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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOUSG CMSN - 07/11/07CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 11, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice -Chairman Leo Sullivan convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Leo Sullivan Verna Smith Natalie Russo Also Present: Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing Janet Moore, Director of Housing Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst - Housing James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Bob Such, Potential Commissioner Donna Lewis, Potential Commissioner III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Members Absent: Jane Turner Linda Ward Bob Such and Donna Lewis were introduced as potential Housing Commission members. City staff member Beth Longman was also introduced as the recording secretary for the month of August. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of June 13, 2007. Housing Commission Minutes JULY 11, 2007 With a Motion made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Russo the minutes were unanimously approved. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore referenced a letter addressed to all City Committee and Commission members that was received from the Office of the District Attorney in Riverside. Mrs. Moore indicated that the City Attorney explained that the training being offered with regard to the Brown Act is not mandatory and will not affect the requirement of ethics training as an elected official. 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 May was reviewed by the Commission. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT Report #1 for May was reviewed by the Commission. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS Report #2 for May was reviewed by the Commission. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. Verna Smith inquired if the new NC window units installed at Country Village included occupied units only. James Conway stated that the existing tenants were offered the window units, given that the main cooling chiller system is inoperable. G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\7-11-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes JULY 11, 2007 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Laguna Palms - Verizon Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Russo and seconded by Commissioner Smith to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve Verizon Work Order No. 0547-8POAOAK in an amount not -to -exceed $35,014.86 to remove overhead lines and pull and install new telephone service at Laguna Palms Apartments. James Conway reviewed the staff report, stating that approving the recommendation will allow the removal of the overhead utility lines and install new service lines. Southern Edison Company will remove the overhead poles at no charge courtesy of a rebate. Natalie Russo asked if this expense was included as part of the underground conduit installation. Mr. Conway stated that a deposit was required at that time but not for the cost to pull and install new services. B. California Villas — Change Order No. 4 (Portrait Homes) 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 Change Order No. 4 to Portrait Homes, Inc. (Contract No. HA-23650) in the deductive amount of $1550.70 for exterior renovations at the Housing Authority property known as California Villas. Leo Sullivan asked if it was necessary to bring a routine recommendation with a minimal amount such as $1,500 and asked if there was a certain allowance in these transactions. Janet Moore stated the City Manager has also addressed this issue with respect to the Purchase Ordinance policy and procedures. However, the recommendation of the change order is a deductive amount and not an addition. There is a possibility that in the future 3 G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\7-11-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes JULY 11, 2007 there will be a revision to the authorization of the City Manager so he is allowed, up to certain dollar amount, to authorize these change orders including deductive amounts. James Conway stated that this change order concludes Phase A. A Notice of Completion will be forwarded to this Commission once completed. C. Laguna Palms — Change Order No. 2 (Portrait Homes) 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 approve Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $289,124.84 for Portrait Homes, Inc. (Contract No. HA 25760) for structural upgrades as required by California Building Code at the Laguna Palms Apartments. James Conway distributed pictures of the ongoing rehabilitation project at Laguna Palms. He stated that the majority of the changes are due to structural upgrades in order to meet current building codes. Leo Sullivan expressed that he has brought this issue up in the past and felt that this project would have been better off taking it down to the ground and starting from scratch. He requested a total expenditure of Laguna Palms rehabilitation, exclusive of the purchase of the property. He stated that he was concerned with the rehabilitation process especially how the structures are being torn down to the studs. Mr. McCarthy replied that an expenditure analysis will be prepared and brought to this Commission for review. Verna Smith agreed with Mr. Sullivan, stating that closer consideration should be given to older properties especially those that would not meet current building codes. Mr. McCarthy stated that there were institutional issues that were