2017 03 22 HC SpecialHOUSING COMMISSION AGENDA 1 MARCH 22, 2017
SPECIAL MEETING
HOUSING COMMISSION
AGENDA
CITY HALL STUDY SESSION ROOM
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta
SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, March 22, 2017 AT 6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
1. ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
At this time, members of the public may address the Housing Commission on any matter not
listed on the agenda. Please complete a "Request to Speak" form and limit your comments to
three minutes. The Housing Commission values your comments; however in accordance with
State law, no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless it is an
emergency item authorized by GC 54954.2(b).
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. APPROVE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 15, 2017
BUSINESS SESSION
1. REVIEW WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS’ DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
HC agendas and staff reports are now
available on the City’s web page:
www.la-quinta.org
HOUSING COMMISSION AGENDA 2 MARCH 22, 2017
SPECIAL MEETING
STUDY SESSION
1. OVERVIEW OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. VERBAL REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY ON JOINT
COUNCIL/ COMMISSION MEETING
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
DIRECTOR ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the La Quinta Housing Commission will be held on
April 12, 2017, commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the La Quinta Study Session Room,
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA 92253.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Gilbert Villalpando, Housing Coordinator, of the City of La Quinta, do hereby
declare that the foregoing Agenda for the Housing Commission meeting was posted
on the City’s website, near the entrance to the Council Chambers at 78-495 Calle
Tampico, and the bulletin boards at the Stater Brothers Supermarket at 78-630
Highway 111, and the La Quinta Cove Post Office at 51-321 Avenida Bermudas, on
March 17, 2017.
DATED: MARCH 17, 2017
Gilbert C. Villalpando, Housing Coordinator
City of La Quinta, California
PUBLIC NOTICES
HOUSING COMMISSION AGENDA 3 MARCH 22, 2017
SPECIAL MEETING
The La Quinta City Study Session Room is handicapped accessible. If special equipment is
needed for the hearing impaired, please call the City Clerk’s office at 777-7103, twenty-four (24)
hours in advance of the meeting and accommodations will be made.
If special electronic equipment is needed to make presentations to the Commission, arrangements
should be made in advance by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 777-7103. A one (1) week
notice is required.
If background material is to be presented to the Commission during a Housing Commission
meeting, please be advised that eight (8) copies of all documents, exhibits, etc., must be supplied
to the Secretary for distribution. It is requested that this take place prior to the beginning of the
meeting.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Commission regarding any item(s) on this
agenda will be made available for public inspection at The Hub counter at City Hall located at 78-
495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California, 92253, during normal business hours.
HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 FEBRUARY 15, 2017
MINUTES
HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017
A special meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by
Chairperson Rogers.
PRESENT: Commission Members Johnson, Long and Chair Rogers
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Gil Villalpando, Pamela Nieto, John McMillen
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT ON AGENDA - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Johnson/Long to
approve the Housing Commission Minutes of February 1, 2017, as corrected.
Motion passed unanimously.
BUSINESS SESSION
1. REVIEW WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
Commissioner Johnson stated that the storage space may become a problem. He
suggested that a voluntary mediation unit be in place to try and resolve issues prior to
having to go to the City Manager.
Chairperson Rogers suggested that a mechanism be put in place where the tenants
are always being asked, what their issues are, what they like and don’t like throughout
the entire process and after it is completed.
HOUSING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 15, 2017
Housing Coordinator Villalpando stated that this mechanism plan already exists
outside of the Relocation Plan. They are in the WSA every Wednesday for two hours
where anyone can come in and talk, ask questions or address concerns.
Housing Commissioners offered the following two recommendations to take to the
Housing Authority on the Relocation Plan:
1. Establish a verified mechanism for tenants to address their concerns.
Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Rogers/Johnson to
accept recommendation No. 1.
Motion passed unanimously
2. Ensure that all new construction utilizes the most energy efficient methods for
conserving energy and water.
Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Johnson/Long to
accept recommendation No. 2.
Motion passed unanimously
REPORTS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - Omitted
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Motion – A motion was made and seconded by Commissioners Rogers/Long that
except in cases of emergency, any information that requires the Housing Commission
to review and make recommendations to the Housing Authority must be sent to the
Housing Commissioners at least two weeks prior to their scheduled meeting. Should
the Housing Authority have an agenda item after the two week period the Housing
Commission would accept it.
