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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 01/13/2010il\ PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2010 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission meeting held February 10, 2010: January 13, 2010 Ie, BY HOUSG AUTH Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. QN -Q 5-,3 C/ C Thank you. VERIFIED BY: __,letpk---/ry .,,, Original on file with City Clerk's Office cc: John M. Wohlmuth, Executive Director CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2010 I. CALL TO ORDER Natalie Russo, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Gene Colombini Verna Smith Donna Lewis Natalie Russo Jane Turner Wade Tucker Also Present: Richard S. Kelly, Councilmember Liaison Justin McCarthy, ACM Redevelopment Janet Moore, Director of Housing James Conway, Project Coordinator Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Veronica Tapia, Redevelopment Accountant II III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Introductions were made to newly appointed Housing Commissioner Mr. Gene Colombini. Mr. Colombini provided a brief background of himself. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of December 9, 2009, 2009. 1 Housing Commission Minutes JANUARY 13, 2010. With a Motion made by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Commissioner Russo the minutes of December 9, 2009 were unanimously approved. V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore distributed the "Palm Desert 20% Dine Out Coupon" to the Housing Commission members. She stated that the coupon was distributed in the Housing Authority newsletters and available on the City's website. The participating restaurants are listed on the coupon and said to be successful so far. Mrs. Moore reported that the Housing Adhoc Sub -Committee will meet soon to discuss Carlos Ortega Villas. Both Jane Turner and Verna Smith are on the sub -committee. At this time, the contract is being finalized with the architect. Mr. Richard Kelly, Councilmember Liaison, asked that the meeting not be scheduled the last week of January. B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND HOUSING AUTHORITY AGENDA ITEMS AND ACTIONS Jessica Gonzales summarized the memo provided to the Commission. C. MONTHLY OCCUPANCY STATUS REPORT RPM WEEKLY ACTIVITY STATISTICS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy Status Report and Weekly Activity Statistics for November. Natalie Russo referenced the Monthly Occupancy Status Report and inquired on the high number of recertification packets sent out. Teresa Vakili stated that recertification packets are sent to tenants whose leases are soon to expire. She noted that One Quail Place will have an average of 30 to 40 a month which is typically normal. Wade Tucker commented that Las Serenas has had a high number of turnovers within the last month. Janet Moore reported that a rent survey is being conducted at the properties which is done every other year. She stated that there is competition with market 2 Housing Commission Minutes JANUARY 13, 2010 and affordable rental properties that have either lowered their rental rates and/or are giving free rents. Based on this, the wait lists at the Housing Authority properties are down however vacancies remain the same. Depending on the survey's findings, there is a possibility that the market /moderate rents will go down, which has never been done. The market rents have been between 70% to 78% of the county median and are considered low maximum rents and depending on the survey they might go down further. The moderate income tenants will be paying maximum rents whether the required documentation is provided or not. She noted that this matter is being driven by the economy and not necessarily what the properties are doing. Mrs. Russo referenced page 3 of the Monthly Occupancy Status Report and asked if the total number of units and vacant units for Sagecrest were correct. Teresa Vakili stated that those numbers will be corrected. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for November. Natalie Russo commented on how she was impressed with the percentage totals for the very low category. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for November. Jane Turner asked if Taos Palms was completely vacant. Teresa Vakili stated that two existing tenants were transferred to the renovated units as well as a new tenant moving in today. The property stopped leasing from the time the renovation efforts took place. G. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE The update on the Housing Authority properties was reviewed by the Commission. James Conway summarized the report and provided a brief explanation of the report for Mr. Gene Colombini. Jane Turner inquired on the damage water mains at several properties. 3 Housing Commission Minutes JANUARY 13, 2010 Mr. Conway stated that the repairs to broken mains were due to overgrown trees and heavy vegetation. He noted that at California Villas there was a water main that was not glued correctly. Wade Turner stated that his unit had a minor leak issue that was taken care of in a timely manner and was pleased with the work. Natalie Russo referenced Taos Palms installation of metal tie down brackets on several beams due to twisting and asked if that was unusual. Mr. Conway stated that Taos Palms has Spanish Early Western trellis with large beams and posts which have twisted over time. There was one span that was originally installed with center post, different from all the others. Staff had an engineer inspect all the beams and provide recommendations and drawings to comply with current code which resulted in metal tie down brackets with wedges to be installed as needed. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. MID YEAR 2009/2010 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS Rec: By Minute Motion: Action: Motion was made by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Commissioner Lewis to forward the recommendation to the Finance Director to request mid -year budget adjustments to the 2009-2010 Comprehensive Financial Plan Veronica Tapia summarized the memo stating that there are reductions throughout all the properties primarily in the operations and capital expenditures of 1.7 million dollars. In addition, a projected declining revenue of approximately $213,264.00 as a result of the lower income levels and expected vacancies. Overall the Housing Authority properties are projecting an operating loss of $476,615.00 for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Wade Tucker inquired on California Villas capital improvement reduction of 1 million dollars and asked if the project was completed. Mrs. Tapia stated that the property is nearing completion and the reduction is the remainder of the capital funds budgeted for that particular project. Janet Moore stated that there are some clean up items that are pending as well as minor issues that were not necessarily part of Phase A and B. Southern California Edison has asked that the rolling doors, located at the end of the buildings used for utilities, be replaced with doors that open. 4 Housing Commission Minutes JANUARY 13, 2010 Additionally, there was an outstanding issue with the trees onsite pending recommendations which is now completed. Given the cost to replace the doors, the budget was adjusted accordingly. James Conway commented that several projects at the Housing Authority properties had savings from its original budgeted amounts. Gene Colombini asked about the bid process. Mr. Conway stated that in the past projects struggled to get bids. However, there was a lot of interest in the last two bid projects. One example provided was the landscape contract. Mr. Conway noted that five companies competitively beat our previous landscape company who had provided years of service at the properties. Jane Turner asked about the patrol contract savings. Mrs. Moore stated that a minor adjustment was made to the patrol service at One Quail in terms of the number of security guards. The property scaled down from two security guards to one from dawn to dusk due to the low number of calls. However, there are still two security guards on duty Fridays and Saturdays which are the busy days of the week. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS VIII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A. 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 that 6 projects have been completed, 5 are in construction, and 11 are in the application stage. It was noted that this year in six months the HIP program had more applications than last year in twelve months. Mr. Conway provided a brief explanation of the HIP program to Mr. Colombini and the benefits provided to homeowners such as incorporating energy savings. Natalie Russo added that one of the best aspects of the program is often times homeowners will address one area and then staff will offer other benefits available such as energy savings. 5 Housing Commission Minutes JANUARY 13, 2010 B. TAOS PALMS RENOVATION UPDATE Pictures of the construction progress were distributed for the Commission's review. James Conway reported that Phase I consisting of two buildings and eight units are complete. Two renovated units are now occupied by existing tenants and are said to be pleased. There will be one renovated unit available to view during the Housing Annual Tour to include before and after photos and possibly a power point presentation. He summarized the renovation efforts that included rewiring of phone, cable, new plumbing, upgraded installation, installed new doors and energy efficient windows including ADA compliance requirements. Janet Moore added that the renovated units are much more open and user friendly. Upon question of the tour date, Mrs. Moore stated that a date has not been determined and are waiting to hear from the City Council office. The tour will be a two hour tour from 10:00 to 12:00. She asked if the Commission would like to see a specific property other than the renovated properties such as Taos Palms on the tour route; both California Villas and Laguna Palms will be drive-bys. She noted that California Villas tenants are taking pride in the property since the renovation efforts took place. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — February 10, 2010 A. Revised schedule of Housing Commission meeting dates for 2010 A memo was provided to the Commission listing the Housing Commission revised meetings scheduled for 2010. At this time, Natalie Russo announced that Mr. Dave Erwin, City Attorney, will be in attendance at the next meeting to discuss the Brown Act and provide an explanation on the Commission's role. ADJOURNMENT Natalie Russo, Housing Commission Chair, adjourned the Housing Commission meeting at 4:00 p.m. to February 10, 2010. Patty Leon, Recording Secretary 6