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85% of the financial arrangement that is currently proposed. Vice Chairperson Casey <br />stated that he also met with Ms. Testa to discuss the property purchase. <br />Norm Guest provided additional information about the operation of the agency's existing <br />properties in Pleasanton and Livermore. He acknowledged that, dollar for dollar, there <br />are more economic ways to provide below-market cost housing for adults. However, <br />their focus is on developmentally disabled persons and the desire to create a living <br />situation that allows them to remain in their community, close to their families, etc. Mr. <br />Guest noted that the HOUSE, Inc., model has been extremely effective in this regard and <br />has consequently been an efficient and successful use of City of Pleasanton funds. <br />Steven Bocian noted that staff considered requesting HOUSE, Inc., to take on a mortgage <br />as part of the proposed purchase; however, the lack of a mortgage is an important factor <br />in the agency's long-term success with this project as well as agency-wide. Mr. Bocian <br />also noted that the deal that is currently proposed is not the same as that which was <br />presented at the August meeting in which HOUSE, Inc., would have to take on a sizeable <br />mortgage in order to purchase a more costly home. <br />Chairperson Stark asked that staff check with Alameda County to see if the generation of <br />income through rents is an issue of concern. Mr. Erickson noted that this has not been a <br />concern in the agency's previous projects, all of which are based on the same model. <br />Commissioner Harris acknowledged that HOUSE, Inc., provides a unique service and felt <br />that the proposed $200,000 investment by the City is small in relation to the benefit that <br />would be achieved. <br />Vice Chairperson Casey echoed Commissioner Harris' comments regarding the need for <br />this type of housing. He also felt that staff had developed a creative solution to the <br />problems discussed at the August meeting. He noted that he generally is in favor of the <br />proposed acquisition concept. <br />Commissioner Mermelstein stated that he generally shares Vice Chairperson Casey's <br />perspective. <br />Chairperson Stark stated that he is not entirely pleased with the proposal. He was <br />expecting that HOUSE, Inc., would come back to this meeting with atake-off on the <br />concept that had been discussed at the August meeting. He also felt that it is important <br />that the agency more thoroughly explore private financing. Scott Erickson noted that the <br />agency has already provided staff with detailed financial and application-type <br />information to staff as requested by the Commission in August. However, since the <br />property purchase concept has changed, staff withheld providing this information <br />pending the Commission's conceptual approval of the current concept. The detailed <br />application information will be brought back to the Commission in November. <br />Page - 4 - <br />