Motion passed unanimously
DIRECTOR ITEMS Omitted
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made and seconded by Commission Members Long/Johnson to adjourn
at 7:38 p.m. This motion was made prior to completion of the Agenda. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Nieto, Deputy City Clerk
City of La Quinta
HOUSING COMMISION MEETING: March 22, 2017
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: REVIEW WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend draft Relocation Plan for the Washington Street Apartments to Housing
Authority.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Housing Authority is planning for the construction and rehabilitation of
Washington Street Apartments.
A draft Relocation Plan (“Plan”) was provided to Washington Street Apartments
residents and the general public for a mandatory thirty (30) day review period.
Recommendations from the Commission, tenants, and general public include: add
a mediation process as part of the grievance procedure, create a process where
tenants are always asked about their concerns and issues throughout the process
until completed, extra recycling/ dumpsters during moving process, community
garage sale, view a new unit prior to moving, and monthly meeting within three
months of move to focus on education regarding the relocation. These
recommendations will be included as an addendum to the Plan.
The mandatory 30 day review period has elapsed and the Housing Authority can
now adopt the Plan with addendum and take all actions necessary to implement
it, including entering into agreements, spending available funds that lawfully may
be used, and delegating staff the ability to take implementing actions subject to
Housing Authority Board oversight and / or approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
Implementation will result in an expenditure of up to $229,680 for relocation costs. Funds
are available in the unreserved Housing Authority Project Area fund balance.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The former La Quinta Redevelopment Agency (RDA) acquired Washington Street
Apartments located at 42-800 Washington Street in northwest La Quinta in 2008 for the
preservation and rehabilitation of affordable housing. The existing apartments are rented
to very-low and low-income senior and disabled adults receiving rental subsidy from the
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO.1
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ Rural Development (RD). The project for
both the construction of new units and re-construction of existing units was suspended in
2011 when the State dissolved RDA’s.
The Housing Authority now has the necessary fund balances available that when
combined with other affordable housing financing sources is sufficient for the
implementation of the originally envisioned and now entitled Washington Street
Apartment project.
In preparation for the next steps required in the financing of the project, a Plan must be
approved and adopted by the Housing Authority Board. This Plan has been prepared to
conform to provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Property Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970 (URA) as amended and the State of California Relocation Assistance
Guidelines and California Relocation Assistance Law (CRAL).
ALTERNATIVES
Recommend draft Relocation Plan with edits.
Prepared by: Jon McMillen, Development Consultant
ATTACHMENT: 1. Washington Street Apartments’ Draft Relocation Plan
2. Recommendations from 30 Day Review
ATTACHMENT 1
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS
42‐800 WASHINGTON STREET
LA QUINTA, CA 92253
DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
2
CONTENTS OF THIS RELOCATION PLAN
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3
A. ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS ................................................................................................ 4
B. TEMPORARY RELOCATION ........................................................................................... 5
C. PROGRAM ASSURANCES AND STANDARDS .............................................................. 6
D. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ....................................................................... 6
E. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION/PLAN REVIEW ................................................................. 7
F. RELOCATION BENEFIT CATEGORIES .......................................................................... 7
G. PAYMENT OF RELOCATION BENEFITS ...................................................................... 8
H. APPEALS POLICY ............................................................................................................... 8
I. PROJECTED DATES FOR RELOCATION ....................................................................... 8
J. ESTIMATED RELOCATION COST ................................................................................... 9
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
3
I. INTRODUCTION
The La Quinta Housing Authority (“Authority”) is planning for the rehabilitation
of Washington Street Apartments located at 42‐800 Washington Street in La
Quinta, California (the “Property). The Property was built in the 1980s with
financial assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as
Rural Development (RD), and is restricted as affordable housing for senior and
disabled adults. The USDA, through RD, provides rental assistance to the
residents.
In 2008, the former La Quinta Redevelopment Agency (“Agency”) acquired the
P r o p e r t y f o r p u r p o s e s o f p r e s e r v i n g a n d r e h a b i l i t a t i n g t h e P r o perty as
a f f o r d a b l e h o u s i n g . T h e A g e n c y ’ s p l a n s i n c l u d e d e x p a n d i n g t h e Property by
c o n s t r u c t i n g n e w a f f o r d a b l e h o u s i n g u n i t s , r e h a b i l i t a t i n g a l l of existing 72‐
apartments, and enhancing and reconfiguring the community center and
management offices (the “Project”).
In 2011 the Project was suspended when the California Legislature dissolved all
redevelopment agency’s in the State of California, including the Agency. Prior to
the dissolution of the Agency, the City of La Quinta (“City”) established the
Authority, which now has sufficient funds, when leveraged with other affordable
housing financing mechanisms, to carry out the Project, as originally envisioned.
