neighborhoods housing and development subcommittee - 12-16-14 · moises gallegos, human services...

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL

NEIGHBORHOODS, HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE

Pursuant to A.R.S. Section 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL NEIGHBORHOODS, HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE and to the general public, that the PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL NEIGHBORHOODS, HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. located at Phoenix City Hall, 1st Floor Atrium, Assembly Rooms A, B, & C, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona. One or more Subcommittee members may participate via teleconference. The agenda for the meeting is as follows (items may be discussed in a different sequence than posted): 1. Call to Order Kate Gallego, Chair 2. Review and Approval of the October 21, 2014

Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

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Item 3 and 4 are for Information Only. No presentations are planned; however staff will be available to answer questions.

3. Homeless Initiatives Update June Through September 2014 This report provides the Subcommittee with an update on accomplishments and activities between June and September 2014, which are helping to alleviate homelessness in the City of Phoenix. This item is for information only.

Moises Gallegos, Human Services 5

4. Arizona NAHRO Awards This report provides information to the Subcommittee about recent recognition and awards received by the Housing Department. This item is for information only.

Karl Matzinger, Housing Page 19

Items 5 – 10 are for Consent Action. No presentations are planned; however staff will be available to answer questions.

5. Retroactive Approval to Apply for and Accept a Cities of Service City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA Grant This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council retroactive approval to apply for and accept a grant through the Cities of Service City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA Program. This item is for consent.

Michael Hammett, Citywide Volunteer Program Page 21

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6. Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals for Case Management Services at Watkins Emergency Shelter This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposals for emergency shelter case management services at the Watkins Emergency Shelter. This item is for consent.

Moises Gallegos, Human Services 3

7. Predevelopment Assistance/Design-Phase Assistance for Reinvent PHX Grant This report provides information to the Subcommittee on projects recommended to receive predevelopment/design-phase assistance funds as part of the Reinvent PHX federal grant. Staff requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to award predevelopment that reimbursement grants as recommended by the selection committee and approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This item is for consent.

Alan Stephenson, Planning and Development Page 25

8. Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Z-TA-5-14 Regarding Lot Coverage This report provides information to the Subcommittee on a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment regarding lot coverage and requests that the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Z-TA-5-14 as shown in Attachment B. This item is for consent.


9. Foothills Village Management Strategy This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposals for property management services for the City’s Foothills Village public housing community. This item is for consent.


10. 30 West Corona Avenue Request for Proposals This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposals for the Corona Yard property located at 30 West Corona Avenue. This item is for consent.

Chris Hallett, Neighborhood Services Page 37

Items 11 - 14 are for information, discussion and possible action.

11. Smoking in Phoenix Public Housing This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of a non-smoking policy to prevent smoking inside all City-owned public housing units and allow smoking in designated smoking areas. This item is for information, discussion and possible action.


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12 Housing Choice Vouchers This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to dedicate up to 275 or five percent of the Housing Department’s total Housing Choice Vouchers allocation to provide housing for chronically homeless individuals and families, and to issue a Request for Proposals to provide the necessary supportive services. This item is for information, discussion and possible action.


13. Historic Preservation Plan (PreserveHistoricPHX) This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of the City’s first Historic Preservation Plan, PreserveHistoricPHX. This item is for information, discussion and possible action.


14. Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance Amendments This report requests the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of amendments to the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance. This item is for information, discussion and possible action.


Item 15 is for information and discussion.

15. Blight Lien Ad Hoc Committee Update This report provides an update to the Subcommittee on the Blight Lien Ad Hoc Committee and requests guidance on the Committee’s recommendations. This item is for information and discussion.


16. Future Agenda Items: This item is scheduled to give Subcommittee members an opportunity to mention possible topics for future Subcommittee agendas or to request City staff to follow-up on Subcommittee issues.

Kate Gallego, Chair

17. Call to the Public: Consideration, discussion and comments from the public; those wishing to address the Subcommittee need not request permission in advance. Action taken as a result of public comment will be limited to directing staff to study the matter or rescheduling the matter for further consideration and decision at a later date.

Kate Gallego, Chair

18. Adjournment Kate Gallego, Chair For further information, please call Rita Marko, Management Assistant, City Manager’s Office, at 602-262-7684 or Gabriel Morales at 602-534-9222. Persons paid to lobby on behalf of persons or organizations other than themselves shall register with the City Clerk prior to lobbying or within five business days thereafter, and must register annually to continue lobbying. If you

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have any questions about registration or whether or not you must register, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 602-262-6811. For reasonable accommodations, call Rita Marko at Voice/602-262-7684 or TTY/602-534-5500, or Gabriel Morales at 602-534-9222 as early as possible to coordinate needed arrangements. Subcommittee Members Councilman Sal DiCiccio Councilwoman Laura Pastor Councilman Daniel Valenzuela Councilwoman Kate Gallego, Chair

December 11, 2014

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Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee, December 16, 2014, Item 2

Phoenix City Council

Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee Summary Minutes

Wednesday, October 21, 2014

1st Floor Atrium Assembly Rooms A, B, and C 200 West Washington Street Phoenix, Arizona Subcommittee Members Present Subcommittee Members Absent Councilwoman Kate Gallego, Chair Councilwoman Laura Pastor Councilman Daniel Valenzuela Councilman Sal DiCiccio Staff Present Staff Present Public Present Will Emerson Kevin Jin Sandra Hoffman Cindy Stottler Chris Hallettt Kweilin Waller Berenice Felix-Baca Karl Matzinger Moises Gallegos Erika Finbraaten Debra Russell Riann Balch

Christy Blake Mark Escobedo Nicole Angoola Rachel Milre Erynn Crowley Jesse Garcia Penny Parella Deanna Jonovich Rita Marko Gabriel Morales Robert Ashton Alan Stephenson

Dave Hedburn Jennifer Rocha Bruce Liggett Joaquin Rios Brian Spicker Mark Scher Anna Darian Nicole Undenisd Raid Butler

1. Call to Order

Chairwoman Gallego called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m. with Councilwoman Pastor, Councilman Valenzuela and Councilman DiCiccio present.

2. Review and Approval of the September 17, 2014 Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee Meeting Minutes Councilwoman Pastor moved to approve the minutes from the September 17, 2014 Neighborhood, Housing and Development Subcommittee meeting. Councilman Valenzuela seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.

3. Section 8 Management Assessment Program Information only

4. CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Request For Proposals

5. Retroactive Approval to Apply for and Accept Up to 9 Additional HUD-VASH Vouchers

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Councilman Valenzuela moved to approve consent items 4 and 5. Councilwoman Pastor seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.

6. Phoenix Parklet Program Alan Stephenson, Planning and Development Services Director, stated parklets are urban green spaces used to mitigate heat island impact and improve public space and visual appearance in the downtown area. He further explained parklets are seating platforms that occupy the space of two or more curbside parking spaces to help create activity along the street. Mr. Stephenson explained parklets can be used by the public or controlled by an adjacent private business. Mr. Stephenson introduced Cindy Stotler, Deputy Planning and Development Services Director. He stated Cindy led the effort to develop the parklet program. Ms. Stotler stated the parklet policies were developed to provide low cost options for constituents and duplicate some of the efforts seen in other cities. She reiterated parklets can be used for public seating, which is most commonly seen in San Francisco and New York, and for private use, such as restaurants serving non-alcoholic beverages and bookstores. Ms. Stotler stated private parklets will be offered with a rental fee of $10 per square foot. She explained this fee is consistent with other cities offering private use, such as Long Beach and Portland. She also stated a permit can be purchased for temporary use of a parklet. She added there is a onetime application fee of $500 that covers the Planning and Development Service Department’s plan review process and inspection, as well as a revocable permit with the Streets Transportation Department. She also stated there is a $300 fee for meter removal, $10,000 to $20,000 for construction, and annual fee of $380 to renew the revocable permit. She added there are no fees for public parklets except the $380 revocable permit fee. Ms. Stotler stated the approved area for the parklets includes the downtown code area and Grand Avenue frontage area between 7th Avenue and Roosevelt Street. Councilwoman Pastor stated she is concerned with the construction of parklets on Grand Avenue, where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour. Rick Naimark, Deputy City Manager, explained there is a coordinated effort taking place to make Grand Avenue more pedestrian friendly. Mr. Naimark added signal timing changes have been made to mitigate the flow of traffic in the corridor. Ms. Stotler stated parklets will require support of adjacent businesses and 51 percent of the property owners on the block. She stated the steps for the approval process will be available on the City’s website. She also stated the first step of the process includes a fact finding application with a sketch of the design, location and size of the parklet. She added final approval includes construction plans, permits, and a revocable permit that includes a maintenance agreement, a cash bond of $500 for emergency removal of the parklet, and required insurance. Chairwoman Gallego asked what steps will be taken to ensure the parklets stay graffiti free. Ms. Stotler stated the maintenance agreement requires the owner to

