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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Housing Commission 04/13/2011TO: FROM: DATE: PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR MAY 13, 2011 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the regular Housing Commission meeting held May 11, 2011 as follows: April 13, 2011 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: John M. Wohlmuth, Executive Director G \rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commtssiott,Mi scellaneous\Memos\Memos to City Clerk HCHAC - Minutes doc 'el'v 4f; LLBY HOUSG AUTH ON �r.3aC1I VERIFIED BY: 2L>K-it Original on file with City Clerk's Office CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES APRIL 13, 2011 1. CALL TO ORDER Jane Turner, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Gene Colombini Donna Lewis Robert Nevares Natalie Russo Wade Tucker Jane Turner Also Present: Jean Benson, Councilmember Liaison John M. Wohlmuth, Executive Director Janet Moore, Director of Housing Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst James Conway, Project Coordinator Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Guest(s): Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Members Absent: III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. CONSENT CALENDAR MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of March 9, 2011: With a Motion made by Commissioner Natalie Russo and seconded by Commissioner Donna Lewis the minutes of March 9, 2011 were unanimously approved. 1 Housing Commission Minutes April 13, 2011 V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore reported that staff has met with Interactive Design Corporation who is managing the design for the Carlos Ortega Villas. She noted that Interactive addressed technical items with the City's Development Services Department to include drainage and landscape design. A conceptual design plan will be provided to the Housing Sub -Committee at a future. At this time, Janet Moore introduced John Wohlmuth, City Manager. 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 Average Weekly Activity Statistics for February. D. REPORT #1 - MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for February. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for February. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE The update on the Housing Authority properties was reviewed by the Commission. James Conway summarized the report. Janet Moore stated that there are some challenges with the landscape company and how the properties are struggling at this time. Staff is taking the 2 Housing Commission Minutes April 13, 2011 necessary steps with regard to Pinnacle's performance in accordance with their contract. Commissioner Gene Colombini asked if the landscape company was the low bidder. James Conway stated that the landscape contract has been modified over the last several years and in fact has gone from a 3 to 4 page contact to 35 pages to include schedules, frequency items, etc. He noted that landscape companies have been very competitive. He stated that contractors are required to provide performance and payment bonds as part of the contract. In the event contractors do not perform according to the contract, surety companies are notified which will impact their bonding ability. Commissioner Wade Tucker asked if Pinnacle hired more staff members. Mr. Conway stated that this is a performance contract which limits our ability to advise on the number of employees needed to serve all of our properties. Commissioner Robert Nevares stated that he noticed the landscape company not using any power equipment and how he felt trimming by hand made the shrubbery look butchered. Mr. Conway stated that the Landscape Department conducts technical training and advice to landscape providers as part of a City's overview. Landscape companies are educated on the two step pruning technique and they are not allowed to use power equipment at the properties. He noted that the last two landscape contracts went through very similar patterns of establishing schedules at the properties. Commissioner Tucker commented that Sierra had problems however did better at the end. Mr. Conway agreed and stated that Sierra's bid was significantly higher this time due to the knowledge they gained on what was necessary for this particular contract. He noted that staff has an obligation to award to the lowest bidder. Commissioner Nevares asked if there were any irrigation problems at the properties and if they would be considered an additional cost. Mr. Conway stated that in the past contracts, irrigation issues were extra however, the contract has been modified to include daily irrigation maintenance and/or failure of equipment. 