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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 05/09/07Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: JUNE 14, 2007 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission Meeting held May 9, 2007: ► May 9, 2007 Meeting Minutes i??cei v'e.d Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. --1-ect RY HOUSG AUTH j C) ON (t ' ag• VERIFIED BY: I W K Iflj / 1 Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 9, 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 Also Present: Carlos Ortega, Executive Director/City Manager Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing Janet Moore, Housing Authority Administrator Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst - Housing Bryce White, Project Administrator James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Martin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Donna Lewis, Potential Commissioner Bob Such, Potential Commissioner III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Linda Ward Jane Turner welcomed newly appointed Natalie Russo to the Commission as well as two prospective members present Donna Lewis and Bob Such. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of April 11 2007. Housing Commission Minutes MAY 9, 2007 With a Motion made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Smith the minutes were unanimously approved. 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. C. RPM MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS The Monthly Status Report for March was reviewed by the Commission. Verna Smith inquired on the status of Country Village and asked if an update would be provided to both members appointed to the adhoc sub- committee. Janet Moore stated that the last discussion the subcommittee had with respect to County Village's site was to inquire on a consultant that can analyze the type of housing being requested. She noted that they have not come across any other public agency that has experience with a project like this. Verna Smith asked if the units at Country Village could be rented in the meantime. It was noted that most of the units were not in good enough condition to lease at this time. While we are in the process of determining the disposition it would not be cost effective to fix them up. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report #1 for March was reviewed by the Commission. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS Report #2 for March was reviewed by the Commission. G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\5-9-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 9, 2007 F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. Leo Sullivan inquired on the carport demolition at Pueblos Apartments. James Conway stated that Pueblos Apartments consists of 15 units with 14 parking spaces as well as one handicap; however, only 8 parking spaces are currently covered. He also mentioned that the existing carport is in need of repair, which was estimated to cost $9,000.00. Staff is requesting proposals to tear down the existing carport and install a new one that will cover all 15 parking spaces. Mr. Sullivan asked if it was necessary to provide covered parking. Mr. Conway stated that the existing carport is considered non -conforming and in much need of repair. Janet Moore stated the during the tour that a new carport will be more durable, noting that the existing carport has been run into, plus it will enhance the visibility of the property. Mr. Sullivan suggested that property addresses be included on the report. Mr. Conway distributed pictures of Laguna Palms construction process and provided a brief explanation on the current activity. G. COPY OF (2) DESERT SUN NEWSPAPER ARTICLES: (JANET) The Commission was provided with two Desert Sun articles: "Waiting list, cost grow as demand for housing soars" and "Summit to address issues of availability" Janet Moore reviewed the articles and referenced the Coachella Valley Workforce Housing Summit scheduled on May 31. She asked the Commissioners if they were interested in attending to please call Patty Leon. G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\5-9-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 9, 2007 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Grant of Easement — Laguna Palms 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 Chairman to execute the Grants of Easement to Southern California Edison Company, Verizon and Time Warner Cable for facility service installations at the Laguna Palms Apartments. James Conway reviewed the staff report and asked for the approval of the recommendation. B. Change Order — Laguna Palms Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Sullivan to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $693,530.98 for Portrait Homes, Inc., (Contract No. HA25760) for interior building renovations not previously scoped for the Laguna Palms Rehabilitation Project. Leo Sullivan asked if the amounts on the change order are above and beyond the original budget. Janet Moore replied that the amounts are above the original contract, however, they are not above what the Agency anticipated spending on the project. Staff is requesting for an appropriation for this item as it was an unforeseeable item. James Conway explained the added components to the project such as including a new fire sprinkler to serve all units; rewiring of the units including the office, laundry room and maintenance shop; construct interior walls that were behind closet doors. He explained how these items were not part of the original scope of work but will enhance the safety features of the building. G:\rda\Patty Lcon\Housing Commission\Minutcs\2007\5-9-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 9, 2007 Mr. Sullivan expressed concern with the change order and asked if we anticipated more changes in the future. Martin Alvarez explained that these items were not anticipated and minor items do surface in terms of construction, adding that most likely the project will have one or two change orders in the future. Mr. Conway further noted the added components from the contractor such as incorporating a higher quality of insulation and install hold-downs that secure the structures to the concrete at no cost to Housing. Natalie Russo asked on the percentage of units that have fire sprinklers currently at the Housing Authority properties. The response was that some of the older apartment complexes do not have fire sprinklers, however, consideration will be given when renovations take place. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (May) 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 distributed pictures of a renovated property. He mentioned that there has been more activity in terms of processing invoices. Verna Smith questioned the reason for the hold-up at some of the properties. Janet Moore stated that the guidelines under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program have changed. She stated that if CDBG monies are used in a project where there could potentially be lead -base paint and/or asbestos, it has to be tested, mitigated, and retested for clearance before work can occur, resulting in a delay of the project. She noted that clarification is being discussed with the City Attorney with respect to minor projects such as sewer hookups where the home is not disturbed. G:\rda\Patty Leon\I lousing Commission\Minutes\2007\5-9-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes MAY 9, 2007 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 reviewed the update, stating that the installation of the photovoltaic panels that will service 9 units are almost complete. Leo Sullivan asked if the panels are safe and secure in term of vandalism or unacceptable behavior occurring. Mr. White responded that the panels are enclosed in a glass surface and are not subject to any electrical concerns. Mr. White provided a brief explanation with regard to the utility allowance that will be calculated toward the tenant's rental income. D. CATALINA GARDENS COMMUNITY ROOM An update on the Community Room was provided to the Commission as well as an updated picture. Bryce White reviewed the update. E. Phase II 20 Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas Dave Yrigoyen reviewed the update provided by Cathy Walker. With regard to La Rocca Villas, Martin Alvarez stated that a completion date is scheduled for June. Upon question on the sales of the Falcon Crest homes, Janet Moore stated that the Agency is in the process of preparing loan documents for the first phase, which consist of 29 homes, once the developer receives pre -approvals from the lender. She stated that Community Dynamics is responsible for the eligibility qualifications of applicants. IX. ADJOURNMENT (WIth members of the • using Commission concurrence Chairman Jane Turner d he mee�at4. 0 p. . to June 13, 2007. PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\5-9-07.doc