The Project consists of the construction of 26 new single story a p a r t m e n t s
o r g a n i z e d w i t h i n f o u r b u i l d i n g s , a n e w c o m m u n i t y b u i l d i n g a n d laundry
facilities, rehabilitation of all 72 existing apartments, upgraded infrastructure
and improved site work.
In anticipation of implementing the Project, Authority staff and its Relocation
Consultant have prepared this draft Relocation Plan (Plan). This Plan evaluates
existing and anticipated conditions to determine replacement or temporary
housing requirements for residents. This Plan sets forth policies and procedures
necessary to conform with statutes and regulations established by the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (42
USC Chapter 61, Section 4601 et seq.) (“URA”) as amended and the State
California Relocation Assistance Law, California Government Code section 7260
e t s e q . ( " C R A L " ) a n d t h e C a l i f o r n i a R e l o c a t i o n A s s i s t a n c e a n d Real Property
Acquisition Guidelines (Title 25, California Code of Regulations, chapter 6,
section 6000 et seq.) ("Guidelines").
The Project will be constructed in phases as detailed in Attachment 2. This
phasing will allow for all residents to remain at the Property during construction
and rehabilitation activities. Rehabilitation of individual residential apartments
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
4
requiring temporary displacement will not take longer than 3 months from start
to finish. Because this timeframe is anticipated to be less than 12 months, and all
residents continue to qualify for rental subsidy under the RD program, no
permanent relocation offsite is required.
A. ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS
To obtain information for the preparation of this Plan, direct, p e r s o n a l
interviews were conducted with households living at Washington Street
Apartments. Residents of the Property were provided an overview of the project
including construction sequence, schedule, and process. The inquiries made of
the households concerned household size, length of occupancy, home language,
disabilities and health concerns. The interviews were conducted on‐site during
December 2016.
Occupancy
There are 72 households encompassed in this Plan, 67 single‐person households
a n d 5 t w o ‐ p e r s o n h o u s e h o l d s . T h e r e a r e 7 7 r e s i d e n t s i n t o t a l l iving in the
existing 72 one‐bedroom apartments.
Income
The onsite property manager provided income information, which was collected
during annual income certification at the Property. All incomes a r e i n
compliance with USDA/ Rural Development Section 515 loan standards.
Ethnicity/Language
The residents identified themselves as Caucasian (39), Hispanic (31), African
American (4), and Asian (3). The primary language reported by residents is
English (65), Spanish (10), and Vietnamese (2). All informational notices have
been provided in both Spanish and English and the Vietnamese‐speaking
residents were provided translation by a family member.
Senior/ Disabled Adult Households
The resident makeup consists of 49 seniors (age 62 and older) and 28 adults
with disabilities. Five of the residents will require ADA accessible apartments
during their relocation period.
The Project Site
The Project Site is situated on the southeast corner of Washington Street and
Hidden River Road in northwest La Quinta. A regional site map is attached to this
Plan as Attachment 1. A depiction of the Project site is attached to this Plan as
Attachment 2. The Project Site is located within close proximity to a community
park, shopping centers, and grocery stores.
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
5
Relocation Area and Location Needs
All temporary relocation will take place on the existing project site in newly
constructed or re‐constructed units of similar size and configuration of existing
apartments. Residents that have accessibility needs will be provided accessible
u nits in c l o se p ro xim it y to l au ndry fac il i tie s, p arking, c o m m u nity center, and
management office.
Matters that would apply to permanent relocation of households off‐site have
not been addressed in this Plan. Temporary relocation will occur on the
Property, in comparably sized, configured and equipped apartments. No
permanent relocations are expected.
B. TEMPORARY RELOCATION
Each existing apartment will take approximately sixty (60) days to rehabilitate.
Rehabilitation will take place in phases, and during this period when an existing
apartment is under construction, the existing apartment will need to be vacated,
to ensure that the rehabilitation occurs safely. With moving time and
coordination factored in, each resident will need to be relocated for
approximately three months.
Each household will be given the opportunity to move into a new or newly re‐
constructed apartment at the Prop e r t y . A l l o f t h e n e w a n d r e h a bilitated
apartments will be single story, modern and of similar size as the existing
apartments.
E a c h h o u s e h o l d w i l l r e c e i v e m o v i n g a s s i s t a n c e a n d p a y m e n t o f a ll expenses
associated with transferring utilities from their existing apartment to the
temporary apartment. Residents housing costs will continue to be at their
current rent level plus utilities. Should there be additional out of pocket costs,
the Authority will pay those costs directly or will reimburse the household.
