2011 04 27 HC MinutesMINUTES
HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
A Special Meeting Held in the Study Session Room
at the La Quinta City Hall
78 -495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
April 27, 2011
This meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 6:06 p.m. by
Chairperson LaRocca.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Dorsey, Leider and Chairperson LaRocca
Absent: Commissioner Jamison and Polanco
It was moved by Commissioner Leidner and seconded
by Commissioner Dorsey to excuse Commissioner
Jamison
Commissioner Polanco was dismissed from the Housing
Commission due to absences
Staff
Present: Douglas R
Development
Development
Management
Assistant
Evans,
Assistant
City
Manager,
Services,
Debbie
Powell,
Economic
Project
Manager,
Karen
Frane,
Assistant
and Lori.
Lafond,
Executive
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA: Confirmed.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1 . Approval of the Minutes for the Special Meeting on January 25, 2011
It was moved by Commissioner Leidner and seconded by
Commissioner Dorsey to approve the minutes as submitted.
Housing Commission
April 27, 2011
IV. BUSINESS ITEMS:
1. Consideration of Housing Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2011-
2012. It was moved by Commissioner Dorsey and seconded by Chairperson
LaRocca to approve work plan as submitted.
2. Consideration to Sell Foreclosed Homes to Income - Qualified Buyers.
Staff updated the Commission on the foreclosed homes program.
Chairperson LaRocca asked whether the second trust deed is repaid at any time or
is it forgiven and if it is a 30 year covenant. Staff indicated that the second trust
deed is forgiven and the covenants are for 45 years for single family homes. Staff
further explained that if the family lived in the home for 45 years or it stayed
affordable for 45 years, the second trust deed goes away and the buyer owns the
house.
Staff indicated that the City is very thorough when explaining the
program to prospective buyers regarding the terms and conditions of the program
and to make sure they understand they cannot sell the property for profit. This
program was designed as a way for people to live in a house, have home-
ownership pride but not have to pay full market value.
Staff updated the Commission on the status of some of the foreclosed
homes purchased by the Redevelopment Agency ( "Agency "). Currently, three
sales have just been completed, one house is in escrow, and three houses are
currently for sale. The Agency is in the process of rehabilitating three houses and
offers on two houses are pending.
Commissioner Leidner asked if the Agency accepts offers before the
rehabilitation of the property is finished. Staff indicated that the Agency wants to
be completely finished with rehabilitation before offering the properties for sale.
Chairperson LaRocca asked whether or not the Agency maintains a list
of qualified families. If not, how does the Agency find buyers? Staff indicated that
the Agency does not have a list of prospective buyers and that the buyers are
chosen through real estate networking.
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Housing Commission
April 27, 2011
It was moved by Commissioner Leider and seconded by Commissioner
Dorsey that the Executive Director is given the authority to take all necessary
actions to sell the homes currently owned by the Housing Authority, and homes
purchased or acquired in the future by or for the Housing Authority to income -
qualified buyers. Motion carried unanimously.
VII. STAFF UPDATES:
1. Staff presented staff report regarding an Update on the La Quinta
Redevelopment Agency and Housing Authority.
The Commission had many concerns regarding the State's initiative to
abolish redevelopment agencies state -wide. Staff explained that the Governor just
wants to get rid of redevelopment agencies and take the money but the California
Redevelopment Association ( "CRA ") as well as the League of California Cities
( "League ") have banded together in a very coordinated effort to oppose the State's
initiative. They drafted a proposal for reform and are now going through trying to
cinch it up into proposed legislation and that would provide some ability for cities
to voluntarily give money to the state & school districts since the Constitution
prohibits the State from taking the money.
The CRA & League are trying to come up with a way the agencies can
help the State with its budget and benefits so that redevelopment plans could last
longer and the money could eventually be recouped.
Staff further indicated that the State is considering selling Agency
assets and forming a new committee that would evaluate all payment
obligations. The State's idea is to close down redevelopment agencies as fast
as possible.
2. Staff presented staff report regarding Status Report on the
Washington Street Apartments.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None.
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Houtift Cornml ioh
April 27, 2011
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, It was moved by Commissioner Dorsey and
seconded by Commissioner Leidner to adjourn this meeting of the Housing
Commission, This Meeting of the Housing Commission was adjournod on
April 27, 2 011, at 7:01 p,m, AYES: S. NOES: None, ABSENT:
Commissioner Jamison, ABSTAIN: None.
Submitted by
Lori Lefond
Executive Assistant
Ell