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ABSTAIN: None <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Gaidos, seconded by Commissioner Kiziloglu, to <br />categorize the Housing Commission priorities as follows: 1) Comprehensive East Pleasanton <br />Specific Plan Study; 2) First Time Homebuyer Down -payment Assistance Program; 3) Adopt a <br />Homelessness Strategy; and 4) Develop Sunflower Hill. <br />ROLL CALL VOTE: <br />AYES: Commissioners Gaidos, Galvin, Kiziloglu, Welsh, and Chairperson Soby. <br />NOES: None <br />ABSENT: None <br />ABSTAIN: None <br />8. Review of Semi -Annual Progress Reports for FY 2018/19 Housing and Human Services <br />Grant (HHSG) Subrecipients <br />Mr. Hernandez advised that this was an informational item and no action was required, <br />however, agency representatives would be providing information about the projects for which <br />they had received grant funding. <br />Tri -Valley REACH, Inc. — Housing Preventative Maintenance and Repair — Ms. King advised <br />that funds received are used for repairs and maintenance of seven (7) homes in Pleasanton that <br />house adults with developmental disabilities. <br />Commissioner Kiziloglu indicated that she would like for the Commission to be provided <br />before/after photos of repair and maintenance project so they can see the improvements that <br />are being made. <br />Mr. O'Brien thanked the City of Pleasanton for the funds allocated and informed the <br />Commission that REACH is trying to acquire additional housing units because of the big need <br />and so is very careful to conserve funds. <br />ECHO Housing Counseling Services — Ms. Rocha provided information about the counseling <br />services provided by ECHO relating to eviction notices, repairs, rent increases, legal services, <br />and 3 -day notices. She discussed the necessity for affordable housing. <br />Chairperson Soby discussed with Ms. Rocha the number of different services that ECHO was <br />able to provide. Ms. Rocha commented on the advice that ECHO provides. Commissioner <br />Kiziloglu expressed concern about the advice given, if ECHO was not able to help people find <br />other housing. Mr. Hernandez advised that ECHO provides tenant/landlord information to the <br />clients and are not paid to be eviction attorneys. Commissioner Kiziloglu proposed that ECHO <br />hire a lawyer to help and Mr. Hernandez advised that a lawyer could not be obtained for the <br />$40,000 that ECHO receives in grant funds and ECHO is receiving funds to help educate <br />people and provide assistance during difficult situations. Commissioner Kiziloglu felt the funds <br />were being wasted. <br />Ms. Rocha informed Commissioner Kiziloglu that people go to ECHO Housing Counseling <br />Services to get assistance when they are in panic situations and they are able to help provide <br />them with help to learn about their rights and help negotiate through difficult problems. <br />Commissioner Galvin commented on the total number of people the agency had helped and <br />Commissioner Kiziloglu questioned if ECHO collaborated with other agencies. <br />Page - 5 - <br />