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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 12-11-2013PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETAR DATE: JANUARY 9, 2013 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the regular Housing Commission meeting held January8, 2014 as follows: (x) December 11, 2013 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. aPPI7Ned BY HOUSG AUTH `5- 0 ON l - a - ao i Li VERIFIED BY: 12DK-J fl13c Original on file with City VClerk'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 DECEMBER 11, 2013 I. CALL TO ORDER Robert Nevares, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p .m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Robert Nevares, Chair Natalie Russo Jane Turner Wade Tucker Others Present: Jean Benson, Councilmember Liaison Janet Moore, Director of Housing Jessica Gonzales, Management Analyst Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Patty Leon, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Absent: MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of November 13, 2013: Commissioner Wade Tucker referenced the minutes and asked that a correction be made to page 6, section c, commission's motion. Commissioner Wade Tucker moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the minutes of the November 13th, 2013 meeting contingent upon correction to page 6. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Jane Turner and passed 4-0. 1 Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 11, 2013 V. NEW BUSINESS A. Receive and File the approved staff report from the Housing Authority Board meeting of October 10, 2013: 1) Approve Resolution No. HA-59 and Resolution No. SARDA 021- a Resolution approving the execution of a Carlos Ortega Villas Project Bond Proceeds Funding Agreement between the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the Palm Desert Housing Authority and taking certain related actions. Janet Moore summarized the staff report. Motion was made by Commissioner Jane Turner to receive and file the approved staff report from the Housing Authority Board meeting of October 10, 2013: 1) Approve Resolution No. HA-59 and Resolution No. SARDA 021- a Resolution approving the execution of a Carlos Ortega Villas Project Bond Proceeds Funding Agreement between the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency and the Palm Desert Housing Authority and taking certain related actions and seconded by Commissioner Wade Tucker; Motion was carried by all members. VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS VII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore reported that a new law passed effective January 1, 2014 with regards to the Brown Act. All legislative bodies must publicly report any action taken in any meeting, and the vote or abstention on that action of each member present. Recording Secretary, Patty Leon may be required to announce the vote by roll call for each motion at the time it is taken. Mrs. Moore also reported on the One Quail Place Ponds, stating that the City Attorney and staff reviewed the proposals submitted (second RFP) and requested clarifying information from the lowest bidder; however, legal counsel found it to be insufficient to award a bid. After careful review of the proposals it was determined that it would be best if staff sought a landscape architect to prepare demolition plans and design the areas to our satisfaction. Commissioner Wade Tucker asked on the specifics of removing the ponds. Mrs. Moore stated that the scope of work calls to remove 12 inches of concrete from each pond and drill holes throughout the rest of the concrete so that it percolates properly. Then, fill each pond with soil that's acceptable in the desert environment and install irrigation and plants similar to what's near it. In addition, 2 Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 11, 2013 staff also identified some areas to include benches, lights, and trash receptacles. Commissioner Jane Turner asked if staff is working with the low bidder or will go out to bid again. Mrs. Moore responded that staff did ask for clarification on the proposal submitted from the lowest bidder; however it was insufficient. Staff will be asking the Council to reject the bids at their January council meeting and then contract with a landscape designer to prepare the design and specifications to go out to bid. Commissioner Turner asked if the City's Landscape Department can assist with the design. Mrs. Moore stated that staff worked with the Landscape Department originally and they were able to provide ideas; however, the Landscape Department agreed it would be best to have plans drawn since they too felt the proposals received were not sufficient. Upon question of timeframe to start the project, Mrs. Moore anticipates summertime to commence. 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. C. MONTHLY OCCUPANCY STATUS REPORT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy Status Report for October. Commissioner Natalie Russo referenced the Monthly Occupancy Status Report and questioned the high number of vacant units at One Quail Place. Teresa Vakili responded that she felt it was due to the increase of rents in July. D. REPORT #1 — MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for October. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements October. 3 Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 11, 2013 Commissioner Natalie Russo referenced page 6 of the report and questioned the Replacement Expense in the amount of $7,800 for Candlewood. Teresa Vakili replied that that expense was due to 2 HVAC units that were not approved by the Energy Savings Assistance Program; approvals were based on the tenants' income qualification and the year of the HVAC unit (units have to be more than 10 years old to be replaced). Commissioner Wade Tucker asked about the rent setting policy. Janet Moore stated that the rent setting policy will be modified once HUD releases the new income limits for next year. F HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE Teresa Vakili summarized the report. Commissioner Wade Tucker commented on the job well done by the company that replaced the HVAC units at Las Serenas and noted there were several inspections by both the company and the City of Palm Desert. Teresa Vakili agreed and was also very pleased with John Harrison Company. Commissioner Jane Turner questioned the installation of 2 deadbolts in unit #22. Mrs. Vakili responded that most units at Candlewood have a front and back door. ESTABLISHMENT OF NON-SMOKING BUILDINGS In an effort to assist the City in providing for public health, safety and welfare of the Authority's residents, staff would like to recommend the establishment of non-smoking buildings at its properties. Janet Moore stated that HUD restricted smoking in their communities. Attached to the memo were maps of proposed non-smoking buildings for each property. Carlos Ortega is being proposed as a 100% non-smoking community. Staff is looking at a five year plan to move tenants that smoke into a smoking building if approved. Currently, the properties have designated smoking sections in the pool areas or inside the tenant's unit. Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson asked about a legal challenge in terms of allowing tenants to smoke in their units. Mrs. Moore stated that because the Authority is the owner of the complexes, the Authority can designate smoking areas within the communities. Staff will review Fair Housing laws as well as HUD's reasoning behind allowing communities to be 100% non smoking; both share the same goal to promote public health. It was suggested that the smaller communities be 100% nonsmoking. 4 Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 11, 2013 Councilmember Benson commented that tenants have rights and therefore suggested the larger complexes designate smoking buildings. Mrs. Moore stated that Desert Pointe which consists of 64 units was selected as a 100% non smoking complex; the larger communities are being proposed with designated smoking buildings. Teresa Vakili stated that it has been a challenge to place a smoking tenant next to a non smoking tenant due to health reasons since they are allowed to smoke on their patios. She noted that most cities designate 20% of their communities to smoking units. Commissioner Jane Turner suggested that all the Authority properties convert to 100% non smoking and not rent to new smokers; both Commissioner Wade Tucker and Commissioner Robert Nevares agreed. Commissioner Natalie Russo commented she is very anti smoking; however expressed concerned that there might be people that need affordable housing and are turned away because they smoke. She noted she is In favor of designating a minimum of buildings to smoking. Mrs. Moore referenced the report that shows the percentage of non smoking units for each property, noting that designating smoking buildings within the communities would allow existing tenants that smoke the option to transfer into a smoking building. Commissioner Turner clarified she is not suggesting to kick out existing tenants that smoke, but instead turn down new tenants that smoke. She noted how HUD instigated this program in their properties and felt our properties should not put themselves out on a limb. Mrs. Moore suggested a modified plan to establish non smoking buildings at the larger properties and in 3 years re -visit this implementation and see where we are. She noted that Councilmember Jean Benson has been an advocate for non smoking and in fact has volunteered in nonsmoking campaigns for many years. Councilmember Benson commented that it would be injustice to turn down applicants looking for affordable housing because they smoke. She noted how we know we can't convert everyone and we never will, however consider the realistic manner without ruining someone's quality of life especially seniors. Mrs. Moore stated that the only concern would be of a legal issue converting all our communities to non smoking. She noted that there are tenants with medical marijuana cards that the law protects. Staff will review every aspect and legal issue and in the meantime work on a 5 year implementation and see how it is received by the communities. 5 Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 11, 2013 Commissioner Wade Tucker commented how Las Serenas has all the smoking units at the front of the complex. Mrs. Moore suggested providing awareness programs at the communities. Councilmember Benson also suggested giving tenants an incentive for not smoking such as reducing their rent. She noted that the American Cancer Society or different foundations might be able to come to the complexes to provide awareness. Mrs. Moore explained that when a unit has been smoked in, it increases maintenance requirements with respect to cleaning it up for the next tenant. Staff intends to make any adjustments necessary based on legal counsel's advice and city ordinances and perhaps model HUD's program. 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. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — JANUARY 8, 2014 Schedule of Housing Commission meeting dates for 2014 At this time, Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson thanked all commissioners for their time serving the Housing Commission. She expressed that the volunteers have helped make Palm Desert something that we are all proud of. She presented them with a gift stating that it is certainly not the size of the gift that matters but what they all do that is so important. Commissioner Wade Tucker asked about new elections for the 2014 calendar year. Janet Moore stated that staff was hoping for additional members and therefore postponed the elections to January. December 15th is the deadline for application submission and interviews are scheduled sometime in January. Councilmember Liaison Jean Benson mentioned that during interviews the council will see whether any applicant would be a good candidate for the Housing Commission and try to talk them into volunteering. At this time, Janet Moore referenced the 2014 Housing Commission meeting schedule and asked that the Commission consider rescheduling the meeting of 6 Housing Commission Minutes DECEMBER 11, 2013 May 14th to May 7th to accommodate actions required by the Commission on Housing Authority items. Commissioner Jane Turner moved, by Minute Motion, to reschedule the May 14th meeting to May 7th. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Wade Tucker and passed 4-0. Mrs. Moore also asked the Commission if they would like to vote on whether or not to cancel the August meeting since historically the Council and Authority are dark. She noted that if needed a special meeting can be called. Commissioner Wade Tucker moved, by Minute Motion, to cancel the August 13th meeting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Natalie Russo and passed 4-0. X. ADJOURNMENT With Commission concurrence the meeting was adjourned at 4:19 p.m. to January 8, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. t:-tb__-, Y)\1-61L/. Patty Leon, Rcording Secretary 7