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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 09/10/08TO: FROM: DATE: iLB PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR OCTOBER 9, 2008 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission meeting held October 8, 2008: ➢ September 10, 2008 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director Cr'elder irlit° BY HOUSG AUTH (5-D) ON I n --3 - O R VERIFIED BY: i 6I :5 Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Leo Sullivan, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:37 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Donna Lewis Natalie Russo Leo Sullivan Also Present: Jane Turner Verna Smith Richard S. Kelly, Councilmember Liaison Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing Janet Moore, Director of Housing Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst — Housing James Conway, Project Manager Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Wade Tucker, Potential Commissioner Beverly Fitzgerald III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Beverly Fitzgerald introduced herself to the Housing Commission; she was present as a guest. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of August 13, 2008. With a Motion made by Commissioner Russo and seconded by Commissioner Lewis the minutes of August 13, 2008 were unanimously approved. Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore reported that a Housing Adhoc Subcommittee meeting has been tentatively scheduled for the beginning of October. 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 July. Teresa Vakili stated that the Monthly Status Report shows the occupancy and prelease status of all the Palm Desert Housing Authority properties. She reported that Country Village currently has one resident who is subject to relocation and expected to move -out before September 18, 2008. Laguna Palms currently has 39 occupied and 15 pre -leased tenants. Leo Sullivan questioned the length of time it has taken to occupy Laguna Palms. Ms. Vakili responded that certifications for the affordable program take a considerable amount of time. She noted there were a large number of applications received and each application was reviewed in the order in which it was received. In addition, applicants were allowed a certain amount of time to provide information required to qualify. Mr. Sullivan asked if this process should have been done before the buildings were completed. Ms. Vakili stated that applications were reviewed and qualified before the project was completed; however, most applicants were not comfortable providing monies to an assigned unit prior to viewing the unit. Janet Moore also stated that once the units were made available wait -listed applicants either did not qualify at that time or decided not to sign a lease. 2 Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 Natalie Russo referenced Laguna Palms total vacant units of 39 and asked if there were 39 pending applications. Ms. Vakili replied that there are currently 15 pending leases at Laguna Palms which means there is a deposit on a unit and/or are waiting for a move -in date. She noted that in most cases applicants who are in leases in their current place of residence have to give a 30 day notice which delays the move -in date. Mrs. Moore stated that the number of wait list contactees for June and July are significant compared to March. She noted that only 30% of the people that were contacted from the wait list, qualified and are renting an apartment. Ms. Vakili summarized the reports and stated that La Rocca Villas has one unit available. Taos Palms is in the process of finalizing the architectural engineering plans to go out to bid. Sagecrest has three occupants that qualified for the program. She indicated that they have been very busy with certifications. Mr. Sullivan questioned the re -certifications at the newer properties. Ms. Vakili responded that all initial move -ins are placed on a 6-month lease, and then re -certified to a one-year lease; noting that this process is done to all new tenants at all the Housing Authority properties. Ms. Russo asked if there are more applicants on the wait list given the economy crisis. Ms. Vakili stated that the number of applicants on the wait list has actually dropped. Mrs. Moore stated that the numbers on the wait lists have dropped not only at the properties but as well as the For -Sale Program. Mr. Sullivan commented that it is getting difficult for people to find real estate loans given that some lenders are holding back. He stated he was referring to conventional loans and not necessarily on the affordable program provided by the Housing Department. Mrs. Moore stated that we are in a similar situation. She noted that as part of the Affordable For -Sale Program there is an "Approved Lender List" provided to applicants on the wait list. She explained that lenders are having a difficult time agreeing to be placed on the approved list. Most lenders are not able to get their underwriters to review the Agency's loan documents. The policy accepts only CaIFHA approved lenders. She noted that a lender agreed to review the Agency's loan documents but is skeptical in accepting our program. 3 Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for July. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for June and July. Teresa Vakili summarized the reports by stating that the Monthly Net Operating Report provides a percentage of occupancy for each property according to the income levels in the very low, low and moderate categories. Leo Sullivan asked if the properties were on track based on the stipulated requirements. Ms. Vakili replied that although it's a moving target, yes we are on tract. Mr. Sullivan asked why residents are moving out of the properties. Ms. Vakili stated that tenants are asked to complete a survey when vacating a unit and have indicated several reasons such as relocating, moving back with family, buying/renting a home, job transfers, etc. Mr. Sullivan asked if those survey results can be brought forward to the Commission for review. Ms. Vakili said she would see how the information is filed now and see how it could be presented in the future. Natalie Russo commented that she felt there should be more applicants on the wait lists since a lot of people are losing their jobs due to the economy. Janet Moore stated that the wait lists at the properties have been exhausted to get occupancy at the newer properties such as La Rocca Villas, Palm Village, and Laguna Palms. She noted there were approximately five hundred applications reviewed and one out of four applicants qualified. A notice is published twice yearly in the City's Brightside with regard to rental opportunities; a notice is expected to be published in November. Additionally, interested parties are directed to the City's website for information on our programs. 4 Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 Upon question, Ms. Vakili reported minimal turnovers at the senior properties, stating that most senior tenants either pass away or are transferred to assisted living facilities and/or family members due to health reasons. In quite a few cases, applicants on the senior wait lists are no longer available. Mr. Sullivan commented that for this reason, he felt there was no interest on the Housing Commission from tenants, stating that we always have this problem. Mrs. Moore agreed it has been difficult getting two tenants from the properties to commit as a member of the Housing Commission. Councilmember Richard Kelly stated that the Council, in the past, has reviewed one applicant at a time, depending on the circumstances of the committee/commission. He suggested a recommendation by both Housing Commission Liaisons (Janet Moore and Richard Kelly) be forwarded to the City Clerk to review Mr. Wade Tucker's application. Mrs. Moore stated she would forward the recommendation to the City Clerk. Mr. Sullivan commented on the interest from the larger properties such as One Quail Place. Mrs. Moore stated that the demographics make a difference. The Bylaws state that the Housing Commission will consist of seven members of which two members are required to reside at one of the Housing Authority properties and one needs to be a senior. Ideally we would like a member to represent a multi- family property but it is difficult since most families that live at the properties are busy and/or find it difficult to make a commitment to attend twelve meetings. She stated that notices will be sent out in the Housing Authority property newsletters. She noted that we would prefer not to have two members from the same complex but if there was an application then it would be considered. Mr. Sullivan stated that it is important to hear input from the rest of the Commissioners. He noted how much Housing Commission member Linda Ward helped Las Serenas. He stated that the comments made by Ms. Ward were useful in upgrading certain items at all of the properties. James Conway stated that in the past staff and property managers would hold resident functions to allow participation and promote community involvement. Unfortunately, there was not enough attendance from the tenants so those functions are no longer taking place. Mr. Sullivan commented he would be more than happy to attend resident functions or events as a Commission member since he felt this information is vital to the tenants. He understands that the Commission is not making the 5 Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 decisions but rather direct them to the City Council in hopes to find people like Mr. Tucker who are willing to participate. Mr. Conway stated that staff has approached several tenants who seem ideal for this Commission but they have refused due to other commitments. Mrs. Moore assured the Commission that there will be outreach with regard to the vacant seats. She provided a brief explanation on the Riverside County Authority Board and how they have trouble filling the resident seat as well. Donna Lewis stated that she is member of a group in town made up of women in business, and at each meeting she solicits for volunteers. She commented that the time frame might be a problem. Mr. Sullivan asked if the time set for the Housing Commission was permanent. He also noted that a change in the time of the meeting could cause other issues such as staff overtime, etc. Mrs. Moore stated that a time has been established for the Housing Commission meetings but would address this matter with the City Clerk. Mrs. Moore also noted that the City Clerk publicizes openings/vacancies for committees/commission on a routine basis. She stated that Ms. Lewis had initially applied for a different committee and was asked if she would be interested in this Commission. Currently, there are several openings within the City's committees and commissions. