2012 03 14 HCMinutesMINUTES
HOUSING COMMISSION MEETING
A Special Meeting Held in the Study Session Room
at La Quinta City Hall
78 -495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA
March 14, 2012
This meeting of the Housing Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by
Chairperson Leidner.
CALL TO ORDER
A. Roll Call
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Present: Commissioners Dorsey, Hunter, LaRocca, McDonough
Chairperson Leidner
Absent: None
Staff
Present: Debbie Powell, Economic Development /Housing
Manager; Yvonne Franco, Interim Management
Assistant; Lori Lafond, Executive Assistant
Chairperson Leidner introduced Michele McDonough to the
Commission and welcomed her as the newest member of the
Commission
PUBLIC COMMENT None
CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA It was moved by Commissioners Dorsey /LaRocca
to confirm the agenda with the addition of an item listed under Reports and
Informational Items - Commission Compensation. Motion carried unanimously.
1. Approval of the Minutes for the Meeting on December 21, 2011
It was moved by Commissioners LaRocca /Dorsey to approve the
minutes as recommended. Motion carried unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation by the YMCA of the Desert Regarding Programs at Vista
Dunes Courtyard Homes and Wolff Waters Place
Paula Simonds, Community Program Director of the YMCA of the
Desert spoke about the programs offered by YMCA to our affordable
housing residents - see Attachment 1 for a list of programs.
CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL None
BUSINESS ITEMS None
STUDY SESSION None
REPORTS AND INFORMTIONAL ITEMS
1. Update on Affordable Housing Projects
Staff presented staff report.
Commissioner LaRocca asked if the affordability covenants on the
residences that were sold as affordable housing will be affected. Staff
indicated that the Successor Housing Agency may enforce the
covenants. Staff further explained that there is currently pending
legislation that will secure the covenants.
Commissioner LaRocca asked if the Oversight Board will be meeting
on a regular basis. Staff indicated that the Board will be meeting the
Wednesday after the City Council meetings, and should wind down
after a few months but for now, twice a month.
Commissioner Hunter asked if notice will be sent to Washington Street
Apartments residents regarding the delay in the rehabilitation project.
Staff stated that notices will be sent as soon as more information is
received regarding the housing legislation.
2. Update on Former Redevelopment Agency and Housing Authority
Staff presented staff report.
Commissioner LaRocca asked about interest rates on the silent second
home loans and whether or not the buyer can refinance on those
loans. Staff stated that they can refinance on their first mortgages
but there are some challenges due to realtors being misinformed of the
silent second program.
Commissioner Hunter asked if the silent second homes were becoming
difficult to sell. Staff stated that sometimes it is a challenge due to
the income requirements and credit requirements.
Housing Commission Minutes March 14, 2012
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Commissioner McDonough asked about qualifying requirements for the
silent second program /affordable housing. Staff indicated that there
are several requirements including income, household size, and income
limits are based on a percentage of the Riverside County median
income (a schedule prepared each year by the County).
Commissioner Compensation
Staff informed the Commission that compensation for all Boards and
Commissions will be brought to City Council for discussion. This is
based on an IRS audit that the City of Palm Desert went through
regarding the payments to Commissioners. The IRS has determined
that cities can no longer pay board members and /or commissioners as
an accounts payable item. The members will have to be on the City
payroll so that taxes are deducted. The City Council will meet on
March 20, 2012 to discuss this item. Staff will provide more
information at the next Housing Commission meeting on June 13,
2012.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS None.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, it was moved by Commissioners
Hunter /McDonough to adjourn this meeting of the Housing Commission.
This meeting of the Housing Commission was adjourned on March 14, 2012,
at 6:54 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Submitted by
Qon Lafond
Executive Assist t
Housing Commission Minutes March 14, 2012
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