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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-1994 City Council Study Session MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER S, 1994 - ***************************************************************** CALL TO ORDER The study Session was called to order by Mayor Washburn at 9:05 a.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILKEKBERS: BENDER, BRINLEY, PAPE, WASHBURN ABSENT: COUNCILKEKBERS: ALONGI Also present were: city Manager Molendyk, City Attorney Harper, Community services Director Sapp, Public Services Director Tecca, City Planner Leslie, Interim Chief Building Official Russell, Manager of Special Projects Watenpaugh and city Clerk Kasad. - Other Agency Representati ves Present were: Lt. Guy Kestell, Riverside county Sheriff's Department; Social Services supervisor Norman Buchanan, Child Protective services; Supervising Public Health Nurse Carol D'Arco, Riverside county Department of Public Health; Senior Development Specialist Kevin Palmer, Riverside County Economic Development Agency; Executive Officer Sharry Cooper, Lake Elsinore Valley Board of Realtor; Investigator Maryan C. Baker, Department of Welfare Fraud; District Manager Gary Albaugh, Southern California Gas Company; Supervisor Lynne Wilder, Environmental Health Department; Environmental Health Specialist Bonnie Dierking, Environmental Health Department; Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Tony Dominguez, u.S. Border Patrol; Assistant Border Patrol Agent Ray Harris, u.S. Border Patrol; Senior Special Investigator Frank Perez, Department of Health Services; Senior special Investigator Ricardo Brito, Department of Health Services; Principal Mary Ellen Lewis, Machado Elementary School; PTA President Karin Cuonis, Machado Elementary School. DISCUSSION ITEM Reportinq District 905 H - (Bird Tract/Nashland Avenuel.(F:127.4) City Manager Molendyk noted the prior meetings on this topic and detailed the location of the target area. He further noted that through these discussions he has found out about opportunities in government of which he had not previously been aware. He advised that there is currently a commitment from 19 agencies to assist with solutions for this area. - Mr. Molendyk commented that there are many innovati ve programs across the Country working to deal with similar situations, including Montclair; Azusa; Mesa, Arizona; etc. He noted a four hour series on television hosted by Walter Cronkite, entitled "Victory Over Violence", which portrays similar problems to what are being seen in this area. He stressed that these problems are really overall social problems. He explained that the City is presently creating a database of professional people empowered to address various aspects of the problems. He advised that Assistant City Manager Rogers is presently working on manuals for landlords, property managers and property owners. PAGE TWO - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - OCTOBER 5, 1994 Mr. Molendyk introduced Mr. David RUdisel, Community Improvement Manager for the City of Azusa to detail the successful program in that city. Mr. Rudisel showed slides of an area lined with four unit apartment buildings, noting the graffiti and general neglect of the properties. He stressed the number of abandoned vehicles, open garages, graffiti and crimes in the area. He explained that the abatement for this area was handled simultaneously and detailed the improvements undertaken by the program. He noted that when the buildings were vacated of gang members, the graffiti stopped; the landlords got higher rents because of the improvements and an ongoing maintenance inspection program was initiated. He stressed that it only takes a few negative factors to drag a neighborhood down. He noted that trash enclosures were required, concrete and decorative rock were used, the landscaping was upgraded, higher rents were charged, better tenants were found and the simultaneous correction was extreme benefit to the property owners. He further noted one case in which the property value increased by $50,000 in six months. He explained that to date the City of Azusa has torn down over 400 units. - Mr. Rudisel detailed the overall deterioration of the housing stock and the City Council efforts to upgrade the standards. He further detailed the problems caused specifically by gang activity in another complex consisting of 106 units, which was ultimately torn down and construction of single family homes is underway. city Manager Molendyk noted a video which Mr. Rudisel brought with him depicting a concerted effort by various agencies to address the problems in the 106 unit complex; and suggested that a similar action would be the intent of this task force. - Mr. Rudisel showed the video and noted the dense living conditions, graffiti, drugs, filth and neglect of the property. City Manager Molendyk commented that Area J consists of predominantly 4 to 6 unit individually owned properties; and while it has been