CCMIN 01192021 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiry, Housing Manager Hernandez confirmed scoring ties happen often in the 21-point system and a random lottery sorts them into their processing order. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiries, Assistant City Manager Dolan confirmed the initial funding of $300,000 covers approximately three families. He confirmed there are more people on the lists of candidates who can receive funding. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, Assistant City Manager Dolan stated each point will make a small difference in how candidates stack up. In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiries, Assistant City Manager Dolan noted salary ranges for a sampling of people eligible for this program ranging from first-year teachers ($69,352) through Step A police officers ($98,758). He added the current point system merely notes employment in Pleasanton and not for any specific occupational subcategories or specific employers. Mayor Brown noted there were no speakers to address this item. Councilmember Arkin moved to accept staff's recommendations with modifications to include BMR units, reduce the two bonus points to one, and add to the occupation list those who do business in Pleasanton and work in hospitals, food service (inclusive of restaurants and grocery stores), and any federal or State government employee. She noted post office employees would fall into the last category. Councilmember Narum stated her concern is in regards to the project's limited funding with so many new categories listed in the motion, in addition to the ones already being added in the recommendation. She stated she would support adding BMR and the reduction to one point. In response to Councilmember Arkin's inquiry, City Manager Fialho clarified this would become a City policy in perpetuity regardless of the funding available in any given year. He added funding can be adjusted in the next Fiscal Year. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiries, Assistant City Manager Dolan stated staff felt it made sense to apply the BMR scale to the DPA and then modify the BMR criteria to match these elements of the DPA criteria. Councilmember Balch stated his displeasure with including State and federal government employees, allowing the possibility his thoughts on the State are clouded by the discussion of Item No.17. He stated his agreement with Councilmember Narum's opinion on the funding issue relative to the side of the list when so many are already being given bonus points. He stated his agreement with one point and also the BMR stating his appreciation for the clarity provided by Assistant City Manager Dolan. Councilmember Testa seconded the motion; expressed her concerns over the essential worker occupation list, stating they are all worthy but they are excluding rather than including. She stated she would rather not give preference for occupations, expressing the opinion the current BMR language is sufficient for the DPA. She stated because the funding level is so small, having such a long list will not provide for much relative opportunity, and she is uncomfortable stating some occupations are more valuable than others. She stated her preference this not extend to BMR applicants for the same reason. Mayor Brown expressed her desire to support Pleasanton's schools, police officers, firefighters, and non-profits and noted she supported the original motion for that group. She added the list of jobs helping through the pandemic is important but incredibly long. MOTION: It was m/s by Arkin/Testa to approve Down Payment Assistance Program preferences for Pleasanton Unified School District, City of Pleasanton, and Alameda County employees, employees of City Council Minutes Page 14 of 17 January 19, 2021