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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Csm Meeting of 05/13/09f PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: JUNE 15, 2009 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission meeting held June 10, 2009: Z May 13, 2009 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: John Wohlmuth, Executive Director Qe iVe.q; BY HC)UGG AUTH 4-0 (te-ily il(3SENT) ON__Lo- 5-0 VERIFIED BY: Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 13, 2009 1. CALL TO ORDER Verna Smith, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. 11. ROLL CALL Present: Donna Lewis Natalie Russo Verna Smith Wade Tucker Jane Turner Also Present: Richard S. Kelly, Councilmember Liaison Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Dave Yrigoyen, Director of RDA/Housing Janet Moore, Director of Housing Martin Alvarez, Redevelopment Manager Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Veronica Tapia, Redevelopment Accountant II Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Members Absent: III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of April 8, 2009. With a Motion made by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Commissioner Tucker the minutes of April 8, 2009 were unanimously approved. 1 Housing Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Verna Smith reminded the Commission to be careful discussing certain items that may possibly be on the Agenda prior to a meeting being called to order or adjournment, as discussed with City Attorney Dave Erwin at the last meeting. She noted that if the Commissioners have an item they would like to discuss they should call her and she would bring it up during a meeting for discussion. A copy of a memo from Janet Moore regarding Leo Sullivan's resignation was provided to the Commission. Verna Smith commented that Mr. Sullivan had a world of experience and great ideas; she expressed how he will be greatly missed. Janet Moore expressed sincere regrets with regard to Mr. Sullivan's resignation, stating that he is very active in Palm Desert and is currently on the board of Office of Aging. She noted that she had recently spoken to him and he indicated that he had seen a lot of changes and transitions with regard to the Housing Commission. He wished all the members good luck and mentioned that if he had any questions he would attend a meeting. Given that the Housing Commission now has two vacant seats available, Mrs. Moore advised that a quorum consists of three (3) members. Richard Kelly, Councilmember Liaison, reported that there two openings for this Commission; one being a resident from the Housing Authority properties as well as an "at large" position. Mr. Kelly asked the Commission to encourage anyone they might know interested to apply. Applications on file were reviewed and found that there is no interest for this Commission. He reported that the City Council will be conducting interviews soon for vacant seats available for Committee and Commissions within the City of Palm Desert. Teresa Vakili stated that the tenants at the affordable housing properties will be notified of the openings. Janet Moore informed the Commission of the dedication ceremony of the Habitat for Humanity home scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2009. She stated that a short ceremony will take place that will include the turnover of home keys to the homeowner and a tour of the home. She noted that Habitat's dedications show the work done to accomplish affordable housing by bringing it right down to the homeowner. 2 Housing Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 Mr. Kelly sent his regrets, stating he will not be available on that date. He stated that this will be the first dedication that he misses; expressing that Habitat for Humanity is a really great program. B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND HOUSING AUTHORITY AGENDA ITEMS AND ACTIONS The summary was reviewed by the Commission. Jane Turner referenced the memo provided by Jessica Gonzales and asked if there had been changes in personnel and/or promotions since Janet Moore usually reports on the summary. Janet Moore stated that staff compiles the information for the summary and therefore felt it would be appropriate that they report and answer questions. C. MONTLY OCCUPANCY STATUS REPORT RPM WEEKLY ACTIVITY STATISTICS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy Status Report and Weekly Activity Statistics for March. Wade Tucker commented that Las Serenas had a high vacancy. Teresa Vakili stated that most move -outs at Las Serenas were due to residents moving all at once. Richard Kelly, Councilmember Liaison, asked about move -outs during the end of the school year. Ms. Vakili replied that only the multi -family properties have activity with regard to move -outs during that time especially Desert Pointe Apartments. Mr. Tucker commented that when he moved to Las Serenas ten years ago the property was very stable with only one move -out a year. Teresa Vakili clarified that the report reflects monthly totals and not weekly as stated on the report. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for March. 3 Housing Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for March. Verna Smith asked about the wait list in place at the properties. Teresa Vakili reported that most senior properties have depleted their wait lists. An outreach of availability opportunities was made to include the Joslyn Senior Center. