Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 03/07/07PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: APRIL 12, 2007 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held April 11, 2007: ► March 7, 2007 Meeting Minutes Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director Roil 0,4E I BY HOUSG AUTH ON Li�% b VERIFIED BY: IWJrq Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES March 7, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jane Turner convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Jane Turner Leo Sullivan Linda Ward Verna Smith Also Present: Carlos Ortega, Executive Director/City Manager Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator Bryce White, Project Administrator James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Natalie Russo, Potential Housing Commissioner Missy Wightman, Project Coordinator III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of February 7, 2007. With a Motion made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Smith the minutes were unanimously approved. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore reported on the Housing adhoc sub -committee meeting that both Linda Ward and Verna Smith attended. She stated that several discussions took place with respect to Country Village and how the site could be best utilized. Linda Ward stated that she expressed concern with the three-story apartment complex as presented by the architect and how it was not suitable for Palm Desert, nor was a center corridor. She noted that consideration was given to propose a two-story complex for seniors. Although she felt that a mix use is much needed, she was concerned with the high-speed traffic and lack of children's facilities. Verna Smith stated that the initial discussions with the Housing Commission of designing a multi -family apartment had changed and how suggestions were made to possibly use the site in a different manner which staff is looking into the feasibility. Janet Moore stated that staff is researching all areas of consideration with respect to the concept suggested by the sub -committee and might be a lengthily process due to its nature. 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. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for January was reviewed by the Commission. G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007'3-7-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 Leo Sullivan inquired as to why the number of vacant units seems to be consistent for the last several months and asked about the remodeling of units. Teresa Vakili stated that the leasing of units had stopped due to the exterior renovations and roof projects. Given that Phase A of California Villas renovation project has been recently completed, 40 units will be re- leased before Phase B commencement date. Janet Moore also noted that the City's Risk Manager made the assessment, considering the risk to the City, that it would not be appropriate to re -lease units before environmental mitigations were complete. Existing tenants have requested transfers to renovated units which will open up another unit for renovation. Mr. Sullivan asked how many of those 40 units will be transfers from existing units. Mr. Conway responded that 23 units have already been transferred and approximately 11 requested to remain in their current units but will be renovated as part of Phase B renovation project. Linda Ward asked for the cost for the inspections of the environmental concerns. Mr. Conway responded that the cost to test the acoustic ceilings range from $140 to $170 depending on the factors of urgency and lab location. Janet Moore explained the process of project budgeting and noted the budgets are established for that particular year that activity will take place. Phase B will include the site improvements and the renovation of 20 units. It was estimated that the per unit cost will be approximately $150,000 a unit including site improvements after the project is complete. Mr. Sullivan questioned the duration of the project in terms of its improvements and renovations from the date acquired. He addressed Carlos Ortega and stated that this has been a concern of the Commission in the past with respect to the lack of communication between City departments. He felt that we have been sitting on this project since 2003 and we are still not together in getting bids out, and stated that this did not seem reasonable. He commented on how he has brought this up before with the Mayor and how it seemed as if we were not communicating within departments in the City. He asked why departments could not meet all at once and say what they needed to expedite the bid process and not wait 4 years. He noted that he felt that this project has been a non -performing job since day one and will continue to be until all work has been completed, reiterating that it will take five years to finally get the project done. He 3 G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\3-7-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 expressed to Mr. Ortega that he was bringing this concern to his attention so that the lack of communication can get resolved in order to get the project done. He concluded by adding that the Commission is trying to take care of the tenants by providing units. James Conway stated that when a property is acquired it takes several months before a complete analysis of its direction is determined as well as the process of getting architects on board. He noted that the departments have been working together and are very committed to our projects. He agreed with Mr. Sullivan about being frustrated at times when a project takes a long time. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report #1 for January was reviewed by the Commission. Leo Sullivan thanked Teresa Vakili for the assistance she provided to a family member of an individual who works with him. He mentioned that those tenants expressed concern with the kitchen cabinets, baseboards, and kick plates and how they were unacceptable. He questioned if a process was in place to renovate those units. Teresa Vakili replied that a plan is in process to renovate several units either through attrition or move outs, depending on what was budgeted for that year. She also noted that several units were upgraded between Desert Pointe, Las Serenas, Catalina Gardens and One Quail Place. Mr. Sullivan asked on the time frame of when a unit is determined down. Mrs. Vakili replied that once a unit is vacated, a walkthrough is conducted to assess the situation on whether a complete renovation is necessary as allowed for in the budget. She noted that additional monies were added to the 2007/2008 budget to renovate those units with cabinets that are 20 years old. She further noted that tenants should address those issues to the property manager so they could be corrected. