Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 01/11/06PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2006 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES R I- �,1 �1�- Attached are the Housing Commission Meeting Minutes of r&truar t , approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held February 8, 2006. Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 11, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jane Turner convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Larry Saindon Leo Sullivan Jane Turner Linda Ward Also Present: Carrie McLeod Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director for Redevelopment and Housing James Conway, Project Coordinator Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Dave Erwin, City Attorney III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Janet Moore informed the Commission that Roger Dash declined his re- appointment to the Housing Commission. A copy of his resignation letter will be provided at the next Housing Commission meeting. She also reported that at the Mayor's breakfast meeting of January 10th, the Mayor mentioned the First Time Homebuyers Program. 1 Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 Janet Moore stated that Mr. Dave Erwin was present to address the inquiries of the Commission from several of the previous meetings. Jane Turner asked about the appointment of new members to this Commission. Janet Moore replied that the City Clerk is working with the Council to determine if there's an eligible participant to fill the vacant positions. She noted that typically appointments are made in November and December but will contact the City Clerk to express the urgency in filling the vacancies. Upon question if Roger Dash would be recognized for his service, Janet Moore responded that the Mayor formally recognizes those members whose terms expired or served as Chairman to a committee/commission. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of December 7, 2005 With a Motion made by Leo Sullivan and seconded by Larry Saindon the minutes were unanimously approved with Commissioner Carrie McLeod not present. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS As a request from the last meeting, Dave Erwin was present to discuss matters and/or questions from the Commission. He informed the Commission that he had read the December 7th minutes, Leo Sullivan asked him if he had read November's minutes since there was continuous discussion. Mr. Erwin replied he had not reviewed those minutes but had in fact met with Mr. Dash before December's meeting to discuss his concerns such as, how the agenda is prepared, the Brown Act and other concerns related to the Housing Commission. He offered to go through the issues for them to explain his position. Leo Sullivan voiced his concern about the purpose of the Housing Commission. In the past, he realized the Housing Commission was not necessarily an integral part in making decisions but felt they were involved in the decision making process of purchasing new projects. He indicated his concern that they were not doing that anymore. He felt as if they were simply a rubber stamp to decisions that have already been made. He 2 Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 indicated that this was the way it was explained to them. He asked what the laws are with regard to this and if there is really a need for the Housing Commission to continue. He noted that Justin McCarthy expressed that there is a need at the last meeting but explained that some of them feel that their involvement in the process has been diminished. Dave Erwin stated that from his perspective and from what he has reviewed he does not see that anything has been diminished since the Commission was form in 1998. The Ordinance basically sets up a scenario where there is a City Council in Palm Desert that has declared themselves to be the Housing Authority. They have decreed by Ordinance that a Housing Commission also be formed. The charge in the Ordinance, as it was passed, indicates that the Housing Commission is to review and make recommendations on matters coming before the Authority prior to their action. That indicates that the Council, acting as Housing Authority, would send matters to the Housing Commission for review and recommendation before the Housing Authority Board take action. There is an exception, if the Authority feels that there are matters that they should act on they are entitled to go ahead and act on it. Mr. Erwin indicated that Mr. Dash was concerned in particular because he wanted to set his own agenda. The Ordinance does not provide for that. Mr. Erwin suggested to Mr. Dash that he communicate his concern to one or two members of the Council, preferably no more that two, and see if they would like to modify the Ordinance rules. Staff is tasked with bringing a recommendation to you for your review and then on to the Authority to take action. That would be the ideal process. Mr. Dash raised a number of other issues that did not appear to be within the scope of the Ordinance for the Housing Commission. It was suggested to him that he ask any member of the Council to raise that issue and let them refer it to the Commission. Mr. Erwin indicated that Mr. Dash did not appear to be satisfied with that probably because his past experience has been on an executive committee as chairman and they typically do set the agenda. This Commission is not set up that way. Mr. Erwin reviewed the Brown Act and its sanctions, and emphasized the importance of discussing agenda items at regular scheduled meetings. He noted that with the current Housing Commission membership of five (5), that any two members can talk about any item they choose, however, if one of those individuals calls and talks with another independent member that probably violates the Brown Act. He indicated that items that are not on the Housing Commission agenda and have not been referred to the Commission are acceptable to discuss. