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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA RES 429Attest: c -Fel RESOLUTION NO. 429 A RESOLUTION OF THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OR HIS DESIGNEE TO IMPLEMENT A MORTGAGE SUBSIDY PROGRAM, A RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM, A FIRST- TIME HOME BUYERS PROGRAM AND A HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM THE PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES, RESOLVES AND ORDERS AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. On June 26, 2001, the Agency approved the Compliance Plan, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Executive Director of the Agency. The Compliance Plan, among other things, describes four programs to be undertaken by the Agency in connection with its affordable housing goals, including a Mortgage Subsidy Program, a Rental Subsidy Program, a First -Time Home Buyers Program, and a Home Improvement Program. A description of each of the foregoing Programs is attached hereto as Exhibits A through D, respectively. Section 2. The Executive Director or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to develop and publish guidelines for each of such Programs consistent with the goals, policies, rules and procedures described in such Programs and consistent with the affordable housing goals of the Agency. .___ Section 3. The Executive Director or his designee are hereby authorized and directed to implement the Mortgage Subsidy Program, the Rental Subsidy Program, the First -Time Home Buyers Program and the Home Improvement Program in accordance therewith and in accordance with such guidelines. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 13 day of December 2001 AYES: BENSON, CRITES, FERGUSON, SPIEGEL, KELLY NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE At ABSTAIN: NONE .RICHARD S. KELLY, CHAI t ffa R. Gilligan, Secretary Resolution No. 429 EXHIBIT A PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE SUBSIDY PROGRAM The Mortgage Subsidy Program is designed to provide monetary assistance to very low, low and moderate income homeowners in the City of Palm Desert whose housing cost exceeds 25/30 percent of their gross income. Under the Program, the Executive Director of the Agency or his designee may approve mortgage payment assistance by the Agency to very low, low and moderate income owners of eligible housing. Eligible housing includes owner -occupied, single-family homes, and mobile homes located in the City of Palm Desert. Homeowners who participate in the Program will be subject to annual verification of their income. At such time as applicable income limits have been exceeded, the mortgage payment assistance will be reduced or terminated. Homeowners who participate in the program must enter into a unit regulatory agreement or other recorded agreement with the Agency which includes certain restrictions relating to resale of the home, including assurances that the home will remain available at an affordable housing cost, as determined by the Agency, for at least 30 years provided the assistance has not terminated. Applications for the Program shall be made to the Agency. Homeowners who are currently subject to foreclosure actions shall be given preference in the application process. The Agency from time to time shall establish the maximum price at which a home can be purchased and still be eligible for this program. Homes may be subject to inspection by Agency staff, or designated representatives, to ensure that the properties meet local, state, and federal standards of decent, safe, and sanitary housing conditions and building codes. The Agency may establish further criteria for the Program consistent with the goals of providing mortgage subsidies to very low, low and moderate income homeowners whose housing cost exceeds 25/30 percent of their gross income. Resolution No. 429 EXHIBIT B PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM This Rental Subsidy Program is designed to provide direct monetary assistance to owners of affordable rental housing in the City of Palm Desert whose housing cost exceeds 25/30 percent of their gross income. Under the Program, the Executive Director of the Agency or his designee may approve direct monetary assistance by the Agency to owners of single family homes, mobile homes or multi -unit apartment complexes who rent to persons and families of very low, low and moderate income. Eligible housing includes single-family homes and mobile homes and multi- unit apartment complexes (including duplexes) located in the City of Palm Desert. Owners who participate in the Program will be subject to annual verification of tenant income. At such time as applicable income limits have been exceeded, the direct monetary assistance payments to the owner may be reduced or terminated. Owners who participate in the Program must enter into a regulatory agreement or other recorded agreement with the Agency which includes assurances that the unit(s) will remain available at an affordable housing cost, as determined by the