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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Housing Commission 02/08/2017PALM DESERT HOUSING AUTHORITY INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK FROM: PATTY LEON, RECORDING SECRETARY DATE: March 10, 2017 SUBJECT: HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES Attached is a copy of the following Housing Commission Meeting Minutes approved at the Housing Commission meeting held March 8th, 2017 as follows: (x) Meeting Minutes for February 8th, 2017 Please submit to the Housing Authority Board. Thank you. BY HOUSG AUTh VERIFIED BY: Original on file with City Clerk's OfficF G \HOUSING\Patty Leon\Housing Commission \Miscellaneous\Memos\Memos to City Clerk HC\HAC - Minutes.doc CITY OF PALM DESERT HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 2017 I. CALL TO ORDER Heather Horning, Housing Commission Chair, convened the meeting at 3:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Heather Horning - Chair Gregory Ballard — Vice Chair Beverly Fitzgerald Robert Nevares Wade Tucker Joy Whitehurst Others Present: Kathleen Kelly, City Council Member Liaison Janet Moore, Director of Finance Jessica Gonzales, Senior Management Analyst Teresa Vakili, RPM Company Patty Leon, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mike Lewis Janet Moore introduced the newest member to the Commission Beverly Fitzgerald. Ms. Fitzgerald provided a brief background of her career. Also introduced was newly elected Councilmember Ms. Kathleen Kelly who is now the Housing Commission Liaison. Mrs. Moore mentioned that Councilmember Sabby Jonathan, elected as the Mayor Pro-Tempore, was reassigned to different committees so he expressed his gratitude to the Commission and knows that Councilmember Kelly will be a great addition. Councilmember Liaison Kathleen Kelly stated that sometimes Councilmembers are given assignments that they are not excited about, however she was extremely excited to be assigned to this Commission. Ms. Kelly stated that Palm Desert's Affordable Housing, for so many years, has been a gem and a need in the community. She thanked the Commission for their wonderful participation in this effort. 1 Housing Commission Minutes February 8, 2017 The Housing Commission members and staff introduced themselves to the new members. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MINUTES of the Regular Housing Commission meeting of January 11, 2017: Motion was made by Commissioner Joy Whitehurst to approve the minutes of the Housing Commission meeting of January 11th, 2017. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Wade Tucker and carried by 6-0 vote (AYES: Ballard, Fitzgerald, Nevares, Tucker, Whitehurst, and Horning; NOES: none). V. NEW BUSINESS None VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VII. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. COMMISSION REPORTS Jessica Gonzales provided an update on Habitat for Humanity's two single family homes designated for disabled veterans. She stated that Habitat resolved their most recent financial issues and recently completed both homes. Habitat held an event this past weekend where volunteers assisted with clean up and landscape. They are currently working on identifying families for both homes and anticipate a dedication ceremony sometime in May. One of the homes was said to be approximately 1300 square feet and the other home is 1500 with wheelchair accessibility. Janet Moore stated that staff will notify the Commission members of the dedication ceremony event. Pictures of both homes were displayed for viewing. Commissioner Gregory Ballard asked if the street in front of the homes may be repaved before the event takes place. Mrs. Moore stated that the Public Works Department has a schedule of when repaving and slurry seal takes place throughout the entire City of Palm Desert. 2 Housing Commission Minutes February 8, 2017 San Benito was postponed due to the construction of these two homes and eventually will be placed back on schedule. 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 and Authority Board meetings was provided to the Commission for review. Commissioner Joy Whitehurst asked for an update on the courtesy patrol services. Jessica Gonzales stated that the Housing Authority Board approved to reject the bids at their January 28th meeting and subsequently began the process to re - advertise to go out to bid. Councilmember Wade Tucker commented that he noticed patrol service during the day at Las Serenas and felt they should be patrolling during the night. Teresa Vakili stated that the patrol company, currently on contract, patrols the properties only during the night; the COPS program patrols the properties during the day as a courtesy. Mrs. Moore referenced the third item on the memo regarding the award of contract to Ryder, Inc., for deck improvements and related services at Candlewood Apartments; this item was approved by this Commission at their meeting of May 11, 2016. Mrs. Moore stated that Ryder Inc., who originally drew the specifications for this project, is finally able to obtain the necessary documents and bonds to do the work and the Housing Authority Board awarded a contract on January 26th. RPM Company's staff will coordinate with Ryder to minimize the impact to the residents since the work will include staircases, landings, and walkways to front doors. C. MONTHLY OCCUPANCY STATUS REPORT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy Status Report for December. Teresa Vakili reported that the properties are currently at 98.5% occupancy; 267 applicants were contacted from the interest list; 290 applicants were added to the interest list; 149 recertifications were completed; 40 move -ins and 34 move -outs. Councilmember Liaison Kathleen Kelly asked about the definition of a down unit and also referenced California Villas "Ending Occupied & Pre -leased" total amount of 143 when the property only has 141 units. 