Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Housing Commission - 02/11/2004PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY DATE: MARCH 16, 2004 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached are the Housing Commission Meeting Minutes of February 11, 2004, approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held March 10, 2004. Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2004 I• CALL TO ORDER Chair Larry Saindon convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Roger Dash Carrie McLeod Manny Reyes Larry Saindon Leo Sullivan Jane Turner Linda Ward Also Present: Justin McCarthy, ACM/Redevelopment Terre La Rocca, Director of Housing Janet Moore, Senior Management Analyst Bryce White, Senior Construction Contract Administrator Ezell James, Housing Programs Coordinator James Conway, Construction Maintenance Inspector Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Regional Supervisor Hal Baker, Robbins Jorgensen Christopher III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 1 Housing Commission Minutes February 11, 2004 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of January 14, 2004. With a motion made by Carrie McLeod and seconded by Leo Sullivan, the minutes were approved with the following correction: Page 7, Section C, Desert Pointe Hallway selection of an artist for the mural was with the understanding that consideration be given to the materials used for the mural. V. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. COMMISSION REPORTS B. SUMMARY OF COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACTIONS T. La Rocca reviewed the memo provided to the Commission of actions from the City Council meeting of January 22, 2004. The City Council approved the following items: 1. (HA) Approved the request to solicit bids for the replacement of windows and sliders at Laguna Palms 2. (HA) Approved an award of contract for hallways/staircase renovation services at Desert Pointe Apartments C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORT (JANUARY) The Monthly Status Report for January was reviewed by the Commission. Roger Dash referenced the Service Requests report and asked for clarification on the number of carpets and appliances replaced shown under the category Move -Out. It was explained that when a tenant moves out the carpet and/or appliances are replaced only if it's necessary. 2 Housing Commission Minutes February 11, 2004 D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT (JANUARY) Report #1 for January was reviewed by the Commission. A question was raised regarding the average rents shown on Report #1 and why a studio unit at Desert Pointe is significantly higher than a one bedroom unit. It was explained that several tenants at our Housing Authority properties are issued Section 8 certificates from the Federal Government's program which pay a portion of the rental rate. The report only reflects what is collected from the tenants and not assistance received from public or private organizations. Although the income level is based on the total income received, it doesn't necessarily mean those tenants are at that particular income level. Staff will research a way to include this information to the report differentiating section 8 subsidies and tenants payment portion. The other variable is the difference in utilities at Desert Pointe since that property is all electric. The allowances are quite different between the unit sizes and in some cases makes the rent lower for a larger unit. E. REPORT #2 - MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENT (DECEMBER) Report #2 for December was reviewed by the Commission. J. Moore clarified that totals under the category of Total Operating Income were missing for Laundry & Other and offered to provide an accurate report at the next Housing Commission meeting; Commission expressed it was not necessary. L. Ward questioned if units occupied by property managers or used as models were included in the total number of available units. Teresa Vakili explained that all units are counted regardless if it's occupied by a manager or used as a model. The Monthly Status Report shows the accurate number of vacant units available. She also noted that these reports are for internal use only. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES NEWSLETTER (FEBRUARY) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. Housing Commission Minutes February 11, 2004 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. California Villas Tree Consulting Rec: By Minute Motion: That the Housing Commission approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to authorize staff to award contract to Arbor Life Consulting for tree consulting services at Housing Authority property known as California Villas Action: Motion was made by Jane Turner and seconded by Carrie McLeod to approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to award a contract 'to Arbor Life Consulting for tree consulting services at the Housing Authority Property known as California Villas. Motion was approved by the following vote: 6 AYES and 1 NOES. James Conway reviewed the staff report and circulated pictures of the overgrown trees at California Villas. He stated he met with the City's landscape director and arborist for direction on how to proceed. Their recommendation was to consult with an independent tree consulting service experienced in the related field to alleviate some risk to the City. James Conway gave a brief overview of the specifications required. The consultant will prepare a 3 -5 year plan of action based on the evaluation of the trees; cost estimates for each phase of work; site plan and tree inventory; prepare a hazard evaluation of the trees; and an assessment of the current health of the trees. In addition, in the event a tree must be removed, the consultant will be required to provide a full report explaining his findings for removing a tree. Leo Sullivan disagreed and stated it was not necessary to expend monies for a consultant to evaluate the trees. He felt consideration should be given to the landscape company currently contracted for our properties, as previously done in the past at One Quail Place. In response, the landscape company currently contracted for the properties does not have the same credentials required to perform this type of work. There was a general discussion regarding moving forward with a consultant as opposed to a city staff member overseeing the property. 