Agency, for at least 30 years, provided the assistance has not terminated. Housing units may be subject to inspection by Agency staff, or designated representatives, to ensure that the properties meet local, state, and federal standards of decent, safe, and sanitary housing conditions and building codes. Applications for the Program shall be made to the Agency. The Agency may establish further criteria for the Program consistent with the goals of providing rental subsidies to very low, low and moderate income families. Resolution No. 429 EXHIBIT C PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS PROGRAM The Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency First -Time Home Buyers Program provides financial assistance in the form of low -interest loans to eligible very low, low and moderate income home buyers. The total gross annual income of all adult household members will determine the income level of the home buyer based on the State of California Housing Community Development Department income levels set each year for Riverside County. A minimum down payment equal to 3% of the sale price (or such other amount as may be determined by the Agency) shall be paid by the borrower. The down payment may be a gift to the borrower to the extent permitted by underwriting guidelines for FNMA, FHLMC or FHA loans, and provided the first trust deed loan -to - value ratio does not exceed 80% (or such other amount as may be determined from time to time by the Agency). The ratio of the combined loans (first mortgage plus the Program loan) to the appraised value of the home shall not exceed 100%. The borrower must qualify for a fixed-rate, first trust deed loan from a lender acceptable to the Agency. The borrower must complete a home buyer education program approved by the Agency. Home buyers who participate in the program must enter into a unit regulatory agreement or other recorded agreement with the Agency which includes certain restrictions relating to resale of the home, including assurances that the home will remain available at an affordable housing cost, as determined by the Agency, for at least 30 years. The Agency shall have the discretion to make exceptions or develop further criteria or add to the borrower eligibility requirements where such exceptions, criteria or requirements do not conflict with state or federal affordable housing regulations. A preference will be provided if the borrower (and co -borrower and any other owner) have not owned a principal place of residence within the previous three years from date of application. A preference will be provided in circumstances where household assets do not exceed amounts established by the Agency. From time to time, the Agency may establish additional preferences. Single-family homes, and mobile homes located within the City limits are eligible for this Program. Homes may be subject to inspection by Agency staff, or designated representatives, to ensure that the properties meet local, state, and Resolution No. 429 federal standards of decent, safe, and sanitary housing conditions and building codes. The Agency from time to time may establish the maximum purchase price of a home for each income limit. Loan proceeds may be applied toward: (i) reduction of the interest rate on the first trust deed loan; (ii) borrower's down payment (in excess of 3% paid by the Borrower); (iii) non -recurring closing costs; and (iv) any other costs relating to the purchase or purchase price as approved by the Agency. The maximum and actual ban amounts will be determined by the Agency and in any event will not exceed the amount necessary to achieve affordability. Such limits are subject to change from time to time by the Agency. The term of the loans shall be 30-years or as may be needed to achieve affordability. The initial program loan interest rates shall be 5% for moderate income borrowers and 2.5% for very low and low income borrowers. The program interest rates are subject to change from time to time by the Agency. The Agency may allow assumption of the Program loan by an eligible home buyer meeting the required income limits. — The borrower must occupy the home as his or her principal residence throughout the loan term which is detailed in the unit regulatory agreement. Resolution No. 429 EXHIBIT D I Approved Guidelines I PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT "MAKE A DIFFERENCE" HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HIP) The intent of this document is to describe all components of the Home Improvement Program (HIP) I. PURPOSE - WHY DO WE HAVE THIS PROGRAM? A. To specifically identify and address the housing needs of our community pursuant to California Redevelopment Law (Health and Safety Code Section 33000, et seq.) and policy 5.2 of the Redevelopment City's Housing Compliance Program for very low and low income families within our community. B. To improve and stabilize the quality of life for neighborhoods and residents. C. To instill a sense of community among the residents. II. FUNDING SOURCES - WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM? A. County