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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 05-08-2013PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: JUNE 13, 2013 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the regular Housing Commission meeting held June 12, 2013 as follows: (x) May 8, 2013 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. 4 Y HOUSG AUTH ON VERIFIED BY: PK /rj Original on file with City Clerk's Office G:\HOUSING\Patty Leon\Housing Commission\Miscellaneous\Memos\Memos to City Clerk HC\HAC - Minutes.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MAY 8, 2013 I. CALL TO ORDER Natalie Russo, Housing Commission Vice -Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Robert Nevares, Chair Natalie Russo Jane Turner Wade Tucker Others Present: Jean Benson, Councilmember Janet Moore, Director of Housing Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Karen Corner, Guest Constance Ackroyd, Guest III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Karen Corner and Ms. Constance Ackroyd both tenants at California Villas Apartments, introduced themselves as guests. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meetings of April 10, 2013: 1 Housing Commission Minutes MAY 8, 2013 Commissioner Jane Turner moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the minutes of the April 10th, 2013 meeting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Wade Tucker and passed 4-0. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Destruction of Duplicate Files for Acquisitions and Improvement Loans Janet Moore stated that the loan files are considered closed, where loans have been paid or covenants have expired and therefore staff recommends destruction of the closed hard -copy loan files. She noted that this will allow space in our filing system for new loan files. Commissioner Wade Tucker moved, by Minute Motion, to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board to adopt Resolution No. HA- authorizing destruction of duplicate files for acquisitions and improvement loans that have been digitally imaged. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Robert Nevares and passed 4-0. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS VII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Carlos Ortega Villas ("COV") Project - 2013 Compass Blueprint Recognition Award — Honorable Mention Janet Moore reported that a response from the Department of Finance has not yet been received with regard to obtaining a "finding of completion" for the former agency. Once it is received we will need clarification on whether or not bond funds may be used immediately or wait until January of 2014 for the COV project. Commission was copied on the letter received from Southern California Association of Governments ("SCAG") with respect to COV project receiving a 2013 Compass Blueprint Recognition Award — Honorable Mention. Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson mentioned she had attended the award reception with Ms. Rosemary Ortega. There were approximately 12 cities also recognized for different awards; COV was the only project who received an honorable mention award for housing. Coachella Valley Association of 2 Housing Commission Minutes MAY 8, 2013 Governments (CVAG) also received an award for the proposed bike lane on Highway 111. It was the largest SCAG regional meeting in attendance of approximately over 1,000 people. She noted that Ms. Ortega was honored to be there. Commissioner Jane Turner inquired if the plans submitted for the award were the final plans for the project. Mrs. Moore stated that the architectural design is complete and staff is currently working on completing the construction documents; however the design has not changed from its original. It was explained that the architect submitted the architectural design plans that included all the unique and interesting components of the project such as the roofing, lighting and drainage. Also mentioned were energy efficiencies; anticipated to be net zero efficiency. B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND HOUSING AUTHORITY AGENDA ITEMS Jessica Gonzales summarized the memo provided to the Commission for review. Mrs. Gonzales also mentioned that a public hearing is scheduled for the Housing Authority Board meeting of May 23rd to request approval of the proposed sale of three Falcon Crest properties. She also noted that one of the four properties located at Desert Rose is scheduled to close escrow within the next couple of days. C. MONTHLY OCCUPANCY STATUS REPORT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy Status Report for March. Teresa Vakili reported no changes to the report, properties remain 99% occupied. D. REPORT #1 — MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT FOR MARCH The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for March. 3 Housing Commission Minutes MAY 8, 2013 E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS FOR MARCH The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for March. Commissioner Natalie Russo asked if the property managers were experiencing more activities at the properties; given the recent increase in the housing market. Teresa Vakili stated that the property managers are constantly busy with re - certifications and new applications whether they qualify or not. Notices to terminate residencies are being received as normal. Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson inquired if some of the tenants leave in the summertime. Ms. Vakili mentioned there were a few families that leave during the summer but pay their rents in advance. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE Teresa Vakili summarized the report. Commissioner Wade Tucker inquired if the tree pruning was complete at the properties. He also thanked Spencer Knight for addressing the olive tree outside his unit. It was explained that the tree pruning is complete at the Housing Authority properties; the palm tree pruning is next. Commissioner Robert Nevares expressed concern with the size of two trees behind building "B" at Catalina Gardens and felt they were not pruned correctly the last time and are also not getting enough water. Ms. Vakili stated that the landscape department for the City of Palm Desert does not like to prune back more than 25% off the trees to avoid stressing the trees. She mentioned she would further review. Commissioner Jane Turner asked about cleaning the properties after the wind. Ms. Vakili stated that the cleanup of debris after high winds is routine maintenance however the landscape company will also address areas that require cleanup. 4 Housing Commission Minutes MAY 8, 2013 G. AGENCY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program (HIP) was provided to the Commission for review. Janet Moore summarized the report noting there are roof issues being addressed at this time and will soon change to AC issues due to season changes. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — JUNE 12, 2013 Janet Moore stated that staff is requesting to change the next Housing Commission meeting time from 3:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. City staff members and a Housing Commission member are scheduled to attend an offsite meeting that starts at 4:30 p.m. Motion was made by Commissioner Wade Tucker to change the Housing Commission meeting of June 12th to 3:00 p.m. Motion was carried by all members. At this time, Mrs. Moore addressed Commissioner Jane Turner and asked if she would be available for the July meeting. Ms. Turner responded no, noting she will not be available for the August, September and possibly October meetings either. Mrs. Moore noted that typically the City Council will go dark the second meeting in July and the first meeting in August which might push housing items to September. If there is an item that requires action then staff will forward to the Housing Authority Board and bring it back to the Commission as ratification. Upon question of any interested members to this commission, Mrs. Moore stated there were no applications received with respect to the Housing Commission. With respect to advertising vacancies, Mrs. Moore stated the City Clerk will publish public notices in the newspaper during the regular November submissions and has done a special notice upon request. The Housing Commission members consist of 2 residents from the Housing Authority properties and 5 at -large as stated in the bylaws. Staff inquired with legal counsel on whether or not Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson may be a voting member in the event there are no applications received in the fall for this Commission; Legal counsel strongly cautioned against that as there could be a conflict of interest being that Ms. Benson also votes on behalf of the Palm Desert Housing Authority Board. 5 Housing Commission Minutes MAY 8, 2013 X. ADJOURNMENT With Commission concurrence the meeting was adjourned at 3:53 p.m. to June 12, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. Patty Leon, Relcording Secretary 6