Attending: John Dalessio, Merri Bilek, Amy Allard, Joe Hertlein, Jane Wheeler, Gordon MacKenzie, Philip Childress, Nancy Waymire, Jim Schiffner
Meeting called to order at 2:35pm.
- We discussed distribution of leaflets for the June 12th and June 23rd meetings. John had mailed to his membership list and will contact Supervisor Potter’s office. John had also contacted the press and has a loose agenda for the June 12th town hall meeting.
- John Dalessio had learned that Section 504 of the 1973 Housing Act states that it must be complied with or face stiff fines (50,000). By the title 24 Ca. act the fines are even stricter - $5000 per day since 1979. They could not change to make inaccessible or neglect to make accessible. There are many exceptions to making ADA changes; a tenant can defer change. Individual statements from tenant waiving making ADA changes. His source for this is Patty Smith, a disabled female advocate. What about future tenants? Individual tenants can decide to waive or not.
- Joe Hertlein spoke to Sharon Treshunoff of HUD in Sacramento; she has only been on the job for 2-3 weeks, but is aware of the RR situation. He asked if we could rehab the buildings one at a time? She was non-committal, but not adamantly opposed. We need a letter to her regarding the conditions. Apparently the financial impact report fixes the ADA upgrades at $4,000,000. Other areas of discussion were sale of the property to a non-profit; this has not been too successful in the past. She said HUD rules are strict and unbendable. Philip Childress said he would send our previous letter to this HUD official.
- Regarding some of the questions that HA has not responded to are operating costs and how those are allocated on an annual basis? Appraisal value of the property still not disclosed and how they determine sale price to non-profit or others.
- In regards to the public meeting, our message is this, we want a clear statement that we will remain here or will file suit. It was stated that Jim Nakashima had threatened to sell RR to the county for $1.00, but we feel this is an idle threat, because the county does not have the money to take on this problem. We have lawyers requesting information under the "freedom of information act right now.
- John Dalessio wanted to know if the Focus Group members are in agreement with filing suit if the Board makes a decision to move us. Each member voiced his or her views and we were in total agreement. John has an attorney on board who will attend the June 12th meeting. We dispute HA figures and conclusions.
- On the 12th, John will start and speak, start with history of RR and Focus Group and then hear resident’s statements.
- Philip Childress spoke about the problems of mainstreaming h/c people and that this complex should be a star in all their properties.
- Nick Souza, the videographer will be there to film. John will get PA system. Amy Allard asked about having a petition and sign up sheet for help. There is a possibility of getting some legal funds from the Community Foundation. John will ask for community comments and questions.
- Our central theme will be about the community and the residents. Residents will provide cookies, snacks and beverages.
Adjourned at 3:40pm.