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2019-06-12 VHC MinutesMINUTES VERNON HOUSING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBER, 4305 SANTA FE AVENUE JUNE 12, 2019, 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER & FLAG SALUTE The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chair Cooper. Vice-Chair Ybarra led the Flag Salute. Members Present: Kyle Cooper, Melissa Ybarra, Steven Froberg, Steven Florman Members Absent: Hector Garcia, Frank Gaviña CHANGES TO THE AGENDA City Clerk Ayala announced that there were no changes to the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT None. MINUTES 1. Minutes of the Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting Held on March 13, 2019 Recommendation: A. Receive and File MOTION Vice Chair Ybarra moved and Commissioner Froberg seconded a motion to receive and file the Minutes of the Regular Vernon Housing Commission Meeting held on March 13, 2019. The motion carried 4-0, Members Garcia and Gaviña absent. NEW BUSINESS 2. Report on Housing Lotteries Held During the Period of March 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019 Recommendation: A. Find that the action recommended in this staff report does not constitute a “project” pursuant to Section 45378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because such recommendations constitute an administrative activity; and even if the proposed action does constitute a project, it would be exempt from 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 B. Receive and file a report on the housing lotteries held between March 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019. Regular Vernon Housing Commission Minutes Page 2 of 4 June 12, 2019 Director of Public Works Wall reported on the housing lotteries. MOTION Vice Chair Ybarra moved and Commissioner Froberg seconded a to: A. Find that the action recommended in this staff report does not constitute a “project” pursuant to Section 45378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because such recommendations constitute an administrative activity; and even if the proposed action does constitute a project, it would be exempt from 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 B. Receive and file a report on the housing lotteries held between March 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019. The motion carried 4-0, Members Garcia and Gaviña absent. 3. Approval of Proposed Amendments to Lease-Up Procedures for New Tenants of City-Owned Units, Procedure Regarding Lessee/Authorized Occupant Relocation, and related Request Forms Recommendation: A. Find that the actions recommended in this staff report do not constitute a “project” pursuant to Section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), because such recommendations constitute an administrative activity; and even if the adoption of the proposed items did constitute a project, it would be exempt from 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; B. Adopt the proposed amended Lease-Up Procedures for New Tenants of City-Owned Units and related City Housing Interest Form; and C. Adopt the proposed amended Procedure Regarding Lessee/Authorized Occupant Relocation and related Unit Transfer Request Form. Director of Public Works Wall reported on the proposed Amendments to Lease-Up Procedures. A dialogue ensued between Commissioners and staff as to the need to revise the leasing procedures. MOTION Vice Chair Ybarra moved and Commission Froberg seconded a motion to: A. Find that the actions recommended in this staff report do not constitute a “project” pursuant to Section 15378(b)(2) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), because such recommendations constitute an administrative activity; and even if the adoption of the proposed items did constitute a project, it would be exempt from 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; B. Adopt the proposed amended Lease-Up Procedures for New Tenants of City-Owned Units and related City Housing Interest Form; and C. Tabling adoption of the proposed amendment Procedure Regarding Lessee/Authorize Occupant Relocation and related Unit Transfer Request Form to the next regular scheduled meeting to bring back recommended revisions to the unit transfer list. The motion carried 4-0, Members Garcia and Gaviña absent. Regular Vernon Housing Commission Minutes Page 3 of 4 June 12, 2019 DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POSSIBLE DIRECTIVES TO STAFF 4. Discussion and Possible Directives to Staff Regarding the Possible Implementation of a Live/Work Mixed Use Overlay Zone in the City of Vernon Recommendation: A. Find that the discussion of a potential Live/Work Mixed Use Overlay Zone in the City of Vernon is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because the evaluation of such zoning discussion is a continuing administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and does not commit the City to a definite course of action, and therefore does not constitute a "project" as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378; and B. Hold a discussion to receive feedback from the Vernon Housing Commission on the possible implementation of a Live/Work Mixed Use Overlay Zone in the City of Vernon. Director of Public Works Wall reported on the possible Live/Work Mixed Use Overlay Zone. In response to Commission questions, Director of Public Works Wall discussed geographical areas that would be impacted by the proposed overlay, availability of current studies, surveys, and input received from businesses regarding the impact to surrounding businesses. The Commission discussed the proposed ordinance, City’s collaborate efforts to approach stakeholders to obtain feedback, creation of a subcommittee to address concerns, impact to the City, and environmental concerns. City Administrator Fandino stated staff would issue a Request for Proposals for a feasibility study of live-work in the City of Vernon. Director of Public Works Wall stated an update could be provided at the next meeting. ORAL REPORTS 5. March - May 2019 Quarterly Housing Report By: Public Works Staff Recommendation: A. No action required by the Commission. This is a presentation only. Director of Public Works Wall provided the Quarterly Housing Report. Chair Cooper asked the process for removing applicants from the list. Director of Public Works Wall stated the applicants were listed on the City’s website. CONSENSUS By consensus, the Commission directed staff to provide an email with information regarding the applicants for housing that fell off the lottery list. Regular Vernon Housing Commission Minutes Page 4 of 4 June 12, 2019 In response to Commission questions, Director of Public Works Wall explained maintenance of appliances. Michael Maurer, Legal Counsel, Best & Krieger, advised the Commission of the City's duties and responsibilities for maintenance of rental units as the landlord; which included notice to tenants for entry and overall maintenance only. A brief discussion ensued between Commissioners and staff regarding the tenant’s responsibilities as to the repair and maintenance of the units versus the landlords’ duties. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT Marissa Olguin, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, indicated the Chamber supported a study of the Live/Work Mixed Use Overlay Zone to be conducted with minimal intrusion to businesses and supported strategic planning. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Vice Chair Ybarra moved and Commissioner Florman seconded a motion to adjourn at 6:55 p.m. The motion carried 4-0, Members Garcia and Gaviña absent. ________________________ KYLE COOPER, Chair ATTEST: _________________________ LISA POPE, City Clerk (seal)