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REACH, Julie Testa (Acquisition of Housing for Developmentally Disabled Ms. Testa <br /> introduced Norm Guest and Judy Butterly, members of the REACH organization. She <br /> thanked the Commission and the City of Pleasanton for their past support of the REACFI <br /> organization and invited members of the Commission visit the new REACH website. <br /> Ms. Testa also thanked Commissioner Hempill for attending a recent open house event <br /> for the newest residence acquired by REACH last year. She proceeded to stress the value <br /> of REACH to the community indicating that funds provided to the organization allow <br /> them to continue to provide housing for developmentally disabled residents. <br /> Ms. Testa advised that funds requested in the amount of $365,211 would allow REACH <br /> to add to its portfolio of Pleasanton residential properties for adults with disabilities, and <br /> the agency is eager to take advantage of the current favorable housing market. She also <br /> reminded the Commission that the funds loaned to REACH to purchase these properties <br /> would always come back to the City if anything were every to happen to the agency or if <br /> the use of the property changed. Ms. Testa further stressed that all funds allocated to <br /> REACH are put to good use because the population served by the organization is all low <br /> income. She noted that, if the proposed request is approved, REACH was hoping to be <br /> able to purchase a three bedroom, two -bath home in Pleasanton. <br /> Commissioner Stark commended REACH on all they do and requested information about <br /> a recent fundraising event that netted the organization approximately $100,000. He also <br /> requested additional information regarding the loan commitment from Fremont Bank. <br /> Ms. Testa confirmed that $100,000 was raised from a golf tournament fundraiser and that <br /> Fremont Bank has committed to loaning funds to the organization. <br /> Commissioner Harris discussed with Ms. Testa and staff the total funding in the amount <br /> of $989,215.26 that has been allocated to REACH by the City in the past for the purchase <br /> of other properties. He asked what would happen to these properties and the funds <br /> should the organization go defunct. Mr. Erickson responded that the existing regulatory <br /> agreements that were a condition of the funding ensure that the funds are paid back to the <br /> City with a share of any equity should the agency disband or the use of the property <br /> otherwise changes. He gave the example of the agency's sale of a property on Harvest <br /> Road in 2003 when the City received $151,081 in equity that was later turned back to the <br /> agency to purchase another more suitable property on Tanager Drive. <br /> Neighborhood Solutions, Vicki Johnson (Housing Rehabilitation Program) provided the <br /> Commission with information about the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program. She <br /> advised that the City has contracted with Neighborhood Solutions for the past several <br /> years to provide the Housing Rehabilitation Program which makes available small grants <br /> and larger loans to enable eligible homeowners to make needed improvements to their <br /> homes. This in turn allows those beneficiaries to retain their homes them as a source of <br /> affordable housing. Ms. Johnson noted that approximately 17 households have already <br /> been served this year and several applicants are on a waiting list. This represents a <br /> significant increase in activity as compared to the prior year. <br /> Page 2 <br />