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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 10/11/06CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES October 11, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jane Turner convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Jane Turner Larry Saindon Linda Ward Also Present: Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing 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 Missy Wightman, Project Coordinator III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Leo Sullivan Verna Smith Chairman Jane Turner reported that the sub -committee had met earlier to discuss and select a design for the signage at One Quail Place. A Motion was made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Linda Ward to add the One Quail Place signage design to the Agenda for discussion under Item B, New Business. Housing Commission Minutes IV. CONSENT CALENDAR OCTOBER 11, 2006 A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of September 15, 2006 Approval of September's minutes were continued to the next Housing Commission meeting due to Commissioner Larry Saindon abstaining from voting as he was not present for that meeting. Larry Saindon asked about Carrie's McLeod's resignation letter and if it had been discussed at the meeting since the minutes did not reflect the discussion. Linda Ward stated that a copy of her resignation letter was distributed at the meeting of which a request was made to send her a thank you letter on behalf of the Commission. 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. She noted that the action item to acquire a property at Desert Rose does not necessarily mean the Agency will acquire it, however it does give the Agency the authority to exercise its option to purchase the property in the event the 60-day time -frame expires as well as provide a second trust deed to a qualified buyer in the amount necessary to qualify. Commissioner Linda Ward requested that the memo reflect the name of the development when indicating an APN number and/or physical address. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for August was reviewed by the Commission A correction was made to the report under the category Down Units for the month of August. Teresa Vakili reported 66 units down at California Villas. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\10-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 11, 2006 D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report # 1 for August was reviewed by the Commission. Janet Moore stated that Report #1 is currently being modified to include Candlewood Apartments as well as the two properties nearing completion such as Palm Village Apartments and La Rocca Villas. Discussion ensued with suggestions on how the report can be formatted without minimizing the font. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS Report #2 for August 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. Linda Ward asked for clarification on Laguna Palms' civil final plan check and the surveys of asbestos and lead paint and felt that the surveys should have been done prior to purchasing the property to determine whether there was a problem. Janet Moore explained that Laguna Palms was tested for asbestos as well as lead paint prior to purchasing the property, however now that the property is preparing to undergo renovations we need to prepare procedures for remediation and mitigation if something is found that could be disturbed. Ms. Ward commented that it was her understanding that asbestos had to be removed in its entirety. Justin McCarthy replied that a lot of the older properties typically contain asbestos in the acoustic ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and in other materials such as the glue (mastics) in the roofs, however, as long as it is not flown around it's usually left alone. He further noted that since the property is undergoing renovation it creates a new order of issues that need to be addressed. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Comnussion\Minutcs\2006\10-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 11, 2006 Regarding the explanation of civil plan check for Laguna Palms, James Conway stated that the civil plan check refers to the engineering aspect of the precise grading site plan, which ensures that drainage, slopes and parking lot drains will allow water to move out of the property properly. Larry Saindon inquired on the procedure if a child chews on paint and gets lead poison. Mr. McCarthy assured the Commission that when a property is acquired these tests are performed intensively. He provided an example that occurred at California Villas and how lead paint can often times be found under a number of coats of other paint and once disturbed could create a situation of immediate attention and that's why these extra steps are necessary. James Conway noted that the survey also properly informs contractors and/or sub -contractors of any readings found so they are able to take the necessary precautions while working in a unit. He reported that at Laguna Palms the only lead base paint found was on the ceramic enamel of the cast-iron tubs previously installed and on some of the old tiles. The intent is to remove the materials and/or furnishings containing the lead base paint; a request has been made to the environmental consultant for procedures. Janet Moore also reported that the environmental consultant works through the City's Risk Manager. The Risk Manager assesses the report and determines whether or not the City has to take the necessary risks associated with the findings, if any. Mr. Conway distributed pictures of the newly installed skylights at Candlewood Apartments, and of One Quail Place renovated units that were severely damaged due to a fire. The existing skylights on the covered patios were replaced due to weather damage as well as to brighten the patios. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Housing Authority Properties — Liberty Landscape James Conway reviewed the staff report and asked that a recommendation be forwarded to the City Council. Upon question of last year's cost for landscape services, James 4 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission \Minutes\2006110-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 11, 2006 Conway reported it was approximately $4,000 Tess. However, additional services were requested this year which increased the cost. Linda Ward inquired if the landscape appearance at Las Serenas would improve once the contract was approved. It was explained that additional man-hours at Las Serenas were added to the contract as well as an increase of color plants to enhance the flower beds. Action: Motion was made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Linda Ward to approve and forward recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to authorize RPM to enter into a contract with Liberty Landscaping in the amount of $27,103 per month for landscaping services at twelve (12) Housing Authority Properties. B. One Quail Place Signage Chairman Jane Turner referenced a memo provided by Missy Wightman at the sub -committee meeting with three attachments of different design renderings. Attachment "C" was selected by the subcommittee and was brought forward to the Housing Commission for recommendation. Action: Motion was made by Larry Saindon and seconded by Linda Ward to approve and forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve Attachment "C" as the design for the signage at One Quail Place. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (October) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. Linda Ward inquired if Catalina Gardens had a new manager in place to which Teresa Vakili replied yes. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program was provided to the Commission for review. G:\RDA\Patty LeonUlousing Commission \Minutes\2006\10-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 11, 2006 James Conway reviewed the update and stated that six of the applicants are in the process of preparing loan documents. 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 summarized the work that has been completed at Palm Village Apartments. Upon question of the contractor, Mr. White mentioned that staff continues to work with the issues surrounding the contractor. A forth superintendent was recently assigned to the project as well as two additional sub -contractors are currently being replaced. 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 summarized the update. For informational purposes: Mr. White reported that as part of the Alessandro Way Widening project, the Redevelopment Agency acquired a single-family property located on San Antonio Circle. He noted that disposition of the property has not been determined. E. Phase II 20 Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas An update of Falcon Crest and La Rocca Villas were provided to the Commission for review. Dave Yrigoyen reported that the project is moving along very well. Four models are in the construction phase with a completion date of mid December, and anticipate a ribbon cutting ceremony at the first of the year. F. Estonia Protocol Janet Moore reported that a hearing will take place within a couple of months. She noted that staff is always looking into ways of integrating energy efficiencies 6 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\ lousing Commission\Minutcs\2006\10-11-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes OCTOBER 11, 2006 at the properties as part of the upgrades and renovations of units. A preliminary report was recently received of California Villas' integrations such as the installation of new windows, re -roofing, water heaters, etc. She noted how it will improve the efficiency of the unit as well as provide a reduction in energy costs of approximately 45%. Linda Ward inquired if the company contracted to install the photovoltaic solar panels are equipped to retrofit any of our properties. Janet Moore replied that it would probably be best to solicit bids from companies who specialize in rehabilitation or retrofitting of units rather than using the same company contracted to install the solar panels since they probably specialize in that area only. For informational purposes: Justin McCarthy reported that the City Council authorized and directed staff to negotiate the potential acquisition of certain property from the Foundation for the Retarded. The property is adjacent to Las Serenas; its ultimate disposition has not been determined. Additionally, the City of Palm Desert has recently acquired a section of parkland located near Interstate 10. The Agency has submitting a bid for some potential land to construct affordable housing in the future as part of the new Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) study as well as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers that should be coming out within the next two to three years. G. Copy of Thank You Letter to Carrie McLeod from Housing Commission. A copy of the Thank You Letter as well as a copy of a letter addressed to Mrs. McLeod from the Mayor was provided to the Commission for review. Janet Moore stated that Habitat for Humanity is using a new application as part of their construction phase currently underway at the property site located on the corner of Virginia and New York. The new application was said to be similar to concrete. A correction was made to the next Housing Commission meeting date. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Chairman Jane Turner adjourned the meeting at 4:04 p.m. The next meeting will be held on November 8, 7_660:6 PATTY LEON` RECORDING SECRETARY G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\10-11-06 .doc