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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN NOVEMBER 9, 2005CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 2005 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Roger Dash convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Leo Sullivan Roger Dash Carrie McLeod Larry Saindon Jane Turner Linda Ward Also Present: Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director for Redevelopment and Housing James Conway, Construction Maintenance Inspector Bryce White, Senior Construction Contract Administrator Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Janet Moore indicated there was a problem with the mailings of the Housing Commission agenda packets this month. Some commissioners did not receive their packets in a timely manner. Base on this, staff suggested that in the event the Commission did not have enough time to review the action items on the agenda, they could continue the items to the next meeting for further review. 1 Housing Commission Minutes November 9, 2005 Commissioner McLeod suggested, as a trial for December, to use Federal Express to deliver the packets. Staff agreed to use this method for December and see if the Commission wished to continue this for future meetings. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of October 12, 2005 With a Motion made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Carrie McLeod the minutes were approved with Commissioner Jane Turner abstaining. Carrie McLeod referenced the minutes on page 3 with regard to Leo Sullivan's remark of expressing dismay with the cancellation of two consecutive meetings. She asked if the word "cancellation" was appropriate since the August meeting was approved as a dark month and September's meeting was canceled due to lack of agenda items. Given that the minutes accurately reflect Commissioner Sullivan's remark, the minutes remain as is and staff will ask for clarification from the City Clerk for future meetings. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS 1) Update on Hurricane Katrina disaster evacuees As a follow-up from the last meeting with regard to the discussion of assisting displaced students from Louisiana, the Commission was provided with information on housing assistance from various agencies including FEMA and a resource directory. Justin McCarthy reported that he had contacted the dean from Cal State who informed him that displaced students are eligible to be admitted to Cal State San Bernardino and its annexed facility in Palm Desert on the "instate tuition basis". In addition, free housing would be provided for up to one year or two semesters as well as establishing grants at the San Bernardino campus. With respect to College of the Desert (COD), Janet Moore stated that COD is aware of the situation where these students have been displaced by Katrina and are open to assist if they can. She also noted that staff met with the two council members that make up the Housing Sub -Committee and they suggested that staff work with both Cal State and COD to determine what available options there would be to assist these students since they are familiar with these types of programs. 2 Housing Commission Minutes November 9, 2005 Staff indicated that all the displaced families that have come to our properties have been placed on the waiting list. Justin McCarthy stated that he contacted legal counsel with respect to priority placement. It was viewed that because applicants currently on the wait list have what is called "due process rights", Katrina victims could not be accommodated as a priority. He furthered discussed the issues of our local non-profit agencies in terms of their resources being depleted, and that staff is in contact with legal counsel regarding the feasibility of providing some sort of assistance to these agencies. Roger Dash commented that although he appreciated the work staff has made in terms of the information received, he was taken back at the response from staff when he first approached the Commission with this idea. He stated he received very little response from the Commission because he felt they were unable to do so, yet received immediate response from staff of which he felt was negative. He questioned the roll of this Commission and their responsibilities. He expressed dissatisfaction with respect to the acquisition of Country Village Apartments and how the Commission was not informed. Justin McCarthy responded that previous acquisition discussions with the Commission prior to escrow closing were in fact an error on staffs part. He stated that he had discussed this issue with the City Attorney who advised that acquisitions of real estate fall exclusively under the purview of the City Council and are confidential until final. In regards to the Commission going into closed session and/or informing the Commission of future acquisitions, the answer from the attorney was no. However, staff is allowed to inform the Commission after a decision has been made from Council. He furthered noted that acquisitions are not made by the Housing Authority but by the Redevelopment Agency. Justin McCarthy reiterated the Agency's obligation with regard to housing activities. One responsibility mentioned was the general statutory requirement that the Agency has under the Redevelopment Law to provide inclusionary affordable housing. Secondly, there is a legal stipulated requirement that obligates the Agency to produce affordable housing to certain levels. In an effort to achieve that, staff has been working very diligently over the last 36 months with this body's assistance. Discussion followed regarding the number of activities presented to this Commission and how those activities are currently in the execution and implementation phase. In large part, because of the recommendations and guidance of the Commission, the Agency was able to meet the legal stipulated requirement. Roger Dash again raised a concern with regard to the Commissioners and their role. He explained that some commissioners felt that it was needless to attend meetings, if all they are going to do is tell staff how to put a roof on a building or to buy an aluminum pipe. He stated that this Commission was involved in the 3 Housing Commission Minutes November 9, 2005 legal Stipulation and appreciates the position staff has with respect to confidentiality. But wherever he has been, you have a chairman and a vice chairman and you cover yourself by saying "I have something here that I don't think should go before the Housing Commission". You don't even have to tell me what it is. I'm sure Jane Turner would appreciate the same thing. But it just seems that this should be done. Justin