3 Housing Commission Minutes February 8, 2017 Ms. Vakili replied that a down unit is a unit under renovation not available for rent. With regards to the "Ending Occupied & Pre -leased" total, Ms. Vakili explained that there are 141 occupied units and 3 pre -leased units in which 30-day notices to vacate were provided but not yet vacated and in the meantime those units were preleased. D. REPORT #1 — MONTHLY OCCUPANCY AND AVERAGE RENT STATEMENT The Commission reviewed the Monthly Occupancy and Average Rent Statement for December. Janet Moore referenced the first page on the report and provided a brief explanation. She noted that the average rents show that the need is at the lower levels. Councilmember Liaison Kathleen Kelly asked how an applicant is selected from the interest list when a unit becomes available. Mrs. Moore replied that there is a waiting list for every income level at each property. When a unit becomes available at a certain income level then that unit would be re -rented at the same level with the exception of moderate income since we no longer rent at the moderate income level. E. REPORT #2 — MONTHLY NET OPERATING INCOME STATEMENTS The Commission reviewed the Monthly Net Operating Income Statements for December. Councilmember Liaison Kathleen Kelly referenced One Quail Place "FYTD Net Operating Income" negative amount shown. Janet Moore stated that One Quail Place recently completed a roofing restoration project. However, the project is funded at the end of year from reserves that are allocated for that purpose. RPM Company will continue to pay the bills which will reflect a negative amount on the report but will balance at the end of the year. Councilmember Beverly Fitzgerald asked which senior complex is the oldest; it was noted that Candlewood Apartments is the oldest complex. 4 Housing Commission Minutes February 8, 2017 F. HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES UPDATE An update on the Housing Authority Properties was provided to the Commission for review. Teresa Vakili summarized the report. Councilmember Joy Whitehurst questioned the repairs on a broken bridge. Ms. Vakili replied that throughout the complex there are bridges over dry creek beds of which one of the bridges required a minor repair to the track composite panel. Upon question of any roof Teaks, Ms. Vakili stated that there are minor Teaks at different buildings at One Quail Place which are being addressed. Commissioner Gregory Ballard inquired on the energy efficiency products replaced in terms of cost savings Ms. Vakili replied that staff can only monitor the common areas of the properties and its usage to determine savings, however it will be difficult to monitor the individual units unless a tenant volunteers the information. Staff will bring back a savings comparison for review. G. Authority Home Improvement Program (HIP) Update (Janet) ACTIVITY (January 2017): Inquiries (calls, walk-ins, emails): 11 Applications Provided: 4 Application Intake Process: 1 Ineligible (does not meet criteria): 5 Energy Savings Assistance Programs Referrals: 1 (JHC Construction - SCE/Gas Co) Janet Moore reported that the program has had a lot of interest lately due to the rains. There is a new category added to the count "Ineligible (does not meet criteria)". Applicants are concerned with liens on their properties and therefore staff will encourage them to contact programs available through the public utility companies or other grant funded sources. HIP requires prospective participants use all other sources of funding first including contacting their home insurance first to assist in covering the expenses of the repairs needed; in the event the insurance policy does not cover such repairs then HIP will provide assistance if the homeowner is eligible. 5 Housing Commission Minutes February 8, 2017 Discussion ensued with the economic impact several years ago and how the interest list at the rental properties increased significantly whereas the interest list for the For -Sale Program has been very limited. Commissioner Gregory Ballard commented that these programs have a lot to do with the administration from staff (Teresa, Janet and Jessica), stating that the care and concern they collectively administer is extraordinary. VIII. NEXT MEETING DATE — March 8, 2017 IX. ADJOURNMENT With Commission concurrence the meeting was adjourned at 4:32 pm to March 8, 2017. diblo Patty Leon, Rebording Secretary 6