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\1-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 Mr. Erwin explained that this is the direction in the Ordinance, neither him nor staff can change it, but the Council could if they chose to do so. Larry Saindon asked about the Commission's involvement on items related to purchases of real property. He recalled that in the past, the Commission has always been informed or involved to a degree, and now they are being told it was incorrect and are not involved in the acquisitions of properties. He added that the Commission was not informed of the last property acquisition until it was acquired. Mr. Erwin stated that it was up to the Housing Authority Board on whether they would like to inform or involve the Housing Commission on acquisitions of properties that the Authority makes. Justin McCarthy clarified that the Housing Authority does not acquire properties. The Redevelopment Agency is the entity that purchases properties for the purposes of housing. The Housing Authority is tasked with their operation, however, if the Redevelopment Agency Board refers acquisitions to the Housing Commission, staff will bring them for review. Staff does not have a problem bringing anything to this body that has been referred to them. Dave Erwin responded to the Commission relative to Mr. McCarthy's clarification, that items relative to the Redevelopment Agency do not come to this body. With the Commission's concurrence, Dave Erwin received consent to meet with the Authority Board to discuss matters relative to the Commission's role. Chairman Jane Turner stated that the Commission was here to act on items provided by the Authority Board and felt that if the Board did not want them to act on a specific item that it was fine too. Mr. Erwin concluded with a clarification concerning the number of members required to have a quorum, it was stated that three were required since the Commission currently consists of five members. Mr. Erwin was excused from the meeting. B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEMS RELATED TO HOUSING, AND SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACTIONS 4 Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 Report #2 for November was reviewed by the Commission. Given that Country Village is a newly acquired property, income levels have not been determined; therefore the Total Rental Income was included but has not been broken down by income type yet. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. James Conway referenced the update and highlighted the significant projects listed on the report. He also stated that a contractor has been identified for the exterior renovation project at California Villas. In response to a question, Dave Yrigoyen stated that a constructability review is in process at Country Village Apartments, and once a report is finalized it will be provided to this Commission for review. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Award of Contract to Desert Concrete Action: Motion was made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Linda Ward to approve and forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to authorize RPM Company to award contract to Desert Concrete to provide ADA accessible ramps and walkway improvements for the Housing complexes known as Las Serenas, Catalina Gardens, and One Quail Place. James Conway reviewed the staff report. B. Mid -Year 2005/2006 Budget Adjustment Action: Motion was made by Leo Sullivan and seconded by Larry Saindon to approve and forward to the Finance Director the recommendation to request approval to appropriate funds for the mid -year budget adjustments for the Housing Authority properties Janet Moore stated that the mid -year budget appropriations do not include the cost of trimming trees that were identified by the plan of action provided by Arbor Life Consulting for this year. The adjustment covers the tree trimming that already occurred. It is clear that more work is required and the cost will require an appropriation when the bids come in. 6 Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 An update was provided to the Housing Commission for review. Janet Moore referenced the memo and stated that the meeting date for the Agency Board, December 8, 2005, to review agenda items was incorrect; the correct date is January 12, 2006. She stated that staff is recommending an award of contract on the Laguna Palms project for the under grounding of the utilities at the site. Habitat for Humanity has requested the donation of two properties slated for public hearing at the meeting. A request was made of Habitat to incorporate energy efficiencies. Habitat has indicated that they would like to do a 12-hour "blitz build". Notices will be sent out once a date has been scheduled. Jane Turner asked if the Board approved the rental increase. Janet Moore stated that legal counsel had made some modifications to the report, and anticipates bringing it back to this Commission for final review and recommendation to the Board. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for December was reviewed by the Commission. An update on the number of applicants we have on the wait lists at each property was distributed. Leo Sullivan questioned the number of re -certifications at Country Village. Teresa Vakili responded that since Country Village is a newly acquired property, all residents are required to certify in order to verify that they qualify for the affordable program. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report # 1 for November was reviewed by the Commission. A revised Report #1 was distributed making a correction to the report for units reported in the incorrect category. E. REPORT #2 - MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENT G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Minutes1200611-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 The City's Landscape Manager has also informed staff that he would like to conduct an evaluation survey of all trees within Palm Desert, including those at our properties, to determine the current conditions. This will make budgeting for future years easier. She stated that there is a substantial increase in the cost of Workers Compensation to which the Finance Director approved a mid -year payroll overhead adjustment in accordance with RPM's Management Agreement. Reference was made to the line item for the Catalina Gardens community room furniture. It was explained that the Housing Authority will furnish the office. The construction of the community room is being funded by another source. A request was made to allocate the cost of the furniture appropriately to both Catalina Gardens and Pueblos since both properties will utilize the office. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (JANUARY) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. Linda Ward referenced an insert in the Catalina Gardens and Pueblos newsletter with regard to cleaning patio light fixtures, and the safety of that with seniors. Teresa Vakili responded it was a drawing from the property manager and was not mandatory. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program was provided to the Commission for review. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS Bryce White provided current construction pictures of the Palm Village Apartments. Staff offered to answer questions from the Commission. With regard to pre -leasing the units, Janet Moore stated that applicants currently on the wait list are being considered. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Minutes12006\1-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 Discussion ensued with the restrictions of including a swimming pool as part of the construction of affordable housing. Justin McCarthy noted that the City Council has directed staff to work with the College of the Desert with respect to constructing a community pool. D. CATALINA GARDENS Bryce White provided current construction pictures of the community room. E. Phase II 20 Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas An update of the 20 Acre Site projects was provided in a memo by Cathy Walker. Dave Yrigoyen reported that the Architectural Review Committee approved the design plans. The infrastructure is scheduled to begin mid -February. He also added that, as an additional funding source, the developer has submitted an application to the BEGIN Funding Program, controlled by the Department of Housing and Community Development. If the funding is approved, the Agency may receive up to $30,000 per unit. A groundbreaking date has not been scheduled for the single-family homes and senior complex. F. Estonia Protocol Janet Moore stated that the City of Palm Desert is participating in a new project to reduce energy consumption by 30% per person. A city staff member was appointed as the liaison to oversee the due diligence and effectiveness of the project. Funding will be applied for as well. Additionally, staff is looking into ways to implement energy savings with our properties, such as, photovoltaic, heat pump systems, solars, etc. Justin McCarthy stated that this project is coming from the Public Utilities Commission. The City is working on submitting a proposal in order to secure funding of approximately $1 million. The intent is for Palm Desert to act as the prototypical suburban city to demonstrate how it can be done. It has not been "finalized or approved" yet but there is significant amount of energy and interest in this on behalf of the City Council. 8 Housing Commission Minutes January 11, 2006 G. Committee/Commission Member Update Form The Commission was asked to complete the Membership Update Form. H. Copy of Thank You Letters to staff at Las Serenas and Catalina from the Housing Commission. Copies of the Thank You letters were provided to the Commission for review. Regarding the date for the housing tour, Janet Moore stated that the dates are requested based on the council's availability. A tentative date was scheduled by the Council's secretary for March 17, 2006. IX. ADJOURNMENT A. Schedule of Housing Commission meeting dates for 2006 A memo was provided to the Commission listing the Housing Commission meetings scheduled for 2006. Staff identified one meeting date that occurs after the regularly scheduled City Council meetings and in order to accommodate actions required by the Commission on the Housing Authority Agenda, staff suggests moving the meeting to the Wednesday prior. With the Commission's concurrence the meeting date will be changed. An updated list will be provided at the next meeting. With members of the Housing Commission concurrence, Chairman Jane Turner adjourned the meeting at 4:42 p.m. The next meeting will be held on February 8, 2006. /ticitJ PATTY LEOF&I, RECORDING SECRETARY G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\1-lousing Commission\Minutes\2006\1-11-06 .doc