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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 09/13/06PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK op\ FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: DECEMBER 14, 2006 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached are the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held December 13, 2006: ► September 13, 2006 ► October 11, 2006 ► November,15, 2006 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director Reazivolai-43y HOUSG AUTH ON I—(\ VERIFIED BY:.i'h Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES September 13, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Leo Sullivan convened the meeting at 3:32 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Verna Smith Leo Sullivan Linda Ward Also Present: Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator James Conway, Project Coordinator Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Bryce White, Project Administrator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Cathy Walker, Management Analyst III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Jane Turner Larry Saindon Commissioner Linda Ward referenced a Desert Sun article dated September 9, 2006, headline "New law protects right to display U.S. flag". She shared the importance of how the flag should be displayed as defined in the article. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of August 9, 2006 Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 With a Motion made by Verna Smith and seconded by Linda Ward the minutes were unanimously approved. Commissioner Linda Ward referenced page 5, item E and asked for clarification on Justin McCarthy's comment regarding Country Village's conceptual plans of integrating an ambulance station as opposed to a fire station as stated in the minutes. Justin McCarthy stated the request is to integrate either a paramedic station and/or possibly a full fire station. In reference to the additional acquisition land adjacent to Country Village, Mr. McCarthy reported that the Council has directed staff to review the feasibility to incorporate a paramedic station as well as engage in a discussion with the County Fire Department to determine if indeed there is a cooperate partnership opportunity and a need for a fire station. He noted that further information will be provided to the Commission once staff has studied the design and the Council has determined how they want to move forward. 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 An update was provided to the Housing Commission for review. Janet Moore summarized the report. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for August was reviewed by the Commission. Janet Moore stated that the report will eventually show one entire year. A correction was made to Las Serenas' report Non -Qualified Traffic number. The correct number should be 6. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\9-13-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report # 1 for June and July were reviewed by the Commission. Janet Moore stated that June's report was revised subsequent to mailing the agenda. A correction has made to the average rent at One Quail Place, Section C, 2-bedroom 1 bath. The correction was based on calculations that did not include the allocations made by Section 8. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS Report #2 for June and July were reviewed by the Commission Upon question of Candlewood Apartments, Janet Moore stated it will be added to the report upon stabilization. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. James Conway summarized the update and displayed pictures of California Villas renovation project. Clarification was made to Laguna Palms exterior renovation project in that we have received authorization to go out to bid only. Commissioner Linda Ward inquired on the status of the landscape contract. She commented that the landscape at Las Serenas is in need of attention, stating that the grass looks great but the hedges throughout the property are too high and require trimming. Staff was directed to meet with the City's arborist and the landscape service provider to address this issue. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. One Quail Place — Notice of Completion James Conway reviewed the staff report and asked that a recommendation be forwarded to the City Council. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\9-13-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 Action: Motion was made by Linda Ward and seconded by Verna Smith to approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for Contract No. HA23590 (Petronella Corp) for the removal and replacement of substandard roofing system on the carports at One Quail Place Apartments. B. Laguna Palms — Exterior renovation and site improvements James Conway reviewed the staff report. Commissioner Leo Sullivan questioned if the exterior renovation and site improvement project meant the final process of approval to complete Laguna Palms renovation project, noting that the Commission have approved various phases of the project already. James Conway replied that it is the major renovation final phase, which includes re -wiring and re -piping the interior of the units, with the exception of minor interior renovations such as cabinet installation and fixtures. Janet Moore noted that the cabinets have been ordered and are stored on location for the remaining interior renovations. Commissioner Sullivan suggested including these minor renovations in the bid specifications without waiting another period of time to bring someone else whether it's the existing contractors or not. He noted a concern that it seemed the project is being done by piece meal and would like to see that stop and finish the project all at once whether we own the cabinets or not. Janet Moore explained the similar concern previously addressed at California Villas where contractors were hesitant to take the responsibility of using the City's materials. Commissioner Verna Smith questioned if it was