of Riverside County -wide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); B. 20% Tax Increment Housing Set -aside Funds; C. Housing Mitigation Funds. III. ELEMENTS - WHAT IS THE PROGRAM? A. The MAKE A DIFFERENCE program is a home improvement program designed for Palm Desert residents based on the needs of individual homes and neighborhoods. B. The MAKE A DIFFERENCE program consists of the following components 1. COMPONENT NO. 1- EMERGENCY GRANT COMPONENT (EGC) a. Covers emergency occurrences, as determined by staff up to maximum grant amount of $3,000.00. b. For very low and low income households whose income does not exceed 80% of the County of Riverside Median Income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart) c. Application and supporting documentation must be submitted. Staff at their discretion, may streamline verifications and proceed with only one construction proposal. d. Available citywide. 2. COMPONENT NO. 2 -REHABILITATION GRANT COMPONENT (RCG) a. Maximum grant amount of $12,500. b. For very low income households whose income does not exceed 50% of the County of Riverside Median Income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart) c. Covenant and Lien recorded that proportionally forgives lien over ten years. (For example, with a grant of $5,000 then $500 is forgiven Resolution NO. 429 k annually) No repayment is required unless property is sold or transferred to a household that exceeds 80% of the median income. d. Available citywide. e. All health and safety and code violations (if any) must be addressed first. f. Available once per household in a three-year period. 3. COMPONENT NO. NO. 3 - MATCHING FUND COMPONENT (MFC) a. Matches expenditures of an eligible household up to a maximum grant of $2,500. b. For very low, low, and median income households whose income does not exceed 100% of the County of Riverside Median Income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart) The City will match funds dollar for dollar with the homeowner (For example, the homeowner has a City approved project done that costs $3,000.00. The homeowner pays $1,500.00 and the City will pay $1,500.00). c. Covenant and Lien recorded that proportionally forgives lien over three years. No repayment is required unless property is sold or transferred to a household that exceeds 100% of median income. d. Available citywide. e. All health and safety and code violations (if any) must be addressed first. f. Available once per household in a three-year period. 4. COMPONENT NO. 4 - REHABILITATION LOAN COMPONENT (RLC) COMPONENT NO 4A - REHABILITATION LOAN FOR LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS a. Maximum loan amount of $20,000. b. For very low and low income households whose income does not exceed 80% of the County of Riverside Median Income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart) c. Deed of Trust with ten (10) year occupancy restriction recorded securing note at 3%* simple interest rate fully amortized over (a) ten (10) years if less than $10,000; or (b) fifteen (15) years if $10,000 or more. Note and Deed of Trust may be assumed if property is sold or transferred to a household that does not exceed 80% of the median income. d. Available citywide. 2 Resolution No. 429 e. All health and safety and Code violations (if any) must be addressed first. f. Available once per household in a three-year period * For very low income households (0-50% of median) interest will be set at 0% or, if staff determines that a disproportionate financial hardship will occur for low income households (51- 80% of median), interest can be set at 0%. COMPONENT NO. 4B - REHABILITATION LOAN FOR MEDIAN INCOME HOUSEHOLDS a. Maximum loan amount of $20,000. b. For median income households whose income is between 81-100% of the County of Riverside Median income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart) c. Deed of Trust with ten (10) year occupancy restriction recorded securing note at 5%* simple interest fully amortized over (a) ten (10 years if less than $10,000; or (b) fifteen (15) years if $10,000 or more. Note and Deed of Trust may be assumed if property is sold or transferred to a household that does not exceed 100% of the median income. d. Available citywide. e. All health and safety and code violations (if any) must be addressed first. f. Available once per household in a three year period. * If staffdetermines that a disproportionate financial hardship will occur, interest can be set at 3%. COMPONENT NO. 4C - DEFERRED LOAN WITH 30 YEAR AFFORDABILITY COVENANT a. Maximum loan amount of $25,000. b. For very low, low, and median income households whose income does not exceed 100% of the County of Riverside Median income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart) c. Deed of Trust recorded securing note at 3% simple interest requiring no payments. Note and Deed of Trust may be assumed if property is sold or transferred to a household that does not exceed 100% of the median income. Deferred loan forgiven after 30 years if property remains in compliance ("Silent Second"). 