2011 11 01 HA MinutesLA QUINTA HOUSING AUTHORITY
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 2011
A special meeting of the La Quinta Housing Authority was called to order by
Chairperson Franklin,
PRESENT: Board Members Adolph, Evans, Henderson, Sniff,
Chairperson Franklin
ABSENT: None
MOTION - It was moved by Board Members Evans /Henderson to excuse the
absence of Board Member Sniff. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA - Confirmed
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None
CONSENT CALENDAR - None
BUSINESS SESSION - None
STUDY SESSION
1. DISCUSSION OF MATTERS OF JOINT INTEREST TO THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY AND HOUSING COMMISSION
Chairperson Leidner called the Housing Commission meeting to order.
PRESENT: Commissioners Dorsey, Hunter, LaRocca and Chairperson
Leidner
ABSENT: None
Housing Commission Chairperson Leidner stated it has been a
challenge obtaining another person to serve on the commission;
reported the Commission has had a year to compile a plan and is
continuing to work on it; the Commission is impressed with what the
City has done with establishing low- income housing; the Commission
is anxious to meet more often and has discussed holding quarterly
meetings; and further stated the Commission is anxious to serve the
Housing Authority.
Housing Authority Minutes 2 November 1, 2011
Board Member Henderson asked if the Commission Members had
toured the low- income facilities last year. Housing Commission
Chairperson Leidner confirmed. Board Member Henderson asked if the
Commissioner's were able to speak to any of the residents during the
tour. Housing Commission Chairperson Leidner stated they were
unable to interact with the residents but were able to interact with
staff; and further stated the Commission has discussed the possibility
of marketing low- income housing opportunities to the community.
Board Member Henderson asked if the properties are listed with the
real estate consultant. Economic Development /Housing Manager
Powell confirmed. Board Member Henderson asked if the rentals are
listed on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Housing Commission
Chairperson Leidner stated she was unsure if the real estate
consultant utilizes a MLS. Economic Development /Housing Manager
Powell stated she was unsure if the rentals are listed on MLS.
Board Member Evans asked what the process is with engaging tenants
of apartments for a succession plan to homeownership. Economic
Development /Housing Manager Powell stated she is not aware of any
succession process for tenants but is aware information is provided to
the residents.
Housing Commission Chairperson Leidner supported the idea of a
succession plan and requested the commission discuss this type of
program on a future agenda.
Housing Authority Chairperson Franklin stated there must be an
educational component in the succession plan or renters transitioning
as a potential homeowner will be set up for failure.
Board Member Henderson stated there must be clarification on
whether there are City -owned houses available for succession to
homeownership, but is aware that there are City -owned properties for
rent. Housing /Economic Development Manager explained the
properties purchased by the City for improvement cannot remain in the
inventory therefore they are sold quickly.
Board Member Henderson stated the City is limiting the number of
homes placed on the market in order to stay out of the free- enterprise
market.
Commission Member LaRocca suggested a rent -to -own program could
be established to assist renters to transition to homeownership.
Housing Authority Minutes 3 November 1, 2011
Housing Commission Chairperson Leidner suggested the Commission
discuss establishing some type of program to assist renters becoming
homeowners.
Board Member Henderson stated there is an educational program for
assisting renters of City -owned homes in the Cove on maintaining
their home.
Housing Commission Chairperson Leidner asked if the new
homeowners have moved out from renting and purchased a home of
their own.
Commission Member LaRocca stated many apartment renters don't
believe they could become homeowners.
Housing Authority Chairperson Franklin asked if the Commission has
established any goals for the next year. Housing Commission
Chairperson Leidner confirmed.
Housing Authority Chairperson Franklin asked Commissioner Hunter if
he had any input. Commission Member Hunter stated he is unclear on
what type of input the Board is seeking.
Board Member Henderson asked if Commission Member Hunter was
referring to new construction projects. Commissioner Hunter
confirmed and stated there does not seem to be much of an overview
of the projects. Board Member Henderson explained the review
process.
Board Member Adolph asked if the Commission is addressing the
foreclosures in the City in any way and asked how many there are in
the Cove area.
Commission Member LaRocca stated the Commission has not
addressed foreclosures but staff has indicated the City will not be
acquiring addition houses due to the uncertainty of State action
against redevelopment agencies.
Executive Director Genovese stated the program has been placed on
hold for the time being.
Commission Member LaRocca stated the Commission understands the
situation on whether the Redevelopment Agency will continue to exist.
Housing Authority Minutes 4 November 1, 2011
Housing Authority Chairperson Franklin requested the Commission
review the goals established for the next year.
Housing Commission Chairperson Leidner stated because the
Commission is fairly new they would' like direction from the Board;
reported that the Commissioners have worked on meeting all
legislative requirements; the Commission has toured three City -owned
homes ready for rent; and stated it was explained to the Commission
that the homes purchased by the City are those foreclosures that are
unsellable.
Board Member Henderson explained the reason for purchasing
unmarketable houses is because of the need to meet the requirements
to obtain credits for providing low- income housing.
Housing Commission ' Chairperson Leidner stated the Commission has
discussed reaching out to more potential tenants and it may behoove
the City to educate the real estate agents as well.
Board Member Evans stated there is - a cross- communication
opportunity with the California Desert Association of Realtors (CDAR)
to re- direct toward the housing program.
Housing Commission Chairperson Leidner stated she could coordinate
a meeting with CDAR and the MLS Committee to work together and
help educate the process of renting and buying low- income properties.
Commission Member LaRocca suggested criteria along with policies be
established for potential renters /owners.
Housing Authority Chairperson Franklin stated the Board is happy to
have the Commission and what it does for the community.
Commission Member LaRocca further stated that it is nice to get a
sense of what's going on in the community by being involved with the
Washington Street Apartments project.
Commission Member Hunter stated, as a tenant in one of the low -
income facilities, it would be beneficial for the tenants to have the
ability to contact City staff when a problem is not rectified by
management of the facility; and explained an on -going problem with
the sprinkler system.
Housing Authority Minutes 5 November 1, 2011
Executive Director Genovese stated the process is the facility manager
receives the tenants concerns, and to communicate with City staff if
input is needed.
Board Member Henderson asked how an on -going problem is
addressed.
Executive Director Genovese explained staff would have to determine
if the facility is owned by the City; and explained that many irrigation
systems at multi - family developments are archaic and would need to
be re- engineered to correct the problem.
Board Member Henderson stated in this particular case the problem
will be addressed through the building process during the renovation
of Washington Street Apartments.
Executive Director Genovese confirmed and stated staff can discuss
the matter with the property manager to investigate if the problem can
be rectified through the maintenance process.
Commission Member LaRocca suggested a newsletter be distributed
by the property manager to inform and update the residents.
Mayor Adolph stated the landscape personnel can fix many of the
problems.
Housing Authority Chairperson Franklin thanked the commissioners for
their input and service.
CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS' ITEMS — None
PUBLIC HEARINGS — None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Board Members
Evans /Henderson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
submitted,
VERONICA J/ 4ONTECINO, City Clerk
City of La Q rota, California