Focus Group Minutes Jan 9, 2003

Attending: Ed Canades, Gordon MacKenzie, Nancy Waymire, John Dalessio, Jane Wheeler, Joseph Hertlein, Randy Randazzo, Philip Childress, Henry Ruhnke, Starla Warren, Pat Dwire, Tony Caldwell.

Called to order at 2:05pm.

  1. The meeting started with Starla Warren reporting that her real estate broker had contacted the owner of the property and had an appointment the next day.
  2. Joseph Hertlein wanted it stated for the record that he had spoken to the property owner regarding the property and stated that he had not been contacted by anyone from Housing. Starla denied that she was lying and stated her broker, B. T. Properties, has an appointment at 3:30pm tomorrow.
  3. Starla stated there are some objections to the development, that we will need some level of community support.
  4. Regarding the water credits being transferable; they are not, unless the owner is the same.
  5. She also had print outs of several other available properties in the valley, which she showed to Joseph Hertlein, Randy Randazzo and John Dalessio for scrutiny.
  6. Randy, Joe and John reviewed the alternative properties available and agreed that all but one was either too far from the village or on hillside property that would not hold a development of this size. Starla asked if they knew of other possible properties.
  7. John, Randy and Joe want to get on the agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting in January or meet with a few of the commissioners privately.
  8. Joseph Hertlein restated valley position - see additional paper  here .
  9. Gordon MacKenzie stated that he got information regarding NARU from their web site regarding ACC 40-year agreement, he feels that they are trying to get out of it. Mac says they have a new accounting system and that is why the rehab costs went from 2 million to 7 million.
  10. Nancy Waymire raised the question of refinancing the complex in order to pay for the rehab. Starla says you cannot refinance public housing. No new debt service.
  11. Starla again stated that the appraisal should be done in one week.
  12. Joseph Hertlein wanted stated for the record that Starla stated we have exhausted discussion of rehab costs, but the community feels a different rehab cost could be made and exemptions for ADA requirements. We need to explore these variances.
  13. We needed to adjourn by 3pm, due to the residents association meeting at 3pm.
The schedule for the next meetings is as follows Jan 23, Feb 6, and Feb 20.