CCMIN11172020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Senator Glazer reported he submitted legislation that will provide 72 hours of backup time on cellular towers during emergencies like the recent wildfires. He also advanced legislation regarding emergencies created by power outages and increasing backup power options for citizens and hospitals in particular. He advised all three (3) of his bills passed the Senate but were held in the Assembly. He noted Public Utilities have acted independently on the 72-hour concept and in support of medical baseline customers who require power for their care. Lastly. he noted the Air Quality boards have promised not to fine hospitals for emergency generators that do not meet their standards. Senator Glazer advised he has pushed a bill to give cities more tools to fight abuse of short-term rentals, noted it passed in the Senate and Assembly but too late for concurrence, and will resubmit it in the coming year. He authored legislation (SB793) with Senator Jerry Hill to ban flavored tobacco products which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Lastly. he reported his focus in 2021 will be a relief for local governments hard hit by the pandemic. mental health, wildfires. and preserving open space inclusive of making the N3 Ranch a state park. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 17. Approve modification to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to allow applicants to be eligible to receive a 2nd month of rental assistance Assistant City Manager Brian Dolan introduced the discussion on proposed modifications to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for refunding and expansion. There has been heavy participation which is expected to increase as the pandemic continues. Housing Manager Steve Hernandez presented the proposal and advised since its launch on June 19, 2020. ERAP has assisted more than 150 Pleasanton households with grants to pay delinquent rent brought on by the pandemic. He advised Pleasanton residents continue to be hurt financially by ongoing pandemic-related mandates therefore the second month of rental assistance is being proposed. Housing Manager Hernandez stated the ERAP eligibility standards would not change but the maximum grant assistance would increase from $2,500 to $5,000 with the actual amount based in part on home size. Housing Manager Hernandez expects applications from both current ERAP recipients looking for a second month of assistance and also new applicants seeking two-months of assistance. He added the program has $150.000 remaining from the original budget. $150,000 from Community Development Block Grant COVID funds. and. if necessary. an additional $200.000 from the Lower Income Housing Fund. Housing Manager Hernandez recommends approving second-month rental assistance for ERAP applicants and the option to commit $200,000 from the Lower Income Housing Fund if the need exists after the original funding and CDBG COVID funds have been expended. In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiry. Assistant City Manager Dolan explained 22 one-person households. 36 two-person households. 32 three-person households, 33 four-person households, and 32 five-person households have used the program which represents a broad spectrum of families. In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiry. Housing Manager Hernandez stated the moratorium would conclude at the end of March. but the Board of Supervisors could extend it at their discretion. City Attorney Dan Sodergren noted the program extensions expire 60 days after the expiration of the local emergency or December 31 . 2020, whichever is later. Mayor Thorne noted there were no speakers to address this item. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 13 November 17. 2020