2015-03-11 VHC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR VERNON HOUSING COMMISSION
MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2015, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT
4305 SANTA FE AVENUE, VERNON, CALIFORNIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Hughes, Melissa Ybarra, Henry Haskell, and John Kriste
MEMBERS ABSENT: Hector Garcia and Eric Gustafson
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Chair Hughes; Vice-Chair Ybarra led the flag
salute.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Chair Hughes announced that there were no changes to the agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Hughes announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired whether
anyone in the audience wished to address the Commission. The public will also be given a
chance to comment on matters which are on the posted agenda during Commission deliberation
on those specific matters.
Diana Gonzalez (Resident)
Expressed concerns over: response times to provide repair and maintenance to rental unit; having
“part-time” staff providing response to requests for repair and/or maintenance; communication
and accessibility to staff from residents.
Commission members had questions regarding the concerns expressed. Kristen Enomoto
(Deputy City Administrator) provided responses to concerns and questions.
Monica Rodriguez (Resident)
Expressed concerns over potential mildew in the bathroom of her rental unit. Ms. Rodriguez
also inquired as to how the lease may be renewed.
Chair Hughes, Ms. Enomoto, and Bill Fox (Director of Finance) provided responses and
information.
MINUTES
1. Minutes of the Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting held December 10,
2014, to be received and filed.
2. Minutes of the Special Vernon Housing Commission Meeting held December 10,
2014, to be received and filed.
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2015
Page 2 of 4
It was moved by Haskell and seconded by Ybarra to approve the Minutes listed above. Motion
carried, 4-0.
OLD BUSINESS
3. Potential Commission Recommendation to City Council Regarding the Divestment
of City of Vernon-Owned Housing Units Located in Huntington Park.
Recommendations:
(1) Find that the discussion and potential action(s) contemplated in the staff report are
exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance
with Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that
may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Hold a discussion regarding the extent to which City ownership of housing units
located in Huntington Park continues to provide public benefits that are
sufficiently adequate to merit ownership or whether the public interest would be
served by the City divesting its ownership in said units; and
(3) Provide direction to staff regarding any recommendations to be submitted to the
City Council regarding the potential divestment of City-owned housing units in
Huntington Park. If divestment is recommended, the Commission should also
develop and recommend a specific sales program or plan.
Ms. Enomoto provided a brief report on the five City-owned units in Huntington Park. The
Commission held discussion regarding the units, sale of, and where revenues might be directed.
Ms. Enomoto and Mr. Fox provided responses to questions.
It was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Haskell with motion carried, 4-0 to:
Recommend to the City Council to have an appraisal conducted of the City-owned
housing units in Huntington Park by a professional service and sell the units at fair
market value.
NEW BUSINESS
4. Summary of Annual Maintenance Inspection Results and Update on Development
of a Proposed Capital Improvement Plan for City of Vernon-Owned Housing
Units.
Recommendations:
(1) Find that the proposed actions are exempt under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that
CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment; and
(2) Receive and file a summary report of annual maintenance inspection results for
City of Vernon-owned housing units (Exhibit A); and
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2015
Page 3 of 4
(3) Authorize the development of a two-part Capital Improvement Plan for City-
owned housing units and provide direction to City staff regarding particular
provisions of said plan.
Kevin Wilson (Director of Public Works, Water and Development Services) provided an oral
report.
The Commission held considerable discussion on the item with staff responding to questions.
Two (2) recommendations were issued by the Commission on separate motions as follows:
(1) It was moved by Haskell and seconded by Ybarra, with the motion carried, 4-0 to:
Remodel the 7 housing units that have not yet been remodeled (to the previous standard)
as soon as possible.
(2) It was moved by Haskell and seconded by Kristen, with the motion carried, 4-0 to:
Have staff acquire a professional consultant to set a timetable for the standardized
renovation and upgrading.
ORAL REPORTS & COMMENTS FROM STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBERS
5. Announcement of resignation of Commission member Michael McCormick and status
of vacant Resident (Non-City Council Member Seat).
Ms. Enomoto reported on: the vacant Commission seat; applicants to be considered for
the vacancy; future vacancy and advertisements.
6. Status report on letter from “concerned resident” dated February 14, 2015, issued to
members of the Vernon Housing Commission and certain City Staff assisting the
Commission.
Ms. Enomoto reported on the City’s response to the February 14 letter.
7. Quarterly housing report to be presented by City Finance Director.
Mr. Fox provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
8. Vernon Village Park progress report to be presented by the Director of Public Works,
Water & Development Services.
Mr. Wilson provided an update on the housing development.
Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Minutes
March 11, 2015
Page 4 of 4
9. Update on proposed zoning amendments related to housing matters to be presented by
the Director of Public Works, Water & Development Services.
Mr. Wilson provided an update on the proposed zoning amendments.
10. Update on potential upcoming agenda items, including results of annual Tenant
Satisfaction Survey, potential staffing modifications, rental rate review information,
and anything that may impact staff recommendations to City Council regarding the
fiscal year 2015-2016 budget.
Ms. Enomoto provided information on pertinent agenda items for the next Commission
meeting in June.
11. Brief reports, announcements, or directives to staff from the Commissioners and
Commission Officers.
Commissioner Ybarra requested that pertinent contact information be provided to
residents and/or tenants.
SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Hughes announced that this was the time allotted for public comment and inquired whether
anyone in the audience wished to address the Commission.
Diana Gonzalez (Resident)
Expressed concerns over the lack of availability of local Public Park, swimming pool, and/or
basketball courts for residents.
Ms. Enomoto provided information on the topic.
With no further business, 8:13 p.m., it was moved by Ybarra and seconded by Kriste to adjourn
the meeting. Motion carried, 4-0.
________________________
Michael Hughes
Chairperson
ATTEST:
_________________________
Maria E. Ayala
Secretary