AHA - 2023/10/24ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 24, 2023
The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of October 24, 2023 was called to order at
5:21 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. in joint
session with the Anaheim City Council. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were
duly posted on October 21, 2023.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Natalie
Rubalcava, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz,
Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks
STAFF PRESENT:,
City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and
Secretary Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS:
Authority Secretary Theresa Bass announced that City Council Item No. 6 was withdrawn from
the agenda by the petitioner, Red Hook Capital Partners, LLC. On Friday, October 20, 2023 the
City Clerk's Office received the results of the Certificate of Canvass with respect to the Special
Election held on October 3, 2023. A resolution reciting and declaring the results of that Special
Election was added to the agenda as City Council Item No. 25. The amended agenda was
posted 72 hours prior to the meeting and met all Brown Act posting requirements.
PUBLIC COMMENTS all a ends items : Prior to receipt of public comments, Secretary
Theresa Bass provided an outline of public comments procedures, a brief decorum statement,
and announced Spanish interpretation services are provided at each City Council meeting.
One (1) public comment was received electronically related to Anaheim Housing Authority
agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim Housing Authority, which were
distributed to the Anaheim Housing Authority and made part of the official record. — See
Appendix.
Mark Richard Daniels commented on the importance of Item Nos. 1 and 2 and continuing to
support senior programs and senior residents. He provided additional comments related to City
Council agenda Item Nos. 19, 20, and 21 and the importance of lobbying provisions. He
recommended the implementation of a hotline to address lobbyist concerns.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Authority Member/Council Member Faessel requested adjourning the City Council meeting in
memory of longtime resident Dr. Howard Knohl. He displayed photographs of events he recently
attended including the grand opening of. the LA International Fencing Center OC, Strategic Plan
outreach event at the Sunkist Library, District 5 community meeting at First Methodist Church,
and a tour of Diamond Valley Lake in his capacity as Director of the Metropolitan Water District.
He noted that Diamond Valley Lake is the largest water reservoir in Southern California. On
November 2, 2023, the Tampico Motel wall -breaking ceremony will be taking place and he
invited District 5 residents to the event. Through a $5.5 million grant, the City will be converting
the motel into affordable housing.
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of October 24, 2023
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Authority Member/Council Member Leon invited residents to upcoming events in the City of
Anaheim including, Veterans Day at La Casa Bonita for free lunch on November 9th from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. and the We Give Thanks event at the Honda Center for a free Thanksgiving
Dinner on November 23rd. He thanked everyone who attended the Trunk -or -Treat event on
October 20th as well as the West Anaheim Police Team for their Pumpkin Painting with Police
event. Authority Member/Council Member Leon shared that he was hoping to see everyone at
this year's Fall Festival and Parade. He wished everyone a safe and fun Halloween.
Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz invited everyone to the Strategic Plan event at the
Anaheim Marketplace on November 0 at 4:00 p.m. She encouraged senior residents to attend
and provide input. She highlighted and shared photographs of Orange Grove Elementary. The
Principal is Dr. Marroquin. Orange Grove Elementary has 605 students and they are a Spanish
language immersion program. They are very proud of their new playground equipment and their
pumpkin garden.
Authority Member/Council Member Diaz highlighted and shared photographs of Estrada's Grill
located at 2601 W. Lincoln Avenue. He stated this is a Latino -owned business and he
encouraged everyone to support small businesses in the community. The customer service is
impressive and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Authority Member/Council Member Meeks noted the public can provide input on the Strategic
Plan through a questionnaire available online on the City website. She encouraged the public to
visit the City's website to participate. She visited the LA International Fencing Center OC and
noted that two Olympic Champions were at the ribbon cutting ceremony working with the kids.
They have a wonderful group of coaches as well as youth and adult lessons.
Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava thanked all the commenters who came out to
provide public comment and for being part of the democratic process. She recognized Council
Services Coordinator, Lauren Torres who is leaving the City of Anaheim. She expressed
anticipation over the future Class and Compensation Study to boost employee retention.
Chairperson/Mayor Aitken displayed photographs of events she recently attended including a
pumpkin giveaway in collaboration with Northgate Market, West Coast Arborists, Paul Kott
Realtors, and ocV!BE, She thanked everyone who made the event possible. She wished the
Anaheim Ducks' Mascot, Wild Wing a happy 30th birthday. Along with Authority
Members/Council Members Diaz, Leon, and Faessel they welcomed the City of Mito, Japan
Mayor Yasushi Takahashi and a delegation of officials and community members. She thanked
her husband who gave an amazing toast in Japanese to the delegation. Chairperson/Mayor
Aitken attended the Commercial Real Estate Women Orange County event highlighting the
work of the women in what is traditionally a male -dominated industry. She congratulated all the
SPIRE award winners.
CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE:
City Manager Jim Vanderpool announced that in regards to the City's Strategic Plan project, the
survey is located on the City's website at htt,Asa/www.anaheim.net/6465/Strategic-Plan.
The City's Community Services Department will be hosting the 7th annual "Dia de Los Muertos
— A Night of Community and Culture" event on Friday, November 3rd from 5:00-9:30 p.m. at the
Pearson Park Amphitheatre. In collaboration with the Anaheim Community Foundation, the
Samueli Foundation, CalOptima, and Anaheim school districts, this event is hosted annually as
a fundraiser for Project S.A.Y. Youth Development Program and brings together youth and
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of October 24, 2023
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families through the creation of colorful altars that are built and displayed to honor the memory
of friends and family that have passed on. Anaheim youth will be performing on the theater
stage along with live mariachi, craft activities for the kids and food trucks for all in attendance to
enjoy. He invited everyone to visit Founders' Park on Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. to celebrate the Native Arts Festival with Anaheim Public Library. A part of the
"Anaheim Reads" literary festival, this one -day celebration of Native art will feature Tongva
artists and creators and will have something for the whole family. The public can pick up a copy
of There, There by Tommy Orange from a local Anaheim Public Library branch to join along.
Item No. 10 of the City Council agenda is to award a construction contract to Towo Enterprise,
Inc. for approximately $1.2 million for the removal and replacement of damaged concrete at
over 400 locations Citywide. This project is one of many made possible by the Council's vision
to improve neighborhoods, parks, and facilities. As part of this year's budget, the City Council
allocated an additional $2 million to the Public Works Department budget to enhance the
existing concrete rehabilitation program. Sidewalks, walkways, and access ramps are a vital
component to improve pedestrian mobility. This is the second year of a five year commitment
from the City Council to provide additional funding to repair damaged concrete across the entire
City.
At 6:21 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken recessed the Anaheim City Council to address the
Anaheim Housing Authority agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:21 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with
Chairperson Aitken pulling Item No. 1 and Authority Member Kurtz pulling Item No. 2 for
separate discussion and consideration.
MOTION: Authority Member Faessel moved to approve Item No. 3 as presented, in accordance
with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each Authority Member and as
listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Authority Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel,
and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried.
AHA177 3. Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of September 12, 2023.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
AHA177 1. Approve the transfer of $1,000,000 to the Senior Safety Net Program, with proceeds
coming from the Housing Authority held Low -Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund, in the
amount of $500,000, and the other $500,000 deriving from housing developer voluntary
contribution funds; authorize the Executive Director, or designee, to execute all documents
related to the administration, management, and implementation of the Senior Safety Net
Program to provide a range of rental assistance and supportive services to Anaheim
seniors, including minor modifications to program guidelines; and increase the Housing
and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget by $500,000.
Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority Grace Stepter presented the Senior Safety
Net Program which was established in 2020. The program was established to assist seniors
living within the City and began addressing case management to understand the needs of
senior residents. She noted the pilot program included Case Management, Emergency
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of October 24, 2023
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Assistance, and Tenant -Based Rental Assistance. Emergency Assistance included financial
assistance of up to $3,000 for rent arrears, security deposits, and moving costs. Tenant -Based
Rental Assistance would provide rental assistance for up to six months with the ability to extend
the term to 12 months while staff would explore potential long-term solutions. Executive Director
Stepter noted the program was funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds. $45,000 was committed to fund a Community Services staff member at the Downtown
Community Center to provide information on the program. She provided an overview of the
additional funding sources for the program including $250,000 from Housing Set -Aside funds
and $350,000 from HOME funds. The intention for the item is to provide an overview of the
program and request additional funding to continue to support the program. The request is to
increase the funding amounts for the Emergency Assistance and Tenant -Based Rental
Assistance components to $1,000,000 each. Executive Director Stepter noted the additional
funds would increase the assistance provided to seniors to cover increases in security deposits
and cost of living. The request would include extending the term for rental assistance to 12
months with the possibility to extend it to 24 months. She highlighted the accomplishments of
the program including 254 households assisted with Case Management, 193 households with
Emergency Assistance, and 28 households with Tenant -Based Rental Assistance. Funding
sources for the request would include Housing Set -Aside funds, Redevelopment Agency funds,
Developer Contribution fees, and HOME funds. Executive Director Stepter noted the program is
unique to the City and meaningful to support seniors.