A t t h e e n d o f t h e a p p r o x i m a t e l y s i x t y ( 6 0 ) d a y r e h a b i l i t a t i o n period, each
r e s i d e n t w i l l h a v e t h e c h o i c e t o s t a y i n t h e a p a r t m e n t t h e y h a ve been
temporarily occupying, or move back to their original, rehabilitated apartment.
If a resident elects to stay in the apartment they have been temporarily
occupying, then that apartment will then be considered their permanent
residence and the relocation process for that resident will be complete.
If a resident elects to move back to their original, rehabilitated apartment, then
that resident will be offered the same assistance they received d u r i n g t h e
temporary relocation.
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
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C. PROGRAM ASSURANCES AND STANDARDS
A d e q u a t e f u n d s a r e a v a i l a b l e t o a c c o m m o d a t e t h e p a y m e n t o f a l l required
relocation benefits. Services will be provided to ensure that displacement does
not result in different or separate treatment of households based on race,
nationality, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status,
disability or any other basis protected by the federal Fair Housing Amendments
Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the California Fair E m p l o y m e n t &
H o u s i n g A c t , a n d t h e U n r u h A c t , a s w e l l a s a n y o t h e r a r b i t r a r y or unlawful
discrimination.
No one will be required to move without 90 days’ prior written, notice and
u n l e s s “ c o m p a r a b l e ” r e p l a c e m e n t t e m p o r a r y h o u s i n g c a n b e l o c a t ed and is
available. “Comparable” housing includes standards such as: decent, safe, and
sanitary (as defined in § 6008(d) of the Guidelines); comparable as to the
number of bedrooms, living space, and type and quality of construction of the
current unit but not lesser in rooms or living space than necessary to
a c c o m m o d a t e t h e d i s p l a c e d h o u s e h o l d s ; i n a n a r e a t h a t d o e s n o t have
unreasonable environmental conditions; not generally less desirable than the
current unit with respect to location to schools, employment, health and medical
facilities, and other public and commercial facilities and services; and within the
financial means of the displaced households as defined in section 6008,
subdivision (c)(5) of the Guidelines. The relocation program to be implemented
b y t h e A u t h o r i t y c o n f o r m s t o t h e s t a n d a r d s a n d p r o v i s i o n s s e t forth in
Government Code section 7260 et seq., the Guidelines, California Health and
Safety Code section 33410 et seq., if applicable, and all other applicable
regulations and requirements.
D. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Staff is available to assist residents of Washington Street Apartments with
questions about relocation and/or assistance in relocating and m o v i n g . J o n
McMillen, the Relocation Coordinator, can be contacted at (760) 212‐2322 from
8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. A comprehensive relocation
assistance program, with technical and advisory assistance, will be provided to
a l l h o u s e h o l d s . C l o s e c o n t a c t w i l l b e m a i n t a i n e d w i t h r e s i d e n ts during this
process. Specific activities will include:
1. P e r i o d i c u p d a t e s a n d m e e t i n g s w i t h r e s i d e n t s t o p r o v i d e p r o j e c t a n d
schedule updates as well as the latest sequencing and phasing plans.
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
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2. Assistance with completion and filing of relocation claims, packing, moving
and utility coordination, and appeals forms, if necessary.
E. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION/PLAN REVIEW
This Plan will be provided to the households and will be made available to the
public for the mandatory thirty (30) day review period. Comments to this Plan
will be included as a Plan addendum prior to submission for final approval
before the Housing Authority. Upon Authority approval, a copy of the approved
Plan will be forwarded to the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (“HCD”).
F. RELOCATION BENEFIT CATEGORIES
Relocation benefits will be provided in accordance with the URA a n d t h e
Guidelines, and all other applicable regulations and requirements. Benefits will
b e p r o v i d e d a n d o r p a i d u p o n s u b m i s s i o n o f r e q u i r e d c l a i m f o r m s a n d
do c u m entatio n i n ac c o rdanc e w i th ap p ro ved p ro c edu res. Th e Au t h ority will
provide appropriate benefits for all households as required by law.
Residential Moving Assistance
The subject households will be provided professional packing and moving
assistance from a licensed professional mover paid for by the Authority.
However, if a resident requests to move themselves, payments will be limited to
a “fixed payment” of $100. Pursuant to the most recent URA, Fixed Residential
Moving Cost Schedule moving payments are limited to $100 when an agency
provides all moving services for residents free of charge. The households may
select the method of moving and payment as identified below:
Fixed Payment ‐ A fixed payment for moving expenses limited to $100. The
resident is responsible for moving.
