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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Cmsn - 09-10-2014PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETA DATE: OCTOBER 9, 2014 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the regular Housing Commission meeting held October 8th, 2014 as follows: (x) Meeting Minutes for September 10tt', 2014 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. ccehre et f lR BY HOUSG AUTH ON 11-13-14 VERIFIED BY: Rpicil,rlrvi Original on file with City Clerk's Office G.\HOUSING\Patty Leon\Housing Commission \M scellaneous\Memos\Memos to City Clerk HC\HAC - Minutes doc CITY OF PALM DESERT REGULAR HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 I. CALL TO ORDER Natalie Russo, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Natalie Russo — Chair Gregory Ballard Mike Lewis Robert Nevares Wade Tucker Joy Whitehurst Others Present: Jean Benson, Councilmember Liaison Janet Moore, Director of Housing Patty Leon, Recording Secretary Teresa Vakili, RPM Company III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jane Turner MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of July 9, 2014: Motion was made by Commissioner Mike Lewis to approve the minutes of the July 9th, 2014 meeting. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Wade Tucker and carried by 6-0-1 vote (AYES: Ballard, Lewis, Nevares, Tucker, Whitehurst, and Russo; NOES: none; ABSENT: Turner). V. NEW BUSINESS 1 Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 A. Receive and File the approved staff report from the Housing Authority Board meeting of Auaust 28. 2014: 1) Amendment No. 1 to Ray Lopez Associates for the design and landscape and demolition plans for the backfill of Pond No. 8 at One Quail Place Janet Moore summarized the staff report, stating that the architect identified some issues that need to be addressed with Pond No. 8 and recommended removal as part of the demolishing project of the other ponds. Some of the issues mentioned were removal of concrete which is a trip hazard and removal of a pump behind hidden bushes. Motion was made by Commissioner Mike Lewis to receive and file the approved staff report from the Housing Authority Board meeting of August 28. 2014: 1) Amendment No. 1 to Ray Lopez Associates for the design and landscape and demolition plans for the backfill of Pond No. 8 at One Quail Place. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Greg Ballard and carried by 6-0-1 vote (AYES: Ballard, Lewis, Nevares, Tucker, Whitehurst, and Russo; NOES: none; ABSENT: Turner). B. HD Supply Janet Moore summarized the staff report. She stated that because of the elimination of redevelopment agency the four units at the rental properties have been down for at least 4 years; as well as the 3 homes for sale. A contractor was asked to submit a proposal to draw the specifications to go out to bid but was significantly high in cost. HD Supply Facilities Maintenance is part of the US Communities Purchasing Alliance and has submitted proposals based on the govemment contracted pricing at prevailing wage rates. Commissioner Wade Tucker referenced Las Serenas summary of renovations and asked about the removal of the wall separating kitchen and living room and thought this renovation was not allowed. Teresa Vakili explained that currently the column that separates the kitchen and living room is in need of repair; however will not be removed entirely and will only be modified in size. There was discussion at one point to remove the wall and cabinets to open up the space but the cost was expensive. Commissioner Mike Lewis asked if the for sale homes were acquired from foreclosures. 2 Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 Janet Moore stated that the Authority purchased the properties from the homeowners prior to the elimination of redevelopment. She noted that the homes were in very poor conditions and therefore the Authority was not able to show them to prospective buyers. Monies were withheld from the seller's proceeds in order to renovate them and resell them. However, due to the redevelopment law in effect, the Authority was unable to renovate those homes at the time of purchase and only did the necessary repairs to the extent of avoiding an eyesore at the communities. Some further renovations are now necessary since the homes were vandalized because they are vacant. She mentioned that a home was recently purchased from a homeowner who agreed to increase her second in order to do the necessary repairs in the home. Once the Authority acquired the property those repairs were completed and sold to a new buyer within five months. Mrs. Moore reported that the Authority owned 14 homes total, sold seven and three are in escrow at the current time. Falcon Crest has 3 four - bedroom homes available at a sales price of $225,000. Desert Rose has a three -bedroom home and a four -bedroom home available at this time. Discussion ensued with the conditions of the properties. Commissioner Lewis inquired if the Authority has the owner offset the cost for repairs. Mrs. Moore replied yes and in most cases the Authority will give the homeowner options to either fix the home or get bids and give the Authority credit. Commissioner Lewis asked if there should be something in the purchase contract that states the condition of the property. Mrs. Moore stated that the contract states owners have to maintain the property in livable condition; wear and tear is normal. It was explained that the staff report will be forwarded to the City Council for approval at their September 25th meeting. Staff is waiting for actual amounts from HD Supply however will not exceed $275,000. Motion was made by Commissioner Gregory Ballard to forward a recommendation to the Palm Desert Housing Authority to authorize the use of HD Supply Facilities maintenance for Renovation of 4 apartment units and 3 homes owned by the Palm Desert Housing Authority in an amount not to exceed $275,000. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Joy Whitehurst and carried by 6-0-1 vote 3 Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 (AYES: Ballard, Lewis, Nevares, Tucker, Whitehurst, and Russo; NOES: none; ABSENT: Turner) VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS VII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Janet Moore reported that the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Carlos Ortega Villas had a great turnout considering it was in August. The grand opening event is anticipated to be much larger with multiple events that will include a dedication to Carlos Ortega and a presentation of the artwork. She also noted that there was significant damage to the site due to the recent rain storm. The sidewalk along Avenue of the States collapsed and caused severe damage to the COV site. As a result of this, there might be either a change order to the contract or an insurance claim for any damage to the site and the adjacent property owners. Upon question of future flooding near the site, Mrs. Moore stated that this was an extraordinary event and although she hasn't had confirmation the storm may well have been a 100 plus year storm. Although we have sufficient drainage to handle storms very little could have stopped that flood event. B. SUMMARY OF CITY COUNCIL, SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND HOUSING AUTHORITY AGENDA ITEMS A memo summarizing the approved action items from the City Council meetings of July 10th, 2014 and August 28th, 2014 were provided to the Commission for review. C. MONTHLY OCCUPANCY STATUS REPORT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy Status Report for June and July. Teresa Vakili summarized the reports and stated that the totals remain consistent in regards to occupancy. Commissioner Gregory Ballard asked about leaks at the rental properties. 4 Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 Mrs. Vakili replied there were no roof leaks; however California Villas landscape was affected by the rain where the decomposed granite was washed away. There will be a request to repair the areas affected. In addition, three units were affected where water got into the living room areas. D. REPORT #1 — MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for June and July. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for June and July. Teresa Vakili reported that June's report shows a higher expense amount since the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 and expenses to complete projects budgeted for that fiscal year were submitted. Commissioner Gregory Ballard asked what the cost would be to take out the rest of the ponds at One Quail Place. Mrs. Vakili responded that pond number 8 which was already converted to desert scape has a cost of $1200 to bring it to a condition as the rest of the ponds being renovated. Janet Moore stated that all of the ponds will be demolished with the exception of the front entrance pond. Commissioner Mike Lewis referenced June's report and asked if the amounts in parenthesis under the column Net Operating Income indicate a minus. Mrs. Moore replied yes however the Monthly Net Operating Income shows what typically should be the expenses for the month of June. There are a lot of capital projects that usually hit the month of June and will show a negative until we are reimbursed from a separate funding source, approved by the Department of Finance. RPM is required to show all expenditures in order to keep track of the replacement and capital projects at the properties. F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE An update on the Housing Authority Properties was provided to the Commission for review. 5 Housing Commission Minutes SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 Commissioner Natalie Russo questioned the water line leak at One Quail Place. Teresa Vakili stated that the water line leak was caused by the root of a eucalyptus tree. G. AUTHORITY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE An update on the Home Improvement Program (HP) was provided to the Commission for review. Janet Moore summarized the report, stating that although the work requested from the applicant is considered an emergency nature, the applicants are slow in submitting the required documents delaying the approval process. Commissioner Mike Lewis questioned why some of the projects have been on the list for awhile. Mrs. Moore stated that the report is updated on an annual basis and will show completed and in process projects for at least 12 months depending on the status of the project. In addition, the report shows those applicants who inquired either by phone, counter, and how many applications were provided. Mrs. Moore provided examples of what may delay a project due to requirements necessary from the City in terms of permits, licensed contractors, homeowner's insurance requirements, etc. IX. NEXT MEETING DATE — OCTOBER 8TH, 2014 X. ADJOURNMENT With Commission concurrence the meeting was adjourned at 4:23 p.m. to October 8, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. Patty Leon, Recording Secretary 6