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE The update on the Housing Authority properties was reviewed by the Commission. James Conway summarized the update. In reference to the Notice of Completion at California Villas, Mr. Conway reported that Phase A was awarded in February of 2006 and Phase B was awarded in March of 2007. Although the property was acquired in 2003, it was stabilized prior to the renovation efforts. Wade Tucker commented that he had driven by the property and was impressed with the outcome. Mr. Conway reported on the Virginia Graeme Baker Act stating that the Act was put into place by Federal Law on December 20, 2007. The Act requires public pools to upgrade pools and spas to eliminate entrapment situations. There have been incidents reported where children got stuck on drains due to poor drain covers and/or too much suction in the pump lines. There are several options for compliance such as split main drains and vacuum release pumps both of which require approved drain covers. The vacuum release system also includes software that recognizes blockage and automatically shuts the pump off. This system was installed to those pools that were not re -plastered as part of the renovation efforts and did not have the opportunity to split the drains. We have chosen to add the variable speed pumps to our vacuum release for added energy savings along with rebates. All pools and spas have been upgraded to comply with the Act; all equipment is in place. Also in place as a component to the requirement is an emergency shut-off switch. The pools are currently in review by the Riverside County Health Department. 4 Housing Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. CALIFORNIA VILLAS — NOTICE OF COMPLETION Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Russo and seconded by Commissioner Tucker to forward the recommendation to the Housing Authority to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project known as California Villas Phase "B" Site Renovation (Contract No. HA 23650C) as completed. James Conway reviewed the staff report, stating there are minor items to complete. B. NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Commissioner Lewis to forward the recommendation to the Housing Authority to authorize the approval of Neighborhood Stabilization Program Veronica Tapia summarized the report provided to the Commission for review. She stated that last year as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, Congress allocated $3.92 billion for Neighborhood Stabilization Programs (NSP) to those areas with the greatest need. Need was defined by the number of foreclosures, sub -prime mortgages, and the potential for future foreclosures in a given area. The State of California received an allocation of $145 million which has since been allocated to jurisdictions throughout the State. Palm Desert has been designated as a Tier 2 Jurisdiction, making the City of Palm Desert eligible for $326,784 in NSP funding. In order to apply for Tier 2 monies, the State has a minimum threshold of $1 million. To meet this threshold, the State permits jurisdictions in Tier 2 to combine their allocations with other contiguous jurisdictions through a joint agreement. It is our intent to enter into a joint agreement with the County of Riverside, City of Coachella, and the City of Palm Springs in order to access these funds. 5 Housing Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 The Action Plan consists of five activities as required by the program. However, at this time, the primary focus of the Plan will be to provide an enhanced First -Time Home Buyers (FTHB) Program, which will provide qualified homebuyers assistance in purchasing foreclosed homes in designated areas within Palm Desert. The purpose of the public hearing is to provide an opportunity to all persons who may be affected by the proposed activities to participate and comment prior to submission of the application for funding. Richard Kelly, Councilmember Liaison, asked who would benefit from this program. Janet Moore stated that the NSP program is designed to provide down payment assistance to households whose incomes are less than the 120% of the area median income. The program could provide assistance up to $75,000.00, a deferred loan with no interest. Upon question of special requirements, Mrs. Moore stated that the only requirement would be the reporting portion of the program which is similar to our existing CDBG program. Applicants that did not meet the $1 million threshold individually are required to submit a joint application. Therefore, the City of Palm Desert will partner with the City of Palm Springs, City of Coachella as well as the County of Riverside; two Tier 2 cities from Riverside County declined to participate. Mrs. Moore noted that the County of Riverside was initially allocated $48 million dollars for this purpose; they did not identify City of Palm Desert as a greatest need. Riverside County will be responsible to disburse the monies appropriately to the cities requesting funding. The application is required to be filed by June 15, 2009. Cities will have 18 months to spend the money. Mrs. Moore noted that this is a City program however; the Agency will administer the money as well as the qualifications of applicants. Wade Tucker asked about the target areas identified; Mrs. Moore replied that the target areas were identified by foreclosure rates. 6 Housing Commission Minutes May 13, 2009 VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. HOUSING AUTHORITY NEWSLETTER Newsletters were provided to the Commission for May. 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 report, stating there is more activity this year than last year. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — June 10, 2009 ADJOURNMENT With members of the Housing Commission concurrence Verna Smith, Housing Commission Chair, adjourned the meeting at 4:06 p.m. OLIcLI D\,ffi\O Patty Leon, (Recording Secretary 7