21 - Laserfiche WebLink

However, it remains neutral regarding the type of transition that would occur. Of the two addressed in this report, Option 3 seems to be a more logical approach that assures the Mayor and the City Council have the new commission staffed with those individuals that it feels would be best to carry-out its goals. Advantages and Disadvantages of Merging the Commission As discussed at your November 2 meeting, there are some advantages and disadvantages of the proposed merger. To assure that the City Council receives appropriate feedback from the Commission; staff has listed the primary items for commission review. A listing of the advantages and disadvantages are as follows: Advantages: • Streamlines the public process, particularly as it relates to the Housing and Human Services Grant (HHSG) process. . Creates a more "holistic" approach to addressing housing and human service needs. • Reduces duplication of staff time. Disadvantages: . May result in more of a "big picture" approach that minimizes the detail related to housing and human services issues. • Potentially a larger workload for new commission as compared to the current Housing Commission and Human Services Commission. • Is not the most efficient way to deal with the many Housing Element and Human Services Needs Assessment Report issues that will need to be addressed in the next few years. • Minimizes opportunities for community engagement. . Reduces the focus needed to take advantage of unique opportunities that present themselves in human services issues. • Range of expertise is very broad and may limit the efficiency of commissioners. Housing Commission Status The Housing Commission took action indicating that it did not support a merger. Its position is based largely on its perception that a dedicated housing commission will be required for the City to successfully address projects and programs included in the City's Housing Element. It also expressed that it did not fully agree with the advantages of a merger. At its January meeting it expressed its intention to take additional action at its February 16 meeting clarifying its opposition since the January meeting minutes do not fully detail its opposition. The Housing Commission did however, request that it continue to receive information provided to the Human Services Commission and as such, will receive a copy of this agenda report. Draft Ordinance Attached for your review is a draft ordinance for the new commission. While staff indicated it would not present the draft until the March meeting, based in part on the fact that the Housing Page - 4 -