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keep the parklet graffiti free. Ms. Stotler also stated she will contact the Neighborhood Services Department for a list of surfaces recommended to mitigate the impact of graffiti. Chairwoman Gallego asked why the decision was made to make parklets alcohol free. Ms. Stotler stated State liquor law does not allow alcohol to be served across the public right-of-way. Chairwoman Gallego asked if alcohol can be served during a special event. Ms. Stotler stated alcohol can be served with a special event liquor license. Councilman DiCiccio asked how the potential presence of homeless individuals will be managed in the parklets. Ms. Stotler stated staff will be working closely with downtown security and the Phoenix Police Department to address this potential issue. She added private parklet owners will have the authority to ask people to leave the property. Councilman DiCiccio asked if the City can implement a 3-year payment option to entice businesses to invest in private parklets. Mr. Naimark stated it would be possible to take this approach as long as it does not conflict with the gift clause. Councilman DiCiccio added he would like staff to reevaluate the sale of alcohol in the parklets. Mr. Stephenson stated a member of the Infill Taskforce recommended pursuing a change to the State liquor law. Mr. Naimark stated he would work with staff expert in the liquor law to develop options for the legislative program for this year. Councilwoman Pastor stated Matt’s Big Breakfast was a pilot for the parklet program. She asked staff to provide feedback on the pilot. Ms. Stotler stated the owners are willing to maintain the parklet. She added the owners provide seating and umbrellas for customers. Councilwoman Pastor noted that the Federal Aviation Administration’s new flight plan will impact economic development on Grand Avenue. Councilman DiCiccio asked how long it would take to revise the private portion of the parklet program to include a 3-year option. Mr. Naimark stated the program can be revised to include the 3-year plan for private parklets and presented to City Council during a Formal meeting in November 2014. Chairwoman Gallego stated there were concerns from at least one member of the task force regarding parklets. Ms. Stotler stated the concerns were in regards to the use of public right-of-way for private gain. She added several other cities are offering the private parklet option, and it seems to be more popular than the public option. Mr. Stephenson stated the concerns arose from members of the Infill Advisory Group; however, he believes their concerns have been addressed. Councilman DiCiccio motioned to move forward with staff recommendations including a long-term lease option for private parklets, as well as ensuring owners maintain the property, with an emphasis on graffiti removal. He added failure to

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maintain the property will result in permit revocation. Councilwoman Pastor seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.

7. Temporary Fencing Requirements and Enforcement Rick Naimark, Deputy City Manager, stated staff is seeking guidance from the Subcommittee on whether requirements for temporary fencing should be extended beyond golf courses. Alan Stephenson, Planning and Development Services Director, introduced Chris Hallettt, Neighborhood Services Director and Sandy Hoffman, Acting Deputy Planning and Development Services Director. Ms. Hoffman summarized the regulations for temporary fencing. She explained temporary fences are limited to one year unless there are ongoing environmental remediation activities, existing safety hazards onsite, and the site is being actively developed with regular building inspections. She added temporary fences require a permit and are limited to a maximum of eight feet unless a use permit allows for additional height. Ms. Hoffman stated barbed wire is no longer allowed on temporary fences if visible from a right-of-way or residential district. Ms. Hoffman provided an example an instance where a temporary fence was used for a home in distress. She explained temporary fences are used to protect adjacent homeowners from wandering into the property and being injured, as well as protecting the owner’s property. Ms. Hoffman reviewed the requirements for temporary fences on golf courses. She explained that temporary fences are allowed on a golf course if it is five feet from a hazard or a building. She added if a temporary fence is used on a golf course, a use permit is required, and the fence can only be used at access points. She explained the use permit provision allows the neighborhood to have a voice and mitigate any concerns they may have regarding the temporary fence. Mr. Hallett stated the Neighborhood Services Department is responsible for enforcing the temporary fence ordinance on a complaint basis. He stated if a complaint is received, staff will educate the owners on what is allowed. He added if a violation is discovered, a notice of violation, carrying a maximum penalty of $2,500 per occurrence, is issued. Mr. Hallett stated there have been two complaints this year and only one was determined to be a violation. Chairwoman Gallego asked if design elements for temporary fences are intended to reduce graffiti. Ms. Hoffman stated the City has various design guidelines for fencing. She explained permanent fences are required to have a finished appearance and undulation and variation in the materials for the fence. She stated temporary fence requirements are not as restrictive. Mr. Stephenson stated if there is an issue with graffiti on a temporary fence it can be addressed when the owner of the property returns to renew their permit. Chairwoman Gallego asked if the City has different requirements around environmentally-sensitive areas and parks. Mr. Stephenson stated the City has

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requirements for permanent fences; however, those requirements do not extend to temporary fencing. Councilman DiCiccio asked staff to evaluate the temporary fence requirements and continue to monitor constituent complaints. Chairwoman Gallego asked staff to explain the use permit process. Mr. Stephenson stated the use permit process is approximately eight weeks for temporary fences within golf courses. He added property owners within 150 feet of the site and homeowners associations within 600 feet will receive notice and be able to provide comments during the public hearing. He stated other temporary fences are not required to follow the same process. Chairwoman Gallego asked if the public has concerns should they contact the Neighborhood Services Department. Mr. Stephenson stated the public should contact the Neighborhood Services Department with any concerns, and staff will investigate. Chairwoman Gallego asked how individuals new to the City know where to report complaints. Mr. Stephenson stated the City is always willing to enhance their outreach process to ensure the public is informed. Councilwoman Pastor asked for clarification on whom to contact if a constituent contacts her office reporting an issue with a temporary fence. Mr. Naimark stated all concerns regarding temporary fences need to be directed to the Neighborhood Services Department unless they are impacting the public right-of-way. He stated temporary fences impacting the public right-of-way need to be directed to the Streets Transportation Department or public safety. Councilwoman Pastor asked if a temporary fence permit would be revoked during the renewal process if graffiti on the property is not addressed. Mr. Stephenson stated Planning and Development staff will work with Neighborhood Services staff to address concerns that have not been remediated. Councilwoman Pastor asked if a property owner waits until the permit renewal process to address blight, will they get fined. Mr. Hallett stated the Neighborhood Services Department will provide the Planning and Development Services Department with a case history for properties where concerns have been reported or discovered. He added Planning and Development Services staff will determine, based on the information provided, whether a permit should be reissued. Mr. Stephenson added the permitting process provides an additional layer of enforcement, because property owners are required to maintain their properties in order to renew their permit. Chairwoman Gallego asked if staff would know if the Police Department was contacted with any complaints. Mr. Stephenson stated the Planning and Development Services Department does not have that information; however, he will look into acquiring this information and provide an update. Mr. Hallett stated he

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would encourage the public to contact the Neighborhood Services Department with any concerns. Citing the few complaints received, Councilman Valenzuela asked staff if we are looking to correct an issue that doesn’t exist. Mr. Naimark stated there was no staff recommendation here because there does not seem to be a huge problem. Staff provided an update on temporary fencing at the request of Subcommittee members as an outcome of a separate discussion on golf course fencing. Councilman DiCiccio asked staff to increase communication with the Police Department to determine if they are receiving reports from the public on temporary fencing.

8. Section 18 Disposition Application to HUD to Sell 50 Residences in the Scattered Sites Program William Emerson, Deputy Housing Director, stated the City has approximately 408 scattered site homes throughout its districts. He stated occupants of these homes are in the 40 to 80 percent of the area median income. He added that these homes are a step toward homeownership, as the occupants are responsible for various aspects of maintenance for the house. Mr. Emerson stated there are several challenges that exist with the scattered site program. He stated the houses in the program have the highest maintenance costs, capital funds have been reduced by 40 percent since 2009, and the operating supplement has seen a significant reduction as well. Mr. Emerson stated in 2012, the Housing Department approached the Resident Advisory Board to propose a Section 18 program. Mr. Emerson stated a Section 18 program would give the City the ability to sell some of highest-cost properties to generate capital and reduce operating costs. He added that 50 dwellings have been identified for this program. He stated current occupants of the homes have the right of first refusal, and those that choose to not purchase the house will be offered relocation assistance. Mr. Emerson stated homes in the program will be offered for sale to the general public and sold as is. He added potential buyers do not have to meet minimum or maximum income requirements to purchase the homes. Mr. Emerson provided a timeline for the Section 18 program. He stated public meetings were held to seek community input; a website was developed to answer frequently asked questions, and a notice was sent to residents currently occupying the 50 homes. Chairwoman Gallego asked how the homes will be marketed to ensure it is occupied by the owner. Mr. Emerson stated community partners will be identified to see if any of the homes provide good opportunities for nonprofits in the community. He added the City’s Section 32 program has contracts with three nonprofit organizations to assist residents with the process of purchasing a home. He explained these nonprofits can also provide community outreach to bring in potential buyers.

