SYNOPSIS
ROLL CALL
The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Commission meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Vice-Chair Fowler.
PRESENT: Chan, Coriano, Dean, Fowler, Gore, Hoag, Piatkowski, Stivers.
ABSENT: Burns, Burruss, Shah.
STAFF PRESENT: Cindy Parker, Lisa Bates, La Shelle Dozier, Dana Phillips, Don Cavier, Larry Goins, Chris Pahule, Cindy Cavanaugh, Christine Weichert, Larry Goins, Satoshi Matsuda, MaryLiz Paulson, Nick Chhotu, Celia Yniguez, Joel Riphagen
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Agenda – Items #3 and #7 pulled from consent.
Clara McKeithern wanted to know the procedure for replacing Anne Moore after her retirement. Dana Philips, Agency Counsel said the position is appointed by the City and County.
Ron Emslie commented on the funding of maintenance at the units on 35th Street and 5th Ave. He feels market rate properties should not be subsidized.
Flex Huerta, AFSCME Union Representative, had three concerns.
1) The Housing Authority’s failure to maintain its housing stock has an effect on employees. Employees tell him approximately 300 properties are not on the books.
2) Because of the reorganization there is a shortage of staff; resulting in employees not being granted vacation time.
3) Because of the decentralization of the Maintenance department there is an extreme cost for outside contractors doing work that the maintenance staff used to do.
Nick Chhotu, Assistant Director Housing Authority, responded that the units were not hidden. They were being modernized and/or in market condition. HUD allowed them to be placed in a different status so they would not be subject to reacquisition inspections.
CONSENT
The Commission voted to recommend approval of the consent items listed above. The votes were as follows:
AYES: Coriano, Chan, Dean, Fowler, Gore, Hoag, Piatkowski, Stivers.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Burns, Burruss, Shah.
BUSINESS
3. Acquisition of 8128 and 8140 Elder Creek Road
Vice-Chair Fowler and Commissioner Stivers were concerned about the no votes at the Army Depot Redevelopment Advisory Committee’s meeting on August 23, 2007. They questioned why the Agency is stepping in instead of the Developer making a purchase offer directly.
Chris Pahule, Assistant Director, Housing and Community Development, responded that the Developer has made purchase offers on the two properties but has not been successful. At 8128 Elder Creek, there is a concern about the overall cost of acquisition because of demolition and contamination. At 8140 Elder Creek, the owner has showed no willingness to sell the property to the Developer. The Agency is hoping to acquire the two properties and then work with the Developer to develop a retail center with a grocery store.
The Commission voted to recommend approval of the Acquisition of 8128 and 8140 Elder Creek Road. The votes were as follows:
AYES: Coriano, Chan, Dean, Fowler, Gore, Hoag, Piatkowski, Stivers.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Burns, Burruss, Shah
7. Acquisition of 6243 Logan Street for Sim Park
Irene Roland, 6243 Logan Street property owner, feels she is not being properly informed about the status of her property.
Chris Pahule stated that the process is to first get purchase and budget authority from the City Council. When approved, Agency staff will begin negotiating with the property owner.
The Commission voted to recommend approval of the acquisition of 6243 Logan Street for Sim Park. The votes were as follows:
AYES: Coriano, Chan, Dean, Fowler, Gore, Hoag, Piatkowski, Stivers.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Burns, Burruss, Shah
8. Approval of Tax Exempt Bonds and Agency Loan for Rio Linda Manor Apartments
Joel Riphagen, Housing Finance Analyst, reported on the item which is an acquisition and rehabilitation of a 66 unit senior apartment complex at 2671 Rio Linda Boulevard. He also introduced Doug Day from Highland Property Development, who represents the Developer.
Commissioner Chan asked if the units were currently occupied and if tenants will be relocated. Joel Riphagen and Christine Weichert, Assistant Director Housing and Community Developed, explained that no one will be permanently relocated and most of the work can be done in one day. If not, there will be a very short relocation.
Commissioner Dean was concerned about the one day time line. Doug Day explained that the majority of the work will be in the kitchen. They can complete two to three kitchens in a day. Handicap apartments will take more time, but tenants will have a very short time away from their units.
Commissioner Stivers asked why this project was worthy of the Agency’s investment. Joel Riphagen responded that the alternative would be a sale to a market rate developer and a significant increase in rents. The agency investment will provide rehabilitation, address security issues, improved property management, and provide social services.
The Commission voted to recommend approval of the tax exempt bonds and Agency loan for Rio Linda Manor apartments. The votes were as follows:
AYES: Coriano, Chan, Dean, Fowler, Gore, Hoag, Piatkowski, Stivers.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Burns, Burruss, Shah
9. Funding for Broadway Streetscape Improvements Project
Celia Yniguez, Redevelopment Manager, Housing and Community Development presented this item celebrating the accomplishments in the Oak Park Redevelopment Area. The proposed project will complete recommendations made in the Broadway/Stockton Urban Design Plan and complements the Martin Luther King Streetscape Master Plan. The Broadway Streetscape Improvements Project furthers development along these boulevards and adds to the efforts of beautifiying the Oak Park Neighborhood.
During citizen comments Ron Emslie expressed concern that tax increment money is going to the commercial corridor and not a fair share going to the streetscapes in the neighborhoods.
Chris Pahule answered that the investments in Oak Park are consistent with the 5 year implementation plan based on community input and council approval.
Clara McKeithern expressed her concern that she has lived in Oak Park for 30 years and none of the improvements have been in her neighborhood. Lisa Bates and Chris Pahule responded that this report is for funding and the projects still are being designed and will have citizen input.
The Commission voted to recommend approval of the funding for the Broadway Streetscape Improvements Project. The votes were as follows:
AYES: Coriano, Chan, Dean, Fowler, Gore, Hoag, Piatkowski, Stivers.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Burns, Burruss, Shah WORKSHOP
10. 2008 Budget Workshop – Overview of Projected 23008 Revenues
Don Cavier, SHRA Finance Director, presented a PowerPoint presentation which showed an overview of historical revenue trends and revenue projections for the agency’s major funding sources which make up the basis for the 2008 budget.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Lisa Bates presented the Executive Director’s report as Executive Director, Anne Moore was absent. Lisa reviewed the activities calendar and reported that:
ITEMS AND QUESTIONS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Vice-Chair Fowler commented on Sam Burns’s resignation that he will be greatly missed on the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business to be conducted, Vice-Chair Fowler adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.
________________________ AGENCY CLERK