3 Resolution No. 429 d. Recordation of 30 Year Affordability Covenant as part of Deed of Trust in conformity with mitigation measures established by the pertinent stipulation(s) with the Western Center on Law and Poverty. e. Available citywide. f. All health and safety and code violations (if any) must be addressed first. g. Available once per household or residence while loan is outstanding. 5. COMPONENT NO. 5 - COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY LOAN PROGRAM - HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (COUNTY FUNDS) a. The County of Riverside EDA administers a county -wide Home Improvement Loan Program available to Palm Desert residents. Funding is provided from Community Development Block Grant Funds. b. Loan amount up to $30,000.00. c. 2% simple interest rate. d. For owner -occupied single family households whose income does not exceed 80% of the County of Riverside Median Income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart). e. 30 year term. 6. COMPONENT NO. 6 - MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUNTEER COMPONENT The Make a Difference Volunteer Component is very important. This component is designed to elicit the involvement of volunteers to assist with special neighborhood clean-up events within Focus Areas. In addition, staff will solicit donations of material to defray the cost of improvements. HOW WILL IT WORK: Housing Staff and Code Enforcement will identify properties in the Focus Area in need of repairs and clean-up and whose owner is willing to participate in a special event clean-up program. Staff will prepare a clean- up/repair work program. An event date will be selected and solicitation of both volunteers and donations will begin. With the help of community organizations and Code Enforcement, the Volunteer Program will be echoing the purpose, goals and objectives of the Make a Difference Home Improvement Program. 4 Resolution No. 429 7. COMPONENT NO. 7 - ACQUISITION/REHABILITATION/RESALE COMPONENT (ARRC) ($500,000 PROGRAM BUDGET) a. For very low and low income households whose income does not exceed 80% of the County of Riverside Median Income as established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (See Chart) b. First-time Home Buyer Program. c. Anticipated cost per home $75,000-$85,000. d. Anticipated rehabilitation cost $10,000/home. e. Second TD will be made available as required from 20% Housing Set -aside Funds. PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROCEDURES 1. Staff, working through local realtors, will identify homes that are for sale both inside and outside the Focus Areas. (It is Staff's intent to purchase selected properties at the lowest possible purchase price to provide affordable housing to lower income families.) 2. Make offers through local broker. 3. Enter purchase escrow. 4. Staff will accomplish due diligence and define renovation costs via the preparation of a Scope of Work analysis to include costs of rehabilitation. 5. Staff will prepare work write-up. 6. Identify and contract with local general contractor for rehabilitation and commence work. 7. Staff will monitor and inspect project throughout rehab phase. 8. Staff will identify and work with conventional lending institutions to qualify and finance prospective buyers and establish a waiting list of qualified very low and low income families. 9. Enter sales escrow and work with a local broker for the sale of properties. 10. The Agency will provide, as necessary, a silent second TD mortgage to reduce the mortgage amount and make a grant to cover closing costs. IV. ,PRIORITIES - WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES? A. The MAKE A DIFFERENCE program shall be for owner -occupied single-family residential properties including planned unit developments. B. Home Improvement assistance shall be made available to eligible properties within the territorial jurisdiction. The City may, from time to time, designate certain neighborhoods as priority focus areas. C. The MAKE A DIFFERENCE program guidelines shall provide abasis for reviewing, analyzing and prioritizing certain rehabilitation projects. Emphasis will be placed on achieving improvements that will address health and safety issues, eliminate blight conditions and make a positive dramatic impact upon the appearance and economic viability of the neighborhood. 5 Resolution No. 429 D. The City of Palm Desert will not pay for improvements that have been completed or started prior to the date of the release of the "Authorization to Proceed". The City reserves the right to establish the type, nature and scope of improvements that it will finance. V. ELIGIBILITY - WHO AND WHAT QUALIFIES? 