Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 10/10/07Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director TO: FROM: DATE: HEB PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY NOVEMBER 8, 2007 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission meeting held November 7, 2007: ➢ October 10, 2007 Meeting Minutes Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. 6BY HOUSG AUTH0 ON / 2.. -.r J. T 07 VERIFIED BY- �?-0iL /Inca-) Original an file v th C:t y CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 10, 2007 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jane Turner convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Jane Turner Leo Sullivan Natalie Russo Linda Ward Verna Smith Also Present: Richard S. Kelly, Councilmember Liaison Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment Janet Moore, Director of Housing Martin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Bryce White, Project Administrator James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Bob Such, Potential Housing Commissioner ID. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Bryce White distributed invitations to the Commission of the dedication for Palm Village Apartments scheduled Monday, October 29, 2007 at 9:00 am. He mentioned that representatives from the County of Riverside will be in attendance as well as other Commissioners and City staff members. Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 10, 2007 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of September 12, 2007 With a Motion made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Ward, the minutes were unanimously approved. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Linda Ward reported on the Housing Adhoc Sub Committee meeting regarding Country Village Apartments. She noted that discussion took place with regard to one and two story senior units with elevators. She mentioned that a councilmember suggested balconies and/or patios for all units as well as walk-in closets. Mrs. Ward emphasized the importance of walk-in closets and hopes that the recommendations by the subcommittee are taken into consideration. She noted past experience as a member of the sub -committee for La Rocca Villas and felt that there was no consideration given to the recommendations discussed. Verna Smith stated she felt that the sub -committee is accomplishing a concept and making strides toward decisions. Ms. Ward stated that the preliminary discussion of potentially developing commercial retail at that site was not favored by the sub -committee. Justin McCarthy clarified that the developer of Palm Desert Country Club proposed a project and suggested retail as opposed to affordable housing. That discussion was presented to the Housing sub -committee and their preference is the senior project; City Council will be advised of the decision. 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. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\10-10-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 10, 2007 C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Status Report for August. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for August. Leo Sullivan asked about the tenants at Country Village and their term of tenancy. Teresa Vakili stated that as of August there are only 12 tenants residing at Country Village. The Redevelopment Agency contracted a consultant to relocate the remaining tenants. Martin Alvarez reiterated that a consultant is preparing a relocation plan and has met with the tenants to develop a criteria that will meet their needs. Once the relocation plan is complete, it will be forwarded to the City Council for recommendation contingent upon review of the Housing Commission. Dave Yrigoyen stated that the relocation process will take approximately four months. Janet Moore stated that based on preliminary schedules discussed with the consultant, if approvals are met in a timely manner, potential offers will be sent to the remaining tenants and possibly see vacancies at the end of February. She noted that it does not necessarily mean that those tenants will move by then it just means that they can potentially move by February. Linda Ward questioned the four month delay and asked if there was a specific reason why these 12 tenants are not moving. Mrs. Moore stated that these tenants have expressed that they like the location, their units, and how it is less expensive than market rate. Ms. Ward asked if they knew we have other locations available for them. Mrs. Moore stated that they have been sent information of the other 3 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\10-10-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 10, 2007 properties in the event they are low and moderate income. Justin McCarthy asked on the amount they are potentially eligible for. Mrs. Moore replied that it could be several thousand dollars. Mr. McCarthy stated that there is a statutory process we have to follow. Letters will be sent to the tenants to ensure appropriate steps are taken. Mr. Sullivan stated that his question wasn't really getting the tenants to move out but basically when they do move out how long is the process before we take it down to the ground. Mr. Yrigoyen stated that it could take several months; there is a process to follow such as the bidding process and review of plans and specifications. Mr. Sullivan asked why can't we go through the bidding process while waiting for the tenants to move. Mr. Yrigoyen reiterated how the Agency must follow the statutory process first. Mr. Sullivan asked if it is reliant upon having tenants in or out of the property and if it made any difference. Mr. Yrigoyen stated that it would presume we will have tenants out at a certain time and we can not presume that. He noted that tenants have rights in place and we have to follow that. Mr. Richard Kelly joined the meeting at this time. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for August. Leo Sullivan asked about La Rocca Villas occupancy date. Janet Moore stated that the Housing Authority is asking the City Council for the acceptance of the units at their meeting of October 11, 2007. Gas meters are scheduled to be set and tested. In the event there is an issue that may come up, staff will ask the Council to defer the acceptance and postpone the recommendation. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\10-10-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 10, 2007 Mr. Sullivan asked if we can make an exception to those items. Mrs. Moore replied that staff can potentially do that however those issues must be resolved in any case. Mr. Sullivan addressed Teresa Vakili and asked if tenants are in a queue for those units. Teresa Vakili replied that 50% of those units are pre -leased. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. James Conway reviewed the update. Linda Ward inquired on the maintenance shed at Las Serenas. Mr. Conway stated that a temporary shed was placed on site due to the existing maintenance shop being significantly small in size. Ms. Ward asked on a time frame of the new structure. Janet Moore stated that there are several properties that were built without considering the maintenance facility for storage and in fact several properties are sharing storage. Las Serenas maintenance facility project is one that is being contemplated but is anticipated to cost approximately half a million dollars. It will require an architect to draw the plans as well as the site drainage plans which will be quite extensive. And, we are not even sure the site can accommodate such facility. That project has been put on hold to focus on Laguna Palms and Country Village. She noted that in the meantime a very economical solution was made to resolve any concerns with regard to shortage of storage space. Teresa Vakili was asked to provide pictures of the temporary storage which was said to be located in the back not visible from the front entrance of the complex. Ms. Ward asked if there has been any consideration given to implement a central maintenance facility such as the corporation yard as oppose to building maintenance facilities all over. Mrs. Moore replied that consideration has been given for a centralized location; however, some of the properties have fairly decent sized 5 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\10-10-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 10, 2007 maintenance facilities. Mr. Conway stated that the properties that don't have maintenance shops share with other properties. Mr. Sullivan referenced the Informational Statistics and asked on the number of NC repairs serviced in the summer. He stated that it would seem more logical to fix these repairs in the spring. Mr. Conway replied for reasons of funding availability as of July 1st. The funding tends to get used up by the end of the year. Mrs. Moore stated that the Energy Coalition is actually proactive and have asked how they can help during that time frame. Mrs. Moore stated that tenants are actually proactive and have asked how they can clean their ac units. Mr. Sullivan asked Teresa Vakili if she had received any complaints from tenants regarding servicing the units in the summer; Mrs.Vakili replied no. Jane Turner inquired on the unit requesting proposals at Desert Pointe. Mr. Conway stated that the unit has been occupied by a long term tenant and in need of attention such as drywall repairs, interior doors, and electrical upgrades. VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (October) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. Jane Turner mentioned an event invitation for the community room. Teresa Vakili noted that it was to encourage participation from the tenants. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\10-10-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 10, 2007 B. HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program (HIP) was provided to the Commission for review. James Conway summarized the report. He stated that, as a request from the last meeting, the report was modified to include the application completion date. He reported three projects completed and eight in process. Leo Sullivan questioned a property with a committed amount of $12,500 and $4,680 disbursed and asked about the remaining balance. Mr. Conway stated that the property may have been approved up to $12,500 but only required $4,680 in repairs. The homeowners do not get the remaining balance. Justin McCarthy reminded the Committee of the approval and recommended amendment to the Home Improvement Program to include mobile home parks. He stated that applications have been received and are being processed through the system and will start materializing on the report. He noted that this will be a new arena for staff. Mr. Sullivan asked if ownership of title to the land/parcel of the mobile home was required. Janet Moore stated that the mobile home owner has to have permission from the property owner in the event that they are trying to permanently attach the mobile home to a foundation. If this is the case, then it will become a little more detailed in terms of legal documents. If the repairs affect the property itself, approvals are required from the mobile home park association. Mrs. Moore stated that the County includes the same restrictions in their programs. She provided an example of a loud A/C unit and how the management company had no problem approving the repairs. Verna Smith asked if the mobile home communities are aware that this program is available. Mrs. Moore replied that the program has not been finalized by the City Manager. Once it is finalized, it is scheduled to publish in the City's Brightside in November encouraging participation without providing the exact delineations of the qualification criteria. She stated that Palm Desert Country Club has asked for information on the program to include in their newsletters. In the event the mobile home communities are interested in the program to publish in their 7 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\10-10-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 10, 2007 newsletters, that information will be provided to them as well. C. Phase II 20-Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas Martin Alvarez summarized the update provided by Cathy Walker. He stated that Phase II is 80% complete and Phase III is 50% complete. La Rocca Villas received Certificate of Occupancies for all units. Verna Smith asked if all the single-family homes at Falcon Crest had closed escrow. Janet Moore replied that Phase I closed escrow on 29 homes and Phase II is 50% closed. For information purposes, Justin McCarthy reported that the Agency is periodically active in looking for properties to acquire and have identified a 14- unit project that was on the market. At this time, Janet Moore stated that the next Housing Commission meeting is scheduled one week earlier than its regularly scheduled date due to the City Council meeting on November 8th. In the event the City Council opt to move their meeting to the next week, since they are only meeting once in November, the Housing Commission will continue to meet on November 7th as previously approved by this Commission. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Chairman Jane Turner aurned the megtiryg at 4:06 p.m. to November 7, 2007. PattyLeon, Rcordin Secretary 9 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\10-10-07 Draft.doc