies. She concurred with Member/Councilman Jonathan's earlier comments that employees do it so well and make the City very proud. F Authority Member/Citv Council Reauests for Action. 1. "Plastic Awareness Campaian" - In follow-up from City Council's Goal - Setting Session on January 11, where a goal of re- energizing/activating the City's standing Committees and Commissions to a greater level was agreed upon, Member/Councilmember Harnik hoped the Sustainability Committee could address developing a "Plastic Awareness Campaign." She felt it important that residents are aware of what's going on - little bits and pieces coming out of Sacramento - and it's City Council's job to make community members aware, their lives easier and more manageable. She suggested starting with a workshop presented by an expert in plastic policy to inform the Committee, further suggesting that the Youth Committee could also get involved with this initiative. G. Authoritv/Citv Council Consideration of Travel Requests/Reports. None XI. STAFF REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Executive Director/City Manager 6 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 1. City Manaaer's Meetina Summaries Report for the Period of December 27, 2018 - January 11, 2019. With Authority Board concurrence, the Meeting Summaries Report was received and filed. B. City Attorney/Authority Counsel None C. Authority Secretary/City Clerk None D. Public Safety 1. Fire Department None 2. Police Department None XII. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Housing Authority Meeting of January 10, 2019. Rec: Approve as presented. B. AUDITED Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2018 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council). Removed for separate consideration under Section XIII, Consent Items Held Over. Please see that portion of the Minutes for Council discussion and action. Chairman Weber requested Item B be removed for separate action under Section XIII, Consent Items Held Over. Upon motion by Harnik, second by Nestande, and 5-0 vote of the Authority Board (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None), the remainder of the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. 7 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 XIII. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER B. AUDITED Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2018 (Joint Consideration with the Palm Desert City Council). Chairman/Mayor Weber noted this was a report that the Authority Board/City Council files annually, and she wished to thank the Finance Department, specifically Assistant Finance Director Jose Luis Espinoza and Director of Finance Janet Moore for their work on this report. There was discussion on this at the Audit, Investment & Finance Committee a few days ago, and the Members were duly impressed with Mr. Espinoza's talent in explaining items to those not fully versed in financial reporting. In the past, the Board/City has received awards for its financial reporting, and she won't be surprised if one is received for this one as well. Mr. Espinoza thanked the Financial Department staff, because without them this report wouldn't be as precise. He said staff does work in the background that no one sees, because they are not out in the public like most departments, but they are doing important work that brings about great results. Chairman/Mayor Weber added that the auditors mentioned how easy it was to work with City staff and were appreciative of their quick response to requested documents. Member/Councilman Jonathan pointed out that the City's finances are not always out there in the public eye unless they are mismanaged, and he's happy to say they are not, which is the foundation that enables all the other good work being done in the City. Chairman/Mayor Weber moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the City of Palm Desert - Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2018. Motion was seconded by Nestande and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None). 8 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 XIV. RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. HA-89 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY, AMENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN FOR THE PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY PERTAINING TO THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING RENTAL UNITS. Senior Management Analyst stated this request will amend the Administrative Plan of the Housing Authority's affordable residential communities. Since the implementation of the Plan in July 2008, changes have not been significant to merit separate consideration. For the past ten years, modifications made to the plans, policies, and procedures were in accordance with state requirements or under the authority afforded to the Executive Director or his/her designee as referenced within the Plan. Additionally, on an ongoing basis, modifications have been made across the Plan to update references and eliminate redundant and inconsistent language in order to achieve clarity. All substantial changes that have been made to the Plan since implementation were brought before the Board separately for approval, such as the recent Smoking Policy, Occupancy Standards Policy, and the Rental Rates Policy. The proposed revisions to the Administrative Plan for Sections 1 though 7 and Exhibits A and C, were provided for review and comment to the Housing Commission over the past 12 months. The Housing Commission had minimal comments and accepted the revisions to the sections under consideration. In the interest of time spent by the previous Housing Commissioners on the Plan, staff recommends the Authority Board approve and accept the proposed Resolution. For the record, there is a reference in the definition of the rental rate policy that was made incorrectly, which needs to be changed to reflect as follows: "The Rental Rate Policy shall mean the rental rates for residential units owned, operated, and restricted by the Authority are set forth in Resolution HA-62 adopted March 27, 2014, and may be amended from time to time." Member Harnik said she appreciated referencing the occupants as residents instead of tenants. Ms. Gonzales said that is an example of some of the updated references within the Plan. Member Harnik added that throughout the document, seniors are sometimes referenced as elderly household or seniors, yet there is no definition for "seniors" but there is for "elderly household." Additionally, she wondered why the definition of household was restricted to one or two people. 