‐ OR ‐
No Payment – The Authority provides all packing and moving services by a
professional mover free of charge.
Additional Assistance
In addition to moving assistance it is anticipated that some residents will require
help setting up and transferring utilities, and completing change of address
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
8
forms and notices. The Relocation Consultant will provide this assistance as
needed and the Authority will pay these costs directly or will reimburse the
tenant for out of pocket expense.
G. PAYMENT OF RELOCATION BENEFITS
Relocation benefit payments will be made expeditiously. Claims and supporting
documentation for relocation benefits must be filed with the Relocation
Coordinator within eighteen (18) months from the final move in date of the
c l a i m a n t . T h i s i s d e f i n e d a s t h e d a t e t h e r e s i d e n t a c c e p t s t h e ir temporary
apartment as their new permanent residence or moves back into their re‐
constructed apartment. The Relocation Coordinator will then submit the
relocation benefit claim form to the City of La Quinta Finance Department for
review and payment, if appropriate. Failure to submit claims within the 18
month period will result in nonpayment of such claims.
The information provided above represents the outside timeline for claims. It is
anticipated that all moving services will be provided free of charge by the
Authority and all expenses associated with utility transfers or other incidentals
will be paid directly by the Authority or reimbursed within 5 business days of
receipt of claim by the Authority.
H. APPEALS POLICY
The appeals policy will follow the standards described in section 6150 et seq. of
the Guidelines as supplemented by the Authority’s approved Grievance
Procedures (See Attachment 3.). Briefly stated, the relocated households will
have the right to ask for a review when there is a complaint regarding any of its
rights to relocation and relocation assistance, such as a determination as to
eligibility, the amount of payment, or the failure to provide a comparable
replacement housing referral. The request for review must be made within
eighteen (18) months from: (i) the date the claimant moves; ‐or‐ (ii) the date on
which final payment is made, whichever is later. Failure to make a timely
request for review will result in a denial of the request.
I. PROJECTED DATES FOR RELOCATION
Households will receive 90‐day notice before they are required to move. Moving
w i l l o c c u r d u r i n g p h a s e 2 t h r o u g h 4 o f t h e W a s h i n g t o n S t r e e t A partments
project. Phase 1 of the project will involve the construction of 24 one‐bedroom
apartments, community building and laundry facilities. Phase 2, 3 and 4 wil l
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS– DRAFT RELOCATION PLAN
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
9
entail the reconstruction of existing apartments three buildings (24 units) at a
time. Existing units must be vacated prior to re‐construction.
WASHINGTON STREET APARTMENTS
PHASING SCHEDULE 2018 2019
1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH
NEW CONSTRUCTION PHASE 1 NEW CONSTRUCTION
PHASE 1 REHAB RELO
PHASE 2 REHAB RELO
PHASE 3 REHAB RELO
NOTE: Phasing schedule may adjust depending on closing of financing, and construction
sequencing. An updated schedule will be maintained at the Washington Street Apartment
Management Office.
J. ESTIMATED RELOCATION COST
The following estimates are for budgeting purposes only. These figures should
not be interpreted as firm, “not to exceed” or actual costs. These figures are
based on the data obtained through occupant interviews, estimated moving
costs, and the judgment of the Authority staff. They do not include payments to
consultants or to contractors.
Any and all required financial assistance will be provided. The budget estimate
is:
M o v i n g C o s t s : $ 180,000
Utility and Incidental: $ 28,800
Contingency 10%: $ 20,880
TOTAL: $ 229,680
With the adoption of the final Relocation Plan the Authority will appropriate
funds to cover the aforementioned direct relocation costs plus payment to
consultants or contractors. The Authority currently has $17,453,938 in the
Housing Authority Project Area Fund.
10
ATTACHMENT 1. REGIONAL SITE MAP
11
ATTACHMENT 2. PROJECT SITE MAP
12
ATTACHMENT 3: GRIEVANCE PROCESS
LA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Purpose: The purpose of the Grievance Procedures is to attempt to resolve
disputes between the claimant and the La Quinta Housing Authority (“Authority”) at
the lowest possible administrative level while affording the claimant an opportunity
to have a full and fair review of his/her case. Therefore, all relevant evidence should
be presented at the lowest level of these proceedings. In any c a s e w h e r e s u c h
evidence could have been presented at a lower level and the claimant failed to do so,
the relevant hearing body may, at its discretion, refer the matter back to the lower
level for consideration and determination prior to their considering such evidence.