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Chairwoman Gallego asked if the 50 homes can be included in the multiple listing service. Mr. Emmerson stated the City intends to include the homes in the multiple listing service. Councilman DiCiccio asked what the deficit is for the scattered site program. Mr. Emmerson stated the deficit is between $250,000 and $350,000 for the entire program. Councilman DiCiccio asked if the City is breaking even on the homes being sold. Mr. Emerson stated the City is breaking even with the home sales. Councilman DiCiccio asked for a financial breakdown of the houses being sold. Mr. Emerson stated he will provide a report with this information. Councilwoman Pastor asked if there are enough homes available to relocate the occupants currently residing in the homes designated for the Section 18 program. Mr. Emmerson stated there will be enough homes to relocate occupants once the program is implemented. Concilwoman Pastor moved to approve staff recommendation. Councilman DiCiccio seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.

9. Sachs-Webster Farmstead Request for Proposals

Chris Hallett, Neighborhood Services Director, stated staff is seeking approval from the Subcommittee for the Sachs-Webster Farmstead Request for Proposals (RFP) to sell a City-owned historical property on 75th Avenue and Baseline road. Mr. Hallettt introduced Erika Finbraaten, Planner II, and Ray Dovalina, Streets Transportation Director. Ms. Finbraaten stated the Sachs-Webster Farmstead was built in 1909 by Wolf Sachs. She added the home is one of the few historic homes in Laveen and was placed in the Phoenix historic property register in 2003. Ms. Finbraaten stated the outside of the house shows weathering on wooden elements, and the roof is in very poor condition. Mr. Dovalina stated the RFP for the Sachs-Webster Farmstead includes a 33-foot wide ingress and egress and a right-turn lane to be dedicated as public right-of-way. He added the criteria for the RFP will include a negotiated price for the purchase of the home and require the awardee rehabilitate the home to meet the community’s historic preservation needs. Mr. Hallettt stated with City Council approval, staff will issue an RFP on December 19, 2014. He added that in March 2015, the Subcommittee will be asked to provide a recommendation on selected proposer to City Council for approval and conveyance of the property in May 2015. Councilman DiCiccio moved to approve staff’s recommendation. Councilman Valenzuela seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.

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10. Safe Place Program Update Moises Gallegos, Human Service Director, introduced Cynthia Schuler, CEO of Tumbleweed. Mr. Gallegos stated Safe Place is a national organization managed in Maricopa County by Tumbleweed since 2005. He explained Safe Place creates a safety net where youth can find very specific agencies that have been trained to interact with them. Mr. Gallegos stated over 1 million youth run away because of abuse or neglect, family members make them leave or they simply need someone to talk to. He explained the City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center and three other family advocacy centers in the area are involved in the Safe Place program. He added the program will be implemented November 1, 2014.

11. Phase Out of Men’s Overflow Shelter Moises Gallegos, Human Service Director, introduced Bruce Liggett, Director of the Human Services Department for Maricopa County, and Brian Spicker, Senior Vice President, Valley of the Sun United Way. Mr. Gallegos stated the men’s overflow shelter located at 1214 W. Madison was opened in the summer of 2007 in response to unusually high temperatures. He added the shelter, owned by Maricopa County, provides short-term shelter for up 250 men experiencing homelessness. Mr. Gallegos explained the shelter is funded primarily by Maricopa County. Mr. Liggett stated in January 2014, structural issues were discovered. He explained a phase out process was initiated after discovering repairs to the facility were cost prohibitive, and determining the facility was no longer safe to inhabit. He added after discussing the issues with partner agencies, it was determined the issue needed to be addressed regionally. Mr. Liggett explained regional partners such as the Department of Economic Security, the Housing Department, and the Valley of the Sun United Way have worked together to develop a permanent housing solution for the men that use the shelter. He explained the City and County repurposed existing U.S. Housing and Urban Development funds, and due to its success, employed the H3 plan (a plan being used to eliminate chronic homelessness among veterans) as guiding principles for the process. Mr. Liggett stated a request for proposals was developed and awarded to Community Bridges, an organization experienced in working with this community. Mr. Liggett emphasized the closure of the shelter will be a phase out process with a gradual reduction of men allowed into the shelter over the next six months. He noted staff will be continuously evaluating the impact of the process on the men using the facility and adjustments will be made if necessary. Mr. Spicker explained one of the goals of the relocation process is to find additional funding to increase availability of permanent supportive housing. Reed Butler, Owner of Butler Housing Company, spoke in favor of the phase out of the men’s overflow shelter. Mr. Butler asked where the homeless me will be relocated. He stated he was on the board of the Arizona Multi-Housing Association, and they may be able to provide some assistance with the relocation process. He added he believes the Capital Mall should receive more attention from the revitalization efforts currently taking place for the downtown area.

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Chairwoman Gallego asked staff to provide the occupancy limits for the men’s overflow shelter, and the number of housing units included in the RFP. Mr. Liggett stated the maximum occupancy for the facility is 240. He stated the RFP includes 85 placements. He added staff will reach out to partner organizations to determine placement availability in other areas. Councilman DiCiccio agreed with the approach being used to find homeless people permanent housing. He asked that staff be aware of unintended consequences associated with closing a centralized shelter for the homeless community. He also stated the City of Phoenix should not be burdened with all the costs and problems associated with relocating the homeless as the shelter serves the metropolitan area overall. Chairwoman Gallego asked if other City Councils have been briefed on the phase out process. Mr. Liggett stated that other City Councils will be engaged in the process. Councilman DiCiccio recommended the conversation with other City Councils should be started soon. He also recommended working with the multi-housing industry to find additional options for permanent housing. Chairwoman Gallego asked if the 85 homes identified the RFP will be scattered sites. Mr. Gallegos stated the 85 homes will be scattered sites. Chairwoman Gallego asked how the gap will be filled since the 85 homes in the RFP will not accommodate the 240 men using the shelter. Mr. Liggett stated the RFP will offer 85 placements, and the Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) facility takes in two people every day from the overflow shelter. He added other partners, such as the State, may offer placement for those in the homeless shelter. Mr. Spicker stated a thousand housing units will be available in 2015, and some of those houses may be available to include in the relocation process. Chairwoman Gallego asked if staff anticipated additional people sleeping outside as a result of the shelter closure. Mr. Liggett stated the goal of the phase out plan is not to increase the number of individuals sleeping outside. Councilwoman Pastor asked how many men are turned away from the overflow shelter. Mr. Liggett stated the number of individuals turned away varies. He stated that there are nights when space is available and other nights when people are turned away and sleep in the parking lot. Councilwoman Pastor asked what will happen to the 110 individuals that will not be provided housing under the RFP and sheltered by CASS. Mr. Liggett stated that the number of men using the shelter fluctuates. He stated individuals are constantly moving between the shelters, so it is difficult to have an accurate count. Mr. Liggett stated a list of names was created on September 15, 2014, and this list will be used as a reference during the placement process. Councilwoman Pastor and Councilman DiCiccio stated there has been a significant amount of energy expended to move homeless individuals from the neighborhoods surrounding the downtown corridor. They asked if there is plan to prevent homeless

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individuals from dispersing back into the neighborhoods once the shelter is closed. Mr. Gallegos stated the project team will be closely monitoring the concerns expressed by the subcommittee. He added some of the homeless individuals will divert on their own and some will need access to housing. He emphasized the intent of this process is not to divert people into the neighborhoods but to find housing options based a proven model.

12. Future Agenda Items No future agenda items were provided.

13. Call to the Public

None. 14. Adjournment

Chairwoman Gallego adjourned the meeting at 11:58 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Gabriel Morales Management Intern

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Deanna Jonovich Deputy City Manager

FROM: Moises Gallegos Acting Human Services Director Karl Matzinger Housing Director

SUBJECT: HOMELESS INITIATIVES UPDATE JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2014

This report provides the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee with an update on accomplishments and activities between June and September 2014, which are helping to alleviate homelessness in the City of Phoenix. The City has been at the forefront of implementing innovative programs and realigning services to effectively address homelessness, targeting chronically homeless families and individuals, homeless veterans, and homeless youth. THE ISSUE City of Phoenix initiatives continue to utilize the Housing First model, targeting the highest priority populations including homeless veterans, chronically homeless families and individuals, and homeless youth. The main strategies include: Managing to the Numbers The region continues to address chronic homelessness through the Permanent Supportive Housing Committee, a working group facilitated by the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW). As of September 30, 2014, 571 chronically homeless households, including 513 single individuals, 101 of whom were veterans, and 58 families had been housed. In July 2014, Phoenix participated in a two-day community kick-off event to expedite the implementation of a regional coordinated assessment and housing placement system. As of September 30, 2014, the Family Housing Hub had completed 1,325 assessments for families, 23 of which were veteran’s families. The Human Service Campus (HSC) had completed 5,480 assessments for homeless individuals. Starting in Our Own Backyard In December 2012, the Housing and Human Services departments collaborated to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for housing and supportive services using the “Housing First” model. Through the RFP, the Housing department issued 75 Section 8 vouchers to seven non-profit providers specializing in assisting homeless populations. The Human Services Department (HSD) provided funding for wrap-around support services to augment the vouchers and help families reach sustainability. As of September 30, 2014, 47 households had been issued vouchers. As of September 30, 2014, 47