DISCUSSION: Chairperson Aitken thanked staff for being creative and establishing the unique
program. She highlighted the focus on using funds for unhoused individuals and finding
long-term solutions. Chairperson Aitken noted the City has the highest percentage of seniors
over the age of 65.
In response to Chairperson Aitken, Executive Director Stepter mentioned Director of Community
Services Sjany Larson -Cash would be collaborating with the Anaheim Community Foundation to
begin discussion on creating a strategic plan on aging and evaluating the needs of individuals
over the age of 55.
Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash clarified the Community Services
Department participated in a needs assessment on a Countywide committee. Additionally, she
highlighted the City is conducting assessments of their senior facilities. She mentioned the
Community Services Department is working in collaboration with the Anaheim Community
Foundation to establish a joint partnership to conduct a much -needed Citywide needs
assessment for seniors.
Chairperson Aitken expressed support for the program and requested an internal report on the
different department programs and funds devoted to seniors.
Executive Director Stepter confirmed staff can create a comprehensive document in
collaboration with Director Larson -Cash to provide information on the program, funding, and
resources the City currently devotes to seniors.
Authority Member Kurtz thanked staff for the innovative program to assist the City's seniors.
In response to Authority Member Kurtz, Executive Director Stepter responded that based on
current projections the amount in the emergency fund would last three years.
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of October 24, 2023
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Authority Member Kurtz noted the current funds would provide time for the City to conduct a
strategic assessment to establish more programs for seniors. She hoped with the success of the
program, legislators would be willing to contribute grant funds in the future. She expressed
support for the program and for the future of the City's seniors.
Authority Member Leon thanked staff for their work on the program and for continuing to support
resident's needs.
Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava highlighted staff assisted residents in District 3 with obtaining
housing.
MOTION: Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava moved to approve the transfer of $1,000,000 to the
Senior Safety Net Program, with proceeds coming from the Housing Authority held Low -
Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund, in the amount of $500,000, and the other $500,000
deriving from housing developer voluntary contribution funds; authorize the Executive Director,
or designee, to execute all documents related to the administration, management, and
implementation of the Senior Safety Net Program to provide a range of rental assistance and
supportive services to Anaheim seniors, including minor modifications to program guidelines;
and increase the Housing and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year 2023/24
budget by $500,000, seconded by Authority Member Kurtz.
DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Diaz, Executive Director Stepter responded the
City has not turned away residents in need. She provided an example of when the City could
not provide services due to an individual residing in the County of Orange unincorporated
portion of Anaheim.
Council Member Diaz reiterated the City has not turned away senior residents who required
assistance.
MOTION: Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava moved to approve the transfer of $1,000,000 to the
Senior Safety Net Program, with proceeds coming from the Housing Authority held Low -
Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund, in the amount of $500,000, and the other $500,000
deriving from housing developer voluntary contribution funds; authorize the Executive Director,
or designee, to execute all documents related to the administration, management, and
implementation of the Senior Safety Net Program to provide a range of rental assistance and
supportive services to Anaheim seniors, including minor modifications to program guidelines;
and increase the Housing and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year 2023/24
budget by $500,000, seconded by Authority Member Kurtz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7
(Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and
Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried.
R100 2. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2023-008 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING
BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY authorizing the use of $2,000,000 in
Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Funds to make a 50.3% match of PRO Housing
grant funding; authorizing the Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority, or
designee, to administer the Low and Moderate Income Funds on behalf of the Anaheim
Housing Authority and act as the agent of the Housing Authority on all matters concerning
the PRO Housing grant funding.
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of October 24, 2023
Page 6 of 7
Authorize increase to Housing and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year
2023/24 revenue and expenditures budget accordingly, if the grant application is
successful and funds are approved (related to City Council Agenda Item No. 17).
DISCUSSION: Authority Member Kurtz noted it was her first time seeing "Anaheim Housing
Trust" on the agenda and requested clarification on what the program is.
Executive Director Stepter prefaced staff has been working on greater participation in affordable
housing efforts. The creation of the affordable housing trust fund would include contributions
from other parties to assist with affordable housing efforts. Two trust funds exist in Orange
County including the Orange County Housing Finance Trust and Business Trust Fund.
Executive Director Stepter explained the Anaheim trust would be utilized to use funds to
purchase or finance land and expand homeownership opportunities.
In response to Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava, Executive Director Stepter confirmed the intention
to use contributions from businesses in the City to revitalize City -owned Redevelopment land.
She explained the urgency behind the item is a grant opportunity that would advance affordable
housing efforts.
Vice -Chairperson Rubalcava expressed her support for the item. She noted she was part of the
organization that implemented the Business Housing Trust. She expressed interest in seeing
how the trust operates and its implementation.
