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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 05/10/06PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: JUNE 15, 2006 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached are the Housing Commission Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2006, approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held June 14, 2006. Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director 0232-104(}f /QV HOUSG AU TH ON ' (3 '6(-0 VERIFIED BY. J23(Yd Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 10, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jane Turner convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Linda Ward Carrie McLeod Larry Saindon Leo Sullivan Jane Turner Also Present: Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment and Housing Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator James Conway, Project Coordinator Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Bryce White, Senior Construction Contract Administrator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Verna Smith, Potential Housing Commissioner III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of April 12, 2006 With a Motion made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Leo Sullivan the minutes were unanimously approved. Housing Commission Minutes MAY 10, 2006 Larry Saindon referenced the minutes on page 2 and asked whether the Commission's concerns were forwarded to the City Council as previously asked by Leo Sullivan. Justin McCarthy stated that he had met with Carlos Ortega and conveyed that the Commission's concerns be forwarded to the City Council. He noted he would ask Mr. Ortega as to the status. Leo Sullivan stated he had reviewed the City Council's agenda for the meeting of May 11th and was not listed as an item for discussion. He stated that the Commission is concerned with this and had specifically asked that this be presented to the City Council and not necessarily to the City Manager and so far it had not been done. Mr. McCarthy asked Mr. Sullivan if he was referring to the minutes that were forwarded to the City Council for review and approval at its next Council meeting to which Mr. Sullivan replied he was referring to the specific concerns of the Commission. Mr. McCarthy asked if the Commission expected that a staff report would be prepared for the City Council highlighting the Commission's concerns or was forwarding the minutes, as we normally do to the City Council, which reflects those concerns, satisfactory. Mr. Sullivan indicated he was aware that the Council reviews the minutes but felt that since he also reviews minutes it's possible that they can be overlooked. He stated that the Commission had asked that those concerns expressed at the meeting be brought to the Council's attention and not necessarily as an agenda item or paper route. Mr. McCarthy reiterated that a memo highlighting the Commission's concerns along with a copy of the minutes were forwarded to the City Manager with a recommendation that they be forwarded to the City Council. He stated he would refer back to the City Manager and explain the Commission's request. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEMS RELATED TO HOUSING, AND SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACTIONS G:1RDA\Patty Leon\WpdocsU-lousing Commission\Minutes1200615-10-06.doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 10, 2006 An update was provided to the Housing Commission for review. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for April was reviewed by the Commission. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report # 1 for March was reviewed by the Commission. E. REPORT #2 - MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENT Report #2 for March was reviewed by the Commission. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. James Conway summarized the update and distributed pictures of the projects currently in progress at the properties: Taos Palms painting project; Laguna Palms underground project; and California Villas renovation project which has been contracted to Portrait Homes. Upon question regarding the vacant lot adjacent to Laguna Palms, Janet Moore stated that several offers have been made to the property owner with regard to purchasing the land of which the property owner has shown no interest in selling. Justin McCarthy stated that the rehabilitation project at Laguna Palms has been a learning experience both organizationally as well as institutionally. After engaging the City's Risk Manager, it was recommended that in order to avoid impacting the current tenants during the renovation project, the tenants would have to be relocated to avoid exposing them of any noxious materials during the renovation process. Suggestions made were to relocate them to either Palm Village Apartments and/or available units within our properties. Teresa Vakili reported seven units are currently occupied at Laguna Palms. G \RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Minutes\200615-10-06 doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 10, 2006 VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (May) 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. As requested at the last meeting, James Conway stated that the report was updated to show the current costs disbursed. He reported that Rancho Housing Alliance has provided a fully executed contract and is ready to proceed. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS An update on Palm Village Apartments was provided to the Commission for review as well as pictures. Bryce White provided a brief overview of the difficulties surrounding the construction of the project. He stated that the contractor recently contracted out its operations due to a terminal illness of one the partners and the other partners are said to have left the firm. It was reported that the company has had financial difficulties paying their subcontractors, initiating joint payments to the contractor and subcontractors, which created additional administration on our behalf. The project has had three project managers, three superintendents at the site and has gone through five subcontractor changes due to negligence of performance. Additionally, the plans have been modified in all aspects of the project. Mr. McCarthy added that this is unfortunately a common experience throughout the industry in terms of performances by contractors. He stated that Bryce White is staying on top of things fairly well and moving things forward as good as he can. At this time, Leo Sullivan excused himself from the meeting. G.\RDA \Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Mmutes12006\5-10-06 doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 10, 2006 D. CATALINA GARDENS COMMUNITY ROOM An update and pictures of the Community Room were provided to the Commission for review. Bryce White reported that although the project has had difficulties with the contractor the construction is proceeding forward with the assistance from our construction litigation team. 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 to which Dave Yrigoyen reviewed. Dave Yrigoyen stated that Falcon Crest Groundbreaking Ceremony that took place on May 5th was well attended and organized. Janet Moore stated that Falcon Crest has had a lot of interest. Brochures are located at both reception counters at City Hall. Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the three informational meetings scheduled on May 30th at Desert Springs Marriott and June 1st and 7th at the Palm Desert City Council Chambers; applications will be available at the meetings. Registration period begins June 10 h and will be open for 60 days. A point system will determine the applicant's minimum eligibility for the first 60 days. A maximum of 15 points are possible. The point system was explained in detail. Discussion ensued with the description of a First Time Homebuyer provided by CalHome as part of the Begin Program financing. In regard to La Rocca Villas senior complex, Janet Moore stated that the units will be rentals. Applicants on the current wait lists at our senior properties have been notified based on the income levels that will occupy that property. Carrie McLeod inquired on the parking issue between Falcon Crest and Hovley Gardens. Janet Moore stated that staff addressed the developer of Hovley Gardens Apartments, and he felt that because it is a public street there was not a problem. Ms. Moore stated that the developer also indicated he would notify tenants of the parking regulations set forth for the property. G. \RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\5-I0-06.doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 10, 2006 F. Estonia Protocol Janet Moore stated that a meeting has been scheduled to discuss a program similar to the Home Improvement Program regarding loans to businesses and/or individuals interested in implementing energy efficiencies in their businesses or homes. As informational purposes: Justin McCarthy provided a brief update on Country Village Apartments. As part of the planning phases to built out the north sphere, there has been an evaluation from the Fire Department with regard to where fire stations need to be located and the need of a paramedic station in the Washington Street area. Staff was asked to consider integrating a paramedic station in the rehabilitation project of Country Village. As previously stated at the last meeting, Janet Moore reported that staff is continuing their efforts to negotiate a property that is at risk. If successful, the acquisition is expected to take place until the first of next year. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence, Chairman Jane Turner urned the meetin at 4:37 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 7, 2006. JQrvJ K PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY G \RDA\Patty Leon\Wpdocs\Housing Commission\Minutes\200615-10-06.doc