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households had leased housing units through the program. An additional 5 were in the process of obtaining housing. The Housing and Human Services departments are working together to provide access to public housing vouchers and case management services to vulnerable families at the Watkins Emergency Shelter. Through this partnership, 75 vouchers were made available for chronically homeless families. HSD staff provides wrap-around case management services for these families at the Luke Krohn housing site. As of September 30, 2014, 27 families were referred to the program, five were housed, and seven were in process. Housing and HSD staff participated in a cross-departmental training session on serving chronically homeless individuals through permanent supportive housing. Twenty staff participated in training in preparation for the Frank Luke Addition Phase III development, which has a set-aside of 33 project-based vouchers for chronically homeless families with a preference for veterans. Construction is anticipated to commence in February 2015 and will be open to tenants in August 2016. The group meets quarterly to establish partnership processes for this new site, which will utilize the Housing First model. Community Engagement MROP Partnership: HSD partnered with the Police department and the Prosecutor’s Office to identify and serve homeless offenders to reduce crime and address the core issue of homelessness through the Misdemeanor Repeat Offender Program (MROP). Monthly MROP Leadership Team meetings are held to coordinate the departments’ activities, evaluate progress, and discuss the status of individuals enrolled in the program. As of September 30, 2014, information on more than 2,763 offenders has been entered into the database tracking system. Of those, 167 individuals have also been entered into the Police PACE system, allowing patrol officers access to their history when they encounter them on the street, 41 individuals were working with the Prosecutor’s Office through enhanced prosecution efforts, and 11 individuals were receiving supportive services. Men’s Overflow Shelter (MOS) Transition: HSD is collaborating with Maricopa County Human Services Department (Maricopa County), Arizona Department of Housing (DOH), Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), and VSUW, to phase out the MOS by March 31, 2015. A comprehensive plan to provide progressive engagement, housing, and supportive services for homeless individuals currently utilizing MOS has been developed and the collaborative is working closely with Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), the Phoenix Police department and other service providers. Information was presented to the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee on October 17, 2014. MOS Deposit Assistance: In a targeted effort to reduce the number of individuals at the Men’s Overflow Shelter (MOS), HSD has partnered with CASS to provide access to move-in and utility deposit assistance to homeless individuals eligible for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding. As of September 30, 2014, staff had completed 50 intakes on-site at CASS. As a result, 41 individuals had been housed, and five were in process.

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Sunnyslope Homeless Project: HSD is working with City Council District 3 and community stakeholders to address issues related to homeless individuals in the Sunnyslope area. HSD identified five strategies to reduce homeless-related issues in the area: 1) Community Collaboration; 2) Law Enforcement Partnership; 3) VSUW Project Connect Services; 4) Enforcement Sweeps; and MROP. This holistic approach considers the needs of the community and businesses; individuals in need of services; public safety; and sustainability. A Project Connect event is scheduled for December. RECOMMENDATION This report is for information only.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Deanna Jonovich

Deputy City Manager

FROM: Karl Matzinger

Housing Director

SUBJECT: ARIZONA NAHRO AWARDS

This report provides information to the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee (NHD) about recent recognition and awards received by the Housing Department. THE ISSUE The Housing Department received four awards from housing industry associations: Arizona chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) and Arizona Housing Authority Director’s Association (AHADA). The awards were based on achievements in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. Employee of the Year Employee of the Year recipients demonstrated excellence in performance of duties: performing duties with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism, demonstrating courtesy, concern, responsiveness, and dedication both within and outside the industry.

• Johnmark Bradley, Building Maintenance Foreman in the Housing Modernization Division was recognized in the Housing Maintenance category for his leadership in renovating and improving the public housing stock owned by the City. He led a team focused on addressing unit turns in vacant public housing units, thereby reducing vacancies by 28 units within three months.

• Dawn Marsolais, Housing Program Representative received an award in the Section 8 Housing category for service to the homeless veterans in the VASH program.

Program Innovation Program Innovation recipients demonstrated innovative use of programs in areas of direct client and resident services; economic impact, innovative use of funds, and or/ administrative methods.

• Section 8 Division staff received this award for its new staffing model which reduced file errors.

Family Self-Sufficiency Participant of the Year Judith V, a FSS participant, was awarded Participant of the Year for her dedication and perseverance, and demonstrating what FSS participants can achieve when self-sufficiency is the main goal. Judith was a long-time victim of domestic violence, but

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once she entered subsidized housing, she was able to gain full-time employment. She had a goal of homeownership but had no credit. She met with credit counselors, took financial and homeownership classes. Within three years of joining FSS, Judith managed to save $19,000 and purchased her first home. OTHER INFORMATION Arizona NAHRO and AHADA annually recognize excellence throughout the state. The awards encourage support and reward professionalism and integrity for those programs, and individuals dedicated to developing, promoting and administering community development and housing programs in Arizona. RECOMMENDATION This report is information only.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Lisa Takata Deputy City Manager

FROM: Michael Hammett Citywide Volunteer Program Manager

SUBJECT: RETROACTIVE APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT A CITIES OF SERVICE CITY HALL AMERICORPS VISTA GRANT

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee (NHD) recommend City Council retroactive approval to apply for and accept a grant through the Cities of Service City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA Program. This request was scheduled for the November 18 subcommittee, however that meeting was cancelled. THE ISSUE On Nov. 3, 2014, Cities of Service verified the city of Phoenix is eligible to apply for a grant through the City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA Program, including $30,000 in funding and up to three AmeriCorps VISTA members, for up to three years. This grant follows the successful “Love Your Block Program” model designed to address neighborhood revitalization efforts and health and safety needs in low-income communities. The VISTA members will be housed in the Neighborhood Services Department. The grant application was due Dec. 1, 2014. OTHER INFORMATION The city of Phoenix is a founding member of Cities of Service, founded by Michael R. Bloomberg. The organization now supports a coalition of approximately 200 cities committed to using citizen volunteers to solve local pressing challenges. In October 2012, the city of Phoenix accepted a $100,000 grant from Cities of Service to implement the “Let’s Grow Phoenix Gardens” and “Cool Roofs” programs, supporting Mayor Stanton’s commitment to sustainability and addressing the lack of healthy foods in public housing communities. The City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA grant will focus on the health and safety needs of residents in low-income neighborhoods. RECOMMENDATION This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee recommend City Council retroactive approval to apply for, accept and enter into a contract for the Cities of Service City Hall AmeriCorps VISTA program grant.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT


FROM: Moises Gallegos Acting Human Services Director

SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AT THE WATKINS EMERGENCY SHELTER

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for emergency shelter case management services at the Watkins Emergency Shelter (WES). THE ISSUE Since November 2006 the Human Services Department (HSD) has operated the WES as a year-round overflow shelter for single women and families who are homeless. The WES currently serves up to 17 families and 120 women at any given time through a contracted service provider. The provider maintains basic shelter operations and client services. HSD provides assessment and placement services including assistance in obtaining documentation necessary to attain permanent housing. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued the HEARTH Act, which requires communities utilizing Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Continuum of Care (CoC) funds to develop and implement a centralized and coordinated entry system. In 2012, following a multi-year regional planning process, the Maricopa CoC Committee designated two provider agencies, one serving singles and one serving families, to pilot coordinated entry systems for the region. In 2013, the WES became the centralized entry point for homeless families. In August 2014, the Family Housing Hub, a site for centralized intake and assessment, was opened by a community provider in Central Phoenix. As a result, the assessment and placement services being provided at WES are now provided at the Family Housing Hub, and WES will become an emergency shelter consistent with the regional standards of practice in the redesigned regional service system. The new WES model requires emergency shelter case management services replace the current assessment and placement services currently provided by HSD. Emergency shelter case management is best provided by an organization which specializes in the delivery of emergency shelter to homeless families. HSD does not specialize in this type of case management and requests authorization to issue a RFP for emergency shelter case management services to be provided at the WES as part of the new emergency shelter model. If approved, the department anticipates a contract for services effective July 1, 2015.

