Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 12/07/05PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: JANUARY 12, 2006 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached are the Housing Commission Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2005, approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held January 11, 2006. Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 7, 2005 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Roger Dash convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Roger Dash Carrie McLeod Larry Saindon Leo Sullivan Jane Turner Linda Ward Also Present: Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director for Redevelopment and Housing 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 informed the Commission of a fire at One Quail Place, it damaged four units, one of them was a complete loss, and three of them had severe smoke damage. We have relocated all of the families. No one was hurt. Our insurance adjustor stated that we are covered. Fire officials have not determined the cause of damage but believed that it was food left unattended in a microwave. 1 Housing Commission Minutes December 7, 2005 Linda Ward mentioned that she noticed today that Sevilla has a small sign out in front gold and white "condominiums available". She asked about the wall. Janet Moore explained that we have had preliminary discussions with them and she did mention to the owner that as a part of that conversion, we would have to discuss the wall. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of November 9, 2005 With a Motion made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Linda Ward the minutes were approved with Commissioner Carrie McLeod not present. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Roger Dash noted that the minutes were reported accurately, however, he would like to make a few comments. First, regarding the college admission process as it related to the proposal that was submitted, that was a minor request. This proposal was to the Commission requesting authorization to establish a review committee; college admission was a non -issue. The students are not going to have any problems being admitted. The information that Justin sent him was of secondary importance to him. His proposal was for housing and it was to get permission that would eventually move up to get permission to provide housing for students, not college admission. He then indicated a concern regarding what is being conveyed to the Commission by staff, from legal counsel. He noted that the working process of a commission is a rather standard procedure with him or so he thought. However, when he inquired as to the process of setting the Agenda he was told that the Chairman does not set the Agenda for the meeting. He indicated that he has never been on a committee or commission or anything where the Chairman did not see the Agenda until the Agenda was posted. The second was that once the Agenda has gone out, we could not talk amongst ourselves according to the Brown Act. He explained that staff suggested if he still had questions that further clarification should come from legal counsel. He indicated that he recently had a meeting with legal counsel, Mr. Erwin, and he explained that the Brown Act says that a majority cannot meet and discuss. It says nothing about three members of this committee meeting to do anything they want, unless they pick up the phone and call the fourth person. 2 Housing Commission Minutes December 7, 2005 Another issue raised was dealing with the agenda items. Legal Counsel told him when he met with him that everything that comes to the Commission comes from the Housing Authority Board. He feels that if that's the case then we have been in violation for years. So Mr. Erwin indicated he would look into it. He reiterated that he was not questioning the attorney but the interpretation we are receiving. The other legal issue was the Agency's, legal counsel's comment on "Due Process Rights". He also mentioned Justin's previous comments that the City can not provide money or funds for anybody who is not doing something for the City. He indicated his concern over this because policies can be waived and the City of Palm Desert makes donations, contributions, etc. all the time. So that was not a factual statement in his view. He then discussed the role of this commission regarding acquisitions and reminded staff that it conflicts with what is in the Commission's Mission Statement. The last line on the Mission Statement says "It is the mission of the Palm Desert Housing Authority to construct, acquire, rehabilitate, and operate affordable housing projects for low, very low and moderate income person." He asked staff on how the Commission was going to be in compliance with that statement if acquisitions were the responsibility of the Council? He suggested establishing a process so that somehow somebody knows what's going on with acquisitions but that staff can make the final decision. Otherwise, why are we here? He also noted that he hoped that a relationship can be developed between staff and this Commission so that there is full use being made of the skills, experience, and the knowledge of the members. Justin McCarthy responded that he felt it would probably be helpful to bring in City Attorney and possibly Agency Legal Counsel to address some of those issues that have been raised. Staff conveys information to the Commission after consultation with either the City Clerk, City Attorney or Agency Counsel. Justin clarified the differentiation in expending funds between the "City" and "Agency". He also