3 Housing Commission Minutes April 13, 2011 Commissioner Nevares expressed concern with palm trees not getting enough water. He commented that he was told the palm trees cost $100 per foot. Mr. Conway stated that he was not sure on the exact cost of the palm trees however; a monthly maintenance price sheet is submitted by the landscape company. Additional items not listed on the sheet require approval from the landscape department to verify cost. Mr. Conway noted that he would visit Catalina Gardens and inspect the palm trees. He further stated that monthly walks are conducted with the landscape company as well as Sheila McGrew, City's Landscape Inspector. VI. NEW BUSINESS 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 there are currently 19 HIP assignments in various stages. Commissioner Jane Turner commented on the incident that took place at Hovely Gardens where two people were killed and asked if the Housing Authority had any input on background check or gun control. Janet Moore stated that Hovley Gardens is managed by Palm Desert Development; the City assisted them with a low interest loan to complete the project. Given that the property was funded by Federal and State funding they have requirements and mandates under those laws to check backgrounds. She provided a brief background on the victim's family and how they were previous residents of One Quail Place. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE - May 11, 2011 Commissioner Gene Colombini inquired on the earthquake meeting held at City Hall. Janet Moore mentioned that there was a meeting held at City Hall by the City's Risk Manager, Gary Rosenblum to discuss earthquake awareness. The meeting was directed to a specific group "Mother's with Children" however City staff members were able to attend as well as the public. 4 Housing Commission Minutes April 13, 2011 Commissioner Robert Nevares stated that only 8 people attended the meeting and felt there was not enough awareness on earthquake prevention being made in the City of Palm Desert. He noted that Rancho Mirage has held 10 meetings on earthquake preparedness. Commissioner Wade Tucker stated that several meetings were held at Las Serenas and out of 150 residents only 20 showed up. James Conway stated that survival kits were available for purchase at the meeting. He noted that reminders of earthquake awareness are sent out to residents. Mrs. Moore stated that staff and RPM poise to assist with respect to ensuring that the buildings and the grounds are safe. Residents were given door cards that say "I'm Okay" and should be placed outside the door after an event. Commissioner Tucker asked on the door cards after residents move out. Teresa Vakili stated that the door cards are part of the check list when moving out. Commissioner Tucker commented that the new manager at Las Serenas was very pleasant. Mr. Conway addressed Mr. Nevares and asked if he had a chance to meet with Gary Rosenblum with respect to earthquake awareness. He also noted that contract coordinators who have worked with FEMA on major disasters have come out to the City and provided information on their experiences. Commissioner Nevares stated that he has spoken to the property manager on this subject and was open about it. He expressed concern in the event a major earthquake was to hit this area. ADJOURNMENT Jane Turner Housing Commission Chair adjourned the Housing Commissiomeeting at 4:00 p.m. Patty Leon, Re ording Secretary 5 PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: JUNE 9, 2011 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the regular Housing Commission meeting held June 8, 2011 as follows: y May 11, 2011 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. cc: John M. Wohlmuth, Executive Director G \rda\Patty Leon\Housing Commissior♦,MiscellaneouslMemos\Memos to City Clerk HQHAC - Minutes.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MAY 11, 2011 I. CALL TO ORDER Wade Tucker, Housing Commission Vice -Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Members Absent: Gene Colombini Jane Turner Donna Lewis Robert Nevares Natalie Russo Wade Tucker Also Present: Jean Benson, Councilmember Liaison 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 MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of April 13, 2011: With a Motion made by Commissioner Natalie Russo and seconded by Commissioner Gene Colombini the minutes of April 13, 2011 were unanimously approved. 1 Housing Commission Minutes May 11, 2011 V. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore reported on the Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting regarding Carlos Ortega Villas; both Commissioner Natalie Russo and Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson were in attendance. Mrs. Moore stated that Interactive Design addressed the energy efficiencies and the equipment being implemented. Drawings and the site layout of the buildings were also displayed both in color and 3D form. She noted that the drawings will be brought to the Commission at a later date for review. Commissioner Natalie Russo commented that the drawings were very detailed in terms of where the trees, carports, and solar panels will be placed. She noted that although a high level of energy efficiencies are being considered, the living environment of the units are inviting and appealing. Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson commented she hoped the project would be completed sooner rather than later. She noted that the project will accommodate seniors. Current technology is being considered and may be phased to stay current with any new technology. Construction is expected to be completed in 2012. Mrs. Moore agreed the presentation was very informative. She stated that the overall concept of the project is for the units to be livable and not industrial looking from both the interiors as well as the exteriors. Commissioner Russo also added that the energy efficiencies are cost efficient and how Interactive suggested scaling back on the solar panels to allow for technological advances. Commissioner Gene Colombini asked if the presentation to the Commission will include the proposed implementations of energy efficiencies. Mrs. Moore stated an overview of the drawings will be presented to the Housing Commission at the next meeting. 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 2 Housing Commission Minutes May 11, 2011 The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy Status Report and Average Weekly Activity Statistics for March. Teresa Vakili reported that the properties are focusing on filling vacancies at the 50% income levels and above which has been a challenge and how some units will remain vacant for more than 30 days. Commissioner Wade Tucker commented on the turnovers at Las Serenas. Mrs. Vakili stated that tenants from both properties Catalina Gardens and Las Serenas have either moved with family members, assisted living facilities or passed away. Commissioner Tucker commented that there are a lot of new tenants at Las Serenas and how the interaction between tenants has changed. Mrs. Vakili stated that Las Serenas has a new property manager who has been with RPM Company for 5 years and was assigned to Las Serenas 4 months ago. Given that long term residents have moved out, new tenants will have to adjust to the existing tenants and also community events. She noted that there has been a shift of demographics as well. Commissioner Tucker mentioned that the new property manager and staff are doing a good job at Las Serenas. Commissioner Natalie Russo referenced the Monthly Occupancy Status Report and asked why the Number of Traffic Qualified have low numbers. Ms. Vakili stated that RPM does not advertise given that the wait list is long. Staff is constantly updating the list by calling applicants to see if they are still interested. She noted that a lot of the traffic is at the 20 - 30% level which the wait list for a unit at that level is a 2 to 3 year wait. Commissioner Gene Colombini asked on the average wait time that applicants have to wait on the waiting list. Ms. Vakili stated that One Quail Place, which has 384 units, maintains a wait list of approximately 1500 to 2200 with the majority of them at the 20 -30°/0 income levels and an approximate wait time of 3 years. She noted that once applicants are in the affordable units, particularly the senior properties, they are not inclined to move right away because every year rent is adjusted as it relates to income regardless of whether income goes up or down. Janet Moore stated that the actual number on the wait list is probably less since staff will call a significant number of applicants before there is an applicant who qualifies or is still interested and is able to move in at that time. 3 Housing Commission Minutes May 11, 2011 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. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE The update on the Housing Authority properties was reviewed by the Commission. James Conway summarized the report. Commissioner Natalie Russo questioned the demolition of interior plaster at Desert Pointe. Mr. Conway mentioned that Desert Pointe and Neighbors are older properties and are taking the opportunities, when a unit becomes available and is in disrepair, we repair the interior which often includes drywall and plumbing without affecting the exterior of the building. VI. NEW BUSINESS 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 there are currently 21 HIP assignments in various stages. Commissioner Robert Nevares commented that the flyer regarding earthquake awareness inserted in the newsletters was very informative. He noted that most of the tenants at Catalina Gardens are not willing to participate in meetings pertaining to safety and earthquake awareness. 4 Housing Commission Minutes May 11, 2011 Commissioner Wade Tucker agreed and stated it was the same situation at Las Serenas. Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson asked if qualification for the HIP was based on income. Janet Moore replied yes and that the grant or loan amounts is based on their incomes. Commissioner Gene Colombini inquired on the improvements being requested for the summer. Mrs. Moore replied that there is a surge of HVAC systems replaced in the summer. There have been several emergency situations where staff has worked quickly with the applicant to turn around HVAC's within 48 hours. Councilmember Benson asked on the mold issues and its cause. Mr. Conway stated that in most cases homeowners have neglected or ignored either a leaking condensing line or have improperly maintained the HVAC unit which could cause mold. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE - June 8, 2011 ADJOURNMENT Wade Tucker Housing Commission Vice -Chair adjourned the Housing Commission meeting at 3:50 p.m. Patty Leon, Reicording Secretary 5