1/4 A. The program is available for owner -occupants of single family residential units that demonstrate that the household income does not exceed the very low, low, or median income percentage standards of the current County o f Riverside Median Income (See Chart) as appropriate for whichever program component is used. B. Home in need of repair must be owner occupied and applicants sole and primary residence. C. Authorized improvements that improve the appearance of the dwelling and property from the public right-of-way and interior repairs needed to provide safe and sanitary living conditions which include but are not limited to the following: a. Any items to correct Health and Safety and Code violations have first priority. b. Landscaping (1) Removal of rock, vegetation, walls, etc. (2) Trimming of vegetation (3) Repair and installation of sprinkler systems (4) Installation of landscaping including grass, shrubs, trees, rocks, etc. c. Walls and Fences (1) Repair of existing walls and fences (2) Installation of new concrete block walls, wooden fences, and "ornamental iron" fences (No chainlink fencing) d. Walks and Driveways (1) Repair of existing asphalt and concrete walks and driveways (2) Installation of public right-of-way concrete sidewalks (3) Installation of on -site concrete walks, driveways etc. including removal of existing asphalt driveways e. Sewer and Septic (1) Repair of existing septic and sewer lines (2) Installation of new on -site sewer lines and sewer lateral lines including "sanitation capacity charge" and other fees required by Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) f. Roofs (1) Repair of leaks if balance of roof acceptable 6 Resolution No. 429 la g. (2) Elastomeric coating of applicable roofs (3) Rigid insulation to roofs without attics (4) Replacement of defective sheathing (5) Build up flat roofs to provide drainage (6) Replacement of roofs complete Heating, Cooling, and Fixtures (1) Repair or replacement of wall furnaces (2) Repair or replacement of furnaces, air conditioners, and forced air units (3) Repair, replacement, or addition of evaporative coolers (4) Repair or replacement of water heaters (5) Repair or replacement (if functionally obsolete) built-in stoves and ovens (6) Electrical, gas, plumbing, etc. required for above h. Exterior Painting and Patching Complete i. Defective Structural Elements Repaired or Replaced j. Door, Window, and Insulation (1) Repair broken windows (2) Repair or replace screens (3) Replace deteriorated exterior doors and required hardware (4) Replace broken interior doors and required hardware (5) Installation of insulation and other energy conservation measures if staff determines it is cost effective k. Garages and Carports (1) Replace garage doors and install automatic openers (2) Convert carports to garages (3) Build carports and garages 1. Stucco and Exterior Siding (1) Repair of existing stucco and siding (2) Lathe, plaster and stucco complete m. Interior Repairs Needed to Provide Safe and Sanitary Living Conditions n. Bedroom and/or Bathroom Additions (1) Bedroom addition to mitigate crowded or unsatisfactory living arrangements (2) Bathroom addition to mitigate functional obsolescence or unsatisfactory living arrangements D. Staff shall establish the work and expenditure priority of all improvements. 7 Resolution No. 429 VI. GOALS - WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE? The results we want are primarily related to the residents having a positive experience from their neighborhoods and community. We want the residents of Palm Desert to take pride in their neighborhoods and express that pride by improving and maintaining their own properties and by helping others so that everyone can live safely and securely in clean, well - kept neighborhoods. VII. OBJECTIVES - WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? By providing both financial and volunteer assistance to homeowners to improve their properties, the MAKE A DIFFERENCE program hopes to provide Palm Desert residents with: A. An increased quality of life - a robust and enriching quality of life is almost always tied to a richly fulfilling network of neighborhood relationships. B. A stronger sense of community - when present, it is so interwoven into one's daily patterns of living that it is normally thought of as a general contentment with where one lives. The four characteristics of a sense of community are: 1. A sense of belonging to the neighborhood 2. A sense of mattering to other neighbors 3. A shared faith that all neighbors' needs will be met 4. A commitment to be together C. A measure of success for residents through their participation in neighborhood home improvement programs D. A program to address health and safety issues E. Assistance through volunteer programs VIII. PROGRAM APPROACH The City of Palm Desert may provide financial assistance for the rehabilitation of specified property improvements in the manner provided below. The City will make payments directly to the designated contractor. In certain cases, the City may provide a two-party check, made payable to the applicant and the designated contractor. All payments will be made upon completion and verification of the approved home improvements. A. General Requirements I . All eligible owners of property located in the territorial jurisdiction of Palm Desert may file an application for assistance. The City will assign a priority number to each application based on the date 8 Resolution No. 429 and time that it is received. The application for assistance will be reviewed on "First Come First Served" basis or as otherwise described herein. Approval of applications shall be based on the final action by staff. The priority of the work to be completed shall be determined by the City Housing, Building and Safety, and Code Compliance staffs. 