CCMIN051810 - Laserfiche WebLink

He reported that available Housing and Human Services Grant funding totaled $760,638 and Community Grant program funding totaled $70,000. He presented applications received, noting that 30 applications were received in the Housing and Human Services Grant, for a total of $1.1 million. In the Community Grant portion, they received a total of 14 applications for a wide variety of activities, which totaled $57,000 for arts and $30,000 for youth. Staff is recommending that the Council adopt a resolution that approves the allocation of Housing and Human Services Grant (HHSG) and Community Grant Program Funds for Fiscal Year 2010 (2010 -11). Councilmember Cook - Kallio stated the group was a pleasure to work with and acknowledged that needs always outweigh funds available. She was pleased to see they were ahead of the curve in terms of what was allocated, thanked staff for the tables in the report which indicate how much funding goes to each agency, as well as the percentage of what the request was. She questioned whether the phrase, "partially fund due to overall funding limitations" could be due to the fact that the agency was receiving money elsewhere. Mr. Erickson said this is almost always the case. On application forms, staff asks agencies to list other sources of funding and whether or not they have commitments, and the recommended is based upon other funding they are receiving. Councilmember Cook - Kallio referred to a couple of phrases that refer to, "low income benefit not as strong as others ", and she asked what this referred to. Mr. Erickson said in the Housing and Human Services Grant program, they were in strong agreement that a priority should be placed for those of lower income. For instance, the program that Hope /Hospice provides does not emphasize that as strongly as some of the other programs; however, he agreed it is a worthy service. Councilmember Cook - Kallio referred to Spectrum Community Services phrase; "recommend partial funding; prior year goals have not met City expectations." She asked if it was the program itself or the fact that there was not the need for the program. Kathleen Yurchak, Human Services Manager, stated it was the program itself. Senior Center staff are working with Spectrum Community Services right now to be able to improve services for the senior population. They have identified a work plan on providing meals to low income seniors. Those goals established last year were not met. In reflection of funding, it was decided not to provide as much funding as requested. But in turn, the City is working with them to better establish their program to meet the needs in the community. Councilmember Cook - Kallio asked the new processes saves time and money, or was it too early to tell. Mr. Erickson said he feels it does and there are many efficiencies; however, the full degree is not yet known. Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. Theresa Rowlands, Human Services Commissioner, thanked staff and the Committee for their work in reorganizing the process and agreed that this year's process was more streamlined. They were able to look at a more integrated approach and be more thoughtful with their strategy. They began doing analysis clustering around health, mental health, disabilities, and food issues and are engaging the community and service providers. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 10 May 18, 2010