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Commissioner Butler discussed with Ms. Andersen what difficulties Abode anticipates with the 12% decrease in funding being recommended for the agency. He also questioned whether Abode expected funding reductions from other sources. ECHO Housing (Housing Counseling Services /Senior Reverse Mortgage Counseling) - Marlorie Rocha—thanked the Commission for their past support and noted l.hat critical services were needed now more than ever. She provided information about the tenant-landlord and discrimination investigation services they provide as well as the reverse mortgage counseling program. Commissioner Butler was advised by Ms. Rocha that ECHO Housing would find a way to provide the necessary services if they receive less funding than requested. Community Resources for Independent Living (Housing Services for the Disabled) — Michael Galvan —thanked the Commission and staff for their ongoing support of CRIL. He provided information about the core services provided by the agency within the City of Pleasanton and the specialized housing services provided for persons with disabilities. Mr. Galvan noted that most of those served by CRIL are in the low to very low income category and he believes it is essential that CRIL is able to stay in the Tri-Valley area to provide these needed services. Commissioner Butler also discussed with Mr. Galvan how reduced funding would affect the services that CRIL provides. Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center(Community Stabilization Program)— Milly Seibel — provided information about the core services provided by TVHOC to Pleasanton residents. She advised that counseling, assistance and resources are provided to households dealing with pre- and post-foreclosure issues. Ms. Seibel provided information about the new regional down payment assistance program that is administered by TVHOC and is available to residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon and Danville. Commissioner Butler discussed with Ms. Seibel how reduced funding would affect services that TVHOC provides. Ms. Seibel advised that TVHOC was actively applying for funding from several other sources and is always looking at other ways to raise funds. Neighborhood Solutions (Housing Rehabilitation Program), Vicki Johnson — nformed the Commission that the Housing Rehab Program provides small grants and larger loans to low and very low income Pleasanton homeowners for home repairs and improvements. The reduction in funding recommended by staff will reduce the number of grants and loans that will be available through the program. Commissioner Butler was advised by Ms. Johnson that providing grants was a desirable component of the program because no repayment is required. However, the loans are necessary for larger projects and are eventually repaid to the program with that funding used to implement new loans. Chairperson Casey closed the meeting for agency presentations and opened it for public comment. Sean Souell, Pleasanton—expressed concern that none of the applicant agencies being reviewed tonight had an office or staff presence in Pleasanton. He was also concerned with comments by ECHO Housing regarding the lack of affordable housing in Pleasanton. Mr. Souell was concerned that a city with about $800 million in its reserves could only recommend Page - 2-