easier to get bids without the installation of the cabinets rather then putting it all together. James Conway explained that at Laguna Palms most units are vacant which allows access to renovate the interiors as well as the exteriors. Justin McCarthy stated that procedurally we could modify the 4 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\9-13-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 specifications as it goes out or treat it as a change order if its problematic. He mentioned how we have gone through a learning curve on rehabilitation, but will definitely address this concern without a huge penalty or premium. Motion was made by Linda Ward and seconded by Verna Smith to approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to authorize the City Clerk to advertise and call for bids for the exterior renovation and site improvements with the caveat to integrate the complete interior renovation. At this time, Commissioner Leo Sullivan requested that a thank you letter be sent to Carrie McLeod for her service as a Housing Commissioner. A Motion was made by Linda Ward and seconded by Verna Smith. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (September) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. In response to a concern from the Commission at the last meeting regarding the advertisement of a Cathedral City property, Teresa Vakili apologized stating that the advertisement was not intended to be inserted in the newsletter. It was a bad judgment call by the property manager as it is not RPM Company's practice to advertise other properties that they manage. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program was provided to the Commission for review. James Conway reviewed the update. It was noted that there is a high interest in the program mainly due to signs posted on homes currently in process or by word of mouth. For informational purposes, Bryce White provided a brief update on the Facade Enhancement Program. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\9-13-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 An update on Palm Village Apartments was provided to the Commission as well as updated pictures of the construction phase. Bryce White summarized the work that has been completed at Palm Village Apartments. Upon question of the contractor, Mr. White mentioned the difficulties surrounding the contractor and stated that the company has officially dissolved. D. CATALINA GARDENS COMMUNITY ROOM An update on the Community Room was provided to the Commission as well as updated pictures of the construction phase. Bryce White reported that the contractor has been terminated. Negotiations are in process to contract with specialty contractors prepared to complete the remaining task. Commissioner Leo Sullivan questioned the reason for accepting the lowest bidder. He stated that if there are concerns regarding a contractor, then why not contract with somebody we feel is more capable. Justin McCarthy responded that due to legal issues would prefer to invite the City Attorney and address this concern. Upon question of the completion date, Janet Moore anticipates completion of the project in a few months. E. Phase II 20 Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas An update and pictures of Falcon Crest and La Rocca Villas were provided to the Commission for review. Cathy Walker reviewed the update and provided a summary. As a follow up from the last meeting regarding the installation of photovoltaic systems at both Falcon Crest and the La Rocca Villas, Cathy Walker provided information on the company contracted to install the panels as well as pictures of panels installed at a home at Falcon Crest. She stated that 74 single-family homes and all of the senior units will benefit from the photovoltaic panels. The photovolatiac program will save homeowners approximately 47% in energy cost. 6 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission \Minutes\2006\9-I3-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 The cost of the solar panels per home was said to be approximately $14,000 depending on the square footage and the allowable kilowatts. Linda Ward commented that the panels are aesthetically good looking. Justin McCarthy stated that the state of the art on photovoltaic are not as efficient as distributed power. After rebates from the State and Southern California Edison, depending whether it's a package deal or individual homeowners, paybacks are said to be between 12 to 14 years. He stated that most private developers develop the infrastructure for photovoltaic and the actual system itself is an upgrade. He added that we are looking at this as an institutional experience in terms of working with developers in the design phase and being able to demonstrate leadership to the community in regards to the use of photovoltaic. F. Estonia Protocol Justin McCarthy reported that the City is in negotiations with the Public Utility Commission and Southern Edison Company in terms of funding. A draft ordinance has been prepared and awaiting approval from Sacramento before the City can adopt it and implement the program. Janet Moore reminded the Commission of their annual brunch scheduled for October 1, 2006 between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. James Conway reported on the signage at One Quail Place. He stated that both Commissioners on the Sub -Committee were not available to meet and approve a design. Once the sub -committee has reviewed and approved the conceptual design, a report will be brought to the Housing Commission for approval. At this point, Leo Sullivan inquired on the bylaws written for Commissioners in terms of missing three meetings in a row. Janet Moore responded that if there are extenuating circumstances or excused absences, the Mayor has the ability to review the situation. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Commissioner Leo Sullivan urned the meeting at 4:36 p.m. The next meeting will be held on October 11, 2006. PA`rTY LEON,'RECORDING SECRETARY G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\9-13-06 .doc