9 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 Ms. Gonzales explained there are no three -bedroom affordable units. Member Kelly suspected one issue that comes up on this front is the need to use terminology consistent with certain statutes and legal efforts. Ms. Gonzales agreed, stating some references are state mandated. Member Harnik pointed out that the Plan indicates people will be notified by email or a telephone call when they have reached the top of the list about their eligibility, and if that doesn't work, a letter will be mailed to them. But when being contacted about their acceptance, it doesn't include being notified by email. Ms. Gonzales explained that when an applicant is accepted, a formal letter is mailed so that everyone is consistent with what was reflected in the eligibility review, then the letter is placed in the file. She agreed that being notified by email can be added. Member Harnik stated Section 4.2.2 where it lists the amounts required as a deposit, she requested staff insert language that wouldn't require an amendment if those amounts change. Ms. Gonzales said the Plan already allows for any other modifications or limitations as long as it doesn't exceed the Civil Code, which dictates those amounts, because they do change. Member Harnik referencing the Smoke -Free Policy, Section 2, Item G - Secondhand Smoke, includes vapor from tobacco, nicotine, any weed or plant created by the burning, etc., and she wondered if staff can add "weed, plant, or product," because no one knows what's coming next. Ms. Gonzales said that was acceptable and it can be included. Member Harnik continuing, referenced Section 2, Item I - Smoking, identifies a series of items, and she would like to add language that would make it all inclusive to avoid having to come back for an amendment. Ms. Gonzales agreed to consider it with legal counsel's assistance. Member Jonathan believed his question probably relates to Section 3 of the Administrative Plan, stating the City has a low priority project, which was to look at the affordable housing policy and determine, from a legal standpoint, if it can allocate or make available a modest number of units from its 1,100+ units to the homelessness effort. He added that perhaps through Path of Life or the Behavioral Resource Officers when they come on board, but to 10 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 integrate the affordable housing units with the Homelessness Prevention Program. He asked if staff or the Commission considered it. Mr. Gonzales answered yes, stating staff and legal counsel have been trying to achieve some participation with Path of Life. Unfortunately, there are legal circumstances staff has not been able to clarify, but they are still working through it. Member Jonathan said he's looking at this document as more generic than Path of Life specifically. He used Path of Life as an example, because that's the current contractor, but as a matter of policy, he didn't see any mention in Section 3, which is resident selection and waiting list procedures toward homelessness. He went on to say that a critical component of the City's effort is to fight homelessness, because Housing First is the only model that is accepted and funded at the state and county level, and fundamentally, it requires housing. He wasn't comfortable proceeding with the document because of that omission, stating he'd like a more constructive approach for adopting the Plan, but with staff coming back with a definitive answer in at least creating a placeholder in the policy, should it become feasible. Member Kelly pointed out that these were improvements and refinements to the current policy, and she wouldn't want to see these modifications held up. The issue being raised by Member Jonathan is a distinct policy issue that warrants discussion and should be agendized, because one way of looking at this is that every single person on the wait list for housing is at risk of being homeless. Therefore, every single apartment is being used to avert homelessness and shifting an existing resource from one at -risk person to another at -risk person may not be where Council should put its energy. As a matter of public policy, putting energy into adding to the available units along with the complexities of this exchange, tells her there needs to be a distinct agenda discussion about it and not hold up what is essentially administrative improvements to the current policy. Member Jonathan agreed, stating it made sense, but at the same time he hopes the City continues its efforts to look at ways to provide housing for the homeless. Now whether that's from the existing 1,100+ affordable housing units or by creating dedicated units, it needs to be part of the formula in the City's strategies to address homelessness in the City of Palm Desert. Vice Chairman Nestande agreed, but in her limited experience with Path of Life, the organization that is trying to help the homeless, housing is number one. She came across a homeless person who is a Palm Desert resident, and the City of Cathedral City found him a place because Palm Desert didn't have one. She said Cathedral City likes to blend in homelessness with regular people who are paying as tenants. Therefore, she agrees it's something Palm Desert needs to address. 11 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 Member Jonathan said he didn't want to get into the weeds on the approach of homelessness, because so much of the success depends on the homeless person agreeing to accept help, services, living by rules, and moving into a home, which is much more difficult when you displace them. Sometimes Path of Life goes beyond Cathedral City to as far as Riverside, but if Palm Desert had homes available, homeless people may not agree to going that far. Ms. Gonzales offered that in working with Path of Life there was one individual that was housed that met the criteria, so there are efforts being made, but there are legal and funding challenges. Member Jonathan commented he was constantly amazed with Ms. Gonzales breath of knowledge in this world of affordable housing with all the requirements of the state and county, and he thanked her for everything she did. Member Kelly expects staff will bring back additional changes along the lines from what Member Jonathan prompted. Member Harnik provided her written recommended changes to staff, stating that if they are acceptable according to the state and other authorities, then that is the way to go. The one change she definitely wants incorporated to the Smoking -Free Policy are the word additions of"word product," in an effort to cover our basis. Ms. Gonzales said that was an acceptable change, because most of the language is derived and coming from state law, but she will review it with legal counsel. Member Harnik moved to waive further reading and adopt Resolution HA - 89 as amended, consistent with all statutory requirements, and staff directed to bring back any additional substantive changes as may be appropriate in the future. Motion was seconded by Kelly and carried by a 5-0 vote (AYES: Harnik, Jonathan, Kelly, Nestande, and Weber; NOES: None). XV. NEW BUSINESS None XVI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None 12 MINUTES PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING JANUARY 24, 2019 XVII. OLD BUSINESS None XVIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS None XIX. ADJOURNMENT With Authority Board concurrence, Chairman Weber adjourned the meeting at 6:20 p.m. ATTEST: RAHELLE D. KLASSEN'SECRETAR PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORIT SUSAN MARIE WEBER, CHAIRMAN 13