A failure to provide evidence at a lower level of proceedings may prevent the issue
or evidence from being further reviewed, including, without limit, in judicial review
for failure to exhaust remedies. These procedures are supplemented by and shall be
construed to be consistent with HCD Guidelines sections 6150‐6176 of Title 25 of
the California Code of Regulations.
A. Right of Review
Initial Determination: Any displaced person or business who is not satisfied
w i t h a d e t e r m i n a t i o n a s t o e l i g i b i l i t y , a m o u n t o f p a y m e n t , a n d failure by the
Authority to provide comparable permanent or adequate temporary replacement
housing or the Authority's property management practices, or not properly applying
appropriate regulations, at his/her election, may have his/her claim reviewed and
reconsidered by the Authority’s relocation consultant in accordance with the
following procedures.
To obtain an initial determination from the Authority’s relocation consultant,
claimant must complete a Relocation Complaint form and submit it to the
Authority’s relocation consultant and the City Clerk within (540) days from the date
h e / s h e m o v e s f r o m t h e a c q u i r e d p r o p e r t y o r r e c e i v e s f i n a l c o m p ensation for
displacement from the property, whichever is later.
The Authority’s relocation consultant shall provide the claimant with a full
written explanation of the determination and the basis therefore, which explanation
shall be provided within three weeks from the date of receipt of the request. The
written explanation shall include a statement of claimant's right to seek within ten
(10) days further review of his/her claim by either formal or informal review and an
explanation of the steps the claimant must take to obtain this review.
13
The right to an informal oral presentation as provided in section B below or a
formal hearing as provided in section C below shall not be conditioned upon first
obtaining an initial determination from the Authority’s relocation consultant.
B. Informal Oral Presentation
Authority Review: If the claimant feels that the written explanation provided in
section A above is incorrect or inadequate, or if the claimant desires to proceed
directly to informal review, he/she may request an informal hearing with the City
Housing Specialist or Designee (“Specialist”).
(1) To obtain an informal hearing before the Specialist the claimant must
request in writing that the Specialist schedule such a hearing. Such
written request shall be made (i) within ten (10) days from the date of
the written initial determination or, if the claimant does not wish to
request an initial determination, (ii) by submitting a Relocation
Complaint form within five hundred forty (540) days from the date
he/she moves from the acquired property or receives final
compensation from the property, whichever is later.
(a) Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of claimant's
Relocation Complaint form for an informal hearing, he/she will
be afforded an opportunity to make an oral presentation, or to
request a written review by the Specialist of the relevant
documents and written materials submitted by the claimant.
(b) The claimant may be represented by an attorney or other person
of his/her choosing at the oral presentation hearing (at the cost of
the claimant).
(c) The Specialist shall prepare a summary of the matters discussed
and determinations made during the informal hearing, or written
review, and serve a copy thereof upon the claimant.
(d) The Specialist shall review and reconsider the determination of
the claimant's case in light of:
‐ All material upon which the Authority based its original
determination including all applicable rules and regulations;
‐ The reasons given by the claimant for requesting review and
reconsideration of his/her claim;
‐ Whatever additional written material has been submitted by
the claimant; and
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‐ Any further information which the Specialist may, in his/her
discretion, obtain by request, investigation or research, to
ensure fair and full review of the claim.
‐ The proceedings shall not be bound by any formal rules of
evidence.
(2) The final determination on review by the Specialist shall include, but
is not limited to:
(a) The Authority relocation consultant’s initial determination, if
applicable;
(b) The factual and legal basis upon which the decision is based,
including any pertinent explanation or rationale; and
( c ) A s t a t e m e n t o f c l a i m a n t ' s r i g h t t o s e e k w i t h i n t e n ( 1 0 ) d a ys
further review of his/her claim by the City Manager and Finance
Director and an explanation of the steps the claimant must take to
obtain this review.
(3) The right to a formal hearing as provided in section C below shall not
be conditioned upon first obtaining an informal hearing by the
Specialist.
C. Request for Formal Review
The City Manager and Finance Director Review: If the claimant feels that the
initial determination by the Authority’s relocation consultant, t h e S p e c i a l i s t ' s
d e t e r m i n a t i o n f o l l o w i n g t h e i n f o r m a l o r a l h e a r i n g , o r w r i t t e n review by the
Specialist is incorrect or inadequate, or if the claimant desires to proceed directly to
formal review, he/she may request a formal hearing before the City Manager and
City Finance Director, acting as the Appeals Board (“Appeals Board”).
