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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 05/12/10PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: JUNE 11, 2010 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the regular Housing Commission meeting held June 9, 2010: May 12, 2010 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: John M. Wohlmuth, Executive Director kerb z � (e BY HOUSG AUTH ON 6.,-,94--DC(0 VERIFIED BY• ROK it j Original on fife with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 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 Donna Lewis Natalie Russo Wade Tucker Jane Turner Also Present: Justin McCarthy, ACM for Redevelopment Janet Moore, Director of Housing 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 April 7, 2010. With a Motion made by Commissioner Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Colombini the minutes of April 7, 2010 were unanimously approved. 1 Housing Commission Minutes May 12, 2010 V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore provided an update on the Carlos Ortega Villas project stating that the agreement is in the process of being finalized. She informed the Commission that Verna Smith (former Commissioner) had been appointed to the Housing ADHOC Subcommittee as well as Jane Turner. She asked if another Commissioner would consider volunteering to be appointed to the Subcommittee; anyone interested was asked to contact Janet Moore. Jane Turner stated that at the last meeting the Subcommittee reviewed preliminary design concepts for the Carlos Ortega Villas project. She noted that the subcommittee consists of staff members and council members that basically listen to presentations and provide suggestions of which are brought back to the Commission. The Subcommittee meets on an as needed basis. 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 March. Teresa Vakili provided a summary of the report stating that of the 1052 units available 10 are currently vacant; 5 are at Taos Palms. Janet Moore noted a typo on the Monthly Occupancy Status Report stating that although the year (2008-2009) is incorrect the information provided is current. Ms. Vakili stated that the change has been made to reflect the current year (2009-2010). Natalie Russo asked on the wait list at the properties. Teresa Vakili stated that most of the wait list applicants range in the very low and low income levels between 20 and 30%; properties are having a difficult time getting applications above the 50% income level. 2 Housing Commission Minutes May 12, 2010 D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for March. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for March. Upon question, Teresa Vakili stated that the income limits typically come out in April but have not been posted yet. Janet Moore stated that the income limits should only affect the higher rental rates. She noted that the moderate rental rents will most likely go down. Gene Colombini referenced the report and asked about the Utility Services and if there was an increase in cost over the last six months. Mrs. Moore stated that the utility services have increased but were offset by reductions with respect trash and recycling. She stated that several analyses were conducted and changes were made to include re -scheduling of trash pickups. Water and electricity have increased. Staff is looking into ways to implement water saving features within the properties. Mr. Colombini asked if there was a variable that shows three or two years back. Mrs. Moore replied that the report shows a prior year net operating income at the bottom of the page but not for the individual categories. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE The update on the Housing Authority properties was reviewed by the Commission. James Conway summarized the report. Janet Moore reported that there were two fires recently at the properties one was at One Quail Place and the other was at Candlewood Apartments. Both fires are pending an investigation from the Fire Department. There were no injuries reported; the units that were damaged will be renovated. 3 Housing Commission Minutes May 12, 2010 Mr. Conway added that there was minor fire damage to the units, there was water damage to several units caused by the fire sprinklers at One Quail Place. Staff is looking at approximately $25,000 in total damages to repair both units but at the same time we will get two renovated units. Wade Tucker asked if the properties are insured. Mr. Conway replied that the properties are under a joint powers agreement self insurance pool with the City. He stated that the drywall and insulation of both units at One Quail Place will be removed and replaced. In addition, moisture and humidity tests will be conducted to ensure that when the units are complete they are in perfect condition. Mr. Tucker asked if the tenants are required to have insurance. Mr. Conway replied that the tenants involved in the fires do not have insurance. Teresa Vakili stated that by law tenants are not required to have additional insurance; however, staff will recommend and/or suggest to tenants that they obtain additional insurance for personal property. Upon question, Mr. Conway stated that those tenants were relocated to a hotel for a few days and were provided available units within the complex. Upon question on the percentage of tenants that have insurance, Ms. Vakili stated it was a very small number and believed it was only 2%. Mr. Conway stated that the fire unit at Candlewood Apartments was believed to be caused by a malfunctioning water heater stored outside in a closet. Natalie Russo referenced the report and asked on the number of times the pools have been re -plastered. Mr. Conway replied that the last time the pools were re -plastered was five to six years ago. Janet Moore added that in addition to re -plastering the pools, the drains are being split as additional entrapment prevention. Mr. Tucker inquired