CCMIN 04202021 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, City Manager Fialho advised pandemic recovery and response has been the City's top priority over the past few months. He explained this entire item reflects the City's heavy reliance on the non-profit community to fill gaps. He advised that due to the need the City found the funds in the budget to make a full 100% commitment to the non-profits. He reported there is typically a formula to cap out the amount of General Fund contributions with the requests always coming in higher than the formula allows. He explained that due to the need both last year and this year and the City's reliance on these partner organizations the City went above what the Commissions recommend to meet 100% of the request levels. He advised the City will account for these General Fund dollars over the next couple of years. Assistant City Manager Dolan noted the 100% level relates only to Human Services Grants and Housing Grants. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, Recreation Manager Ingram clarified the Open Heart Kitchen's Capital Project has been in the works for a while. The project which is located in Livermore includes a 24-unit low-income housing complex with a commercial kitchen, community area for non- profit offices, community eating area, and shelter for cold nights. He reported the kitchen and dining area is a 3,400 square foot facility to be managed by Open Heart Kitchen. Housing Program Manager Steve Hernandez advised the project is being developed by the Housing Consortium of the East Bay. Assistant City Manager Dolan advised the City had CDBG Funds that were limited to capital projects and Pleasanton's residents will use this facility. In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry, Recreation Manager Ingram confirmed the City has a process to ensure the non-profits are using the City's funds as intended. He advised the agencies must file semiannual and annual reports. Housing Program Manager Hernandez reported he reviews the agencies' monthly invoices to ensure the City is only reimbursing them for eligible costs. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiry, Recreation Manager Ingram advised the three Tri- Valley cities talk beforehand about organizations serving the region and not one specific City which is done to ensure equity of service and financing between the cities. In response to Councilmember Narum's inquiries, Recreation Manager Ingram advised two-year contracts often awarded by the City for those doing essential services are not on the backburner. He cited the Axis Behavioral Health allotment as being part of a multi-year agreement. He reported the City's next step is to find other areas of essential need like behavioral health to provide longer-term funding. He advised some projects are coming forward where a new Eastern Alameda County and Tri- Valley needs assessment should be done. He advised this was last done in 2011 based upon the 2010 United States Census and agencies are still referring back to it as they apply for grants. He noted the 2020 Census results will provide more current data to base this assessment upon for 2022 to identify gaps in service. In response to Mayor Brown's inquiry, Recreation Manager Ingram advised staff spoke with the Executive Director and another representative of Goodness Village to discuss their application. He noted there are many different requirements for CDBG Funds. He reported Goodness Village did not meet the requirement of having a 15-year lease on the property. He advised the request for laundry machines does not qualify for CDBG Funds because they can be moved and are not considered permanent infrastructure. He reported Goodness Village will regroup and come back next year. Housing Program Manager Hernandez advised another federal requirement Goodness Village did not meet was having to pay a prevailing wage which was something they did not account for in their $35,000 request. He echoed Recreation Manager Ingram in stating staff's conversation with Goodness Village officials was good and he expects them to regroup and submit a stronger application next year. In response to Mayor Brown's inquiry, Recreation Manager Ingram reported the population in need of tax preparation is presumed beneficiary under CDBG designations and qualifies. City Council Minutes Page 11 of 15 April 20, 2021