portrayed that the tenants are the problem, some feel the property owners are at fault. He inquired what type of incentives were offered in Azusa to assure participation and compliance. Mr. Rudisel explained that they held meetings with blocks of owners and tried to form neighborhood associations and create an understanding of appropriate property maintenance. He noted that the biggest assistance came from the pOlice department in their evaluation of calls for services and the ability to point out problem units. City Manager Molendyk noted discussions of the possibility of using one property management group for all of the units. Mr. Rudisel indicated that the City of Azusa offered to pay for common management for one year, funded by the Redevelopment Agency. He noted that the City also offered to vacate streets and make the area a gated neighborhood, offered assistance to develop a tot lot, etc. The City further assisted with needed roofs, paint, etc. He further noted that the City stopped encouraging Section 8 housing, commenting that very low income residents affect the business environment. He explained that this income level lives with very few amenities or furnishings due to their transient nature. ....", PAGB THRBB - STUDY SBSSXON KXNUTBS - OCTOBBR 5, 1994 Mayor Pro Tem Bender inquired how long the process took. Mr. Rudisel detailed the time line for the hearing process and abatement action. He advised that in the first year to year and one half the owners got approximately $3 million in repairs to the problem area. He noted that the biggest problem is with absentee owners and very little tenant screening. Mayor Washburn inquired how they handled the absentee owner problem. Mr. Rudisel indicated that t~e state Housing Law assis~ed in this area; they were able to p01nt out the laws, potent1al liability for relocation costs, etc. He noted that the loss of property values is also an area of concern which can assist in convincing the owners. - Gary Albaugh inquired where the tenants are generally relocated to. Mr. Rudisel indicated that they frequently receive word that they have relocated to neighboring cities, Palmdale, San Bernardino County and Ri verside County. Mr. Albaugh inquired whether relocation is allowed within the city. Mr. Rudisel indicated that their current vacancy rate is only about 2 to 3% and this does not allow for much relocation within the City. He further indicated that the property owners have started doing better credit checking and this also keeps problem tenants out. city Manager Molendyk questioned the possible involvement of real estate people and what steps can be taken to work with the property management firms. Mr. Rudisel indicated that the City of Azusa keeps files on every property in the City, with complaints, photographs and history of the property, and that is public information. Nancy Shafer inquired how quickly information is available. Mr. Rudisel indicated that while he was not certain, they have a very good relationship with the Courts and they are happy to provide that type of information. Mrs. Shafer noted that the local courts say they don't have time to deal with the screening services. Mr. Rudisel emphasized the "freedom of information act", noting that the reasonableness of time is the only factor open for discussion. City Manager Molendyk noted that this has been discussed previously and inquired what role the city Council could play in working with the judges to expedite this information. Mr. Rudisel indicated that it requires working with the presiding judge and explaining the proposed program to gain their cooperation. He further stressed the difficulty in doing adequate tenant screening. City Manager Molendyk questioned the sources for funding of this program. Mr. Rudisel indicated that they charge an inspection fee for cost recovery based on Health and Safety Code section 17591 and Assembly Bill 765. Their program works directly with the owners and tenants, and either side has been known to testify in cases against the other. He stressed that there is a more cooperative relationship and they have had no complaints in years. A member of the audience inquired how long the program has been in operation. Mr. Rudisel indicated that it began in February of 1989 because of deterioration in the properties. He further indicated that the city worked to downsize the zoning, based on city Council support. city Manager Molendyk noted that this City Council has the PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION MINUTES - OCTOBER 5, 1994 interest, but stressed that the Community has to get involved. He commented that the momentum is increasing and Council will support the desires of the Community, although the biggest problem will be funding. Mayor Washburn left the meeting at 10 a.m. Mr. Rudisel detailed the implementation of the inspection program and the related fee assessment to make the program self supporting. __ He advised that the past fiscal year condominiums and townhouses were eliminated form the