PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

A.     Election of Officers

Chair Smith stated that her term is up to serve in the Boards and Commissions and that it is her last Housing and Human Services Commission meeting.  She opened the nominations for Fiscal Year chair and vice chair. 

B.     Charities Housing – Homeownership Project

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, reported that a pending application has been discussed with a non profit housing developer. She stated that the project is a seven-unit development for first time homebuyers where four units will be offered to 80% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) and will be subsidized with HOME funds and three units may be offered to 80% or 100% AMI. She added that the project is still under review for conformance with HOME funding requirements. She further added that the project developers are conducting discussions with the community.   Therefore, the application is not yet ready for presentation to the Commission for review.

C.     Scheduling of the Commission Training – Budget Process, Neighborhood Community Services and Brown Act, Public Records Act, Parliamentary Procedures.

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, explained the training programs that may be of interest to the Commission. She asked the Commission which training they prefer and when so that staff responsible for specific topic could be notified.  The Commission discussed and agreed that the Brown Act, Public Records Act and Parliamentary Procedures would be most helpful. The Commission agreed to have the Brown Act training at the August 24 regular meeting.  Staff will make the arrangement with the City Attorney’s office.

D.     Review Work Plan and Meeting Schedule

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, asked the Commission to review the 2005 Work Plan as a routine process.  The Commission made a modification to the Work Plan by adding the Brown Act Training for August 24^th.  Staff will make the modifications to the 2005 Work Plan.

E.     Update on the CDBG Initiative

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, updated the Commission noting that the Mayor signed a petition letter to Transportation Treasury Committee and other sub-committees.  She reported that the initiative is currently in the House of Representatives.   She stated that it is important to follow-up on the proposal that was sent to the House and Senate Committees.  She noted that the effort is to provide level funding for CDBG to remain with HUD.  She discussed about the huge impact if CDBG is removed from HUD. She stated that the initiative will be presented to Congress on June 23, 2005.  She encouraged the Commissioners to call and e-mail the representatives and expressed their support to keep CDBG with HUD.

Comm. Joshi stated that he sent an e-mail to Congressman Mike Honda and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo his support to keep CDBG with HUD.

Chair Smith thanked the Commissioners who has made efforts in contacting legislative bodies regarding the CDBG initiative.

Chair Smith asked staff to keep her abreast of the CDBG initiative.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

·         Commissioners Oral Comments

Comm. Smith expressed her gratitude and was pleased for the opportunity to have served with them. She thanked and bid the Commission well.

Comm. Seshadri thanked outgoing Commissioners Smith, Joshi, Pathak, Rowan and Tenneti.

Comm. Joshi stated that he has served four years as Housing and Human Services Commissioner and the experience has been very beneficial.  He thanked Ms. Yurutucu for the exciting experience noting that staff has educated him. He encouraged the Commissioners to continue to work together even though he is no longer with the Commission.  He stated that he will continue to serve the City of Sunnyvale in other capacities.

Comm. Joshi reported that the City Council made a Proclamation supporting the Family Day Event.  He stated that the event is to bring together families which also encourages maintaining family values. He added that President Bush also proclaimed a family day. He reported that he presented this idea to the Arts and Parks Commission which was accepted and supported. He thanked the Commission for its support and invited to visit the India Community Center.

Chair Smith reported on the June 18, Community Engagement Day.  There were 60 members of the public, 20 city staff and the Task Force.  She noted that there were lots of ideas exchanged.  The meeting has good diversity and the community is well-represented.

Further, Chair Smith reported that there is interest in increasing the number of years of service for Boards & Commissions.  She encouraged the Commission to let the Council know of their interest and ideas regarding years of services for Boards & Commissions.

·         Staff Oral Comments

Annabel Yurutucu reported that City Council held a study session about the housing status of the 129^th Air National Guard and its housing needs.  She noted that currently a survey is being conducted to identify the needs. She will keep the Commission updated about this study session. 

She added that City Council asked staff to have two study sessions.

1.      City Council Meeting of August 16^th at 5:30PM a presentation on Housing Programs, the status, benefits and strategies. 

2.      Outside Group Funding Process – The study could be a review of the current process. She noted that currently the Housing and Human Services Commission reviews and makes funding recommendation to the City Council. She noted that she will keep the Commission abreast of the request for this study session.

Ms. Yurutucu thanked Chair Smith, Comm. Joshi and the rest of the outgoing Commissioners for their services.  She invited the Commissioners to enjoy the small reception in appreciation of their support, commitment and contributions to the City of Sunnyvale. She added that it has been a difficult year for the Commission with the update of the Consolidated Plan which necessitated additional meetings. She noted that copies of the final Consolidated Plan will be provided to the Commissioners.

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

None

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Smith adjourned the meeting at 8:30PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Annabel Yurutucu

Housing Officer