Lake County adopts resolution authorizing signatory for affordable-housing contracts

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday adopted Resolution 2025-27 designating Andy Lee as the authorized signatory for the county's affordable housing project documents, allowing him to sign contracts and disclosure forms required to transfer property and move buyers into homes.

The resolution was moved by Andy Lee and seconded by another commissioner; a voice vote recorded two ayes and the motion carried. The measure clears a procedural step so county and development staff can finalize purchase contracts and schedule closings.

Jackie Wellahan, housing program manager, told commissioners the county held its second buyer lottery the day before and that the event went "incredibly well." She said 21 of the project's 24 homes have buyers identified and two additional county employees were preparing applications during the meeting. "It couldn't have gone better than it did," Wellahan said.

Wellahan said the development includes a mix of unit types. Two of the smallest units, referred to as the "Elwards," are two-bedroom, two-bath units at about 952 square feet and are heavily subsidized through Prop 123 funding; another two-bedroom, two-bath model called the "Hope" includes a mudroom and carries a higher price. She said the county received a grant allocation of $70,000 for each of 14 units, totaling $980,000, to reduce purchase costs for eligible buyers.

Staff described the contract paperwork as a customized purchase contract based on the standard state template; "special additional provisions" tied to section 30 of that contract reflect project-specific conditions, Wellahan said. Amy Tate is the agent contracted to help execute the purchase agreements with buyers, according to Wellahan.

Construction and delivery plans were discussed. Oakwood, the project's developer, has ordered factory-built homes from a Nebraska manufacturer; the first units are expected to arrive beginning Nov. 7 and will be set one building at a time. Staff described a delivery schedule of roughly 12 buildings over about 12 weeks if work proceeds without major weather or logistical delays. Each unit will include an outdoor storage space sized either 8-by-8 feet or 6-by-10 feet depending on location.

Wellahan warned that area median income (AMI) limits affected applicant eligibility. She said a one-person household can qualify at an AMI limit of about $73,100, and that the program's income ceilings meant some households who otherwise wanted to apply did not do so. Wellahan said the Prop 123 funding was sought because many prospective buyers "weren't making $73,100" and needed additional subsidy to meet affordability targets.

The homes will be sold with deed restrictions requiring future buyers to meet the same eligibility rules the initial buyers satisfied, Wellahan said. Staff and the developer still need to finalize contract dates; Wellahan said some contract copies lacked specific dates and that Oakwood will help determine appropriate timing based on prior experience.

Commissioners asked about on-site representation and quality oversight; Wellahan said Oakwood will oversee foundation installation and set the factory-built units, and she offered to introduce commissioners to the project manager from Oakwood, identified as Jim. She also said the county has signed a lease for on-site coordination.

After the vote to adopt the resolution, commissioners and staff discussed next steps including completing buyer contracts, scheduling closings and arranging a site tour once the first home is set. Wellahan said she expects the first closing this year with the remainder following into next year.