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OTHER INFORMATION Funding for this service will be provided by the elimination of the positions currently providing assessment and placement services at WES. HSD will absorb these staff in vacancies due to retirements, and no current City of Phoenix employees will be affected. RECOMMENDATION Staff requests the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue an RFP for emergency shelter case management services at the WES.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Rick Naimark Deputy City Manager

FROM: Alan Stephenson Planning & Development Director

SUBJECT: PREDEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE/DESIGN-PHASE ASSISTANCE FOR REINVENT PHX GRANT

This report provides information to the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee on projects recommended to receive predevelopment/design-phase assistance funds as part of the Reinvent PHX federal grant. Staff requests the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to award predevelopment that reimbursement grants as recommended by the selection committee and approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). THE ISSUE The City of Phoenix was awarded a $2.9 million grant from HUD Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities to support the Reinvent PHX initiative. The initiative aims to create a new transit-oriented model for urban planning and development along the City’s light rail system. A total of $500,000 of the grant has been reserved to provide competitive, matching predevelopment grants for transit-oriented development projects that provide community benefits and serve as pilot projects that demonstrate best practices in design, building use and financing. On April 2, 2014, City Council approved the evaluation criteria for the Request for Proposals that had to meet HUD requirements. A selection panel with representation from the City and private development, and a design professional reviewed and scored each proposal based on the evaluation criteria. The results of the panel were submitted to HUD which has approved the following six projects for predevelopment awards with two alternates:

1. Virginia @ 3rd: A 74-unit affordable housing project at 333 East Virginia Avenue with supportive services and wellness center. Applicant: Native American Connections Award: $115,287, or up to $239,280 if additional funding is available.

2. The Row: A 47-unit affordable housing project north of the northeast corner of Second and Roosevelt Streets with historic adaptive reuse and commercial space. Applicant: Roosevelt Housing Associates Award: $108,964, or up to $250,000 if additional funding is available.

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3. Van Buren Motel Adaptive Reuse: A rehabilitation and conversion of an old Travel Inn motel into a 90-unit affordable housing project at 3541 East Van Buren Street with supportive services. Applicant: Chicanos Por La Causa Award: $99,600, or up to $217,801 if additional funding is available.

4. Union @ Roosevelt: An 80-unit mixed-use housing project located at the southwest corner of First Avenue and Roosevelt Street with tenant-ready commercial space. Applicant: Metrowest Development Award: $80,142, or up to $250,000 if additional funding is available.

5. Central Station: A 400-unit mixeduse housing project located at the northeast corner of First Avenue and Van Buren Street (Public Transit Central Station) with integrated transit station, commercial space and co-working/business incubator space. Applicant: Smithfield Award: $76,007, or up to $250,000 if additional funding is available.

6. Shipping Container Live/Work Space: A three-unit live/work artist project located at the southwest corner of Fifth and Roosevelt Streets made out of converted shipping containers. Applicant: Roosevelt Row Community Development Corp. Award: $20,000 (this is the total amount requested by the applicant).

7. Omninet – NEC: A transit-oriented, compact, mixed-use development that includes approximately 177 multifamily dwelling units and approximately 6,300 square feet of commercial and retail space located at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Pierson Street. Applicant: Omninet Phoenix, LP Award: To be determined for this alternate project. The City will award any remaining funds to the alternates in an even manner.

8. Deco Edison: An 80-unit multifamily residential condominium project located at the southwest corner of Central Avenue and Lewis Avenue. Applicant: Deco Edison Central LLLP Award: To be determined for this alternate project. The City will award any remaining funds to the alternates in an even manner.

The awards require each applicant to match a minimum of 50 percent of a project’s total predevelopment costs and be in compliance with all applicable HUD rules and regulations. Invoices must be submitted to the Planning and Development Department no later than May 29, 2015. In the event that any selected project(s) does not meet the invoice submittal deadline or minimum match requirement, the City will award additional available funds to the top six awardees first, up to their maximum requested amount, and then any remaining funds will be awarded to alternates in an even manner. All awardees must provide a minimum 50 percent match for the increased total award and be in compliance with all applicable HUD rules and regulations. The total amount awarded to the six awardees and two alternative projects will not exceed $500,000.

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OTHER INFORMATION The RFP included the ability to reimburse for predevelopment expenses that were incurred by the applicant prior to the date of the award selection. However, HUD later determined that retroactive reimbursements are not allowed under HUD rules. This review delayed the announcement of the awards, which led to HUD approving a grant extension on October 31, 2014. The project deadline is now July 31, 2015. RECOMMENDATION Staff requests that the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to award the predevelopment/design-phase assistance funds that are a part of the Reinvent PHX federal grant as recommended by the selection committee and approved by HUD. Attachment A – Map of Selected Projects for Predevelopment Reimbursement

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT



SUBJECT: ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT Z-TA-5-14 REGARDING LOT COVERAGE

This report provides information to the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee on a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment regarding lot coverage and requests that the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Z-TA-5-14 as shown in Attachment B. THE ISSUE The purpose of the proposed text amendment is to modify lot coverage development standards in the RE-43, RE-24, R1-14, and RE-35 large lot zoning districts to allow additional lot coverage while maintaining a single-story appearance. These districts are traditionally larger in size and located within established neighborhoods. Over the past several years and as lifestyles continue to evolve, there has been an increase in the number of variance requests for lot coverage in these districts. This proposed amendment would allow for additional lot coverage without a public hearing process so long as the development meets certain requirements. OTHER INFORMATION The Neighborhood Element of the General Plan promotes the maintenance of strong, healthy neighborhoods and preservation of neighborhood character through good design. Historically, the Phoenix housing market favored single-story, ranch-style housing. Over time, lifestyles have continued to evolve. Larger building footprints (i.e., additional rooms and bathrooms) have become more commonplace in the RE-43, RE-24, R1-14, and RE-35 zoning districts. Staff recognizes the need to revise a development standard that no longer reflects the needs of residents. Staff researched variance requests for lot coverage in RE-43, RE-24, R1-14, and RE-35 zoning districts and found 274 requests. The majority of requests came from the RE-24 and R1-14 zoning districts, which were single-family zoning districts prior to 1981. A variance to deviate from a development standard is considered through the zoning adjustment hearing public process and takes about eight weeks to complete. The predominant features of ranch style single-family homes is single-story, large lot and limited lot coverage. Property owners are currently allowed to build a two-story home. The proposed amendment allows for additional lot coverage in exchange for a guarantee of maintaining the single-story appearance that is the predominant development characteristic of ranch-style homes.

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Staff proposes an increase in lot coverage to 30 percent, if all structures are less than 20 feet in height and one story to allow a larger building footprint while maintaining neighborhood character. The proposed increase in lot coverage would not apply to properties with any or all structures that exceed feet in height and one story. The Planning Commission initiated this amendment on June 10, 2014. The text amendment was approved by five Village Planning Committees, five did not review the amendment, four did not reach quorum, and one denied the request (Attachment A). The Planning Commission recommended approval by a 7-0 vote on December 9, 2014. RECOMMENDATION Staff requests that the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Z-TA-5-14 as shown in Attachment B. Attachment: A: Village Planning Committee Results B: Proposed Text Amendment Language

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Attachment A

TA-5-14 Large Lot/Lot Coverage Development Standards for RE-43, RE-24, R1-14 and RE-35

Village Date Recommendation Vote

Central City 11/10/2014 Chair chose not to review Laveen 11/10/2014 Approved 13-0 Maryvale 11/12/2014 Chair chose not to review South Mountain 11/12/2014 No Quorum North Gateway 11/13/2014 Chair chose not to review Ahwatukee Foothills 11/17/2014 No Quorum Alhambra 11/18/2014 Approved 9-0 Estrella 11/18/2014 Chair chose not to review North Mountain 11/19/2014 Approved, with a modification 7-3-1 Deer Valley 11/20/2014 No Quorum Rio Vista 11/24/2014 No Quorum Encanto 12/1/2014 Chair chose not to review Paradise Valley 12/1/2014 Denied 10-1 Camelback East 12/2/2014 Approved 13-0 Desert View 12/2/2014 Approved 7-1

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Attachment B

Text Amendment Z-TA-5-14 – Development Standards Proposed Language: Amend Chapter 6, Section 605 (Residential Estate RE-43 District—One-Family Residence) to read as follows:

*** B. Yard, height and area requirements. Except as required by Section 710, the

following yard, height, and area provisions shall be required for this district. ***

5. The main building and all accessory buildings on a lot shall not occupy more than twenty 20-percent of the NET LOT total area of the lot, EXCEPT IF ALL STRUCTURES ARE LESS THAN 20-FEET AND ONE-STORY IN HEIGHT THEN A MAXIMUM OF 30-PERCENT LOT COVERAGE IS ALLOWED.

6. No building shall exceed the height of two stories, not to exceed thirty feet,

and no dwelling shall be erected to a height of less than one story. Amend Chapter 6, Section 606 (Residential Estate RE-24 District—One-Family Residence) to read as follows:


following yard, height, and area provisions shall be required for this district: ***

5. The main building and all accessory buildings on a lot shall not occupy more than twenty-five 25-percent of the NET LOT total area of the lot, EXCEPT IF ALL STRUCTURES ARE LESS THAN 20-FEET AND ONE-STORY IN HEIGHT THEN A MAXIMUM OF 30-PERCENT LOT COVERAGE IS ALLOWED.

