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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 07/13/07PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: JULY 12, 2007 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held July 11, 2007: ► June 13, 2007 Meeting Minutes Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director ON BY HOUSG AUTH R -9 -811 VERIFIED BY: Original on file with City Clerk's Office *Removed for separate action - then; 1) Appointed Chairman Kelly as Authority Board liaison to the Housing Commission and Vice Chairman Benson as alternate. 4-0(Ferguson ABSENT) 2) By Minute Motion, received and file the Housing Commission Minutes for its meeting of June 13, 2007. 4-0(Ferguson ABSENT) CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 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 Verna Smith Natalie Russo Linda Ward Also Present: Carlos Ortega, Executive Director/City Manager Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst - Housing James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Martin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Bob Such, Potential Commissioner III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The Commission was provided with a staff report regarding the One Quail Place signage notice of completion and was asked to add this item to the Agenda for discussion under item E, New Business. A Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Russo to add the One Quail Place signage to the Agenda. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Housing Commission Minutes JUNE 13, 2007 A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of May 9 2007. With a Motion made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Smith the minutes were unanimously approved with Commissioner Ward abstaining since she was not present at that meeting. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Jane Turner reported that Commissioner Verna Smith and herself attended the Coachella Valley Workforce Housing Summit on May 31, 2007; both agreed it was very informational and worthwhile. 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. Janet Moore summarized the report. She stated that the action item to approve a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Report is being provided by the Department of Community Affairs (CDBG Department) and not the Redevelopment Agency. In the event the Director of Special Programs feels that there is a component that relates to the Housing Authority Properties a report might be brought to this Commission at a future date for review. Mrs. Moore also reported that a Study Session has been scheduled on Thursday, June 14, 2007 to discuss Country Village Apartments. She mentioned that the City Council requested that they be brought up to date after hearing conflicting project ideas. Rueul Young with Interactive Design will present the site and yield survey that was presented to the Adhoc sub -committee, as well as convey what the sub -committee discussed with respect to a senior facility and possibly some assistance to residents. She also reiterated that a feasibility consultant is currently being sought in the event one is necessary. Justin McCarthy stated that the purpose of the study session is for informational purposes only. The Council does not take action but rather provide guidance to staff. G \RDA\Patty Leon\I lousing Commission\Minutes\2007\6-13-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes JUNE 13, 2007 Mrs. Moore stated that members of the Housing Commission and Adhoc Sub -Committee are welcome to attend the meeting but are not required. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for April was reviewed by the Commission. Jane Turner asked about the low occupancy level at California Villas. Teresa Vakili stated that there has been a total of seven move -ins since the project's completion. In addition, various units are now available to complete minor touch ups and repairs as well as clean ups due to the re- roofing project. Upon question, James Conway stated that 21 units will be rehabilitated as part of Phase B site improvements. The project's time frame will take approximately 6 to 7 months. Upon question, Justin McCarthy provided an explanation of the importance of complying with the production requirements of our stipulation in terms of demolitions, densities, etc. He stated that in the case of Country Village, demolition is supportive based on the assessment conducted. Leo Sullivan expressed concern with the delay of both projects California Villas and Palm Village Apartments. He mentioned that he has brought this issue in past meetings and he suggested that in the future staff should pay close attention to the decisions being made. He felt that it seemed very doubtful at times that we are making the right decisions. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report #1 for April was reviewed by the Commission. Leo Sullivan referenced the report and question two significantly high rental rates listed for One Quail Place. Teresa Vakili stated that the rent increase was due to the market survey and the rental change established approximately a year ago. Janet Moore stated that the rent setting policy implemented the rental rate increase to existing tenants by a certain percentage a year to avoid over burden to the tenants, a request made by the City Council. However, new tenants will rent at the revised rates based on the new policy. She 3 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Ffousing Commission\Minutes\2007\6-13-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes JUNE 13, 2007 provided an example of the calculated income rents based on the County's median income levels and stated that a family at the 75% income level was considered low income but can technically pay more than the maximum rent established by the survey. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS Report #2 for April was reviewed by the Commission. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. Linda Ward commented that she was impressed with the installation of the tile in the clubhouse at Las Serenas. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. City Wide Tree Inventory 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 award a contract for the Citywide tree inventory to Davey Resource Group in the total amount of $33,440.00 (City $25,080 and Housing Authority $8,360.00) Janet Moore stated that the Landscape Department is requesting proposals for the inventory of City trees including the Housing Authority properties. Linda Ward questioned if the inventory would include trees on private properties that may be a hazard to our City properties. Janet Moore responded that those trees will be identified and property owners will be notified of its conditions. She further explained that the inventory of the trees is to identify the number, type, and conditions of the trees located throughout City and Agency owned properties. B. Lease Agreement — One Quail Place Ci:\RDA\Patty Leonll lousing Commission\Minutes\200716-13-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes Rec: By Minute Motion: JUNE 13, 2007 Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Ward to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve a Lease Agreement as to form, by and between Desert Sands Unified School District and the Palm Desert Housing Authority for the continuance, and implementation of a Head Start Program at One Quail Place. Janet Moore reviewed the staff report. Leo Sullivan inquired on the number of children that reside at One Quail Place who are attending the head start program. Janet Moore replied that she did not have a total number but will provide that information at the next Housing Commission meeting. She noted that originally all 17 students attending the head start program were One Quail residents. Linda Ward inquired as to the funding sources of other head start programs within Palm Desert. Mrs. Moore stated that head start programs are funded through the State. C. 2007-2008 Palm Desert Housing Authority Vendor List 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 authorize the use of named vendors for purposes of providing recurring, routine services, supplies, and maintenance to the Housing Authority properties. Janet Moore reviewed the staff report and stated that the list is updated twice a year based on quotes, bids, and actual services provided to the properties. This will provide the ability to utilize the vendors listed on the report for routine and recurring services at the properties. D. Notice of Completion — Palm Village Apartments Rec: By Minute Motion: G.\RDA\Patty Leon\l lousing Commission\Minutes\2007\6-13-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes JUNE 13, 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 authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for Contract No. HA-25090 (Sunwize Technologies, Inc.) for design and construction of carports with photovoltaic solar arrays located at the Palm Village Apartments. Martin Alvarez reviewed the staff report. E. One Quail Place - Signage Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Russo to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for Contract No. HA-25100 (A Sign -A -Rama) for construction of the One Quail Place signage. Janet Moore reviewed the staff report and referenced the pictures attached to the staff report. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS Vlll. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (June) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. B. HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program was provided to the Commission for review. James Conway reviewed the report stating that he anticipated closing out 4 to 5 projects this month. Leo Sullivan inquired on the target areas as well as the advertising for the program. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\l lousing Commission\Minutes\2007\6-13-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes JUNE 13, 2007 It was explained that signs are placed on the project homes, which creates a high interest by neighboring homeowners. Janet Moore provided a brief explanation as to the considerable amount of time it takes to process an application. She noted that because it is an income driven improvement program, most homeowners are hesitant to provide the required documents to qualify, resulting in a delay of the application. In addition, Community Development Block Grants requires that properties be tested for asbestos and lead -base paint for clearance, prior to commencing work. Upon question of the number of projects forwarded by the Department of Code Enforcement, James Conway stated he did not have a specific number but that a number of projects have been assigned to the program due to violations provided by code enforcement. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS An update on Palm Village Apartments was provided to the Commission as well as updated pictures of the construction phase. Martin Alvarez reviewed the update provided by Bryce White. He stated that the two major components remaining to complete the project are the required health and safety wiring of strobe lights for the hearing impaired and weather-stripping application on the walkways to allow water to drain properly. Linda Ward commented that Bryce White did a fantastic job in administrating the project. Janet Moore reported on the administrative aspect of Palm Village. She mentioned that multiple funding sources were used for this project one being Federal HOME funds. She noted that the HOME funds have more stringent requirements with respect to income reporting and tenant selection policy than the Agency's existing policies and procedures. Staff is currently working on combining both policies to implement one that will be used in all of the Housing Authority properties to ensure all tenants are treated equally. Mrs. Ward asked if the fire sprinklers are required in all new construction of senior properties. Mr. Alvarez replied that fire sprinklers are required in new construction and only required in rehabilitation projects with structures/buildings over 4,000 square feet. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\blousing Commission\Minutes\2007\6-13-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes JUNE 13, 2007 D. CATALINA GARDENS COMMUNITY ROOM An update on the Community Room was provided to the Commission as well as an updated picture. Upon question of a Notice of Completion, it was mentioned that the community room was built by alternate funds and therefore a Notice will not be brought to this Commission for review. E. Phase II 20 Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas Martin Alvarez reviewed the update provided by Cathy Walker. He stated that 28 of the 29 single-family homes within Phase 1 have received Certificate of Occupancies with minor items remaining to complete. He noted that Phase 2 is 75% complete, senior apartments are 90% complete, and the management building is 80% complete. Discussion ensued with comments made by the Commission with respect to an article published by the Desert Sun of an applicant who did not qualify for the Falcon Crest program. Leo Sullivan suggested that staff ensure this situation does not happen again to avoid an embarrassing situation in the future. Justin McCarthy stated that this is a legal issue. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Chairman Jane Turner adjourned the meeting at 4:22 p.m. to July 11, 2007. PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY G:\RI)A\Patty Leon\I lousing Commission \Minutes\2007\6-13-07.doc