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Chairperson Stazk expressed concern with the allocation of HOME funds and indicated <br />that, while he understands needs in the community, before agreeing to the allocation of <br />these funds, he felt that the Commission should review a complete application from <br />HOUSE, Inc. The application should include budget information and additional details <br />about how funds aze returned to the City. He felt it was important that HOUSE, Inc., <br />comply with the requirements placed on other agencies when they apply for funds from <br />the City. <br />Commissioner Harris encouraged HOUSE, Inc., to take into consideration the concems <br />expressed by Chairperson Stark and understand why no commitment can be made by the <br />Commission at this time. However, he strongly encouraged the agency to continue to <br />search for suitable properties so they would be prepared should a favorable decision be <br />made. He also discussed with Mr. Erickson the information provided by HOUSE, Inc., <br />when they requested funding for their Tanager property. <br />Ms. Testa discussed with the Commission the formula used by HOUSE, Inc., for <br />determining the rents paid by their clients, pointing out that some properties operate with <br />a negative cash flow due to low rent revenue. <br />Commissioner Stark questioned whether there was a timeliness issue that required the <br />Commission to make a quick decision on this request for funds. Ms. Testa explained that <br />current mazket conditions make this a good time for HOUSE, Inc. to consider this <br />purchase. Although the housing mazket is forecast to remain relatively flat, they have a <br />concern that interest rates may increase which may impede their ability to successfully <br />acquire a new property. <br />Commissioner Mermelstein discussed with Ms. Testa the number of people on the <br />HOUSE, Inc., waiting list and in need of a place to live. Ms. Testa advised that the list <br />was standing at 38 but has not been updated in some time. However, two couples on the <br />list are still in limbo waiting for a place. She also advised that the agency is looking to <br />add another property in Livermore and also to acquire its first property in Dublin. <br />Vice Chairperson Casey questioned Mr. Erickson about where HOME funds would be <br />used if they were not designated for this request. Mr. Erickson advised the funds could <br />be used for the Housing Rehabilitation Program and/or for the Kottinger Place <br />redevelopment project. Chairperson Stazk acknowledged there had not been a lot of <br />requests for these funds but still had concerns about allocating funds without receiving <br />additional information. He would like more detail that would allow the Commission to <br />provide due diligence when allocating funds. He also confirmed with Mr. Erickson that <br />he would be comfortable considering an allocation of funds prior to the upcoming fiscal <br />year 2009/10 funding timeline if HOUSE, Inc., can provide the requested information. <br />Page - 3 - <br />