Pima County Housing Commission

November 20, 2006

 

 

Pima County Recreation Center

2805 E. Ajo Way Room 104

 

                       

Members Present:

Members Absent:

Staff & Guests:

 

Frank Thomson               

Kathleen Buske                 

Terry Galligan

Tim Escobedo

Ed Taczanowsky

Betty Villegas

David Greenberg             

           

Gary Bachman

Frank Moreno                               

 

Marcos Ysmael

Jon Miles

 

Daniel Tylutki

Henry Boice    

 

Margaret Kish

Ken Anderson

 

Leslie Nixon

Steve Craddock

 

Karen Friar

Scott Place

 

Noemi Navarro

 

 

Michael McDonald

 

 

Ana Durazo

                                  

           

I.        Welcome & Call to Order


A quorum was established and the meeting was officially called to order by Chair Frank Moreno at 3:05 P.M.

 

II.      Approval of Minutes from October 16, 2006

 

Motion by Ken Anderson to approve the minutes.

Motion seconded by Jon Miles.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

III.    Presentation by City of Tucson on MLK Project changes

Emily Nottingham and Jack Siry from the City of Tucson Community Services Department discussed a revised proposal and the current status of the MLK project.  They explained that the changes resulted from the selection of a new development company.  The new partner has redesigned the project so that the original MLK building (originally scheduled for demolition) will be completely renovated into market rate apartments, of which they have committed to set aside 11 affordable units.  The new 68 unit public housing structure will be built above an underground garage, and 25 spaces will be reserved for the occupants at no charge. Commissioner Escobedo inquired about the tenants and their ability to relocate back to the new MLK building once completed.   Ms. Nottingham assured the Commission that those tenants who chose to move into the new MLK building would be accommodated, and all other residents would be given a choice of senior housing programs. Ms. Nottingham stated that the proposed construction timeline is now March 2008 for project completion.

 

There was further discussion on the changes to the original IGA between the City of Tucson and Pima County. Ms. Nottingham assured the Commission that the City of Tucson will meet their contractual requirements to use the bond funds to construct the approved amenities for the 68 public housing units as originally approved by the Board of Supervisors.

 

 

IV.    Discussion on Housing Agreement for Roof Top Fee Contribution

Ms. Villegas provided copies of the latest draft agreement reviewed by Frank Thomson, proposing new terminology to provide consistent language with that used by most developers and most professionals in the real estate industry, primarily changing “unimproved” with “unsubdivided” and “improved” with “subdivided”.  Ms Regina Nassen, Pima County Attorney, who has worked with staff regarding this document, was not present.  County Attorney Karen Friar accepted the proposed changes to the document and stated she would consult with her supervisor, Ms. Nassen.

     

V.      Discussion on Commission process to address changes in scope for approved bond projects

The Commission discussed procedures regarding changes to projects that have been reviewed and recommended for approval to Board of Supervisors.  Ms. Friar was present to answer the Commissioners questions. Ms. Friar explained that when projects are consistent with the provisions of the contract, then reasonable changes within limits are acceptable.   Should a substantial change occur (not clearly defined), the contract would need to be amended. The Commission has the authority to recommend projects to the Board of Supervisors.

 

The Commissioners raised concerns regarding the number of changes made to MLK project.  Ms Friar clarified that if the City of Tucson proposed changes, however it appears that they still intend provided for the public housing and described amenities as originally proposed.  Given these assumptions, the City could in fact be in compliance. (At this time there are no revised plans that can be reviewed)  Commissioners voiced concern on how to handle future projects that have substantial changes in the scope, budget or timeline that was their proposal when approved by the Commission.   It was recommended that staff monitor projects and advise the Commission of substantial changes that may occur.  It was also recommended that Commissioners advise their appointing Supervisor regarding this issue of substantial change. The Commissioners discussed sending a letter to the Board of Supervisors based on issues regarding the notion of “substantial change” and those issues raised through the MLK discussion  

 

Motion made to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors regarding the question of substantial change and the Commissions role in relating to projects with substantial changes.   

 

Motion by Steve Craddock.

      Motion seconded by Tim Escobedo.

      Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VI.    Call to Audience

Margaret Kish, Community Development Director addressed the Commission and     Introduced Leslie Nixon, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program Manager. Ms. Nixon’s role working with Neighborhood Reinvestment Bond projects was discussed.  Ms. Nixon worked in Legal aid and in Supervisor Bronson’s office for eight years.  Ms. Nixon has been with Community Development for a year and half.  Betty Villegas addressed the Commission and introduced Ana Durazo the new Administrative Specialist for Community Development.  Michael McDonald from Habitat addressed the Commission and acknowledged changes being considered to Corazon Del Pueblo project which will increase the project scope, adding 20 additional units through cost saving measures.

 

VII.  Adjournment

 

 

Motion by Frank Thomson to adjourn.

Second by Tim Escobedo

 

Frank Moreno adjourned the meeting at 4:50 P.M.