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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousg Cmsn - 08/13/08PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission meeting held September 10, 2008: ➢ August 13, 2008 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thanlu, 'F k cc: Carlos L. Ortega, Executive Director qeceilitc-0) BY HOUSG AUTH ON J[�_ F <iS.�yUY1a t1 agAin,) VERIFIED BY: r i7r J Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2008 I. CALL TO ORDER Leo Sullivan, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Donna Lewis Natalie Russo Leo Sullivan Verna Smith Also Present: Jane Turner Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of Redevelopment/Housing Martin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst - Housing 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 July 9, 2008. With a Motion made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Lewis the minutes of July 9, 2008 were unanimously approved. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Housing Commission Minutes August 13, 2008 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 June. Teresa Vakili stated that all the properties are moving forward with regard to move -ins and recertifications. Laguna Palms is expected to have 28 occupied units this month and anticipate 100% occupancy by mid October. La Rocca Villas has two available units at this time. Verna Smith asked if there has been any problem with regard to the economy and people losing their jobs. Ms. Vakili stated that it has not been a major problem at the properties. She noted that there were a few move -out notices at One Quail Place due to relocating and employment changes. She stated that the senior properties have not been affected by this issue. Leo Sullivan inquired on Taos Apartments interior renovations. Ms. Vakili stated that the project is in the process of finalizing the architectural specifications. With regard to the percentage of occupancy at Taos Palms, Ms. Vakili noted that the property will remain 50% occupied until all interior renovations are complete. Martin Alvarez stated that the intent is to transfer the existing tenants to the renovated units and renovate those units currently occupied. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for June. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS 2 Housing Commission Minutes August 13, 2008 The Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for June was not available; awaiting year-end P/L finals. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE The update on the Housing Authority properties was reviewed by the Commission. Martin Alvarez summarized the report. The newly modified report that included additional information with regard to the number of service requests received positive feedback from the Commission; all agreed it was informative. Verna Smith asked for a description of a drywell. Mr. Alvarez stated that it is a public works infrastructure system that takes water away from the streets into a gravel bed that allows the water to percolate down to the aquifer. He noted that this system is not tied to a storm drain system. Mr. Alvarez distributed pictures of the ongoing construction project at California Villas. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. California Villas — Change Order No. 1 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 Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. HA-23650-C (Doug Wall Construction, Inc.) in the cumulative amount of $34,584.93 for additional environmental abatement, site drainage improvements, and minor site modifications for the Housing Authority property known as California Villas Martin Alvarez reviewed the staff report, stating, that the project is approximately 30% complete. He highlighted the additional environmental abatements required for the renovated units as well as the fire safety improvements and the latest National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirement. He also referenced the credits from the contractor. 3 Housing Commission Minutes August 13, 2008 Natalie Russo asked where the new maintenance building will be located at the property. Mr. Alvarez referenced a site map displayed of California Villas and stated that the new maintenance facility will be located between buildings E and D. Leo Sullivan addressed Justin McCarthy and expressed his concern with the fast tracking system amongst departments. He noted that he has brought forward this concern in the past. He feels that this department is willing to work together with several departments, referencing the drywell. He stated that he feels that at times we have a gun put to our heads and we have to do what is required or we will not get approvals. Mr. Sullivan further commented that he wondered if the other departments know that we want the fast tracking. Justin McCarthy stated that for all intense of purposes, this department receives good service from the Planning, Public Works and Building and Safety Departments. He stated that there is a tremendous amount of collaboration and cooperation that goes on. He noted the unforeseen rule changes that happen when specifications are submitted for a project. He explained how we are more diligent with ourselves in trying to comply with up to date rules then perhaps the private sector is. Mr. McCarthy commented that since his employment with the City, there has been an improvement with regard to communication between departments. A policy was instituted to have monthly project management meetings between all divisions as well as internal exchange of staff members such as Martin Alvarez who has worked in the Planning and Public Works Departments. He stated that Martin is responsible for overseeing a lot of the projects in the Redevelopment and Housing Departments. Mr. McCarthy expressed that we are not three teams working for one City; we are one team. Mr. McCarthy reiterated that although staff desires documents from architects that are perfect, there are often clarifications that are necessary as well as field inspections that require adjustments. Mr. Sullivan inquired on the transient occupancy tax (tot) and how it is less now as well as the retail tax and asked if we could be careful about volunteering to do these modifications in the future so we don't over extend ourselves. He commented on how the City is in great shape but felt that we should not be tapping into the reserves fund. Mr. McCarthy stated that the operations of the housing division is funded from Redevelopment's 20% set aside monies. These funds are received from property taxes and are not transferred to the general fund. The 20% set aside 4 Housing Commission Minutes August 13, 2008 funds are prescribed by law that they have to be used strictly for housing purposes such as capital improvements and to subsidize our properties. Mr. Sullivan commented on the appeals that are currently taking place within the assessor's office with regard to the reduction of property values. Mr. McCarthy stated that the Agency is monitoring those appeals very closely and is aware that there will be a decline in property taxes which concerns the 20% set aside funds. He commented about two developer projects that have gone back to the bank. He further stated that this particular change order was reviewed and decreased for items that were not deemed to be necessary. With regard to the general funds, Mr. McCarthy stated that this was an area that is closely monitored since these are the operating funds that pay for public safety such as the sheriffs contract and fire department. He further explained municipal finance with regard to the revenue sources specifically sales tax and tot and how the economy is affecting it. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER Newsletters were provided to the Commission for August. B. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program (HIP) was provided to the Commission for review. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — September 10, 2008 The Commission was advised on the change of the next meeting location to the Community Service Conference Room. ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Leo Sullivan, Housing Commission Chair, adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m. Patty Leon 9 ecording Secretary 5