APPROVED MINUTES

SUNNYVALE Housing & Human Services Commission

nOVEMBER 16, 2005

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 November 16, 2005 at 7:09 p.m. with Chairperson Chad Steward presiding. 

ROLL CALL

Commission Members Present:  Chair Chad Steward, Vice-Chair James Callan; Commissioners Charles Keeler, Patrick Meyering and Jana Seshadri

Commission Members Unexcused Absent: None

Commission Excused Absent: Commissioner Timothy Persyn

Staff:  Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, Jim Craig, Field Services Superintendent, and Alice Gamboa-Navas, Administrative Aide

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS        

None

CONSENT CALENDAR

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

A.     Presentation on a proposed Amendment to the FY 2005/06 Action Plan to Appropriate Funds from Two Existing CDBG Capital Projects to the Upper Study Borregas Sewer Repair Project

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, gave a brief summary and explained the reasons for the proposed amendment to the FY 2005/06 Action Plan.  Due to the budget changes, a formal amendment to the Action Plan is needed and with the proposed amendment two public hearings are required.  She introduced Jim Craig, Field Services Superintendent.

Jim Craig, Field Services Superintendent, presented the proposed activity to provide funding to rehabilitate approximately 3,400 feet of 27-inch diameter sanitary sewer line along Borregas Street from Maude Avenue to Ahwanee Avenue. He stated that the repair is of immediate need and proposed to obtain the funding by defunding two currently approved Capital Projects on Murphy/Evelyn Avenues Sewer Infrastructure Improvements and Manhole Reconditioning.  He stated that these projects would be undertaken when the Town Center Mall is developed.  He noted that the combined projects would be over $500,000 therefore the amendment would require a formal amendment to the Action Plan.  He explained to the Commission the necessity of the repair and that it would serve 90 housing units along Borregas Avenue, general neighborhood benefit to 1,200 houses and about 45 businesses.  He further explained the process and options to accomplish the repair. He stated that the funds would cover engineering design, construction, and project delivery costs. 

He responded to the Commission’s questions regarding the repair process and the postponement of the Murphy and Mathilda Avenue Projects noting that the Murphy Avenue Project is postponed and will commence with the development of the Town Center Mall.

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, further explained the reasons for the postponement and that the Murphy Avenue Project is not necessarily going to be halted but would begin in conjunction with the mall development.

Commissioner Seshadri asked for the duration of the project.  Mr. Craig responded that more likely the project would be completed by summer of 2006.

Commissioner Keeler asked if there is enough sewer capacity with the proposed housing development downtown.  Mr. Craig responded that the capacity is being reviewed.  However, without specific types of improvements planned, it would be difficult to ascertain the capacity need.

Commissioner Meyering commented on the HUD grantee application form regarding the project description. Staff commented that the project description would be updated to reflect the clear description to allow flexibility.

Chair Steward asked staff to explain the total CDBG funds being requested.  Ms. Yurutucu explained that the amount is the combined total of the two projects and that no additional funding is being requested.

Commissioner Meyering requested that a copy of the approved HUD project form that is going to be submitted to HUD be provided to the Commission.   Staff concurred with that request.  Mr. Craig volunteered to provide a presentation to the Commission after City Council action and to present pictures as the project progresses.

B.  Presentation of the City of Sunnyvale Housing Programs

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, presented a powerpoint presentation on the City of Sunnyvale Housing Programs which include Affordable Housing, Housing Improvement programs, Below Market Rate Program and the First Time Home Buyer Program.  She also presented the funding sources, the benefits, the total recipients, future projects, needs, goals and strategic options to address the housing needs and issues.

     C. Discussion on Response to “Santa Clara County Draft Ten-year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness”

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, explained that the response to the Plan is the result of the lack of the County’s integration effort with the other cities. 

Chair Steward commented that the responses pretty much addressed the concerns expressed by the Commission.

Comm. Keeler commented that the Plan did not address inmates who were released to assist them with social issues and dwelling plan.

The Commission overall commented that the Plan needs further work in order to be workable in Sunnyvale.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

·         Commissioners Oral Comments

Commissioner Keeler commented that currently the City provides down payment assistance to teachers and city employees.  He asked whether this benefit could be extended to other businesses that contribute to city revenue.

Annabel Yurutucu, Housing Officer, responded that currently the City Council approved the benefit for school district employees, city employees and child care workers.

The Commission discussed the need for a December meeting. Staff responded that currently there are no pending items for the upcoming agenda.

·         Staff Comments

None

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

None

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Steward adjourned the meeting at 9:21 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Annabel Yurutucu

Housing Officer