Report 2011-131 Recommendation 3 Responses

Report 2011-131: City of Vernon: Although Reform Is Ongoing, Past Poor Decision Making Threatens Its Financial Stability (Release Date: June 2012)

Recommendation #3 To: Vernon, City of

To increase accountability and transparency in its governance, the city should continue the effort to develop a comprehensive plan to construct additional housing in the city.

1-Year Agency Response

On February 19, 2013, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2013-33, approving a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with Meta Housing Corporation (Meta). The DDA serves as the City's comprehensive plan for the construction of Vernon Family Apartments, a 45-unit affordable housing development located at the southeast tip of the City of Vernon (4675 52nd Drive), which borders a heavily residential community. The DDA sets forth the necessary milestones and respective timetable to complete construction and lease-up of the project by February 2015. Said milestones include a 65-year ground lease for the project site, the application and award of tax credits from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, and all necessary studies, plans, and permits. Meta was selected as the developer for the City's housing project through an extensive and well-advertised RFP process conducted in 2012 that included the issuance of the RFP to 32 developers, posting of the RFP on the City's website, a pre-submission informational meeting, and a selection panel consisting of City staff, outside counsel, and representatives of Senator De Leon's Office.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 1-Year Status: Fully Implemented

6-Month Agency Response

The city, with input from the Housing Commission counsel and a legislative member's office, has selected a housing developer, Meta Housing Corporation and is in the process of developing the necessary agreements for city council approval that will result in a comprehensive housing plan for the construction of additional city housing.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 6-Month Status: Partially Implemented

60-Day Agency Response

The city, with input from the Housing Commission counsel and a legislative member's office, has selected a housing developer and is in the process of developing the necessary agreements for city council approval that will result in a comprehensive housing plan for the construction of additional city housing. (See 2013-406, p. 190)

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Partially Implemented

All Recommendations in 2011-131

Agency responses received after June 2013 are posted verbatim.