Sunnyvale

The Housing & Human Services Commission met in a regular session in the West Conference Room at 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale City Hall, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 on June 28, 2006 at 7:08 p.m. with Chairperson James Callan presiding.

Commission Members Present: Chair James Callan, Commissioners Ann Andersen; Damon Kali; Micki Falk; Timothy Persyn, and Jana Seshadri

Staff: Jennifer Coile, Consultant and Victoria Chambers, Senior Office Assistant

Commissioner Andersen made a motion to approve Draft Minutes of April 13, 2006 with modifications. Commissioner Seshadri seconded.

Mr. Amitabh Bihari and Ms. Vani Nandrajog, Sunnyvale residents participating in the Below Market Rate (BMR) Ownership Program, expressed concern with the timeframe of the program. Jennifer Coile provided some information about the BMR wait list process, and also let them know that Lupita Gaeta would contact them with more information.

A. Presentation by Christy Gunvalsen, Neighborhood Preservation Manager, on Code Enforcement Priorities in Sunnyvale

Christy Gunvalsen, Neighborhood Preservation Manager, explained the reason for the code enforcement issues survey. This survey helps staff to determine code enforcement priorities in Sunnyvale.

B. Discussion and review of the goals contained in the Housing & Community Revitalization Sub-Element 1999-2006 (pages 65 to 90)

Ms. Coile explained that the various City departments are responsible for updating General Plan Sub-Elements, which are like chapters of the City’s General Plan. The Sub-Elements are updated on various timelines. The Housing & Community Revitalization Sub-Element will be updated in 2007.

Ms. Coile discussed most of the housing policies and goals, especially those related to expanded affordable housing opportunities and City housing programs.

Several commissioners asked questions about specific topics including if ABAG enforces penalties upon cities for not complying with the ABAG requirements; if Sunnyvale had established a goal for the jobs/housing ratio; and if the City has considered increasing the diversity of housing developers in Sunnyvale.

Ms. Coile stated that the City works with Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO’s), and that staff has outreached to developers with the capacity in all ranges to develop in Sunnyvale.

Chair Callan asked if the armory could be used for shelter purposes other than as a cold shelter facility. Ms. Coile stated that it is owned by the National Guard, and that the City does not determine its use. Chair Callan thought that a possible study issue topic might be the policy for the Armory in reference to the nature of its need and use.

C. Discussion and review of the Consolidated Plan 2005-2010 (pages 4-8 to 4-39) housing goals and objectives

Ms. Coile presented information on the Consolidated Plan, a strategic plan updated every five years, which required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Goals of the Consolidated Plan are consistent with the goals of the Sub-Element.

Chair Callan asked about the work to be done on Murphy Street, further out to Borregas Avenue for sewer line improvement. It is stated that the clay piping will be removed and replaced. Chair Callan asked for clarification on what will be replacing the clay piping.

Commissioner Kali stated that there is a clear difference between adequate housing and the number of units needed to support the population, keeping affordability in mind. Attaining homeownership is troublesome for the middle-income people who are above the BMR limits, but below the necessary level of income to purchase a regular-priced home.

Ms. Coile mentioned the benefits of the BMR program and stated that staff will be looking at other options in the coming year to assist homebuyers.

Commissioner Persyn would like to see increasing ownership housing for low-income, moderate-income residents.

Discussion ensued about the down payment assistance program available to city employee, licensed childcare workers and public school employees.

Commissioner Persyn said that as part of a bigger discussion, he would like to go to Council to ask what kind of city does Council want to create. Would Council like to allow homeowners to only be the people who can afford the higher cost homes, or do they want a city where there is homeownership among diverse economic groups?

Ms. Coile mentioned that the Commissioners review the draft minutes of the June 13, 2006 Joint Study Session meeting between the Housing and Human Services Commission and the City Council. These minutes will be approved by Council, but the Commission may provide comments.

Chair Callan stated that he felt that the Commission would be delighted to send a summary of the Commission’s views and events that have been covered, and perhaps send quarterly reports in addition to monthly reports. The Commission would also like to advise Council about specific issues that have been raised in the Commission meetings. Implementing a quarterly report from the Commission to the Council may effectively draw Council’s attention to look at the issues in detail.

Commissioner Persyn expressed that it may be more efficient to take issues to Council as a Commission, rather than as individuals.

Commissioner Seshadri requested that staff look into the possibility of moving the July meeting date from the 26^th to the 19^th.

Commissioner Seshadri made a motion to direct staff to poll the Commission to investigate the possibility of moving the July meeting from the 29^th to the 19^th. Commissioner Andersen seconded.

Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioners Falk, Meyering and Keeler absent.

The Commission mentioned that as former Chair Chad Steward resigned from his position on the Commission it would be appropriate to provide recognition for his time of service on the Commission.

Commissioner Kali made a motion to provide commendation to Chad Steward to express the Commission’s admiration and respect for his time of service. Commissioner Callan seconded.

Motion carried 6-0 with Commissioners Falk, Meyering and Keeler absent.

Staff reminded the Commission that the election of officers will be held at the July meeting.