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Home My WebLink About52-Community Development . CI~ OF SAN BERNAR~O - REQlh:aT FOR COUNCIL A<rlION 11-f ~ From: Kenneth J. Henderson, Director Subject: MOBILEHOME PARK SURVEY - STAHJS REPORT Dept: Community Development Date: December 11, 1987 Synopsis of Previous Council action: On November 1, 1987, the Mayor and Common Council took an action selecting Connerly and Associates, inc., to conduct a survey of all mobilehome parks within the corporate boundaries of the City, Recommended motion: That the Mayor and Common Council receive and file status report regarding mobilehome park survey, and direct staff to take appropriate action, ~G~1 Contact parson: Ken Henderson/Maurice Oliva Phonal 5065 Supporting data attached: Staff Report Ward: 1-7 FUNDING REOUIREMENTS: Amount: N/A Source: (ACCT. NO.) N/A (ACCT, DESCRIPTION) N/A Finance: Council Notel: ,--5"~ CI-k OF SAN BERNARDt\;b - REQUM FOR COUNCIL AC....loN STAFF REPORT The City of San Bernardino has appropriated $26,812 in CDBG funds to finance a survey of all mobilehome parks within the corporate boundaries of the City and to develop a recommended program and various alternatives to assist the Mayor and Common Council in addressing the issue of rent control and related issues. Although it has been difficult to reconcile specific differences between park owners and tenants, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was entered into between the City, park owners and tenants for a period of, ninety (90) days effective September 8, 1987. The purpose of the MOU was to elicit cooperation from the park owners to voluntarily freeze rents for the time period noted above. The MOU was voluntarily extended to February 4, 1988 in order to allow time for the consultant, Connerly and Associates, to complete its work and submit its report to the Mayor and Common Council. Subsequent to the commencement of the survey by the Wirthlin Group (in association with Connerly), staff received occasional reports regarding problems related to the survey. Upon investigation, the vast majority of complaints proved to be without substance. However, three (3) specific issues surfaced which required additional consideration. The first of these incidents arose when the wirthlin Group subcontracted with another firm to assist in the timely completion of the survey (this matter was reported to the Mayor and Common Council at its December 7, 1987 meeting) and the identity of the surveyors was unknown to certain tenants. This situation was immediately rectified. The second issue is with regard to the attached letter (Exhibit "1") to Mayor wilcox and Council members from Bill Hanks, CPM and Property Manager for J&H Asset Property Management, Inc. Said letter is self explanatory and makes certain statements regarding a recent incident at Sequoia Plaza mobilehome park. I cannot attest to the veracity of the contents of Mr. Hanks letter, but it appears certain activities have occurred which have not enhanced the spirit of cooperation necessary for the successful completion of the study, and are more clearly described below. On December 9, 1987, staff received a telexed letter (Exhibit "2") from Veronique Swett, Project Coordinator for the Wirthlin Group. In the letter, Ms. Swett outlines certain problems encountered as a result of a delay in start of the survey and problems faced by survey technicians at certain mobilehome parks. Although the letter states 638 tenants had been surveyed, as of this writing, a total of 650 tenants were surveyed by the wirthlin Group. 12/11/87 75.0264 C' Mobilehome Park Staff Report Page -2- " ~', Survey ~tus Report "-,,, v After consultations with with the consultant, the Mayor and city Administrator, I requested Connerly and Associates and the wirthlin Group to stop work on this project as it related to the taking of additional surveys. It is important to note that the ninetv-five percent (95%) confidence level for the overall data has not been compromised bv this action. Connerly and wirthlin had agreed to survey 755 tenants in order to provide a ninety-five percent (95%) confidence level on a park-by-park basis. Although not required by the RFP and subsequent contract, the ninety-five percent (95%) confidence level on a park-by-park basis was to be a "bonus" to the City as as result of staff negotiations with Connerly and wirthlin. This confidence level is no longer possible on a park-by-park basis, although the integrity and validity of the overall data remain unaffected. It is anticipated additional and more specific information will be provided by the consultants when the overall report is submitted to the Mayor and Common Council. I recommend adoption of the Form Motion. Kenneth J. Henderson Director of Community Development KJH/lab 0636 12/11/87 r '- J~H ....... ,..