2. Applicants may combine County and City programs. If the subject property is eligible for more than one type of assistance, separate application must be filed with both City and County. 3. In the public interest, employees, officials, or consultants of the City of Palm Desert who exercise decision -making functions or responsibilities in connection with the administration of the Home Improvement Program shall not be eligible for assistance. Eligible City officials or employees not directly involved in the operational responsibility of the Home Improvement Program may be granted assistance in accordance with the procedures and regulations of this program. 4. Home improvement assistance will only be provided once, within a three- year period, to each authorized household or owner occupied residence. Requests for additional assistance may be submitted to the City only after three (3) years have elapsed as measured from the date of final "Certification of Satisfactory Completion of Work" for the previous Home Improvement assisted project, except for Emergency Grants. B. Particinant Annlication Process: (City Programs) 1. Eligible individuals seeking assistance from the City of Palm Desert must submit an application (Staff will assist with completion and submittal). The application will be processed in the order received. Eligible individuals seeking assistance from the County of Riverside EDA must file separate County application to be processed by the County. 2. Applicant will be required to submit income verification and any additional pertinent documentation as required by staff. In the event of an emergency situation staff may streamline verifications and documents. 3. Staff will meet with the prospective participant(s) to explain the program and determine eligibility. 4. Staff will visit the subject property and will prepare a "Work Write -Up" which enumerates the home improvement work inclusive ofhealth and safety corrections to be completed through the City's Home Improvement Program. Photographs shall be taken of the existing conditions. 5. The "Work Write-up", including Code issues, will be reviewed with the applicant. 6. Staff will assist applicant with seeking competitive bids from licensed contractors for the designated construction activity. In the event that the applicant cannot obtain construction proposals from at least three independent contractors, staff may authorize the applicant to proceed if adequate documentation has been supplied to indicate that there has been sufficient effort expended to obtain construction bids and that the required number of qualified contractors have not responded. In any event, staff must 9 Resolution No. 429 determine that the anticipated construction costs are reasonable. In the event of an emergency situation, staff may authorize the applicant to proceed with one proposal if it is reasonable. a. Contractor eligibility criteria: (1) Contractor must have a state license (2) Contract must have a City business license (3) Contractor must have general liability insurance; personal injury insurance; and property damage insurance (4) Contractor must have Workers' Compensation insurance as required by the State of California b. Applicant may begin the home improvement work after: (1) Eligibility has been determined by staff and required documents executed by applicant. (2) A valid construction contract has been executed by the applicant(s) and the selected contractor and approved by staff (3) The required building and development permits have been obtained from the City if any required. NOTE: THE CITY OF PALM DESERT IS NOT A PARTY TO THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. C. Payment Process l . When all the work is completed, the applicant must submit the contractor's itemized invoice to the City for payment along with any additional documentation required by staff. Applicant must sign the "Certification of Satisfactory Completion of Work" stating that the work has been completed to his/her satisfaction. If the work is governed by a building permit, then the work must be finaled by the City's Building and Safety Department. 2. Upon completion of the construction work, City staff will verify: a. That all permits have been property processed; b. All program documents have been submitted and properly filed; c. All labor and/or material lien releases have been obtained; d. Post -work photographs have been taken. 3. Upon the completion of the specified work items, City staff, at its discretion, may make disbursements directly to the applicant, the contractor, or the applicant and the contractor. 