6. No building shall exceed the height of two stories, not to exceed thirty feet,

and no dwelling structure shall be erected to a height of less than one story. ***

Amend Chapter 6, Section 607 (Residential R1-14 District—One-Family Residence) to read as follows:


following yard, height, and area provisions shall be required for this district: ***

5. The main building and all accessory buildings on a lot shall not occupy more than twenty-five 25-percent of the NET LOT total area of the lot, EXCEPT IF ALL STRUCTURES ARE LESS THAN 20-FEET AND ONE-STORY IN HEIGHT THEN A MAXIMUM OF 30-PERCENT LOT COVERAGE IS ALLOWED.

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6. No building shall exceed the height of two stories, not to exceed thirty feet, and no dwelling structure shall be erected to a height of less than one story.

*** Amend Chapter 6, Section 609 (RE-35 Single-Family Residence District) to read as follows:

*** B. District Regulations. The following tables establish standards to be used for each

district. Following are definitions of terms used in these standards: *** 11. Street standards: The class of street required to provide access to any

parcel or subdivided lot within a development.

ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

RE-35 Development Option

Standards (a)

Subdivision (b)

Average Lot

(c) Planned Residential

Development

Minimum lot dimensions (width and depth)

150' width, 175' depth (Minimum area 35,000 sq. ft.)

100' width, 125' depth None

Dwelling unit density (units/gross acre)

1.10 1.10 1.15; 1.32 with bonus

Perimeter standards None 40' front or rear, 20' side 40' adjacent to a public street; this area is to be in common ownership unless lots front on the perimeter public street; 20' adjacent to property line

Building setbacks 40' front, 40' rear, 20' side 25' front, 50' total front and rear 25' front

Maximum height 2 stories and 30' 2 stories and 30' 2 stories and 30'

Lot coverage 25%, EXCEPT IF ALL STRUCTURES ARE LESS THAN 20-FEET AND ONE-STORY IN HEIGHT THEN A MAXIMUM OF 30-PERCENT LOT COVERAGE IS ALLOWED.

Primary structure, not including attached shade structures: 25% Total: 30%

Primary structure, not including attached shade structures: 25% Total: 30%

Common areas None None Minimum 5% of gross area

Allowed uses Single-family detached; foster homes

Single-family attached; plus (a) Single-family attached; plus (a)

Required review Subdivision to create 4 or more lots

Subdivision with building setbacks

Site plan per Section 507

Street standards Public street required Public street Public street or private accessway(2)

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(1) Public streets may be required as a part of subdivision or development review for extensions of street patterns, for circulation within neighborhoods, or to continue partial dedications. (2) For purposes of this section, canal rights-of-way shall be treated the same as public street rights-of-way.

***

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT


FROM: Karl Matzinger Housing Director

SUBJECT: FOOTHILLS VILLAGE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development Subcommittee (NHD) recommend City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for property management services for the City’s Foothills Village public housing community. THE ISSUE Foothills Village is a conventional multifamily public housing facility, consisting of 28 one-story and 172 two-story townhomes, having one to four bedrooms each. The property is located in Council District 7 at the northwest corner of 7th Avenue and Alta Vista.

Staff recommends issuing an RFP for property management with a similar model as the Marcos de Niza community. In this model the City pays the property manager for rent collection, maintenance, and property management in accordance with guidelines in the approved management plan. The property manager is also responsible to make capital improvements, with the City responsible for compliance oversight and reimbursement to the property manager for expenses. Because the contracted property manager is able to provide the service at a lower cost, more improvements and maintenance of the facility can occur within the approved HUD budget.

Currently, Housing Department funding for Public Housing operations is prorated to 89 percent. In FY14, the cost to operate the facility was $1,722,317. The City received $963,878 in federal funds and $424,917 in rent, resulting in an operating shortfall of $333,522. This shortfall was funded by available operating reserves which cannot be sustained which will cause the property to fall below the HUD recommended standards.

The capital improvements completed at Foothills include 15 rehabilitated units and replacement of the hot water boilers in the last 18 months. The additional projected rehabilitation needed at Foothills includes the creation of 12 American with Disabilities Act units and the rehabilitation of the remaining 16 one-bedroom units and 77 multi-bedroom units at a projected total cost of $4,373,000 over three years. This would leave approximately 80 units on site that have not been rehabilitated.

OTHER INFORMATION

The city managed property is currently staffed by a property manager, two housing program representatives, and four maintenance staff. All City employees currently posted to Foothills Village will be transferred to vacant positions elsewhere in the public housing operation.

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Staff proposes to issue the RFP during the first quarter of 2015. It will include the standard terms, conditions and other necessary requirements. Responsive proposals will be evaluated by a panel including City staff and community stakeholders, who will utilize the following criteria to score the proposals:

Property Management Experience 30 Points

Management Plan Approach 30 Points

Management Fee 20 Points

Public/Affordable Housing Experience 10 Points

Social Service Activity 10 Points

Total 100 Points

RECOMMENDATION This report requests the NHD Subcommittee recommended City Council approval to issue a RFP to manage the City’s Foothills Village public housing community.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT


FROM: Chris Hallett Neighborhood Services Director

SUBJECT: 30 WEST CORONA AVENUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Corona Yard property located at 30 West Corona Avenue. THE ISSUE The Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) is seeking sealed proposals for a land lease in five-year increments for a city-owned property at 30 West Corona Avenue (Corona Yard). The selected proposer will lease and maintain the property, which is currently vacant and consists of approximately 45,000 square feet of asphalt paved parking areas and two unoccupied structures. The structures have suffered repeated vandalism in the past year. NSD has received interest in this property from the community and seeks to lease it “as is” to a qualified lessee. OTHER INFORMATION The proposed RFP will be publicly advertised and will be available for download on January 9, 2015. A review panel will rate each proposal on a one hundred-point scale based on the following:

Proposed use 25 pts Offer price for the lease 25 pts Financial ability of the operator 10 pts Property access and parking solutions to minimize neighborhood impacts 10 pts Effect of the use on other properties 10 pts Compatibility with City's zoning, Master Plan 10 pts Proposer's standing with the city of Phoenix, the State of Arizona Corporation Commission and the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, if applicable

10 pts

NSD will seek City Council approval to enter into a lease with the applicant with the highest-rated proposal. The property was acquired by the Water Services Department and used as a storage yard for construction equipment and materials. It was conveyed to NSD in 2005 through a land swap because it is located in NSD’s Target Area B Redevelopment Area.

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NSD plans to redevelop the property with input from the community. The property has been vacant for the last two years and has had repeated copper and electric wire theft. In addition to deterring crime, leasing the property is expected to provide revenue in the form of Community Development Block Grant Program Income, which will be used for vital community programs. RECOMMENDATION This report requests the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to issue an RFP for the Corona Yard property located at 30 West Corona Avenue.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT


FROM: Karl Matzinger Housing Director

SUBJECT: SMOKING IN PHOENIX PUBLIC HOUSING

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of a non-smoking policy to prevent smoking inside all City-owned public housing units and allow smoking in designated smoking areas. THE ISSUE In 2009 and 2012, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued notices strongly encouraging Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to implement non-smoking policies in public housing units. There has been a significant increase in the number of PHAs with a Smoke-Free Policy, from 12 in 2005 to more than 500 today. In addition to health impacts to residents, the cost of continuing to accommodate smoking is high. Apartment turnover costs can be two to seven times greater when smoking is allowed. Preparing a non-smoking unit for a new resident takes 6 to 19 hours, whereas a smoking unit takes 24 to 64 hours. On average, it takes 2.5 times as long to clean and repair a smoking unit. Currently, smoking is allowed at all public housing properties in Phoenix, except the newest senior facility, Aeroterra Senior Village, and The Symphony (part of HOPE VI), which recently converted to non-smoking. The Housing Department surveyed residents at its five senior/disabled sites and learned that 37 percent are smokers, about a quarter of whom indicate they want to quit. Forty-two percent indicated they have smelled smoke from another apartment. Approximately 57 percent support a smoke-free policy in their building. Housing staff recommends a non-smoking policy enforced through a lease addendum at annual lease renewal. The policy will prohibit smoking inside all public housing facilities, allowing smoking in designated smoking areas at least 25 feet from building entrances. Smoking will also be permitted on balconies and patios immediately attached to a residential unit, when the door between the balcony or patio and unit is closed.