-'..... v , \\; "")'.Y'\ ',' , \ :",'/ , I ASSET PROPE.RTY MGT.. INC. November 23, 1987 l / /';0/ -, ./1; /," .? ,~ " ~', " / M)J 3 0 1981 Mayor Evelyn Wilcox City of San Bernardino 300 North "D" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418 I: , ,Ii, IU \JI L Dear Mayor wilcox: As you know, San Bernardino park owners have again agreed to voluntarily hold off rent 1ncreases until after February 4, 1987. Many owners are making substantial sacrifices (in our case approximately $3,000 per month) in an effort to work with you and the Council to avoid an unnecessary, restrictive ordinance. We obviously feel that a rent ordinance is not justified and are committed to working with city officials to come up with a viable program that can work for the city, owners and tenants alike. Unfortunately, a recent incident at Sequoia Plaza indicates that the tenant groups do not share this commitment. In an open tenant meeting attended by 75-100 residents, Luther Fair, who is a member of the park- elected Resident Committee, told tenants not to cooperate wi th officials conducting the survey. He was quoted as saying, "don't answer anything unless I am there or you speak to Sally Wilder of M.O.R.E." It is appalling to me that the tenants would attempt to undermine a $26,000 study ordered by the Council in an effort to help these same tenants. This indicates to me that the so-called "tenant leaders" do not want the true facts known. They fear what park owners already know, that is, that a rent control ordinance in San Bernardino is not warranted. If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to call me any time. Si~d~ Bill Hanks, CPM Property Manager cc: Clay Hage, W.M.A. city Council BH/aos 1806 North Broadway, Suite A . Santa Ana, California 92706 e (714) 558-6156 EXHIBIT "1" C' c ""', ~.1 The Wirthlin Group December 9, 1987 Mr. Maurice Oliva Housing Development Specialist City of San Bernardino 300 North "0" Street, Fifth Floor San Bernardino, CA 92418 Dear Maurice, As you know, we've encountered some problems on the ~tob i 1 e Home Park Survey. fhis letter serves to explain them. Originally we anticipated authorization to proceed with the survey by November 16, 1987. Due to the delay of sending out the letters to the mobile home park managers, the survey was delayed. Interviewing began instead on November 27, 1987. Complications as a result of this delay involve costs and timing. Severa 1 San Bernard i no intervi ewers or ig i ",a lly schedu led were not available for the study due to the change in schedule. We had to recruit interviewers from further away which resulted in increased travel time and mileage. In addition, the survey has averaged 17 minutes in length -- longer than originally anticipated. During the last few days, several have been lasting up to 30 minutes. The interviewers are encountering increased tension and problems in the parks from the residents. During the first few days of interviewing, there were very few problems. This second week of interviewing resulted in increased resistance on the part of the residents to participate. It seems negative comments are spreading around parks and respondents are often rude to interviewers. The refusal rate has also substantially increased, lowering our production rate. It seems that we are experiencing the most trouble in the more affluent parks. Specific park-related problems are as follows: . /" 'I",.- "-" """",, Tho WIr1hIIn G,oup ~ Mr. Maurice Oliva December 9, 1987 Page Two Sequoia (242 units) Some residents are slamming doors and yelling at interviewers. There is talk that someone organ i zed a group that has gone around to tell respondents to refuse to answer questions. The name Luther was ment i oned. Last weekend a car approached our i nterv iewer and verbally assaulted her. The interviewer has done her best, but as of December 8 said the park is no longer workable. San Bernardino Spa (lB1 units) At first the manager was unaware of the study. After returning a few days later. interviewers were able to completed their quotas at the Spa. Pepper Villa (51 units) There is talk that "a lady" went around and said they didn't have to answer any questions. Our quota is complete. Pacific Palms (142 units) Residents mention a fear of being forced out of the park if the government knows how much money they have. Mountain Shadows (386 units) Residents have a bad impression of "Stubblefield." They do not trust confidentiality of the survey. Residents think he ordered the study and that he'll see the answers. They are afraid they'll be forced out of the park. As of December 8, we have completed a total of 638 interviews as fa 110ws: Group 1 (Less than 50 units per park) Group 2 (50 to 100 units per park) Group 3 (100 units or more per pakr) 92 270 276 638 While this number is 117 interviews short of the intended 755, we feel the results would still provide adequately reliable information, although with a wider confidence interval. On the other hand, we believe we can fulfill the original quotas, every where except in the Sequoia Plaza. .." . r - , - ',,-=--~ ~ WlrthUn Group 0 , , Mr. Maurice Oliva December 9, 1987 Page Three In order to complete the 755 interviews there will be additional charges of $3,500 as follows: Increased travel time Additional mileage Increased interviewing time $ 750 600 2,150 $3,500 , We will want to hear from you as soon as possible on whether you wish us to proceed with the final interviews, or to terminate the survey as of today. Bes t regards, ~,~.~~- ~ Veronique S~ett Vice President C <ff' C:L.it M /ch