considered when this particular project was being scoped. He provided a brief explanation on the housing production requirements as part of the Stipulation. He stated that the deadline to meet our goal was met through the assistance of our Acquisition 4 G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\7-11-07 Draft,doc Housing Commission Minutes JULY 11, 2007 Rehabilitation Program that was used to rehab Laguna Palms. Upon question as to who establishes these deadlines, Mr. McCarthy explained the legal settlement between the Redevelopment Agency and the Western Center for Law and Poverty. As a result of that litigation, there was a resolution settlement whereby the Agency would agree by a certain date to create a certain amount of units. He noted how some of these older properties were purchased with the intent to rehabilitate them in order to meet our objectives. He stated that the deadline was met through these exercises as well as the new developments such as Palm Village Apartments and La Rocca Villas. Mr. Sullivan stated he felt uncomfortable with the recommendation since the Commission was taking staffs word to move forward. He mentioned that he was not going to be rubber-stamping as much as he has in the past. At this time, Janet Moore reported on the study session of the City Council of which both Verna Smith and Jane Turner attended with regard to Country Village. The City Council was apprised of the Commission and sub -committee's discussions. The consensus of the members present stated that senior housing would be most appropriate for that site. Some changes in the dynamics of the area may have an impact on the recommendation; however, members of the Council asked that the sub -committee meet to discuss those issues in more detail with respect to the layout and the appropriate amenities for that site. She noted that it is anticipated that this project is approximately a five-year project. Mrs. Smith stated that three of the council members were opposed to the assisted living services discussed. Mr. McCarthy stated that one of the dynamics being discussed is a new concept to consider retail at the frontage area of the site, brought forth from a developer. This concept has not been evaluated or discussed. Mrs. Moore stated that the existing residents at County Village have expressed that the do not want to move because of its location and close proximity to the services and amenities available. At this time, Mr. Sullivan asked for the number of children that reside at One Quail Place who are attending the head start program. G:\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\7-11-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes JULY 11, 2007 Mrs. Moore stated that last year there were nine of the seventeen students who reside at One Quail Place. Parents requesting the part-time program are accomodated at the Early Childcare Education Center (ECEC) formerly known as the Wallaroo Center located on Cabrillo and Alessandro. A discussion was made by Desert Sands to consolidate their facilities and actually move all students to the the ECEC for the full-time program. The difference between both facilities is the separation between rooms used for either nap times or different activities. She mentioned that four of the nine applicants on the waitlist are residents from One Quail Place. Mr. Sullivan asked if priority was given to residents of One Quail Place. Mrs. Moore replied that One Quail residents that show interest in the program are placed on the wait list due to proximity. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (July) 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 reviewed the report stating that five projects are nearing completion, four in process, and six are new applicants. A proposed Home Improvement Program Guidelines and Changes At -A -Glance were provided to the Commission for review. Janet Moore reviewed the summary and stated that the information provided is the same version that is being presented to the City Council for approval at their meeting of July 12th. She stated that the revisions have been ongoing and expressed appreciation towards those commissioners who assisted in certain aspects of the changes. G.\rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commission \Minutes\2007\7-1 I-07 Draft.doc Housing Commission Minutes JURY 11, 2007 Leo Sullivan inquired on an item in the City Council agenda with respect to several properties being acquired and asked if the property behind Country Village was part of the acquisitions. Justin McCarthy replied no and stated that those properties being acquired are part of a Redevelopment project known as the Alessandro Alleyway Project. In regard to the property behind Country Village, it was explained that the property was acquired and the existing home has been demolished. 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 stated that most of the work on the pictures has been completed. An inspection with the Fire Marshall is scheduled for July 12th. If approved, a final inspection will be scheduled with City inspectors. D. Phase II 20 Acre Site Update: 1) Falcon Crest 2) La Rocca Villas Dave Yrigoyen reviewed the update provided by Cathy Walker. He stated that La Rocca Villas is scheduled for completion in approximately one month. Phase one of Falcon Crest is complete. Twenty-one of the 29 families have closed escrow. IX. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Vice -Chairman Leo Sullivan a rned the meeting at .26 p.m. to August 8, 2007. httl Uk) I PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\7-11-07 Draft.doc