McCarthy responded that he addressed several issues today; one being the issue of real estate and responded as forthrightly as he could having received direction from our legal counsel. Mr. Dash said it might be worthwhile to have either Justin or legal counsel specify what the Commission is responsible for and that will eliminate all of those problems. Mr. McCarthy asked that they keep in mind that there are things that are outside of the rigid description of the Commissions responsibilities that staff feels are important to review but there are certain things that staff can not bring to the Commission. Mr. Dash recommended that staff inform this Commission of potential acquisitions without disclosing details of such name or location. Justin McCarthy reiterated that acquisitions are confidential, but that he can say at this time staff is actively in the process of identifying rental properties and/or vacant lands to acquire for future developments. In regard to the acquisition of Country Village Apartments, Janet Moore stated that this property was in negotiations for a very long time. She also noted that after viewing previous minutes, there was a similar comment made at a meeting with respect to actively looking for properties to acquire. Roger Dash stated that he still did not get an answer to his question. Janet Moore responded that the Housing Sub -Committee's suggestion was to look into assisting local agencies who are already set up for this type of work for those victims interested in relocating to Palm Desert. In addition to working with the two schools previously mentioned for those students that would like to go to school here. Roger Dash asked whether his proposal to work with several members of this Commission was still being considered or if it was off the table. Justin McCarthy responded that the consensus is that the City would not be the "lead agency" with respect to providing direct assistance to evacuees. The suggestion received from the Housing Sub -Committee was to help facilitate the local non-profit organizations and/or schools, actively involved, accomplish their mission and bring some thing to the City Council for review. Carrie McLeod inquired about the waiting list in terms of time. Teresa Vakili responded that depending on the income level it could be anywhere from 3 Housing Commission Minutes November 9, 2005 months to a year. Ten families from Louisiana were recently placed on the wait list at One Quail Place with the understanding that other wait list applicants cannot be bumped. Those families are currently seeking local employment. RPM Company noted that they did offer employment to one member of the displaced families. B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEMS RELATED TO HOUSING, AND SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACTIONS An update was provided to the Housing Commission for review. Referenced was made to the pool demolition at Laguna Palms and how it would determine whether or not the other pool could be renovated and how. Also addressed were the approved names of the single-family homes and the senior complex. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for October was reviewed by the Commission. As a request from the last meeting, a re -formatted report was provided to clarify the vacancies at the properties. Teresa Vakili explained the report. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report # 1 for September was reviewed by the Commission. E. REPORT #2 - MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENT Report #2 for September was reviewed by the Commission. Janet Moore referenced the report's Net Operating Income with respect to the negative numbers at several of the properties. She stated that although these numbers were anticipated, by not addressing regular rental rate increases such as the item requested under New Business for discussion it has exaggerated the problem. 5 Housing Commission Minutes November 9, 2005 F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) James Conway reviewed the update on the Housing Authority properties provided to the Commission. He distributed pictures of renovated interior units from Neighbors and Taos Palms Apartments as well as the new mailboxes installed at both properties. Also distributed were pictures of Country Village Apartments. Upon question regarding the renovation plans for Country Village Apartments, Janet Moore stated that an architectural assessment will be conducted. Larry Saindon commented he would like to visit the property and tour an empty unit; Teresa Vakili will coordinate. G. Special Engagement Review by Auditors Janet Moore updated the Commission on the recent audit report of approximately 650 Housing Authority tenant files and reported that one error was found. This special audit was to determine if the affordable rental rates were calculated correctly, as well as ensure procedures that are in place are being followed. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. RENTAL RATE INCREASE Janet Moore reviewed the Staff Report and stated that the City Attorney had made changes after the report was mailed. She recommended this item be continued to the next Housing Commission meeting to ensure the Commissioners have ample time to review. Commissioners were encouraged to call Janet Moore with any questions or concerns prior to the next meeting. Action: A motion was made by Carrie McLeod and seconded by Larry Saindon to continue this item to the next scheduled Housing Commission meeting of December 7, 2005 for further review. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (NOVEMBER Housing Commission Minutes November 9, 2005 Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program was provided to the Commission for review. Bryce White distributed pictures of the home located on Cabrillo Street. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS Bryce White distributed pictures of the construction site of Palm Village Apartments and provided an update. He stated that a proposal to implement photovoltaic, a solar electrical system at Palm Village Apartments will be presented to the City Council. D. CATALINA GARDENS/PUEBLOS COMMUNITY ROOM/ PHASE II 20-ACRE SITE UPDATE: Bryce White distributed pictures of the community room and provided an update. Cathy Walker provided an update of the 20-Acre Site projects in a memo. Janet Moore reported that a groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled. Once the grading and pads are complete, invitations will be mailed. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence, Chair Roger Dash adjourned the meeting at 5:47 p.m. The next meeting will be held on December 7, 2005. PATTY LEON', RECORDING SECRETARY 7