indicated that we are also limited as to the use of HA properties that have been acquired with housing set aside funds 20% for anything other than their intended purpose: which is long term affordable housing. However, the city can elect to use general fund money for other types of expenses because the city is a charter city, it creates it's own rules that it operates under. Mr. McCarthy acknowledged the Chairman comments regarding city donations to non -profits and things of that nature and noted that the City does have a mechanism if the city chooses to fund something, however the Agency is very limited in the that regard. He noted that when we are talking about the Housing properties that the Agency owns then there are significant constraints. In terms of the semantic discussion regarding "vacancies". The Authority properties do not "have vacancies" and we have a waiting list so filling units for a need that's inconsistent with the rules and regulations of the funding sources 3 Housing Commission Minutes December 7, 2005 would not be allowed. With respect to the issue of "student housing" staff actually looked into that issue because we were approached by Cal State San Bernardino Palm Desert campus to help them build student housing at the new campus, and we were directed by our Agency Counsel that we could not do that with Agency Housing funds. He also indicated that being a student is neither a qualifier nor a disqualifier in terms their ability to get on our waiting list for any of our properties. Leo Sullivan indicated he agreed with Mr. Dash's comments at last month's meeting and explained that he too questions the need for the Housing Commission. He noted that he feels that the Housing Commission seems to be becoming Tess and Tess necessary. Justin McCarthy reminded the Commission that right now we have 400 units in development, construction and rehabilitation that are where they are today by virtue of the Commission's input. Consequently, we have met our target of approximately 1500 units with respect to the Stipulation. Mr. McCarthy also indicated that we expect to have a new Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) within the next three years, however, until then we will not be in the project mode that the Commission is accustomed to. The Commission has assisted the Agency in achieving a difficult goal. He also referenced pending projects: Country Village cleanup and rehabilitation as well as the Estonia Protocol, an energy initiative to reduce energy use in Palm Desert by 30% per person. The Commission is tasked with overseeing the management of the 1000 units operated by the Housing Authority. The value of that asset is actually $70 million as of last evaluation. That is not an insignificant duty and yes that will include bringing things like roof contracts, etc., however, he pointed out a forward look will include the new RHNA and the new energy initiative. The Commission has and does play a significant role with respect to policies such as rent setting, first time homebuyers, and the rental subsidy program. The city attorney will attend a future meeting to discuss acquisitions. 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. Housing Commission Minutes December 7, 2005 Janet Moore explained to the Commission that no bids were received for the exterior building renovations at California Villas, staff is asking for authorization to negotiate directly with a qualified contractor. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for November was reviewed by the Commission. Commission agreed the second Report provided by RPM was very informational. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report # 1 for October was reviewed by the Commission. With respect to a question on the update of income levels, Janet Moore stated they are updated in March of every year. E. REPORT #2 - MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENT Report #2 for October was reviewed by the Commission. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. The Thanksgiving luncheon that is put on by the staff of Las Serenas and Catalina Gardens was discussed and there were 75 dinners served at Las Serenas and 35 at Catalina Gardens. Upon question regarding the conversion from AC to heat in the apartment units, Teresa Vakili explained that this process is done twice a year, which also allows RPM staff to do annual inspections of smoke detectors, filter inspections, etc. Linda Ward raised a concern with the conversion of her unit and how she has experienced an increase in utility bills. Teresa Vakili will look into this issue. Janet Moore reported that staff is in the process of soliciting bids for the ADA curbs at Las Serenas. She noted that there was very little interest from contractors recently and felt that the vendor list addition, for 5 Housing Commission Minutes December 7, 2005 discussion under New Business, will allow staff to negotiate with contractors directly. G. The Desert Sun article dated November 23, 2005 "City Plunks Down for Restaurant, Apartment." The Commission was provided with a copy a news article from the Desert Sun for review. Larry Saindon expressed disappointment with staff for not informing the Commission of the acquisition of Casey's Restaurant as part of Country Village Apartments. Staff apologized for inadvertently not informing the Commission and explained that Casey's Restaurant was purchased with Redevelopment money and did not reflect Country Village's budget, previously presented to this Commission for approval. Janet Moore reiterated that the Housing Department had no involvement with the purchase due to the 20% Set Aside restrictions. Jane Turner asked if a policy was in place to maintain Country Village as a senior complex. Janet Moore explained the restrictions on the 20% with respect to its use by demographics in Palm Desert and noted this option has not been addressed but will be discussed with this Commission. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Election of Officers for the Year 2006 A nomination was made to select Jane Turner as Chairman and Carrie McLeod as Vice -Chair. Both commissioners accepted the office to which they were elected. Action: Motion was made by Leo Sullivan and seconded by Larry Saindon to elect Jane Turner as Chairman and Carrie McLeod as Vice Chair commencing January 2006 of a term of one year pending the reappointment by the Council B. California Villas — Re -surfacing of pool and spa Action: Motion was made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Leo Sullivan to approve and forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to authorize RPM Company to award contract to Kent Housing Commission Minutes December 7, 2005 Westfall Plaster Service to resurface the interior of the pool and spa California Villas. Janet Moore reviewed the staff report and stated after inspections from the Health Department, it was recommended that the interior of the pool and spa be resurfaced prior to the next inspection. C. One Quail Place — Playground Equipment Action: Motion was made by Carrie McLeod and seconded by Jane Turner to approve and forward the recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to authorize RPM Company to award contract with Dave Bang Associates, Inc. to install playground equipment at One Quail Place. A visual design of the playground was displayed. Janet Moore referenced two illustrations of the design concept attached to the staff report and stated that Dave Bang Associates utilized the site and existing shade structure appropriately as well as integrating a toddler swing (not illustrated on the design). The equipment is fabricated of a plastic material with rounded edges for safety purposes. The design concept was reviewed and determined as acceptable to the Parks and Recreation Manager. Discussion ensued concerning the purpose of replacement and whether or not a playground is necessary. It was discussed that a playground is appropriate at multi -family sites. Given the time constraints and imperative need of repairs, the Commission agreed to the installation of a playground equipment. D. Palm Desert Housing Authority Vendor List - Amendment Action: Motion was made by Leo Sullivan and seconded by Carrie McLeod to approve and forward the recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to utilize the additional named vendors on the Amendment to the Vendor List dated June 23, 2005. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. Rental Rate Increase Action: Motion was made by Leo Sullivan and Carrie McLeod to approve and forward the recommendation to the Palm Desert 7 Housing Commission Minutes December 7, 2005 Redevelopment Agency and the Palm Desert Housing Authority to authorize a rental rate increase and establishing a procedure for setting rental rates, annually with Commissioner Linda Ward abstaining due to conflict of interest. Janet Moore reviewed the revised staff report and explained the procedures and income levels that will be affected by the increase. She stated the rental increase would generally only affect those tenants whose income exceeds 65% of the County income level. Increases over $50 will be implemented every six months thereafter until the entire increase has been realized. VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (DECEMBER) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. Upon question of who will manage Country Village Apartments, it was explained that an onsite manager has not been appointed yet. However, tenants are welcome to pay their rents at California Villas or One Quail Place. Dave Yrigoyen stated that a constructability review is in process to determine the condition of the property. From there, discussion will take place regarding its disposition. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program was provided to the Commission for review. Bryce White reported that the home on Cabrillo is 90% complete and the homeowners have paid off their loan. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS Bryce White distributed current construction pictures of the construction site of Palm Village Apartments and provided an update. D. CATALINA GARDENS/PUEBLOS COMMUNITY ROOM/ PHASE II 20 ACRE SITE Bryce White distributed current construction pictures of the community room and provided an update. Updates were provided on the 20-Acre Site projects in a memo. In regards to the single-family homes, Janet Moore stated that a groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for January contingent upon completion of pads for marketing purposes. It was explained that the homes are targeted for moderate - income families. Carrie McLeod requested a thank you letter be extended to the staff of both Las Serenas and Catalina for the Thanksgiving dinners served. For information purposes, Justin McCarthy stated that the City is in the process of negotiating land acquisition and requested a portion of this land to secure for future housing, given the expectation of the future RHNA numbers. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence, Chair Roger Dash adjourned the meeting at 5:06 p.m. The next meeting will be held on January 11, 2006. `0,(J kMA PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Minutes\2005\12-7-05 Draft.doc