APPROVED minutes
sunnyvale housing & human services commission
july 19, 2006
The Housing & Human Services Commission met in a regular session in the West Conference Room at 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale City Hall, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 on July 19, 2006 at 7:10 p.m. with Chairperson James Callan presiding.
ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present: Chair James Callan, Commissioners Ann Andersen; Micki Falk; Charles Keeler; Timothy Persyn
Commission Members Unexcused Absent: None
Commission Excused Absent: Damon Kali and Patrick Meyering
Staff: Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer; Ernie DeFrenchi, Affordable Housing Manager; and Victoria Chambers, Senior Office Assistant
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
- Approval of the June 28, 2006 Minutes
Ms. Yurutucu suggested a change to page two of the June 28, 2006 minutes to read “Commission Falk left ‘the meeting’ at 8:15 PM.”
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Commissioner Andersen made a motion to approve the Draft Minutes of June 28, 2006 as corrected. Commissioner Persyn seconded. |
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Motion carried 4 – 0 with Commissioner Keeler abstaining and Commissioners Kali and Meyering absent. |
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Election of Officers
Chair Callan opened the nominations for Fiscal Year 2006-07 chair and vice chair.
Commissioner Keeler nominated Commissioner Callan as Chair for Fiscal Year 2006/07. Commissioner Callan accepted the nomination.
Nomination for Commissioner Callan as Chair for Fiscal Year 2006/07 carried 5-0 with Commissioners Kali and Meyering absent.
Commissioner Keeler nominated Commissioner Persyn as Vice Chair for Fiscal Year 2006/07. Commissioner Persyn accepted the nomination.
Nomination for Commissioner Persyn as Vice Chair for Fiscal Year 2006/07 carried 5-0 with Commissioners Kali and Meyering absent.
B. Introduction of Ernie DeFrenchi, Affordable Housing Manager
The Housing Officer introduced Ernie DeFrenchi as the Affordable Housing Manager, and gave a summary on the programs Mr. DeFrenchi will help to administer.
Mr. DeFrenchi spoke about his background with the City, as well as what his responsibilities will be within the Housing division.
Some questions were asked of Mr. DeFrenchi, including: what aspects of affordable housing would Mr. DeFrenchi like to improve within the City, and will he have any part in ensuring that the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) goals are attained.
Mr. DeFrenchi stated that he would like to continue to establish procedures to ensure program implementation and to create conducive relationships with developers to bring affordable housing to Sunnyvale in efficient and effective ways.
In response to Commissioner Andersen’s question, the Housing Officer explained that the number of affordable units built is largely determined by the developers in the City. The Below Market Rate (BMR) homeownership program ensures a percentage of affordable units, which is based on the overall number of units the developer chooses to build. The City also collaborates with non-profit agencies to create affordable housing. Mr. DeFrenchi will not be working with the non-profit agencies directly, as the BMR program will consume the majority of his time. Some additional homebuyer programs may be implemented this year.
Commissioner Andersen mentioned that Sunnyvale received a low score in the San Jose Mercury News’ study of the overall availability of affordable housing in Sunnyvale.
Commissioner Callan asked if Mr. DeFrenchi had any questions for the Commissioner. Mr. DeFrenchi stated that he had no questions at the present time.
C. Discussion of the Below Market Rate Program
The Housing Officer provided the Commission background information on the BMR Program, which is comprised of an ownership program and a rental program.
City ordinance 19.66 of the Municipal Code encompasses the BMR program. The most recent major revisions were made in January 2003. The City has been operating the BMR program since 1980.
The Housing Officer gave a summary of the importance of the BMR program and provided information on what happens when a developer comes to the City with a new project (how does it work from Housing’s perspective)? Developers come into the City and discussions are begun with Planning staff. A preliminary plan is drafted and goes to Pre-PRC, which is the “Pre Planning Review Committee.” To submit a complete application, the developer is required to meet with Housing staff and sign a BMR SPC Form. This three-page form ensures and documents that the developer is aware of what is required by the BMR program.
Forms are given to the developer to give City staff projected, estimated dates of completion. It is a challenge for staff to balance the homebuyer’s timeline with the developer’s timeline.
The Housing Officer spoke about the relationship between developers, City staff and buyers.
A discussion of forced sales ensued. The Housing Officer explained what can trigger a forced sale.
Commissioner Andersen asked if units are sold for the same price from homeowner to homeowner. The Housing Officer stated that staff reviews the increase in the CPI for housing to determine the allowable appreciation for each unit.
The Commission had no further comments.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
· Staff Comments
The Housing Officer stated that the Work Plan should be amended to reflect the new Outside Group Funding process.
Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition is considering a land purchase to develop affordable housing. The Housing Officer is working with another agency for an affordable housing project.
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Callan adjourned the meeting at 8:33 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Annabel Yurutucu
Housing Officer
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