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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 12/12/07PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: FEBRUARY 14, 2008 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached are the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission meeting held February 13, 2008: ➢ December 12, 2007 ➢ January 9, 2008 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director Rte.Ci BY HOUSG AU71-1(1-11f(y iv2st- ON'' VERIFIED BY: &' //37cp i. a on f ;(4 with City Clcrk's Offfre CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Jane Turner, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Jane Turner Leo Sullivan Verna Smith Also Present: Linda Ward Natalie Russo Carlos Ortega, Executive Director Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing 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 A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of November 7, 2007 Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 12, 2007 With a Motion made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Sullivan, the November minutes were unanimously approved. Janet Moore updated the Commission on the status of commission appointments from the City Council as commented in the minutes by Leo Sullivan. She noted that the City Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow has an item under informational reports. The City Clerk is requesting information from the Council with respect to their schedules for interviews and subsequent appointments. Mr. Sullivan's concern has been communicated again regarding the Housing Commission's vacancy. 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, AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ACTIONS The memo was replaced with a revised memo due to a correction made to the dollar amount on item 2. C. RPM Monthly Status Reports The Commission reviewed the Monthly Status Report for October. Upon question of La Rocca Villas occupancy, Teresa Vakili reported that 12 units are currently occupied and 15 pre -leased. With regard to Palm Village Apartments, Ms. Vakili reported that seven units were occupied in November and 25 applicants are currently being processed. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for October. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS 2 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\12-12-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 12, 2007 The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for October. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE (JAMES) An update on the Housing Authority properties was provided to the Commission. James Conway reviewed the update and distributed pictures of the ongoing construction at Laguna Palms. Mr. Conway indicated that staff is recommending that the flooring be completed by the existing contractor as opposed to RPM Company. This will alleviate any concerns over the warranty issues on items such as appliances since the contractor will be responsible for both installations. A change order will be presented at an upcoming meeting. Martin Alvarez stated that at the last meeting staff mentioned the issues of the easterly wall at Laguna Palms and explained that the investigation is continuing on whether to correct it or replace it. Once an analysis is complete, a staff report will be provided to this Commission for review. At this time, a Relocation Plan was distributed to the Commission for review. Janet Moore stated that the Relocation Plan is available for public viewing as of yesterday. The plan provides a description of the relocation benefits available to the tenants currently living there. Estimated letters of eligibility are anticipated to be mailed early January. Once the tenants receive their letters, they will be given a 90 day notice to move out which may result that tenants may possibly still be there in May. The Plan is scheduled for review and approval by the City Council in January. Jane Turner asked if staff anticipated any problems with the relocation plan to which Mrs. Moore responded no. Martin Alvarez stated that staff is making every effort to contact those tenants that have moved out and advise them of their benefits, in accordance with the law. In the event any former residents come forward with regard to their benefits, they will be identified and an evaluation will be made with regard to their eligibility. 3 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\12-12-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 12, 2007 NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Janet Moore reported that Commissioner Linda Ward, who was not present at the meeting due to health reasons, had commented she did not want to be nominated for any of the positions open. With members of the Commission in concurrence, Leo Sullivan was nominated as Chairman and Verna Smith as Vice Chairman; both commissioners accepted the office to which they were elected. Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Sullivan to elect Leo Sullivan as Chair and Verna Smith as Vice Chair commencing January 2008 for a term of one year. B. 2008 CONSULTANTS MASTER LIST Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Smith to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to approve the 2008 Master Consultants List of qualified professional services consultants; authorize the Executive Director to execute agreements and contract amendments with named qualified consultants for services valued at less than $25,000; and grant approval to stated selection process as provided for by section 3.32.090 of the municipal code, for professional services consultants performing work of limited scope during the 2008 calendar year. Leo Sullivan asked on the changes compared to the previous list. Martin Alvarez reported that of the 13 applications submittedl2 consultants were added to various categories of the list. Janet Moore stated that the list was compiled by all City departments that utilize such services. 4 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\12-12-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 12, 2007 Verna Smith requested clarification with regard to the bid process and asked if it was necessary to request three proposals from three different companies or is staff able to negotiate directly with a particular consultant of interest. Mr. Alvarez stated that staff is able to negotiate directly with a pre -qualified professional consultant. In the event there is a problem with a particular consultant, they will be removed from the list. Leo Sullivan asked if this request was being reviewed and approved by every committee or just the Housing Commission. Mrs. Moore responded that the Housing Commission is responsible to review all matters that go before the Authority Board; other Committees and Commissions do not have that responsibility. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER (December) Newsletters were reviewed by the Commission. B. DESERT SUN NEWS ARTICLE "HELPING SENIORS HOP ONLINE" A Desert Sun news article was provided to the Commission for review. Janet Moore stated that the Desert Sun published a news article with regard to Desert Samaritans outreach for the elderly. She referenced the picture on the article of a resident of Las Serenas Apartments. Desert Samaritans also published an article with regard to their Grocery Delivery Program in their handbook; available to the Commission for review. She mentioned that Linda Ward has confirmed that this is a wonderful service offered to the residents at Las Serenas in terms of getting their grocery shopping done. She also mentioned that Desert Samaritans coordinators will come out and assist tenants with the program. Jane Turner asked if computers are available to residents at Las Serenas and if internet services are offered. Teresa Vakili responded that both Las Serenas and Catalina Gardens community rooms have computers available to residents with internet service available. 5 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing CommissionWlinutes\2007\12-12-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 12, 2007 Mrs. Moore stated that Michael Bernard, who is the Director of Desert Samaritans, had contacted her with regard to providing assistance to the elderly residents and mentioned the grocery delivery program. He was directed to survey the tenants directly to see if there was any interest. As far as the costs associated with the delivery, there is no cost to the residents. C. 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 5 properties have been completed and will be noted as complete on the report. He mentioned that there were quite a few responses to the article published in the Brightside. Verna Smith commented that she had provided a copy of the Brightside to the Assistant General Manager at Palm Desert Greens since she felt that some of the mobile homes are in need of assistance. It was explained that several of the applications received came from residents of Palm Desert Greens. D. Phase II 20-Acre Site Update: Falcon Crest La Rocca Villas Martin Alvarez summarized the update provided by Cathy Walker. Upon question, he described the passive park to be an open area with no physical structures or activity. Verna Smith commented there was a nice press release in the Desert Sun with regard to La Rocca Villas grand opening ceremony. At this time, James Conway explained the pictures distributed earlier of Laguna Palms. He stated that there are 48 units within the project consisting of 28 two - bedrooms, 16 one -bedroom and 4 studios. He anticipated completion of the project at the end of January. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — January 9, 2008 6 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\12-12-07.doc Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 12, 2007 A. SCHEDULE OF HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING DATES FOR 2008 A memo was provided to the Commission listing the Housing Commission meetings scheduled for 2008. Janet Moore stated that the meeting of May 14 occurs after the regularly scheduled City Council meeting and in order to accommodate actions required by the Commission on the Housing Authority agenda staff is requesting that the Commission adjourn the April meeting to May 7tn Motion was made by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the Housing Commission meeting dates as presented in the memo and move the meeting of May 14 to May 7tn Mrs. Moore asked the Commission to save the date of March 7, 2008 as a tentative date for the Housing tour. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Jane Turner, Housing Corfir�'ri fission Chair, adjoyrned the meeting at 3:50 p.m. to January 9, 2008. Patty Leon, Recording Secretary 7 G:\RDA\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Minutes\2007\12-12-07.doc