Laserfiche WebLink
Kottinger Gardens, which is an eligible project that is now ready to move forward, presents an excellent <br /> opportunity to use these funds before they expire or revert to the county. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kapio asked and confirmed that staff anticipates the accumulated funds going to <br /> Kottinger Gardens. Mr. Bocian confirmed that staff has been planning for a number of years to reserve <br /> those limited funds in order to make a meaningful contribution to the Kottinger Gardens project.. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio referred to pages 4 and 5 of the staff report, which references applications <br /> for both $25,000 and $20,000 in funding for the meal services that was ultimately awarded to Open <br /> Heart Kitchen, and asked whether Open Heart Kitchen would receive that entire amount. <br /> Mr. Erickson clarified that the Human Services Commission had reserved $17,939 for whichever <br /> organization was awarded the meals contract. He explained that Open Heart Kitchen applied for <br /> $25,000 for that activity and Spectrum applied for$20,000. Neither service received an allocation at the <br /> times the recommendation was made but Open Heart subsequently received a recommendation for the <br /> allocated amount of$17,939 when it was awarded the contract. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio said she was delighted to see a 100% funding allocation to Pleasanton <br /> Unified School District for dental services, which Mr. Erickson said was a direct result of the <br /> Commission's priorities. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked how the city ensures that funds are used in an appropriate fashion once <br /> allocated. <br /> Mr. Erickson explained that the city attempts to operate the program using the most restrictive <br /> standards, which tend to be the federal requirements that are used with CDBG funds. He said the city <br /> requires twice annual reporting from grant recipients, which go to the Human Services Commission for <br /> review. City staff also conducts annual on site monitoring at each agency and requires regular invoice <br /> reports to validate expenditures. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked and staff confirmed that Tri-Valley Haven's administrative offices and <br /> shelters are located in Livermore. She said she has heard that the organization cares for Pleasanton's <br /> homeless, but also that Pleasanton helps to subsidize their operations. <br /> Mr. Erickson explained that Pleasanton, along with other regional agencies, helped to fund the <br /> acquisition and rehabilitation of the Sojourner House that Tri-Valley Haven operates. <br /> Councilmember Brown referred to page 4 of the staff report, where it refers to carryover funds <br /> associated with the housing rehabilitation program, and asked if the city is having difficulty identifying <br /> grant recipients. <br /> Mr. Erickson explained that there are two components of the program — the smaller grants with a <br /> maximum of $5,000 and then the loans, which typically range $35,000 to $40,000 for larger <br /> improvements. He conceded that the loans have been more difficult to market and slower to roll out in <br /> recent years because people are generally more cautious about debt. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked how the program is advertized and who someone should contact if <br /> interested. <br /> Mr. Erickson explained that the city contracts with Neighborhood Solutions, who receives call directly <br /> through a city phone number. Neighborhood Solutions also gives presentations before groups at the <br /> Senior Center, advertizes on the city website and receives a larger number of requests via referrals <br /> from other agencies. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 17 of 20 May 6,2014 <br />