To obtain a formal hearing before the Appeals Board the claimant must request
in writing that the Specialist schedule such a hearing. Such request shall be made (i)
within ten (10) days from the date of the Authority relocation consultant’s initial
determination, the Specialist's determination following the informal hearing or the
Specialist written review or, (ii) if the claimant does not wish to request an informal
hearing, within five hundred forty (540) days from the date he/she moves from the
acquired property or receives final compensation from the property, whichever is
later.
(1) Within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of claimants written
request, he/she will be notified of the formal hearing date. If the claimant
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requests additional time to prepare material for consideration and shows
good cause therefore, the hearing date shall be continued to another date.
(2) The Appeals Board shall, at the time it gives notice of the formal hearing
date, notify the claimant that he/she has the right to be represented by an
attorney or others at his/her own expense, to present his/her case by oral
o r d o c u m e n t a r y e v i d e n c e ; t h e r i g h t t o s u b m i t o r a l o r d o c u m e n t a ry
evidence; the right to submit rebuttal evidence to conduct such cross‐
examination as may be required for full and true disclosure of facts; and
the right to seek judicial review after having exhausted all administrative
appeal remedies.
(3) The Appeals Board shall review and reconsider the initial determination
a n d / o r t h e d e t e r m i n a t i o n m a d e a t a n i n f o r m a l h e a r i n g t a k i n g i n to
consideration all material upon which the challenged determination was
made, all applicable rules and regulations, the reasons given by the claimant
for requesting review, any additional relevant evidence, oral or
documentary, submitted by either the claimant or the Authority’s
rep res ent at ives. N o e vide nc e m a y b e r el ied u p o n b y t h e Ap p eal s B o ard
where the claimant has been improperly denied an opportunity to rebut
evidence or cross‐examine a witness. The proceedings of the Appeals Board
shall not be bound by any formal rules of evidence.
(4) The Appeals Board shall make its determination within six weeks from the
date on which the formal hearing is concluded or the date of receipt of the
last material submitted, whichever is later.
(5) The Appeals Board's determination shall be made in writing and shall
contain its decision, the factual and legal basis upon which the decision is
made and a statement informing the claimant of his/her right to appeal the
decision to the Authority Board as provided below.
(6) The claimant shall be promptly served with a copy of the Appeals Board's
determination.
Review by Housing Authority. Any person who believes himself/herself to be
aggrieved by any final decision of the Appeals Board may, within ten (10) days after
that date on the Appeal Board’s notice of such ruling or act, appeal the Appeals
Board’s determination to the Housing Authority Board of Directors (the “Authority”)
by filing with the City Housing Specialist a written statement of the rulings or acts
complained of and the reasons for taking such appeal. The Specialist shall thereupon
r e f e r s u c h a p p e a l t o t h e S e c r e t a r y o f t h e A u t h o r i t y a n d t o t h e Authority for
consideration at its next regular meeting, and the Authority shall thereupon fix a
time for the hearing of said matter, which time shall be not less than thirty (30) days
from the time said appeal is presented to the Authority by the Specialist. On the
date thus fixed, or on the date to which said hearing shall have been continued, the
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Authority shall proceed to hear and consider the evidence relating to said matter
and shall make and enter on its minutes its final determination t h e r e i n . T h e
Authority may confirm, modify or set aside the findings of the Appeals Board, and
the Authority’s determination in the matter shall be final and c o n c l u s i v e . N o
proceeding or action shall lie against the City, the Authority, the City Housing
Specialist, the City Manager, the Finance Director or any member thereof, nor
against any officer, agent or employee of the Authority or City, to review or enjoin
the enforcement of a determination or order of the Authority made pursuant hereto,
or to recover monetary compensation not consistent with a determination or order
on behalf of the Authority, unless such action is commenced within ninety days (90)
f r o m a n d a f t e r s e r v i c e o f n o t i c e o f t h e f i n d i n g s a n d f i n a l d e t ermination of the
Authority. Notice of the final determination of the Authority shall be served by the
City Housing Specialist upon the person, or persons, taking the appeal. The effect of
any determination from the City Housing Specialist or Appeals Board from which an
appeal is taken as herein provided shall be suspended and of no force or effect until
such appeal is fully determined by the Authority.
The claimant shall be deemed to have exhausted his/her administrative
remedies upon filing timely appeals and the Authority taking action upon his/her
complaint.