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS Report #2 for January was reviewed by the Commission. Leo Sullivan asked about Candlewood Apartments. Staff explained it was a two-story property acquired by the Agency last year located south of Highway 1 11 . G:\rda\I'atty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\3-7-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 Janet Moore stated that Candlewood Apartments will be part of the Housing Tour. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. Verna Smith questioned if the landscape that was damaged due to frost was mitigated. James Conway stated that several properties were cleaned up and staff continues to work closely with the Landscape Department who are at the properties on a daily basis assessing the situation. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Palm Village Apartments - Photovoltaic Solar Arrays Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Smith to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve the assignment of Contract No. HA-25090 with Sunwize Technologies, Inc., a New York Company, to Sunwize Technologies, Inc., a Delaware Company, for the design and construction of Carports with photovoltaic solar arrays at the Palm Village Apartments Bryce White reviewed the staff report and asked the Commission for their recommendation. Linda Ward stated that the Desert Sun had published an article with regard to the State Senate considering charging homeowners for having solar arrays. Janet Moore stated that legislation was adopted for time of use meters. The Energy Department is in the process of preparing information on how certain areas will be affected with respect to the time of use meters. With regard to Palm Village Apartments, Mrs. Moore noted that those charges will be incurred by the Housing Authority. G:\rda\Patty Lcon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\3-7-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 Justin McCarthy further stated that the City has already contacted our Legislatures as well as the Public Utilities Commission and appears to be some productive dialogue with respect to this issue. A resolution has not been finalized. B. One Quail Place - Signage Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Ward to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to authorize award of Contract No. HA- to Sign -A -Rama for construction of monument signage located at the Housing Authority property known as One Quail Place. Missy Wightman reviewed the staff report. Leo Sullivan asked what the difference was in price between Calendar Girls and Sign -A -Rama. Ms. Wightman stated it was a difference of approximately $4,000. Jane Turner referenced the estimate received from Sign -A -Rama and asked on whether sales tax should be added to the price. Ms. Wightman will look into that and correct if necessary. C. California Villas - Phase B Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Ward to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the Phase B Site Improvements for California Villas Apartments James Conway reviewed the staff report. D. Citywide Tree Pruning Project Rec: By Minute Motion: G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\3-7-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Ward to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve an award of Contract No. C26210 to Tree Element, Inc. for the Citywide Tree Pruning Program in the amount of $51,681.00 to the respective Housing Authority landscape maintenance budget to include the appropriate appropriations. Janet Moore reviewed the staff report provided to the Commission as part of the Addendum Agenda. She mentioned that the palm trees are not included in the recommendation but will be provided at the next Housing Commission meeting as part of the City's Palm Tree Pruning and Removal Program. Linda Ward questioned if Tree Element, Inc. had previously worked in Palm Desert and/or experienced with desert acclimated trees. It was explained that the Landscape Department are critical when reviewing bids and have a better determination on qualifications with respect to landscaping in Palm Desert. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (March) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. B. HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS An update on Palm Village Apartments was provided to the Commission as well as updated pictures of the construction phase. Bryce White reviewed the update, stating he anticipates completion of most of the work within the next two weeks with minor pick up items. G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\3-7-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 Verna Smith commented that she had driven by the property and how it looked very nice. D. CATALINA GARDENS COMMUNITY ROOM An update on the Community Room was provided to the Commission as well as an updated picture. Bryce White reviewed the update. E. Phase II 20 Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas 3) Occupation Information (Janet) Dave Yrigoyen stated that a ribbon -cutting ceremony took place on March 5, 2007. Linda Ward stated that she did not receive an invitation to the ceremony. Janet Moore stated that the representatives at the sales office are available anytime to assist Commissioners with information and a tour of the model homes. Ms. Ward stated that she had read an article published in the Desert Sun with regard to the ceremony and was surprised to see that the architect Kristy Hanson was not recognized. Leo Sullivan stated that Mrs. Hanson was acknowledged for her work at the ceremony. As a follow up request from the last meeting with regard to the number of applications received from the Housing Authority properties, Janet Moore reported that 11 applications were received. As informational purposes, she mentioned the top four occupations of applicants that applied for the affordable program: 1. Retail sales (40); 2. Food industry (32); 3. Health care medical (26); and 4. Construction (22) F. Estonia Protocol G. 2007 Committee/Commission Member Update The Commission was asked to complete the membership update form provided in their packets. Janet Moore reminded the Commission of the Annual Housing Tour scheduled 8 G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\.3-7-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MARCH 7, 2007 for March 23, 2007. She reiterated that the tour will be condensed to view properties of interest such as Candlewood, Palm Village, and California Villas. At this time, Chairman Jane Turner welcomed Natalie Wood thanked her for attending the meetings and suggested that she attend the housing tour. Verna Smith, Linda Ward and Leo Sullivan confirmed their anticipated attendance to the tour. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Chairman Jane Turner urned the meetin at 4:36 p.m. to April 11, 2007. V"lJ PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\3-7-07.doc