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80% of the funding that the agencies were requesting. He felt more needed to be done in Pleasanton, such as providing a warming center, and felt strongly that Pleasanton could do a better job. Chairperson Casey closed the meeting for public comment at 8:10 p.m. Commissioner Butler agreed with Mr. Souell's comments and felt more funding should be allocated to allow for full funding of the requests. Commissioner Welsh asked staff to comment on the funding reduction. Mr. Erickson stated that the federal sources were limited by the specific amounts allocated to the City by HUD while the General Fund source is based on the amount approved by the City Council in the budget. He acknowledged that the Lower Income Housing Fund could support the full amounts requested but advised that the Commission should be mindful of the larger vision of the Housing Fund. He acknowledged that the agencies that had presented provide valuable services within the City of Pleasanton. Commissioner Welsh questioned whether the City had provided 100% funding to any of these agencies in the past. Mr. Erickson advised that funding trends vary from year to year and are dependent on a variety of factors. Mr. Bocian advised that the City of Pleasanton has always been committed to meeting the needs of the community and being a leader working with the agencies in the Tri-Valley area. Staff believes that recommended funding amounts are appropriate based on consideration of a wide range of factors. He noted that Lower Income Housing Funds have nct always been used to supplement the HHSG program since the primary intent is to promote the development of new affordable housing units. However, a number of years ago the City Council approved a set of policies that including using the LIHF on a limited basis to supplement the HHSG grant program for projects that were related to housing or housing services. With regard to Mr. Souell's comment about the physical location of agencies, it is at the discretion of the agency to find a location that best meets their needs and allows them to provide the best service possible. Mr. Erickson also noted that, given the size of the agencies and the population of cities in the region, it is generally not practical or feasible for every agency to have an office in every city. While some agencies are based in Livermore, he gave the example of Axis Community Health which is the largest provider of health care to the uninsured in the valley and is based in Pleasanton, although it serves residents from throughout the Tri-Valley area. Chairperson Casey discussed regional solutions to many situations and asked if the Commission had questions regarding the funding amounts. There were none. Mr. Bocian provided information about financial conflicts that would require Commissioners to excuse themselves from making funding recommendations for specific agencies. A motion was made by Commissioner Probert, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, recommending funding in the amount of$100,000 in HOME funds for Neighborhood Solutions for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Butler, Lopez, Probert, Mermelstein, Welsh, and Chairperson Casey. NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Page - 3 -