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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Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: Authority Secretary Theresa Bass announced that City Council Item No. 6 was withdrawn from the agenda by the petitioner, Red Hook Capital Partners, LLC.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 fall agenda 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 Page 2 of 7 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 9' 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 2V. He thanked everyone who attended the Trunk -or -Treat event on October 200 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 4t 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 Win 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 https�/Avww anaheim nett6465/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 V from 5:00-9:30 p.m. at the Pearson Park Amphitheatre. In collaboration with the Anaheim Community Foundation, the Samuel! 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 Page 3 of 7 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 0 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. 3. Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of September 12, 2023. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Approve the transfer of $1,000,000 to the Senior Safety Net Program, with proceeds PFA187 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 Stapler 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 Page 4 of 7 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 Page 5 of 7 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. PFA387 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. Respectfully submitted, sa ass, 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