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE The update on the Housing Authority properties was reviewed by the Commission. James Conway stated he was available to answer any questions with regard to the update. Janet Moore provided an update on Country Village. She reiterated that there is only one unit occupied and is expected to be vacant by September 18th The deconstruction project is anticipated to go out to bid approximately a month to six weeks after the property is vacant. She stated that the property will be vacant for some time and may attract transients which will be closely monitored. She indicated that the deconstruction project will not be a fast track. Leo Sullivan asked if the property will be boarded up. 6 Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 Mrs. Moore stated that boards were put up in some areas where windows were broken. Teresa Vakili stated that Country Village is regularly monitored to ensure windows are locked and felt that boards were not necessary since the property is visible from the street. Additionally, security patrols this area on a routine basis. Mr. Conway provided an update on Taos Palms, stating that a draft of the agreement has been forwarded to the architect for review. The architect has requested a six -week period to create the documents in order to go out to bid. The re -plumbing and electrical plans have been completed and will be forwarded to the architect to include in his specifications. Mr. Sullivan asked if the tenants currently occupying units at Taos Palms are upset with the construction going on. Mr. Conway replied no since most tenants are looking forward to transferring into a rehabilitated unit. In efforts to continue the recycling program at the properties, Mr. Conway stated that tenants are being educated on how to separate recyclables in proper containers by way of flyers and notices on doors. In addition, Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services have been helpful in monitoring and providing feedback on a monthly basis. Recently, the Housing Authority was awarded a grant to purchase pull-out dual receptacle containers that will separate trash and recyclable items. These containers will be installed in all the units with the exception of Laguna Palms since they were previously installed as part of rehabilitation project. At this time, Janet Moore reported that the Agency was successful in the acquisition of an apartment complex in Palm Desert located on Ocotillo Drive. This property will be an Agency owned property until a decision is made with regard to its disposition. The property will remain a market property and occupied by market tenants. It will not be included in the reports provided to the Commission since it is not owned by the Housing Authority and is not subject to the same requirements as Housing. Mr. Sullivan inquired on the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers. Mrs. Moore stated that the Agency met the requirements on the Stipulation as defined with regard to the specific units required. However, there is a clause in the lawsuit that states that after we meet our requirement we would work 7 Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 toward meeting the RHNA numbers. Previously the RHNA required 229 affordable units which the Agency met. The current requirement number is 2711 units which the Agency has already begun to work on meeting those numbers. Mr. Sullivan asked on the time table allowed to meet those numbers. Mrs. Moore responded that 2711 affordable units are to be made available by the year 2014. Councilmember Richard Kelly stated that those numbers were based before the economy crisis. He hopes that somebody from RHNA steps up to the plate and understands that the forecast needs to be changed. Mrs. Moore stated that at this moment that number does exist and we will continue to work towards the provision of units as part of that requirement. Mrs. Moore stated that Laguna Palms is complete and landscape responsibilities have been transferred to the contracted landscape company. The Agency is in the process of submitting to the California Redevelopment Association (CRA) for awards in various categories: Community Revitalization, Residential Development and Rehabilitation, and Sustainable Development in hopes that CRA will recognize the hard work and outstanding job on that project. The Commission was provided with a copy of a letter received from a tenant at California Villas. Mrs. Moore stated that we don't often receive letters thanking or acknowledging us with regard to the properties. She noted that throughout the process of renovating California Villas, which took three -years from the design stage to this point, there were relatively few complaints. This project was said to be difficult since the property was occupied. Mrs. Moore stated that a resident from California Villas took the time to write a letter and is being shared with the Commission. VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER Newsletters were provided to the Commission for September. 8 Housing Commission Minutes September 10, 2008 B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program (HIP) was provided to the Commission for review. James Conway summarized the update, reporting 11 homes in various stages of construction. He stated that last week 20 HIP application packets were handed out. Janet Moore stated that we utilize the Brightside for outreach of our programs. The HIP program was recently published in the Brightside. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — October 8, 2008 ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Leo Sullivan, Housing Commission Chair, adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m. Patty Leon, Recording Secretary 9