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Home My WebLink About1993-01-27 HAC MIN . MINUTES HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE Wednesday January 27, 1993 3:30 P.M. Council Conference Room City Hall 276 Fourth Avenue, C.Y. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 3:35 P.M. PRESENT: Chairman Joe Casillas, Dan Dennison, Allen King, Maggie Helton, J.R. de Jesus Chantengco ABSENT: Cecilia Delgadillo STAFF: Housing Coordinator Arroyo, Community Development Specialist Harris GUESTS: Merritt Hodson . EX-OFFICIO: Diane Flint, Mitch Thompson (both absent) 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MSC (Helton/Dennison)(5-o-1, Delgadillo absent) to approve the Minutes of November 18, 1992. MSC (HeltonlDennison)(5-o-1, Delgadillo absent) to accept minutes of discussions held on October 28, 1992 and September 23, 1992 (there was no quorum at these meetings). 2. PROPOSED SHORT TERM HOUSING FACILITY David Harris presented an overview of the proposal by South Bay Community Services (SBCS) to develop a short- term housing facility for homeless families. SBCS has surveyed several sites, including apartment complexes, motels, and an office building. Ms. Helton ask how the proposal for a homeless shelter originated. Mr. Harris responded that the Mayor proposed the idea at the "Housing Summit" last October and that a small group of people met with the mayor two months ago to start planning for the project. Ms. Helton wanted to know why HAC members were not invited to the Housing Summit (Mr. Casillas, Mr. Chantengco, and Mr. Thompson were invited). Mr. King questioned the role of the HAC if the Mayor had formed his own subcommittee. It was suggested that a letter be written to the Mayor to voice their concerns. Mr. Chantengco added that the letter should be "constructive criticism" for tbe Mayor on involving the HAC members in all bousing meetings. MSC (HeltonlDennison) (5-0-1, Delgadillo absent) to request a written summary of the discussion at the "Housing Summit" and to direct Mr. King to write a letter of constructive criticism to the Mayor with copies to the Council and Community Development Director. . Mr. Harris provided information to the members regarding eacb of the sites under consideration for short-term housing. One site is the EI Dorado office building, which is owned by the Redevelopment Agency and is where SBCS administrative offices are located. SBCS would convert half of the offices to living units and construct a community kitchen. Mr. Casillas felt that the cost of trying to retrofit an office building would be excessive. A second site is one of the small motels on Broadway Avenue; however, these units are very small, there are no areas . . . for children. A third site is the Woodlawn Gardens Apts., which is a ISO unit, REO property. SBCS would utilize IS units for emergency housing with the balance as low and very low-income rentals. The cost per unit on this project is low, but the overall cost of acquisition is high ($6M). A fifth site is 31 Fourth Ave., a 14-unit complex adjacent to the proposed transitional housing project. The per unit cost is high, but its location is very good from a management point of view. A sixth option is a new construction project east of Hwy 805. Mr. Casillas suggested that if the shelter could be part of a developer's obligation under the Affordable Housing Policy it would help fulfill the balanced community goal. Mr. Chantengco suggested that the City might be able to utilize the "Public Facilities Act" (which was passed two years ago) to finance the project. He felt that the shelter can be built for less cost new than as acquisition and rehab. Mr. Harris stated that SBCS is looking for funding from many sources including from State and Federal homeless grant programs, the County of San Diego, and National City. They will also solicit private contributions from developers, lenders, and the community. 3. PROPOSED HOUSING AUTHORITY Juan Arroyo reported that the Housing Authority item will be going to the Council at its March 2, 1993 meeting. Ms. Helton asked what staffs position is on the formation of a Housing Authority. Mr. Arroyo replied that there is no opposition from staff and it seems like there is a need. Mr. Casillas emphasized that the City needs to be more proactive in line with the "administration of change". He encouraged staff to see if the City can get the County to transfer existing Section 8 certificates to the new Housing Authority. 4. MEMBER COMMENTS Ms. Helton, Mr. King, and Mr. Chantengco all voiced their feelings that the Mayor and City Council should utilize the HAC whenever housing is the issue; they felt that the HAC has often been overlooked. The HAC members want to serve the City to the best of their ability and believe that they can make a difference on affordable housing issues. All the members present urged Mr. King, in his letter to the Mayor, to send a strong message to make the HAC an integral part of the City government. Mrs. Helton mentioned that Steve Peace bas a facsimile machine whicb is available to the public to receive faxes. 7. STAFF COMMENTS - None 8. ADJOURNMENT - at 4:55 P.M. to the next regular meeting scheduled for February 24, 1993 at 3:30 P.M. in the Public Services Building. ~'''''7'/\ (5td(e/ <//1' Dav {AG/A:\I-27.93.HAC.MIN] David". DISK