21 - Laserfiche WebLink

THE CITY OF Human Services -uu 1O , NI "'i) "" Commission Minutes j�L�E�S�4NTON© [EXCERPT/ City Council Chambers — 200 Old Bernal Avenue August 17, 2011 — 6:30 p.m. 5. Discuss Potential Merger of the Housing and Human Services Commissions Chairperson Nagler and Mr. Bocian advised that at the April 19, 2011 City Council meeting, Council had approved a staff recommendation to initiate a process of reviewing the potential for combining the Housing and Human Services Commissions into one single Commission. Mr. Bocian advised that to conduct this process, staff would be providing both commissions with general information outlining issues, opportunities, and a potential structure. To help with the process, staff was proposing at least three (3) commission meetings be held in August, October, and November 2011. The Commission was advised that often times there are mixed needs that could be streamlined by having this proposed collaboration process. Commissioners discussed the separate required skill set of Commissioners for dealing with human services and housing needs. Commissioner Berger questioned how agencies would respond to dealing with one Commission. Mr. Erickson advised that a number of the agencies present to both Commissions with their funding requests and thought they would prefer having to attend only once. Commissioner Roby discussed the update of the Housing Element and thought that the demand for human services would be increasing, while housing demands would be decreasing. He felt that this would increase the workload of the Human Services Commission, and adding housing needs would drastically increase the workload. Mr. Bocian agreed that combining the two Commissions would increase the workload, and it should be determined whether combining them is a good or bad thing. Chairperson Nagler discussed the possibility of spreading the workload over time. Commissioner Wright discussed with staff the possibility of looking at model situations used in other communities. Mr. Bocian indicated that staff would try to find information for the Commission to review. Ms. Yurchak commented on the workload of the Human Services Commission over the past couple of years based on Roundtable meetings and the Needs Assessment. Chairperson Nagler commented on Commission time spent for the grant process and time required for other needs. Commissioner Roby discussed the possibility of having a Subcommittee that would handle housing needs. Human Services Commission Minutes- EXCERPT August 17, 2011 Page 1