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20. Public Comment Fred Norman stated that 108 American military men and women have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2011. He asked the Council and public to join Pleasantonians for Peace in their efforts to help end the war. Kathy Dowding stated the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have cost Pleasanton taxpayers $538 million since 2001. She read the names of the 40 American men and women killed in the war since she last spoke before the Council, including Pleasanton resident Army Specialist Jameson Lindskog. Chris Mosser asked how high prices of basic necessities would be allowed to climb before Americans say enough is enough. He urged the public to join him in becoming more self-reliant and independent of what he called a mega corporation, billionaire banker, and power-mad elite globalist system. Gary Harrington thanked the City and Council for their support in creating the new Harrington Art Partnership folder. He particularly recognized the efforts of Susan Andrade-Wax, Mike Fulford, Rhonda Anscarf, and Barbara Lewis. He requested the Council's future support in identifying other public arts partners. Doug Miller, Veterans of Foreign Wars, stated that the family of Army Specialist Jameson Lindskog asked the Veterans of Foreign Wars to help plan and facilitate the memorial scheduled for April 30th. He thanked the City and staff for assisting in planning efforts for the service. According to the family, Specialist Lindskog was extremely proud of his service and believed strongly in his mission. It was reported that following his fatal wounding on March 29th, Specialist Lindskog continued to direct other medics on caring for wounded comrades during the intense fire fight. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 21. Public Hearing: Consider allocations of Housing and Human Services Grant (HHSG) and Community Grant Program Funds for Fiscal Year 2011-12 Assistant City Manager Bocian introduced the item with a brief discussion on funding. Housing Specialist Erickson continued the staff report with a PowerPoint presentation. Stated that 29 HHSG applications were received from 22 agencies, with an aggregate request of over $773,000. 10 arts/culture and 7 youth CG applications were submitted, with respective requests of $68,000 and $42,000. Both programs received requests in excess of available funding. The Human Services, Youth, Civic Arts, and Housing Commissions met in March 2011 to review their respective projects. Mr. Erickson reviewed the recommended allocations, noting that the Human Services and Housing Commissions adopted specific priorities to focus on basic human needs and to look at projects that are innovative, collaborative and that serve the Tri-Valley. Several agencies are not recommended for any funding, primarily because they did not rank very highly with regard to the priorities identified. However, staff is taking action to assist them in developing applications for the next grant cycle. He also noted that $3,200 from the CG program is recommended as a carryover to next year, which is allowed under the program policies. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 April 19, 2011