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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 01/09/08CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 9, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Verna Smith, Housing Commission Vice -Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Jane Turner Natalie Russo Verna Smith Linda Ward Also Present: Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Janet Moore, Director of Housing Martin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. CONSENT CALENDAR Leo Sullivan A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of December 12, 2007 Upon question of a quorum, Janet Moore explained that the Commission could either postpone the minutes or take action with the two members that create the quorum today. Housing Commission Minutes January 9, 2008 With the Commission's concurrence, the minutes of December 12, 2007 were postponed to the next Housing Commission meeting. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore stated that at the last meeting the Commission was provided with an informational packet with regard to the relocation plan. The plan has a 30- day review process expiring January 12th. The City Council is scheduled to review the plan later this month. Once approved, the notices of eligibility will be prepared and provided to the current tenants. Tenants will have 90 days to move once they receive their notice of eligibility. Verna Smith asked if the Adhoc Sub -committee would meet again soon. Martin Alvarez stated that Interactive Design is in process of finalizing the design concept to present to staff. Once the design is reviewed by staff, it will be presented to the Adhoc sub -committee for further review and discussion. His estimation is sometime in April before an Adhoc meeting would take place. B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA ITEMS RELATED TO HOUSING, AND SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACTIONS The summary was reviewed by the Commission. C. RPM Monthly Status Reports The Commission reviewed the Monthly Status Report for November. Janet Moore stated that future Monthly Status Reports will show an addition to Pueblo's complex. The Agency recently acquired a four -unit complex adjacent to Pueblos Apartments. The four -unit complex consists of three 1-bedroom units in the back and a one 3-bedroom unit in the front. 2 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2008\1-9-08-DRAFT.doc Housing Commission Minutes January 9, 2008 D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for November. Jane Turner asked if an update on the Stipulation would be provided to the Commission. Janet Moore stated that Housing has met the stipulated requirements as previously presented to this Commission. Staff is currently working on the new Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers required which have to be produced by 2014. She noted that an update on the RHNA requirements will be provided to the Commission at an upcoming meeting. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for November. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. James Conway reviewed the update. He stated that Phase B of California Villas which is the site improvements that includes ADA walkways, new maintenance facility, new entry to the community leasing office, pool deck, etc., is currently out to bid and anticipates an open bid date early February. He also mentioned that the existing contractor for Laguna Palms is requesting extended services to the contract; a possible change order will be brought to this Commission for consideration. 3 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2008\1-9-08-DRAFT.doc Housing Commission Minutes January 9, 2008 NEW BUSINESS A. LAGUNA PALMS — CHANGE ORDER NO. 5 Martin Alvarez reviewed the staff report, highlighting the two major components of the change order such as the perimeter wall and the flooring installations. Verna Smith questioned if this was the last change order for Laguna Palms. Mr. Alvarez stated that there might be some close up items that may have to be addressed. He reiterated Mr. Conway's comment with regard to the contractor requesting consideration for some of the delay periods, general conditions overhead, and bond and insurance money that he is required to complete the project, above what the original completion date was. Staff is currently negotiating his request. Mrs. Smith asked about a tentative completion date of the project; Mr. Alvarez replied early February. Natalie Russo questioned if the flooring had already received approval. Janet Moore responded that originally the idea was to have RPM Company coordinate the installation of the flooring as part of their contract and budget. However, the decision was made to contract Portrait Homes to avoid any warranty issues. This cost was not previously added to the budget. Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Commissioner Ward to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve Change Order No. 5 to Contract No. HA 25760 (Portrait Homes, Inc.) in the cumulative amount of $144,699.98 for block wall modifications, site/drainage improvements, and the addition of flooring scope for the Housing Authority Property known as Laguna Palms Apartments. B. LAGUNA PALMS — AMENDMENT NO. 3 Martin Alvarez reviewed the staff report. Natalie Russo questioned the amount requested of $35,575.00 and asked if it was considered a reasonable cost. 4 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2008\1-9-08-DRAFT.doc Housing Commission Minutes January 9, 2008 James Conway stated that Prest Vuksic expected to be able to complete the project within their original contract. However, due to delays, Prest Vuksic was not able to do that and submitted a change order which staff negotiated. Total architectural fees were considered to be within industry standards. Mr. Alvarez also mentioned that Prest Vuksic provided additional information on the hours spent on specific items related to unforeseen items. Justin McCarthy commented that there is a great deal of negotiation with regard to change orders. Mr. Conway referenced the Unit Cost Comparison report attached to staff report Change Order No. 5. Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Verna and seconded by Commissioner Russo to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve Amendment No. 3 to Prest Vuksic, Inc. Contract No. HA 231010-A for additional architectural design and construction administration services for Laguna Palms Apartments. C. HOUSING COOPERATION Verna Smith requested an explanation on the difference between the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the Housing Authority. Janet Moore stated that both the Redevelopment Agency and the Housing Authority are separate and distinct public entities. The Redevelopment Agency was created and established in order to cure blight in the City. Within that redevelopment area/project a portion includes affordable housing. The Redevelopment Agency dedicates 20% set -aside to affordable housing. The Housing Authority was created to operate the 725 affordable units purchased from the County of Riverside; to which we have added 375 for a total of 1100. The Redevelopment Agency gives the power of operation to the Housing Authority. The Housing Commission was tasked with reviewing and advising the Housing Authority Board on issues that would come before the Housing Authority Board which is typically the operation of 1100 units. Those 1100 units are owned by the Redevelopment Agency and operated by the Housing Authority. 5 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2008\1-9-08-DRAFT.doc Housing Commission Minutes January 9, 2008 Janet Moore reviewed the staff report, stating that this agreement amends the previous agreement to reflect the current properties owned as well as the renovation projects currently underway. Additional wording was added in the event properties are acquired that we will be able to continue that cooperation and utilize those certain powers to renovate, reconstruct or repair properties in need. Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Russo and seconded by Commissioner Verna to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve an Amended and Restated Housing Cooperation Agreement in order to plan, undertake, construct or operate Housing projects. D. MID -YEAR 2007/2008 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT Janet Moore reviewed the summary provided by Veronica Tapia, stating that the net effect of the revised budget is zero. She provided an explanation on the reallocation of funding sources and staffing of properties. She mentioned that some of the property managers are assigned to manage several different properties; however, since Country Village will eventually go away those managers will be reallocated to other properties. Additionally, staff is requesting to reduce revenues at the properties related to renovations or construction work. Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Commissioner Ward to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to forward to the Finance Director the recommendation to request approval to appropriate funds for the mid -year budget adjustments for the Housing Authority properties. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 6 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2008\1-9-08-DRAFT.doc Housing Commission Minutes January 9, 2008 A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (January) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. Linda Ward asked if the newsletter for Las Serenas and La Rocca Villas should be distinguished between both properties. Teresa Vakili stated that the property manager has notified the tenants at La Rocca Villas of special events taking place at Las Serenas as their participation is welcome. Ms. Ward asked about transportation between La Rocca Villas and Las Serenas. Mrs. Vakili stated that RPM staff does not have the ability to provide transportation. Ms. Ward questioned if this issue should be addressed. Justin McCarthy stated that there are public transportation services provided such as "dial a ride" for these situations. Mrs. Ward commented on a conversation she had with someone interested in applying for La Rocca Villas but had no means of transportation to that property from Las Serenas. Janet Moore stated that the property managers are meeting interested applicants at La Rocca Villas as opposed to meeting at the office located at Las Serenas. Upon question, Teresa Vakili stated that there are currently 16 occupied and 19 pre -leased at La Rocca Villas. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program (HIP) was provided to the Commission for review. James Conway reviewed the update, stating that there are several new applications in process. 7 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing CommissionWlinutes\2008\1-9-08-DRAFT.doc Housing Commission Minutes January 9, 2008 Janet Moore commented on the applications received from residents of manufactured homes. She mentioned some delays with respect to homes permanently affixed but do not own the land. She noted that if the property owner is someone else or managed by a homeowners association it may hold up the approval process since a few extra steps are necessary. C. Phase II 20-Acre Site Update: Falcon Crest La Rocca Villas Martin Alvarez summarized the update provided by Cathy Walker. He noted that as part of the contract with the developer for Falcon Crest, the developer is required to be available for the next three months after the completion of the project in the event there are any warranty issues or any punch list items that may come up. The developer will be available via a trailer on site. Linda Ward inquired on the appearance of the self-help lots and asked if those would be a Habitat type. Janet Moore stated that further discussion will take place with regard to the construction of those houses in a self-help category, and whether the project will be coordinated with either Habitat for Humanity, Rancho Housing Alliance, or Housing Coalition, or a joint venture depending on who provides the best opportunity. Justin McCarthy reported that a few months ago staff brought to the attention of this Commission that the City Council authorized staff to look at a property located on Santa Rosa. Staff negotiated that property and was given authorization from the Council to consummate the transaction. If accepted, staff will be bringing back 14 units. A decision has not been determined as to the disposition of that property in terms of rehabilitation. Mrs. Moore commented on a recent incident at One Quail Place. She stated that the Sheriff Department is conducting an investigation at that site. News channels provided feedback from residents who were very positive concerning the circumstances. She thanked RPM Company who was available to answer any questions with regard to the incident. At this time, Janet Moore reminded the Housing Commission of the tentative 8 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing CommissionWlinutes\2008\1-9-08-DRAFT.doc Housing Commission Minutes tour date of March 7, 2008. January 9, 2008 Mrs. Moore reported that Community Dynamics received the "HUD Secretaries Award of Excellence" for Falcon Crest. A copy of the letter regarding the award will be provided to the Commission for review. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE - FEBRUARY 13, 2008 ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Verna Smith, Housing Commission Vice- ChaiF, adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. to February 13, 2008. Patty Leon, Recording Secretary 9 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2008\1-9-08.doc