program, and noted that the break point for rentals is approximately $145,000. A member of the audience inquired how much was spent to upgrade the properties and what rate of interest is charged. Mr. Rudisel indicated that it is based on recovery of costs, but the Council started with $100,000 to tear down, clean-up, paint, do repairs, etc. He advised that the interest ranges from 0% to 8% depending on the status of the property and the work to be done. He noted that payment can be deferred until the property is sold. He indicated that there are 1,700 properties with 7,000 units for two inspectors and noted that interior inspections are not mandatory; however the tenants have been cooperative. He noted that proof of notifications to the landlord are required prior to investigation of tenant complaints. Mrs. Shafer inquired whether these inspections were required only for apartments. Mr. Rudisel indicated that they are required for single family homes and apartments. Mayor Pro Tem Bender inquired what solutions the property owners present might offer. Mr. Rudisel noted that they worked with the landlords to achieve success. __ A resident of the Bird Tract questioned the interaction with the Schools in the process. She stressed the importance of their input with regard to the conditions and the type of assistance they can offer. She further questioned what signs are apparent in the young children. Mr. Rudisel indicated that due to the transient nature of areas of this type, there is generally a high drop-out rate. Mayor Pro Tem Bender noted that the Principal from the Elementary School was present and has previously advised that they have a home visitation program to address truancy, etc. resident of the Bird Tract stressed the complexity of problems in the area, and asked if the City of Azusa has a full time coordinator for this program. Mr. Rudisel indicated that he was the full time coordinator; and explained that he works in cooperation with the Police Department, Public Works and others. He further explained that in addition to this program he is presently working on the creation of a landscaped buffer between residences and an industrial area. He noted that at one point the program had four full time inspectors, but is currently down to two. Mrs. Shafer questioned the population of Azusa. Mr. Rudisel indicated that the population was approximately 44,000 within a 9- ~ 1/2 square mile area. City Manager Molendyk noted that money was set aside in this year's budget to address this area. He noted that after investigation, PAGE FXVE - STUDY SESSXON KXNUTES - OCTOBER 5, 1994 - Assistant city Manager Rogers found the circumstances in Azusa to be the most similar to the Bird Tract/Nashland area. principal Mary Ellen Lewis, Machado Elementary, indicated that the school is working with several agencies to address social concerns of the area and eligibility for Dental, Medical and Mental Health problems. She noted that the biggest problem is dealing with the crime in the area. She further noted the next meeting of their group and invited attendance on October 20th at 6:30 p.m. at Elsinore Elementary School. A property owner from Nashland indicated that the most effective approach he has found is to act as a full time babysitter to the units. He noted that he has tried to pick a tenant who is responsible to serve as his on-site manager. He advised that while he has had as high as an 80% occupancy rate, it has been negatively impacted by gunfire in the area. He also noted that his units are at the end of the cul-de-sac and the Sheriff's Department does not recommend that he go to his units alone. He stressed that the biggest issue is getting past the criminal concerns. City Manager Molendyk noted that the purpose of this discussion is to identify viable solutions. He stressed the impact of societal changes on the situation. The property owner thanked the staff for not "dropping the ball" or giving up on the area; and stressed the need to keep working toward solutions. Mr. Molendyk stressed that solutions may still take some time. - Mayor Pro Tem Bender commended the property owner on having some of the better looking units in the area. City Manager Molendyk noted the need for cooperation from the property owners to be able to address the solutions more quickly. City Attorney Harper detailed recent injunctions against gang members in other communities and the potential for taking property as part of the action. He further detailed the property seizures for drug activity and noted that this is already occurring in the ci ty. He stressed the requirement that people are willing to issue signed affidavits regarding the activity to allow for prosecution. City Manager Molendyk thanked the representatives for their attendance and noted that there will be another meeting in the near future, to be announced. THE STUDY SESSION WAS ADJOURNED AT 10:40 A.M. ~~. h /lJb~ GARY WASHBURN, MAYOR CITY ~' LAKE ELSINORE ~~ST : (\ I t\ ' '-- "" I ' .f ~SAD, CITY CLERK CI'L':! Glr LAKE ELSINORE