4 Housing Commission Minutes February 11, 2004 B. 40 Acre Site Architectural Services for the Senior Housing Complex Rec: By Minute Motion That the Housing Commission approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to award Contract No. R To Kristi W. Hanson, Inc. for architectural services to design a 26-unit senior housing complex and a community room located between Merle Street and 42nd Avenue. Action: Motion was made by Leo Sullivan and seconded by Roger Dash to approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to award a contract to Kristy W. Hanson Inc. for architectural services to design a 26-unit senior housing complex and community room on a portion of the 18 arce site. Motion was unanimously approved. Ezell James reviewed the staff report and recommended approval to contract with Kristy Hanson for the architectural services to design a 26-unit senior complex and a community room. Linda Ward commented on the design renderings attached to the staff report regarding the size and layout of the proposed units as well as the proximity to services such as, hospitals, markets, and bus lines. It was noted that the drawings are conceptual at this time and are not part of the recommendation for approval. Upon question of the costs for consultants associated with civil engineering and landscape architect as depicted on Kristy Hanson's proposal, Ezell James stated Ms. Hanson will not sub -contract those projects and therefore are not included in her cost estimates. Mainiero Smith and Associates are in the process of working on proposals for those projects. C. 40 Acre Site Tentative Tract Map for the Single Family and Senior Housing Rec: By Minute Motion: That the Housing Commission approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to approve Contact Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. R19300 (Mainiero Smith & Associates) for additional work to complete the tentative tract map in conjunction with the single-family and senior housing portion of the 40 Acre Site 5 Housing Commission Minutes February 11, 2004 Action: Motion was made by Leo Sullivan and seconded by Linda Ward to approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to Contract Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. R19300 (Mainiero Smith & Associates) for additional work to complete the tentative tract map in conjunction with the single- family and senior portion of the 40 Acre Site. D. First Time Homebuyer Program and Guidelines Rec: By Minute Motion: That the Housing Commission approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Board to approve the First Time Homebuyer Program guidelines Action: Motion was made by Carrie McLeod and seconded by Leo Sullivan to table this item to March 10, 2004 for further discussion. Leo Sullivan requested that this item be tabled to the next meeting to allow Carrie McLeod, who had not received the agenda packet in the mail, to review the staff report and guidelines provided. He stated she was familiar with mortgage lending and felt her comments would be of utmost importance. A sub -committee was formed consisting of three housing commissioners Carrie McLeod, Leo Sullivan, Larry Saindon, and city staff for the purpose of reviewing all documents associated with the First Time Homebuyers Program. A meeting date was set for March 10, 2004, at 12:30 p.m. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. REPORTS A. HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program was provided to the Commission for review. Bryce reported (14) active homes in progress. He gave a brief overview of the grants and loans available under the Home Improvement Program and discussed 6 Housing Commission Minutes February 11, 2004 the main focus areas. B. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS Bryce introduced Hall Baker, a representative of Robbins Jorgensen Christopher, who was present to update the Commission on the status of Palm Village Apartments. He stated that a set of building plans were available for anyone who was interested in reviewing them. The building plans are in final review and once they are approved, the Agency will solicit formal bids for the construction of the project. He furthered stated he will oversee the project during its construction phase and ensure all work is completed according to contract. Anticipated completion of the project to be 9 to 10 months. C. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE James Conway reviewed the update on the Housing Authority properties provided to the Commission. In reference to the Desert Pointe hallway project, James Conway stated that the City Clerk requested bonding documentation from the awarded contractor. Commencement of the project is scheduled for March 1, 2004. Once the hallway project is complete, the Agency will award a contract for the mural design. D. HOVLEY GARDENS/PHASE II UPDATE; 42ND STREET SIDEWALKS; FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS/RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAMS UPDATE CATALINA GARDENS CLUBHOUSE Ezell James reviewed the update memo provided to the Commission. The property acquired by the Agency located at San Marino Circle is currently soliciting proposals to rehabilitate the home for resale. Working with Kristy Hanson on design of the single-family homes. Linda Ward commented that the Adhoc Subcommittee had discussed possibly incorporating a community center and a swimming pool south of the soccer park of the 40 Acre Site. This would serve the families within the 40 acre site. It was explained that the 20% set aside can not be used to fund this type of amenity. 7 Housing Commission Minutes February 11, 2004 E. DESERT ROSE UPDATE Terre La Rocca reported two resales at Desert Rose. Staff is in the process of identifying a buyer for one of the properties and the other one will be purchased by the Agency. Discussion followed with the property that was sold under a foreclosure procedure and is currently on the market for sale. F. AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAITING LIST BrightSide will advertise in March for the affordable waiting list. Janet Moore reported that 349 questionnaires were picked up; and 135 were returned. An average of 3 to 4 applicants were processed to qualify for a home that became available and were denied. G. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES TOUR A memo was distributed to the Commission with a meeting location change. The tour is scheduled for February 19, 2004 at 8:30 a.m in the Employee Lounge. An invitation will be extended to Jennifer Larson with the Desert Sun. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence, Chair Larry Saindon adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m. to Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at 3:30 p.m. atit l&Cern,t PATTY LEO4 RECORDING SECRETARY G:\RDA\Patty Leon \Wpdocs\Housing Commission \Minutes\2004\2-11-04 draft.wpd 8