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Riverdale RDA adopts independent-living policy for senior center apartments
Summary
The RDA board unanimously adopted a policy defining independent living for occupants of the senior center apartment facility and set procedures for evaluating residents’ needs and lease compliance; the policy applies to the rental units only and not to senior-center programming.
The Riverdale RDA board on Sept. 16 adopted an independent-living policy for the senior center apartment facility, approving resolution R 2025-08 in a unanimous vote. The policy defines the agency’s criteria for independent living, sets administrative procedures for evaluating residents, and establishes forms and lease provisions staff will use going forward.
City Administrator Brooks told the board the policy responds to repeated incidents in recent years in which residents’ care needs created legal and safety concerns. “We’ve run into this twice, some pretty serious ones within the last two years, and it was just time to get something in place to to protect us,” Brooks said, explaining the administrative intent of the policy.
Nut graf: The policy codifies existing informal practices into written procedures so the agency can apply consistent standards for who may lease the units, how staff will evaluate declining capacity, and what actions will be taken if a resident can no longer meet the definition of independent living.
Board members asked whether the policy would create new costs for the city; Brooks and staff said they do not anticipate additional operating costs and that existing staff and processes will be used to administer the policy. Staff also emphasized the policy affects only the housing units at the senior facility and does not change senior-center programs or day-to-day activities.
The adopted packet contains the policy language, evaluation forms and lease addenda staff will use to notify residents and secure acknowledgements when leases are renewed. Brooks told the board the city will provide copies to current tenants when new leases are issued.
Action and vote: Board member Arnold moved to approve resolution R 2025-08; a second was recorded. The roll call recorded yes votes from Board member Richter, Board member Stevens, Board member Arnold, Board member Haas and Board member Hansen. The motion passed unanimously.
Ending: Staff said the new policy and associated forms will be integrated into upcoming lease renewals for the senior center apartments and that the city will continue to review grants and funding options for senior-center programming separately.