on the power wash of all the AC units at La Rocca Villas. Mr. Conway stated that the empty lot adjacent to the complex creates a lot of sand blowing. VI. NEW BUSINESS 4 Housing Commission Minutes May 12, 2010 B. TAOS PALMS — NOTICE OF COMPLETION James Conway reviewed the staff report and stated that the work is complete and acceptable. Motion was made by Commissioner Turner and seconded by Commissioner Lewis to forward the recommendation to the Housing Authority to authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion for the project known as Taos Palms Interior Renovation (Contract No. HA-28750) VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. HOUSING COMMISSION CHANGE OF MEETING TIME Consideration was given to the time change by the Commission. Mr. Richard Kelly, Councilmember Liaison, indicated that the time change was a request to the Commission. He noted that the new time would allow staff to put everything away and attend to business before 5:00 p.m. Gene Colombini asked Janet Moore on staff's time. Mrs. Moore stated that either time does not impact staff. There have been times when the Commission adjourned past 5:00 p.m. Jane Turner commented that the 3:30 pm time works for her. Natalie Russo commented that she was flexible but would prefer 3:30 p.m. It was the Commission's consensus to keep the Housing Commission meetings to 3:30 p.m. 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 11 are in the application stage, 9 are complete, and approximately 14 have been either withdrawn by the applicant or denied. Given the program's busy activity, the focus is to try to limit the work to health and safety issues as well as energy upgrades. He noted 5 Housing Commission Minutes May 12, 2010 that there are renovations acceptable that may help the appearance of the home. Natalie Russo inquired on the home located at Kelsey Circle. Mr. Conway stated that that home is pending turf conversion as part of their work request on the application. The Landscape Department is in the process of creating a plan within that development to convert front lawns from turf to a drought tolerant landscape. He anticipates completion of the plans within the next two months. The property will remain active on the HIP report to avoid closing the file and having the homeowners reapply. Wade Tucker asked how long the program has been active. Janet Moore replied that the HIP program has been in effect since 1997. Upon question if most cities in the area have a similar program, Mrs. Moore stated that the program originally started as a street beautification program which is what most cities have as well as a turf retrofit program with no income restrictions. She noted that staff works with the Code Compliance Department with regard to homes that have been cited and need financial assistance. Code officers offer HIP packets to those homeowners in need. The Program is extremely popular. Homeowners are either hearing about the program from Code officers, word of mouth or have seen the HIP signs outside homes in progress. In addition, staff will also publish the program in the City's newsletter Brightside certain times of the year to allow for AC repairs and leaky roofs. Because the program has been very busy, homeowners are made aware that the work might take longer than usual. The program is nearly double its size since 1997. Mr. Richard Kelly, Councilmember Liaison, commented that in the past an organization such as the Marriott Desert Springs and its employees assisted a family in need. The home was re -landscaped, new paint, roof repairs, etc. in one day as part of the efforts of the Make a Difference Day. Mr. Conway also mentioned that most of the interest is coming from homeowners of manufactured homes. He commented on a home located at Indian Springs Mobile Home Park where energy upgrades were implemented to include a new AC. It was noted that there has been 13 manufactured homes from .Indian Springs since the HIP plan was revised in 2007 to allow mobile home improvements. Mrs. Moore stated that although the limits for mobile homes are not that high homeowners are still able to do a lot of upgrades. 6 Housing Commission Minutes May 12, 2010 Upon question, Mrs. Moore stated that the program offers different types of loans such as grants with no interest and low interest loans which range from 1 to 5% interest depending on the income. Jane Tuner asked if the homeowners had to own the lot to benefit from the program. Mrs. Moore stated that depending on the circumstances of the work required, most renters/homeowners are provided minimal assistance in order to improve their property. If the property has been designated as real property by the County Assessor's office there are different options available. If the home was not assessed as real property (permanently attached) they are limited on the assistance provided. At this time, Richard Kelly, Councilmember Liaison, commented that Verna Smith will be recognized at the Council meeting scheduled tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Mr. Kelly invited the Commission to attend the meeting as well. Staff will notify the Commission and Mr. Kelly if Mrs. Smith will actually attend the meeting. It was noted that Mrs. Smith served as a Housing Commissioner for 3 1/2 years. Wade Tucker inquired on the term in years that a Commissioner serves. Mrs. Moore replied that a commission member serves a 4 year term on a Committee/Commission. If a Commissioner is appointed to an existing Commissioner's term then he or she will complete the remaining term years and then may be re -appointed to a 4 year term. Natalie Russo reminded the Commission that there are two vacancies in the Housing Commission. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — June 9, 2010 ADJOURNMENT Natalie Russo, Housing Commission Chair, adjourned the Housing Commission meeting at 4:04 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., June 7, 2010. Patty Leon, R4cording Secretary 7