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OTHER INFORMATION Secondhand smoke contains many poisons and cancer-causing chemicals, including: nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides, phenol, and sulfur dioxide. In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified secondhand smoke as a Class A known carcinogen. As such, secondhand smoke poses health concerns for all individuals, but particularly children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and asthma. The international standard-setting body for indoor air quality, The Board of Directors for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers unanimously agreed that ventilation and other air filtration technologies cannot eliminate all the health risks caused by secondhand smoke exposure. The Symphony recently converted to non-smoking. After surveying the residents, this 83-unit, mixed-income community began a non-smoking conversion in April 2013, through the annual recertification process. No residents have moved from the property because of the policy change. If the policy is adopted, staff will launch a public information campaign and smoking cessation program. RECOMMENDATION This report requests the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of a non-smoking policy to prevent smoking inside all City-owned public housing units and allow smoking in designated smoking areas.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT

TO: Deanna Jonovich

Deputy City Manager

FROM: Karl Matzinger

Housing Director

SUBJECT: HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to dedicate up to 275 or five percent of the Housing Department’s total Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) allocation to provide housing for chronically homeless individuals and families, and to issue a Request for Proposals to provide the necessary supportive services. THE ISSUE U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Veterans Administration (VA) have undertaken an effort to bring public housing agencies together with other stakeholders to provide housing resources and improve regional coordination to end chronic homelessness for veterans, individuals and families. The City of Phoenix was one of 25 cities selected to participate in a meeting convened by HUD and the VA in April 2013. At this meeting, public housing agencies and homeless community stakeholders set a 100-day goal to house 165 non-veteran chronic homeless individuals and families. Through this challenge, a total of 254 persons were housed. Area partners are continuing this work, with the goal of housing 55 new individuals/families each month in order to end chronic homelessness by December 2015. Approximately 1,600 units will be needed to meet this goal in Maricopa County. Analysis indicates there is adequate HUD funding for 2015 and 2016 for this effort. The Housing Department proposes to utilize HCV turnover to help provide necessary housing, while continuing to house families currently on the Section 8 waitlist. With more than 4,500 households currently on the Section 8 waitlist, it has been closed since June 2005. Providing HCV to help meet the goal of ending chronic homelessness is allowed by HUD as a local preference. Each housing authority is permitted to establish preferences to reflect the housing needs and priorities of its particular community. The City of Phoenix preferences include families that live or work in Phoenix, families displaced by the City, and special populations including chronic homeless or homeless youth. The Housing Department proposes to issue an RFP to contract with an organization to provide wrap-around services needed to assist participants in securing and maintaining permanent and stable housing. Services would include but not be limited to assisting

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the individual in obtaining mainstream benefits, accessing medical and behavioral health services, daily living skills and peer support. OTHER INFORMATION A regional effort to end chronic homeless is being led by the Maricopa Association of Governments, Valley of the Sun United Way, the City of Phoenix, various nonprofit agencies and Maricopa County. The U. S. Interagency Council on Homelessness representing the VA, HUD and the U.S. Department of Housing and Human Services is working toward a national goal of ending chronic homelessness by 2015. HUD has published best practices, including establishing voucher preferences, in an effort to encourage public housing authorities to engage in this effort. One of these best practices is the permanent supportive housing model, serving vulnerable populations including those experiencing chronic homelessness. Significant progress has been made towards the effort of ending chronic homelessness and the City of Phoenix has been involved in these accomplishments. The goal of ending chronic homelessness among Veterans in December 2013 was accomplished and touted nationally. Also, the City of Phoenix has been actively involved with the Maricopa County Continuum of Care, which has developed a Coordinated Intake Assessment process and implemented the prioritization tool called Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool which is used at intake and identifies which existing shelter or housing resource that would be the best fit for the individual or family. RECOMMENDATION This report requests the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to dedicate up to 275 or five percent of the Housing Departments total Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) allocation to provide housing for chronically homeless individuals and families, and to issue a Request for Proposals to provide the necessary supportive services.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT



SUBJECT: HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN (PRESERVEHISTORICPHX)

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of the City’s first Historic Preservation Plan, PreserveHistoricPHX. THE ISSUE The City has never had a comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. Up until this point, a single goal was included in the General Plan 2002: “Historic, cultural and character preservation: our rich heritage should be preserved and protected.” PreserveHistoricPHX is intended as a more specific plan to augment PlanPHX and to protect and promote the historic and archaeological resources of Phoenix. It is a long-term vision for the city’s historic preservation program, proactively setting priorities for future activities and identifying strategies for achieving the identified goals, plans and actions. Information from the public meetings and the survey was used to develop the goals, policies and actions for PreserveHistoricPHX. These goals, policies and actions use the format established in PlanPHX and are associated with the Five Core Values. Each of the policies and actions are also linked to the applicable Strategic Tool from PlanPHX with one difference. Rather than using “I PlanPHX” to identify for residents things that they can do to implement the goal and play a direct role in preserving historic places in Phoenix, PreserveHistoricPHX uses “I PreservePHX.” OTHER INFORMATION In March and April of 2014, staff held four public participation events: two general meetings at the Burton Barr Central Library and two special meetings – the Story Preservation Association and Phoenix Historic Neighborhoods Coalition. At these meetings, participants were asked to answer two questions as a group:

• What should be preserved? • How should it be preserved?

Finally, a 10-question survey was developed and sent to stakeholders to complete in July to obtain their ideas on preservation in Phoenix.

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There are eight sections to the plan:

1. Executive Summary 2. Purpose of the Plan 3. Benefits of Historic Preservation 4. Legal Basis of Historic Preservation 5. History of Phoenix 6. History of the Historic Preservation in Phoenix 7. Overview of the Phoenix Historic Preservation Program 8. Moving Forward (goals, policies and actions for the plan)

The goals are:

1. Protect archaeological resources 2. Protect historic resources 3. Explore preservation incentives 4. Develop community awareness 5. Promote partnerships

Eight Village Planning Committees (VPC) chose to review PreserveHistoricPHX and the results are as follows:

VPC DATE VOTE DECISION Alhambra 08/26/14 11-0 Approved with Recommendations Central City 09/15/14 11-0 Approved with Comments Desert View 09/02/14 9-0 Approved Encanto 10/06/14 10-0 Approved with Recommendations Laveen 10/13/14 10-0 Approved Maryvale 09/10/14 9-0 Approved North Mountain 09/17/14 11-0 Approved South Mountain 09/09/14 11-0 Approved

The Historic Preservation Commission recommended approval of the PreserveHistoricPHX plan on November 17, 2014, by a vote of 5-0. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the PreserveHistoricPHX plan on November 18, 2014, by a vote of 5-0. RECOMMENDATION Staff requests the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of the Historic Preservation Plan, PreserveHistoricPHX. Attachment A: PreserveHistoricPHX Plan (124 pages): https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Documents/pdd_hp_pdf_00185.pdf

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To obtain a hard copy of Attachment A, please contact: City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department Historic Preservation Office Michelle Dodds 200 West Washington Street, 3rd floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-262-7468

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT



SUBJECT: NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

This report requests the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of amendments to the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (NPO). THE ISSUE The purpose of the NPO is to promote the health, safety, and welfare of Phoenix residents, and to protect neighborhoods against hazardous, blighting, and deteriorating influences or conditions that contribute to the downgrade of neighborhood property values. The ordinance establishes minimum standards for the condition of the interior of residential buildings, and requirements for maintenance of all residential and nonresidential buildings, structures of all kinds, as well as vacant and improved land. The Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) last revised the NPO on January 20, 2007. NSD is recommending amendments to Chapter 39 of the Phoenix City Code that clarify timelimits, refine terminology, and modify standards to continue to preserve and protect neighborhoods from blight and deterioration and to enhance livability in Phoenix. OTHER INFORMATION NSD staff completed five citywide NPO enhancement community input sessions, including a Spanish-language session. A total of 44 residents attended the sessions where they learned about the City’s NPO, other ordinances enforced by NSD, the standard code enforcement process, and the most common blight violations. In addition, NSD provided residents with examples of current code language and proposed code changes along with the opportunity to provide feedback for possible NPO enhancements. Examples of public input received include the modification of board up standards, adding a definition for inoperable vehicles, and requests for an enhanced property search with additional detailed information on the Code Compliance Case Status Report located on phoenix.gov. Based on recommendations from staff and public input the following amendments are being proposed to Phoenix City Code Chapter 39: • Heating and cooling temperatures for habitable spaces were added.

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• The language for the maintenance of swimming and architectural pools and ponds was refined to accurately defend civil court cases.

• The delivery of the Notice of Ordinance Violation language was refined to hand-delivered, mailed certified and/or mailed regular.

• The inoperable vehicle definition included tires that are flat, rotted, deteriorated or unable to hold air.

• Easements were included in right-of-way maintenance. • Board up standards were modified to reduce temporary board up time frame from

180 to 90 days, require polycarbonate material after 90 days, and require the use of polycarbonate on all openings visible from the street.

• Address numbers shall be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.

• A definition for curb line was added. • Structures may be declared to be an imminent hazard by the Director or designee. • For excavations on exterior premises and vacant land, the term temporary basis was

limited to no longer than one year. • The Rehabilitation Appeals Board appeal application period is dependent on the

receipt of notice and to constructive knowledge of the assessment. RECOMMENDATION This report requests the NHD Subcommittee recommend City Council approval of the NPO amendments in Attachment A.

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ATTACHMENT A

Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance Enhancements PCC 39-5 Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems; health and safety conditions. B. Heating, cooling and ventilation systems.

1. Heating, cooling and ventilation systems in any building or structure are to be maintained hazard-free, operational and in a state of good repair. Heating and cooling systems shall be free from hazards associated with ventilation, equipment status, mounting, electrical connections and other potential defects.

