032119 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Hernandez commented on the issue Habitat has been facing with having people interested in getting work done but has been experiencing a great deal of difficulty in getting contractors willing to do small jobs. Commissioner Galvin stated he could provide names to staff of people who would be interested in these jobs. Commissioner Kiziloglu asked for confirmation that those needing work to be done were seniors. Mr. Hernandez advised they were not necessarily seniors but were low-income. Chairperson Soby agreed that many people in the area are in need of help. Commissioner Welsh discussed with Mr. Hernandez the City of Pleasanton's requirements for contractors to apply to do these jobs. She felt it was disheartening to know there are funds available but not being spent and suggested the city look at what needs to be changed in order to get jobs done and the funds spent. Commissioner Welsh felt strongly that something needed to change to make jobs appealing to contractors. Mr. Hernandez discussed the possibility of increasing the maximum grant amount from $5,000 to $10,000 and Commissioner Galvin suggested there was a need for having a General Contractor that could oversee others who were able and willing to do small jobs. Chairperson Soby agreed that he too had concerns about the program and the funds not being spent. At the next time of reporting he asked that Habitat provide the Commission with an update on how the program is moving forward. Tri -Valley REACH / Housing Preventative Maintenance and Repair 2019-2020 — Kay King thanked the Commission for their past support and discussed people with disabilities that fall into low-income and need assistance. She advised that REACH provides housing to help individuals with disabilities live independently and works to help identify properties for these people. Ms. King advised that REACH serves between 15 and 20 people in Pleasanton, has homes in Pleasanton and Livermore, and strives to make sure the homes are always well maintained. Commissioner Welsh commented on the funding recommendation in the Staff Report being only one-half of the agency's request and questioned whether REACH would still be able to accomplish their goals. She indicated she would that prefer this agency receive full funding. Commissioner Gaidos questioned whether REACH would be able to help more individuals if they had a bigger budget. Ms. King advised that they are conducting a Feasibility Study to determine what can be done and have reached out to others to discuss possibilities of buying other properties in Livermore. Commissioner Galvin questioned why staff was not recommending more funding for this agency and Mr. Hernandez noted that staff was recommending the same amount of funding that the organization had received for the previous year noting that the LIHF does not increase annually. Chairperson Soby closed the meeting for agency comments at 8:24 p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Gaidos, seconded by Commissioner Galvin, recommending Federal HOME Funds and City Lower Income Housing Funds related to the Housing and Human Services Grant (HHSG) Program for Fiscal Year 2019/20 be allocated as recommended by Staff and be forwarded to City Council for their consideration and approval with the exception that Tri -Valley REACH receive full funding in the amount of $25,000. Funding recommendations to be: Page - 5 -