Executive Director Stepter mentioned staff can return to the Governing Board for direction on
how the trust will be enacted.
Chairperson Aitken requested information on the City's annual financial loss when the
Redevelopment Agency was eliminated.
Senior Project Manager Kevin Clausen stated up to 2010, the Redevelopment Agency's
revenues were roughly $60 million with 30% of the funds allocated to affordable housing.
In response to Chairperson Aitken, Executive Director Stepter noted through a resolution, staff
meets with developers to advance affordable housing efforts. Through that effort, developers
have offered voluntary contributions which are deposited into a specific account. Executive
Director Stepter noted after the trust fund is created funding allocations for developer
contributions are to be determined.
MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2023-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY
authorizing the use of $2,000,000 in Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Funds to make a
50.3% match of PRO Housing grant funding; authorizing the Executive Director of the Anaheim
Housing Authority, or designee, to administer the Low and Moderate Income Funds on behalf of
the Anaheim Housing Authority and act as the agent of the Housing Authority on all matters
concerning the PRO Housing grant funding and authorize increase to Housing and Community
Development Department's Fiscal Year 2023/24 revenue and expenditures budget accordingly,
if the grant application is successful and funds are approved, seconded by Vice -Chairperson
Rubalcava. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members
Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks). NOES — 0. Motion carried.
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of October 24, 2023
Page 7 of 7
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the
meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 6:52 p.m.
Resp ctfully submitted,
4
r---i4hera Sass, CMC
Secretary, Anaheim Housing Authority
Susana Barrios
From: Julian Gutierrez <juliang@ken nedycommission.org>
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2023 2:09 PM
To: Public Comment
Cc: Cesar C
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment on Agenda Item 2
Attachments: City of Anaheim Agenda Item 2 Public Comment Letter.pdf
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Good Afternoon,
My name is Julian Sebastian Gutierrez, a Policy Analyst with the Kennedy Commission. We thank you for the opportunity
to comment on Agenda Item 2 and our comments will be attached to the bottom of this email.
Thank you and have a great day,
Julian Sebastian Gutierrez
Julian Sebastian Gutierrez (He/Him)
Policy Analyst - Kennedy Commission
August 23, 2023
City of Anaheim City Council
200 S Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, California 92805
RE: Public Comments to Agenda Item 2 regarding the City of Anaheim's Pledge of$2
Million in Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Funds dated August 2023
To The Honorable Members of City Council:
www, ken nedyc o m m is l i o n_ org
17701 Cowan Ave., Suilc 200
Irvine, CA 1 F2614
949 250 0909
The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad -based coalition of residents and
community organizations that advocates for the production of homes affordable for families
earning less than $30,000 annually in Orange County. Formed in 2001, the Commission has
been successful in partnering and working with Orange County jurisdictions to create effective
housing and land -use policies that have led to the new construction of homes affordable to
lower -income working families.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on Agenda Item 2 regarding the City of
Anaheim's proposed resolution for the City's plan to implement the funds from the PRO Housing
Grant.
PRO Housing Grant
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's PRO Housing Grant Program is a
$85 million grant intended towards removing barriers to affordable housing by addressing
outdated zoning, policies, and regulations, gaps in resources for development, infrastructural
issues, lack of amenities, and expiring affordability requirements.
We believe that the city's plan for the grant as well as the goals set would be impactful in the
City's efforts to achieve Anaheim's RHNA score and ensure homes that are affordable to
Anaheim's low and moderate income residents. The Commission also supports the creation of
the Anaheim Housing Trust as a means to bolster the availability of funds to promote affordable
housing, but have some doubts regarding the establishment of the City Livability Lab. In the
wake of the Anaheim Corruption Scandal, the city should implement a system to review and
audit the Lab so that the funds are not mismanaged or misdirected from their original goal
similarly to what happened with Visit Anaheim.
There is a potential to effectively produce and preserve affordable housing in the City of
Anaheim from the PRO Housing Grant, as long as funds are not misappropriated or abused. We
therefore endorse the city's plan for the PRO Housing Grant's funds and the pledge of
$2,000,000 to match it, but strongly recommend a system to review and audit the use of funds
from the grant. We encourage that the city takes steps to develop incentives and programs for
affordable housing and both the pledge and the City's plan to implement the funds from the PRO
Housing Grant are the exact steps in the right direction.
We look forward to working with the City of Anaheim to encourage effective housing policies
that will help create balanced housing development and create much -needed affordable housing
in our local communities. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (949)
250-0909 or cesarc@kennedycommission.org.
Sincerely,
Cesar Covarrubias
Executive Director