MAMMOTH LAKES HOUSING, INC.
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, April 4, 2016
6:00 p.m.
Mammoth Lakes Housing Conference Room
587 Old Mammoth Rd.
Minutes
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
Members Present: Lindsay Barksdale (arrived 6:10), Colin Fernie, Larry Johnston, Jiselle Kenny, Kirk Stapp, and Bill Taylor
Staff: Jennifer Halferty and Patricia Robertson
Public: Dan Holler, Town Manager and Ruth Traxler, Associate Planner
III. Public Comments
There were no comments from the public.
IV. Approval of Minutes from the March 7, 2016 regular BOD Meeting
Bill Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes. Colin Fernie seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0. Jiselle Kenny abstained.
V. Board Member reports
Kirk Stapp reported that the Chart House restaurant closed yesterday. That’s 30-35 people who lost their jobs. Some will probably have to leave town. It’s a loss.
Bill Taylor noted that the Town lost the recently hired Senior Planner and asked Dan Holler what the Town plans to do in terms of organizing the Community & Economic Development Department. Dan Holler answered that the Town is recruiting for an Assistant/Associate level planner and working with current staff, allowing for opportunities for growth from within.
VI. MLH monthly status report
Jennifer Halferty reported that she attended the Mammoth Area Government (MAG) monthly meeting in March. The topic of housing came up and many people noted that they have had trouble filling positions. She noted that the Water District has a great down payment assistance program because they see the value in investing in their employees in the long term. Jennifer will speak at the May MAG meeting regarding housing.
Jennifer Halferty also attended the March Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. She presented the history of MLH and an overview of the programs that we offer. As a result of the meeting, Craig Schmidt and John Urdi put together a short business survey regarding employee recruitment and retention. The preliminary results show that 50% of respondents are having trouble filling positions and 50% are not. Of those that are having trouble filling positions, the top two reasons cited were “Limited supply of qualified applicants” and “Housing shortage.” She noted that these meetings were great opportunities to work with our partners and invent new ways of collaborating.
Jennifer Halferty reported that MLH is working on submitting their application for Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) status under HCD. This will allow MLH to apply for HOME funds independently, and staff expects the NOFA to be released in July.
The Town is reviewing the budget at their April 6th meeting. The funding of the political commitments will be discussed at this meeting and Jennifer Halferty will attend.
VII. Review and consider accepting TOML – NGO Strategic Priorities
Jennifer Halferty gave an overview of the process to date and noted that the Board is being asked to review the document provided and consider accepting it.
Larry Johnston asked what the “Comprehensive Community Plan” was. Is this the General Plan? And if not, then which plan supersedes? Bill Taylor noted that it was an implementation tool of the General Plan. Colin Fernie agreed that they were different. The Comprehensive Community Plan is an effort to tie together Neighborhood Plans. Bill Taylor stated that it was extremely important for the public to know the difference between what has been adopted and what is a wish list.
The group asked why there was a focus on utilizing existing stock when staff has presented evidence that it is the least cost efficient method of providing housing. Jennifer Halferty noted that the 2011 Needs Assessment conducted by RRC Associates and Rees Consulting, experts in mountain resort housing, also explained that the existing housing stock provided challenges for locals including livability, lack of storage, overall age and high HOA fees, etc. Lindsay Barksdale noted that the roadmap really focused on existing stock and did not feature a multipronged approach including: land acquisition, new construction, and existing stock.
There was consensus to provide the recommended changes to the Town Council:
- Move the action item under Q3 “Effective Municipal Services” titled “Develop action plan for determining conversion of existing ‘potential’ housing inventory” to Q3 of the “Comprehensive Community Plan”. The item should also be changed to read “Develop an action plan for the creation of expanded housing options”.
- The 18 month plan states the focus (Comprehensive Community Plan, C.) is on existing housing stock. A multipronged approach including: land acquisition, new construction, and existing stock should be added since we know that no one method will reach the intended outcome on its own.
VIII. Review and consider accepting an architect for a conceptual plan for workforce housing on the affordable housing parcel/Shady Rest Parcel
Jennifer Halferty gave an overview of the process she undertook to secure the three architectural proposals. The Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) has offered their technical expertise to help develop the funding schematic for the affordable housing parcel pro bono; however, they require that we hire an architect to do the drawings in order to see a comprehensive picture of the development possibilities.
Jennifer Halferty reached out to three architectural firms and received three proposals. The Board discussed the proposals.
The item was carried until after the closed session.
IX. Council Member recap for the Town Council meeting
- The Board reviewed the Town’s Strategic Plan and changes were recommended.
- Jennifer Halferty gave a presentation to the Chamber Board at their March meeting and received feedback from some members that housing was a challenge for some employees which made recruitment difficult. In response, the Chamber developed a short business survey. The results of the survey will be reviewed with the Chamber Board at their April meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
X. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, the Board will hold a closed session to discuss property negotiations and possible staff directions and/or action – APN 035-010-020-000 and 035-100-003-000
Property: Shady Rest Tract
Negotiating Parties: Jennifer Halferty and her designees representing MLH (prospective buyer); Bill Schumer and his designees representing Sternseld 1088 Trust (prospective seller)
Under Negotiation: Terms of purchase (price, payment terms)
XI. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, the Board will hold a closed session to discuss a performance evaluation, title: Executive Director
Announcement of action taken in closed session.
No action was taken.
XII. Review and consider accepting an architect for a conceptual plan for workforce housing on the affordable housing parcel/Shady Rest Parcel
Staff direction was given on agenda item VIII. Staff will work on refining the architectural proposals and bring them back to the Board either at a special meeting or at the May meeting.
XIII. Adjourn