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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 11/15/06CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES November 15, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Jane Turner convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Jane Turner Verna Smith Linda Ward Also Present: Carlos Ortega, Executive Director Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Lauri Aylaian, Redevelopment Manager III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Leo Sullivan Larry Saindon A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of September 15, 2006 and October 11, 2006 Approval of the September and October minutes were continued to the next Housing Commission meeting. Housing Commission Minutes NOVEMBER 15, 2006 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 and explained the joint consideration item requiring approval by both the Redevelopment Agency and the City of Palm Desert for the sale of the ninety-three (93) single-family homes located in the Falcon Crest Development. Linda Ward inquired if Liberty Landscape's contract would provide services to the properties nearing completion. Mrs. Moore responded that Liberty Landscape provides a price per property. The amount on the contract is inclusive of all properties. In the event a property is added, Liberty will provide a bid for that property and the contract will be amended. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for September was reviewed by the Commission. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report # 1 for September was reviewed by the Commission. Janet Moore referenced the report's new format, depicting the inclusion of Candlewood, La Rocca Villas and Palm Village Apartments. She noted that Palm Village and La Rocca Villas were added in order to include the appropriate figures once the properties are completed. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS Report #2 for September was reviewed by the Commission. G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\11-15-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes NOVEMBER 15, 2006 F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. James Conway summarized the update and distributed pictures of the construction progress at California Villas, stating that seven of the nine contained buildings are currently being prepared for the color application. Mr. Conway also noted that staff is currently working with the architect to expedite the civil engineer process of Phase B with regard to the site improvements such as the landscaping, walkways, and parking lots. Jane Turner referenced the pictures and asked if the air conditioning units located on the front porch of the apartments would be removed. Mr. Conway replied that, as part of the initial renovation project, the property was assessed to implement central air but was determined not practical since the roofs are very low pitch, allowing minimal spacing for the ducting. It was noted that some of the tenants have expressed a preference with the existing units. Upon question of Candlewood Apartments renovation plans, Mr. Conway stated that there will be several changes made to the property such as the reconfiguration of the pool, fencing, pool deck, and entry gates. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. RPM Agreement for Property Management Services Janet Moore reviewed the staff report stating that the request is to forward a recommendation to the Council to enter into an agreement with RPM Company and authorize the Executive Director to finalize the Agreement. She mentioned that the Agreement did not change substantially with the exception of updating the legal aspect clauses from laws that have changed. Carlos Ortega advised the Commission on the importance of expressing their opinion regarding the performance of RPM Company. He stated that the Commission's recommendations are forwarded to the City Council for review in making their decision. Action: Motion was made by Verna Smith and seconded by Linda 3 G:\RDA\Patty Lcon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\l 1-15-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes NOVEMBER 15, 2006 Ward to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to enter into a contract with RPM Company to provide property management services to the Housing Authority properties. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (November) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. The annual Thanksgiving luncheon that is put on by the staff of Catalina Gardens was discussed. There were 38 dinners served which included tenants from Pueblos and Candlewood who were very pleased with this event. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program and guidelines were provided to the Commission for review. James Conway reviewed the update. Janet Moore summarized the Home Improvement guidelines provided to the Commission for review. She noted that the program comprehensively clarifies the guidelines and procedures that are currently in place but also considers the maximum grant amounts available, which are significantly low compared to the market. One important component added is the Lead -Based Paint & Asbestos Abatement, which is a requirement by state law in areas of rehabilitation. Mrs. Moore also mentioned the conflicts surrounding the waiting period currently available once per household in a three-year period and noted that the proposed Emergency Grant will have no waiting period. Commission expressed that the information provided was very informative. C. PALM VILLAGE APARTMENTS An update on Palm Village Apartments was provided to the Commission as well as updated pictures of the construction phase. Lauri Aylaian summarized the work progress at Palm Village Apartments. She 4 G:\RDA\Patty Lcon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\I 1-15-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes NOVEMBER 15, 2006 mentioned the difficulties surrounding the sub -contractors and stated she anticipated completion of the project by the end of this year. She further noted that staff has spent a significant amount of time with legal counsel to determine different strategies regarding the balance of the unfinished work but found that the alternatives discussed were not within the approval time -frames allowed. Staff will continue to work with the existing contractor. D. CATALINA GARDENS COMMUNITY ROOM An update on the Community Room was provided to the Commission. Lauri Aylaian reiterated that the Contractor was terminated due to performance. Three separate contracts have been awarded to complete the exterior portion of the property with minimal work required on the interior. Completion of the project is anticipated late January of 2007. Upon question, Mrs. Aylaian clarified the work that was delayed due to the City's Ordinance purchasing guidelines. She stated that the guidelines have two different interpretations that address the Public Works Department and the Redevelopment Agency, which has a more conservative description in definition than Public Works. After careful consideration to the procedures, the Finance Department was able to support and authorize the contractual services which allowed the project to move forward. 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 now 95% complete on the framing for the first phase of the single-family homes at Falcon Crest. Twenty-nine homes are schedule to be completed in March and available to qualified buyers to purchase them. The model homes are slightly delayed due to minor changes with interior design selections. Janet Moore reported that once the model homes are completed, a tour will be scheduled for Commissioners to preview the models prior to the grand opening. F Estonia Protocol It was informed by Carlos Ortega that the Pubic Utilities Commission (PUC) awarded a grant of $14 million dollars to the City of Palm Desert with the 5 G:\RDA\Patty Lcon\Housing Commission\Minutcs\2006\I 1-15-06 .doc Housing Commission Minutes NOVEMBER 15, 2006 condition that the City implements an ordinance that would set higher standards beyond the normal current standards. The ordinance received approvals by both the PUC and the California Energy Commission and will be forwarded to the City Council for adoption at their December meeting. The grant will be in addition to the existing program currently implemented and funded by Southern California Edison and Redevelopment Housing monies to assist low and moderate -income families. Upon question of how this program will affect new construction, Mr. Ortega stated that there will be additional requirements with regard to new construction and the implementations of energy efficiencies such as air conditioners, insulations, and photovoltaic panels. Additionally, the City will offer incentives to existing homeowners interested in replacing inefficient items such as AC units with energy efficient qualified items as well as offer photovoltaic panels to properties with swimming pools. Discussion ensued with the recognition of this program in terms of publicity. Mr. Ortega stated that once the Program is approved, besides the publicity by form of news, notifications will be sent to all residents of Palm Desert. The new department created, Department of Energy Services Conservation, will be working closely with Southern California Edison and the Gas Company to bring forth the contractors. At this time, Jane Tuner inquired if there has been any interest in the vacancies of new members. Janet Moore stated that the City Clerk has not received any applications. She noted that staff has furthered the outreach with respect to our tenants as well as continuing to actively seek applications from the community. Linda Ward mentioned she would be happy to volunteer her services of seeking tenants from our properties as she has previously done with the agreement of Teresa Vakili. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Chairman Jane Turner adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. The next meeting will be held on December 13, J PATTY LEON, f EORDING SECRETARY G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2006\I 1-15-06 .doc