D. Time Limits
G e n e r a l : T h e C i t y H o u s i n g S p e c i a l i s t m a y e x t e n d a n y o f t h e t i me limits as
permitted by HCD Guidelines section 6162 upon a showing of good cause; provided,
however, that the time periods established by these Grievance Procedures within
which to timely appeal a decision from a lower body shall not be extended. Any
refusal to waive a time limit may be reviewed in accordance with the procedures set
forth in Section C above; provided, however, any request to review shall be made
within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt by claimant of written notice that
the request to extend time has been denied.
E. Review of Files By Claimant
The claimant may inspect all files and records bearing upon his/her claim or
the prosecution of the claimant's grievance, except to the extent the confidentiality
of the material sought or the disclosure thereof is protected or prohibited by law.
F. Effect of Determination
D e t e r m i n a t i o n s m a d e b y t h e A u t h o r i t y B o a r d p u r s u a n t t o t h e p a r agraph
entitled “Review by Housing Authority” in section C shall be applicable to all eligible
persons in similar situations regardless of whether any such eligible person seeks a
review. All written determinations shall be filed in the records of the Authority and
available for public inspection.
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G. Right to Counsel
Any claimant has the right to be represented by an attorney at his/her expense
at any and all stages of the proceedings set forth in this Article.
H. Stay of Displacement Pending Review
If claimant seeks to prevent displacement, the Authority shall not require the
claimant to move until at least 20 days after it has made a determination and the
claimant has had an opportunity to seek judicial review. In all cases the Authority
s h a l l n o t i f y t h e c l a i m a n t i n w r i t i n g 2 0 d a y s p r i o r t o t h e p r o p osed new date of
displacement.
I. Further Review
I f t h e A u t h o r i t y d e n i e s t h e e l i g i b i l i t y o f a c l a i m a n t f o r a p a yment, or
disapproves the full amount claimed, or refuses to consider the claim on its merits
because of untimely filing, or any other ground, the Authority's notification to the
claimant of its determination shall inform the claimant of its reasons therefore, and
shall also inform the claimant of the applicable procedures for obtaining further
review of this determination.
These regulations prescribe the La Quinta Housing Authority’s procedures for
g r a n t i n g a d m i n i s t r a t i v e r e l i e f t o a n y p e r s o n a g g r i e v e d b y a d e termination as to
eligibility for a payment authorized by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 and the State of California Government
Code Section 7260, et. seq., with regard to the obligation of the Authority to refer
such person to an adequate replacement dwelling or to any person aggrieved by a
determination as to eligibility for a payment authorized by the above legislation to
provide the opportunity for his/her application to be reviewed by the appropriate
department responsible for administering such payments.
Attachment 2
Recommendations from 30-Day Public Review of the
Washington Street Apartments Relocation Plan
Housing Commission:
Adding a voluntary mediation unit in place to try and resolve
issues prior to having to go to the City Manager.
A mechanism be put in place where the tenants are always being
asked, what their issues are, what they like and don’t like
throughout the entire process and after it is completed.
Establish a verified mechanism for tenants to address their
concerns.
Residents:
Requested that prior to moving they be offered the opportunity to
visit the unit they will be moving to.
Extra recycling containers and dumpsters during the moving
process
Assistance with a community garage sale
Monthly meetings within three months of a move that will focus
on providing education regarding the move in process.
City of La Quinta
HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING: March 22, 2017
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: OVERVIEW OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and File overview of affordable housing projects
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Authority remains in compliance with the Housing Affordability requirement
wherein 67 percent of 923 total Authority assisted rental units are available to
persons of very-low income.
The Authority has 26 sewer subsidy loans, 400 silent second trust deed loans, and 1
residential rehabilitation loan, all of which provide affordability covenants and are
monitored for compliance.
State law requires that a housing authority annually disclose data related to
domestic violence incidents in units owned or operated by the housing authority.
The Authority has not issued any domestic violence related termination notices.
FISCAL IMPACT – None.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The Authority was established to own rental properties in the City of La Quinta that were
scheduled for substantial rehabilitation, and to hold title to vacant properties that could be
developed with single and multi-family housing. The Authority contracts with private
entities to manage the occupied properties. The Authority’s objectives are:
To provide safe and sanitary housing opportunities for La Quinta residents;
To rehabilitate properties that exhibit unsafe or unhealthy characteristics; and
To increase, improve, and preserve the community’s affordable housing stock.
ALTERNATIVES
As this is an information only action no alternatives are presented.
Prepared by: Gil Villalpando, Management Specialist
STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1