4. Payment will be made after the City staff verifies that the designated work has been completed in accordance with the approved plans, notice of completion has been filed (if necessary), all conditional waivers of mechanic 10 Resolution No. 429 liens released, and homeowner certification of satisfactory completion of work has been signed. Payment will be made in a timely manner following submission of a completed request for payment. IX. PROMOTION A. Staff is currently working with the Director of Community Affairs to publicize the Home Improvement Program with the intent of continued growth in the number of participants. B. Some additional promotional ideas will include: • Television spots to run public service informational items on HIP ► Radio spots to run public service informational items on HIP ► Human interest stories in the local newspaper as well as other papers such as Palm Desert Post and Que Nuevas • Door-to-door approaches by staff • Fliers included in utility bills ► Community meetings in Focus Areas ► Neighborhood Watch and other organizations solicited for volunteers • Code Enforcement given flyers and applications for HIP ► Kick-off clean-up events - each Focus Area ► Will have an event to start and celebrate their status as a "Make A Difference Neighborhood" • Contact Visitors Center, Chamber of Commerce, Library, YMCA to leave flyers for public distribution Y • Contact Joslyn Cove Communities Senior Center and Board of Realtors to: ► Leave flyers for public distribution ► Seek to make presentation at meetings ► Contact churches and other charitable organization to disseminate information ► Attach boxes for HIP flyers to "Make a Difference" signs posted on participant's property ► Discuss with City's marketing firm suggestions for Marketing Plan ► Seek approval from Desert Sands Unified School District to distribute "take home" flyers to students at Palm Desert schools ► Seek approval from nursery schools to distribute flyers to client households ► Consideration of paid advertisement if insufficient response to above efforts X. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. City Staff 11 Resolution No. 429 The Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and appropriate city staff are responsible for ensuring that the home improvement activity meets state guidelines and the City's adopted guidelines. The City Council or its designee shall: 1. Establish regulations and policies necessary to implement the rehabilitation of eligible properties. 2. Approve funding limits and payment of warrants necessary to fund the rehabilitation of eligible properties. 3. Approve a process whereby an applicant may appeal a decision that he/she feels is contrary to the intent of the program. The HIP will be implemented by PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Staff as follows: Housing Manager shall oversee and monitor all administrative and promotional activities of all program components. ► Housing Rehabilitation Construction Specialist shall implement all program components including processing application; prepare work write-up; assist applicant with bid process and selection of contractor; monitor all phases of construction and assist Code Enforcement with inspections; authorize partial payments through the course of construction. Housing Rehabilitation Construction Specialist shall also distribute program information; contact prospective homeowners and explain Program and eligibility criteria; assist applicant with preparation of application; verify applicant's information; and maintain program files. B. Housing Commission 1. The Palm Desert Housing Commission shall be comprised of the following members: a. A seven -member committee appointed by the City Council to serve as an advisory committee on housing. 2. The responsibilities of the Housing Commission with regard to the Home Improvement Program include the following: a. Act on matters relating to the Home Improvement Program that do not require City Council action. b. Review and make recommendations to the City Council relative to the Home Improvement Program. e. Review programmatic and financial status of the program and provide periodic reports to the City Council and Executive Director. f. Monitor and evaluate Home Improvement Program on a continuing basis. XI. APPEAL PROCEDURES If an applicant is denied program participation or is not satisfied with the assistance provided to accomplish the home improvement project, an appeal may be filed with the Housing 12 Resolution No. 429 Commission in accordance with the following procedures: A. The applicant may file a written notification within ten days of receiving written notification of application denial or within ten days of notifying staff of the problem. The applicants' notification shall identify the problem and /or request an appeal. B. The applicant shall be allowed to present all pertinent facts to the Commission that may have a bearing on the particular issue to be resolved. C. The decision of the Housing Commission shall be final unless appealed to the City Council within ten (10) days after a decision has been rendered by the Housing Commission. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Brycc\Facade\guide.fin.wpd 13