(A) Heating requirements. Every rental housing unit shall have heating, under tenant control, capable of safely heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms and flushing toilet rooms to a temperature of at least seventy degrees (70º) fahrenheit at a distance three (3) feet above floor level in the center of the room. Required heating shall be provided by permanently installed heating facilities. (B) Cooling requirements. Every rental housing unit shall have cooling, under tenant control, capable of safely cooling all habitable rooms, bathrooms and flushing toilet rooms to a temperature no greater than eighty-six degrees (86º) fahrenheit, if cooled by evaporative cooling, or eighty-two degrees (82º) fahrenheit, if cooled by air conditioning. Temperature measurements shall be taken at a distance three (3) feet above the floor in the center of the room. Required cooling shall be provided by permanently installed cooling facilities. (C) Unvented combustion heaters; prohibited. No owner, agent or manager shall provide, install or allow to be installed or used any unvented portable space heaters burning solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. (D) Cooking appliances as heaters; prohibited. No owner, agent or manager shall allow the use of any ovens, stoves or ranges, or other cooking appliances for the purpose of heating any portion of a dwelling.

PCC 39-7 Exterior premises and vacant land C. Maintenance of swimming and architectural pools. All swimming and architectural pools and spas shall be properly maintained so as not to create a safety hazard or harbor insect infestation, or create a visible deteriorated or blighted appearance. Water shall not be allowed to stagnate, or to become stale or foul through lack of circulation. The bottom and sides of the pool or spa shall be maintained reasonably free of sediment, dirt, slime and algae. The water shall be sufficiently clear so that the main drain outlet is clearly visible. to an adult standing on the pool deck, or sufficiently clear so that a 200 mm in diameter secchi disk placed at the bottom of the deepest point of the pool is clearly visible to an adult standing on the pool deck. Fencing or other barriers required for swimming pool and spa enclosures shall be maintained as outlined in the Phoenix Construction Code. The premises shall be free from hazards, including but not limited to, lack of security, water stagnation, or abandoned pools, regardless of whether or not there is water in the pools. All pools will also be free from visible deterioration or blighted appearance. Ponds shall be maintained and not allowed to stagnate, to become foul, or harbor the breeding of insects.

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PCC 39-13.1 Notice of Violation B. Any notice given for any purpose under this ordinance shall be deemed effective on the date when written notice is hand-delivered or mailed certified mail return receipt requested hand-delivered, mailed certified and/or mailed regular, addressed to the property owner, owner’s agent, or responsible party. If personal service or mailed service is not practicable, service of notice shall also be deemed effective upon notification through one-time public notice published in a newspaper of general circulation and by posting the property for a period of thirty days. Nothing herein shall preclude the City from giving additional verbal or written notice at its discretion. If the City does elect to give any additional notice in any instance, it shall not thereby become obligated to give such additional notice thereafter in the same or other situations. PCC 39-3 Definitions. Inoperable vehicle: A vehicle physically incapable of operation or a vehicle which exhibits one or more of the following conditions: wrecked, partially or fully dismantled, abandoned, stripped, substantially damaged, inoperative, scrapped, having the status of a hulk or shell, discarded, tires that are flat, rotted, deteriorated or unable to hold air, or unable to be safely operated. PCC 39-7-B Exterior premises and vacant land. B. Streets, alleys, easements, and sidewalks abutting land. The owner and any responsible party in control of any land abutting a sidewalk, alley, or street shall maintain the sidewalk, alley or street in the same manner as provided in Subsections A and D of this section. The areas required to be maintained pursuant to this subsection are as follows:

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PCC 39-6 Building and structure exteriors. A. Exterior surfaces. All exposed exterior surfaces, windows and doors shall be maintained to be free of deterioration that is a threat to health and safety, impervious to moisture and weather elements, or shall not otherwise present a deteriorated or blighted appearance. Windows, doors, locks on doors, and hinges must be present and installed properly. These items must be free from deterioration or blighting conditions. Any temporary boarding securement of vacant structures must be done in accordance with City specifications. 7. Boarded Secured window or door openings on an unoccupied structure for more than one hundred eighty ninety days in any two-year period, requires Polycarbonate material security securement specifications.

CITY OF PHOENIX POLYCARBONATE MATERIAL SECURITY BOARD UP SECUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Carriage Bolt Method: • General Application All Polycarbonate material shall be a minimum thickness of

.220. Openings that require more than a 4’ X 8’ sheet shall be secured with two sheets spliced together as shown in Diagram B. Polycarbonate should be cut to the outer edge of the window frame. Self-tapping screws with security heads may be required if bowing occurs. If the window is inset, the Polycarbonate should be inset as well to the outer edge of the window frame. Secure with 3/8 carriage bolts with washers and double nuts and washers on the interior. (Purpose of the double nut is to secure against one another). Install carriage bolts as close to the corners as possible.

• Casement Style windows (windows that swing out from the side of the frames) must have the entire opening covered. Covering individual panes will not be accepted. If only one pane is broken, the SECURE WITH SCREWS method can be used to cover the entire opening. Material will need to be notched at the corners to accommodate the hinges.

• Sliding windows should be opened as far as possible to permit the carriage bolts to pass through the window opening. The sliding sash may often be lifted out of the track and stored inside the building.

• Fixed glass windows require reverting to the Securing with Screws method below. • Glass Patio Doors: If the doors are functional and can be locked, that is sufficient

however if the door is missing glass or the glass is broken then the Carriage Bolt Method General Application applies.

Secure with Screws: • Insert minimum .220 thickness Polycarbonate into the exterior of the window opening

for a close fit and secure with a minimum 1 ½” drywall, deck or sheet metal screws secure top.

• Cut the Polycarbonate to completely insert into the window opening to the outer edge of the window frame (including any radius arch at the top of the window opening) and set the screws every 8” to 10”.

• Screws are to be set into the wood window frame or wood lintel only, not into brick masonry, concrete, or adobe. Screwing into mortar joints will be acceptable if there is no wood material available or if authorized by the City of Phoenix under unique circumstances.

• If covers cannot be inserted into the window openings because of security bars,

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carefully remove the bars and secure the openings as indicated above. Security bars should be placed inside the building.

DIAGRAM "A" POLYCARBONATE Interior view of opening

PCC 39-6-G G. Approved address numbers shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a manner as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. PCC 39-3 Definitions. Curb line: The edge of a roadway whether marked by a curb or not.

PCC 39-30 Structures posted as hazardous. A. Any structure which has been declared to be an imminent hazard by the Director or designee shall immediately be vacated and shall not be reoccupied until the Director or designee has issued a certificate of compliance which indicates that imminent hazards do not exist and that incipient hazards and health hazards are acknowledged and minimized by the person(s) responsible for the property.

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PCC 39-7 Exterior premises and vacant land F. Excavations. Excavations and other like or similar conditions must be filled with clean fill. On a temporary basis and no longer than one year, excavations shall be maintained in a secure manner to prevent a hazard. An excavation is considered secure when: 1. The excavation is protected by a permanent and complete five-foot minimum height enclosure that surrounds the excavation or property. 2. The excavation is completely and permanently covered, fenced securely, or protected in an equivalent manner. PCC 39-37 Appeals to the Rehabilitation Appeals Board. F. The application for appeal of a notice of violation must be filed with the Director or designee within the same time period set for compliance in the notice of violation. The application for appeal of an assessment amount must be filed with the Director or designee within thirty days of receipt of notice or of actual constructive knowledge of the assessment amount.

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CITY COUNCIL REPORT



SUBJECT: BLIGHT LIEN AD HOC COMMITTEE UPDATE

This report provides an update to the Neighborhoods, Housing and Development (NHD) Subcommittee on the Blight Lien Ad Hoc Committee and requests guidance on the Committee’s recommendations. THE ISSUE As a result of discussion at the June 17, 2014 NHD Subcommittee meeting, the Mayor appointed an ad hoc committee to recommend strategies to improve the City of Phoenix's procedure for collecting blight liens. The committee, chaired by Councilwoman Kate Gallego and co-chaired by Mark Manoil, was charged with making recommendations for the following:

1. Standards applicable to abatement of blighted properties; 2. Appropriate outreach and communication with neighbors and nearby property

owners regarding abatement activities both before and during the abatement process; and,

3. Funding sources for abatement activities.

OTHER INFORMATION The Committee met on October 2, 9, and 16 and unanimously voted to recommend the following:

• Modify the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance board up standards to reduce the temporary board up time frame from 180 to 90 days, require polycarbonate material after 90 days, and require the use of polycarbonate on all openings visible from the street.

• Post abatement notification on properties before and during abatement, and remove notifications after abatement.

• Recommend the Neighborhood Services Department create a pilot program to foreclose on unpaid blight liens.

RECOMMENDATION Staff requests guidance from the NHD Subcommittee concerning the recommendations made by the Blight Lien Ad Hoc Committee.