19A - Laserfiche WebLink

involves more expensive solar retrofitting, it was felt that funds could come from the City of Livermore as well as from the potential reprogramming of $28,000 that was allocated several years ago to GRID Alternatives for its Solar Affordable Housing Program but has not been used. A summary of the Commission's action is included at Attachment 2. Housing Commission (HC) Action The HC reviewed housing-related applications from five agencies at its meeting of March 20. After hearing presentations from agency representatives and discussing the applications, the HC approved the staff recommendation to allocate the remaining $22,069 in FY 2008 CDBG funds for capital and rehabilitation projects to Neighborhood Solutions for the Housing Rehabilitation Program, and to allocate $72,234 from the City's Lower Income Housing Fund to three agencies to provide housing services. The HC's recommendation is also summarized in Attachment 2. Consistent with most CDBG allocations, funding is inadequate to fund all project requests. As a result, the commissions and staff prioritize projects placing focus on need, project status, overall value, agencies ability to effectively meet program goals and project concept. As you know federal dollars are limited, however, by addressing funding levels and criteria through the expanded Council/Commission work group process in the coming year, there may be an opportunity to enhance funding levels in a more comprehensive and strategic manner. A summary of projects not funded included the following: Open Heart Kitchen The agency has requested a small amount of funding ($2,500, which is less than the City's policy of a $5,000 minimum allocation) in order to repair four pieces of equipment in the commercial kitchen at Ridge View Commons senior housing complex. The project is not recommended because CDBG funds are generally not to be used for maintenance of existing equipment and fixed items. However, staff has met with the management at Ridge View Commons and this project is now projected to be funded through the RVC operating budget. Bay Area Community Services (BAGS) BAGS has requested $28,500 as part of a larger project to expand and upgrade the existing Woodroe Place housing facility in Hayward. The facility provides housing for mentally disabled adults. While the City has funded several projects in the past that are outside of Pleasanton (e.g., Deaf Senior Housing project in Fremont; Carmen Avenue special needs housing project in Livermore; Housing Alliance special needs housing project in Castro Valley), these projects were all funded with HOME funds and not CDBG. The City is currently seeking to accumulate its HOME funds for Kottinger Place redevelopment project and may also allocate HOME funds for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. Page 5 of 15