The Housing & Human Services Commission met in a special session in the West Conference Room at 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale City Hall, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, on March 14, 2006 at 7:09 p.m. with Chairperson Chad Steward presiding. 

ROLL CALL

Commission Members Present:  Chair Chad Steward, Vice Chair Callan, Commissioners Ann Andersen; Micki Falk; Charles Keeler; Patrick Meyering, and Timothy Persyn

Commission Members Unexcused Absent:  None

Commission Excused Absent: Commissioners Damon Kali and Jana Seshadri

Staff:  Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer and Alice Gamboa-Navas, Administrative Aide

Guests:  Terese McNamee & Sarah Etheridge, Mid Peninsula Housing Coalition and Dan Amend, Member of the Board of Directors, Senior Housing Solutions

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS        

None

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 

A.        Presentations by Agencies who have submitted Housing Proposals to request funding for FY 2006-2007.  Commissioners will be provided the opportunity to question proposers on their proposals.

1.  Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition (15 minutes)

Terese McNamee & Sarah Etheridge of Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition, summarized the housing proposal request of $1,008,854 for rehabilitation at Homestead Park.  The proposed rehabilitation project meets the CDBG requirements to serve low income households. They described Homestead Park and noted that it was Sunnyvale’s first subsidized housing development currently consisting of 211 units.

Ms. Yurutucu, Housing Officer, asked the presenters to provide the history of the project to the Commission. 

Ms. McNamee explained that in 2002, the agency acquired the property and used its equity from the project and tax credits and funding from the City through the CDBG and HOME for the initial acquisition of Homestead Park.

Ms. Yurutucu explained further the development of Moulton Plaza with 66 new units almost completed that will be leased by April, 2006.  She added that the agency was able to add units, and improve and rehabilitate the 40-year old buildings.  Ms. Yurutucu invited the Commission to visit the Moulton Plaza. She noted that the units are large and accommodate families.  She further noted that the agency has been prudent and reserved funds to maintain the property.

Ms. McNamee added that the agency’s goal is to own properties out right.  She concluded that the agency is committed to providing affordable housing in Sunnyvale.

Commissioner Keeler asked Ms. McNamee about the eligibility process and what happens when renters may no longer meet the income eligibility requirements.  Ms. McNamee responded that the income requirement is 80% or less of area median income, and if the tenants no longer meet the income requirement, the tenants may remain in the unit; however, they pay market rate rent for their apartments.

Commissioner Persyn asked whether it is a rolling rental rate based on the area median income.  Ms. McNamee responded that there is a maximum but not a minimum rental rate. She noted that the agency strives to keep the units affordable based on income and that rents are adjusted accordingly to maintain affordability.

2.  Senior Housing Solutions (15 minutes)

Dan Amend, Member of the Board of Directors, Senior Housing Solutions, gave an overview of the agency and noted that the agency was formerly known as Project Match.  The agency name was changed a year ago to better suit the agency’s mission and goal.  He stated that the agency has requested funding for the acquisition and predevelopment costs of an affordable housing project. The project, which is currently in negotiation, would provide affordable housing for seniors whose income is at or below 50% of area median income.   He stated that there would be 14 units of affordable housing.  He noted that the project would be an enhancement to the neighborhood and that the agency focus is to house very low income seniors at or below 30% area median income.

Mr. Amend and staff responded to Commission’s questions regarding 1) whether the funding would be used for construction; 2) the mechanics of the distribution of funds; 3) the cost of the property being acquired; 4) other sources of funding, 5) the size of the units; and 6) who would be occupying the administrative office.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

·         Commissioners Oral Comments

None

·         Staff Oral Comments

          None

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Steward adjourned the meeting at 7:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Annabel Yurutucu

Housing Officer