MAMMOTH LAKES HOUSING, INC.
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, May 1, 2017
Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 437 OLD MAMMOTH ROAD
MINARET VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER, SUITE Z
Minutes
I. Call to Order: the meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM.
II. Roll Call
Members present: Larry Johnston, Kirk Stapp, Bill Taylor, John Wentworth
Members absent: Lindsay Barksdale and Jiselle Kenny
Staff present: Jennifer Halferty, Executive Director and Patricia Robertson, Grant & Financial Associate
Public: Tom Hodges, MMSA and Ruth Traxler, Town of Mammoth Lakes
III. Public Comments
There were no comments from the public.
IV. Approval of minutes from April 3, 2017 Regular Board meeting
Bill Taylor made a motion to approve the April minutes. Larry Johnston seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-0.
V. Board Member reports
Larry Johnston reported that the County hired Tony Dublino as Assistant CAO.
Bill Taylor noted that he has been meeting with local restaurant owners and workers, encouraging them to get involved with the housing study and the Town/County housing survey.
John Wentworth reported that the Town is pursuing a review of Measure 2002A and the political commitments. Part of this process was to meet with former council members. They will also be reaching out to the Executive Directors of the NGOs in an effort to understand the history and where we are today in terms of funding levels. After this discovery process is complete, Councilmember Wentworth and Councilmember Fernie will present the history and chronology at a budget workshop on May 17th. A recommendation regarding future funding levels will be made to the Council on June 7th.
Kirk Stapp reported that he attended the meeting with Councilmember Wentworth and Councilmember Fernie regarding the history of initiatives. He stressed the importance of maintain steady funding streams to the NGOs so that they can plan ahead and fund long-term projects and contracts. He noted that there is a perception in the community of what was approved through the vote, so the Council may want to consider bringing it to a vote again to reaffirm the allocations and build the relationship with the community. He also reported that he attended the meeting at Main Lodge hosted by Rusty Gregory regarding the sale of the mountain to KSL Capital Partners and Aspen Skiing Co. He stated that it was informative but that a lot is still unknown.
VI. MLH monthly status report
Jennifer Halferty, Executive Director, explained that there are currently 52 households on the rental waiting list. This is very high compared to recent years. MLH is processing new rental applications weekly. Staff filled a one-bedroom unit at STAR apartments this week with a tenant that works in recreation.
Staff has had multiple calls regarding mold, broken/inefficient windows, and other quality of life/maintenance issues at privately rented units. An idea that has been percolating around the Needs Update work is to hold a 1-2 hour tenant’s rights and responsibilities workshop as well as a 1-2 hour landlord’s rights and responsibilities workshop during the year when people begin to enter new leases. Another idea that has emerged is to develop a rental inspection program through the Town to ensure the quality and livability of the housing stock.
Jennifer Halferty explained that the Federal government approved a budget deal that would continue to fund spending at 2016 levels.
She noted that the Town, County, and MLH applied for HOME funds in February for first-time homebuyer activities. Award announcements should come in May.
She mentioned that sales prices for single family homes in the Town are down 14% from last year and condos are up 18%.
Jennifer Halferty explained that she attended the Town’s TOT Committee meeting. This year, revenue is up as staff is collecting penalties and interest on illegal rentals. She noted that there were concerns regarding hiring a short-term rental tracking system due to the staff time that it may take to implement it versus the revenue it will help collect.
VII. Review of the Third Quarter Financials for MLH and Sierra Housing Advocates, LLC
The Board reviewed the third quarter financial statements for MLH and SHA.
VIII. Mammoth Lakes Community Housing Action Plan; Live, Work, Thrive update
Jennifer Halferty explained that since the last Board meeting, the consultants were in town holding focus and discussion groups with various stakeholders. There was a relator and lender focus group as well as a young professional/entrepreneur/small business owner discussion session, both of which were well attended. So far approximately 400-500 surveys have been completed. The process is on schedule to have a draft Needs Update for the Working Group to review in mid-June. A joint meeting with the Board and Town Council to present the final Needs Update will be on July 19th. On July 20th there will be a kick-off meeting to begin Phase II, Action Plan, of the process. Jennifer Halferty will send out the dates for the Housing Working Group sessions that will be part of Phase II.
CLOSED SESSION
IX. 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 33-165-010-000
Property: 550 Mono Street, #D101
Negotiating Parties: Jennifer Halferty representing MLH (prospective buyer); Mark Kleinertz (Owner)
Under Negotiation: Terms of sale
Announcement of action taken in closed session.
Larry Johnston made a motion to purchase the property from the owner for the Maximum Resale Price or the appraised value, whichever is lower. Bill Taylor seconded the motion.
The motion passed 4-0.
X. Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.