CC Min 1996-05-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

I . I . - "Eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Development,.... so that we can take this money and bring it back to the states," Councilman Leipzig said that cities send money to Washington D.C. and then have to beg for it back in the form of grants. He ---- suggested that since the cities never receive as much as they give, it would be better to just keep the money and eliminate HUD instead. Councilman Leipzig said the HHCC did a tremendous job again this year and Council should support the recommendations, and work long term to keep the money here in Redwood City. Councilman Claire said he agreed with Councilman Leipzig but would have to vote no on the motion because less than full funding for Shelter Network would hurt its position in leveraging funds with HUD and other funding sources. Councilman Claire said he was part of the Council that said the City would support Shelter Network, and he was very concerned that $9,444 shortfall would reduce their other funding from HUD. He suggested several ways to restore full funding by shifting funds within the program from the contingency fund ($444) and the Rolison Road rental housing project ($9,000.) Councilman Claire asked that all stipulations be applied to every non-profit agency seeking funding from the CDBG program. Mayor Hartnett, former member of the HHCC, and Housing Coordinator Jones- Thomas described the federal regulations requiring the City to spend no more than 20% of the CDBG funds on what is called the "public service activities" category and how those limitations prevent the City from fully funding Shelter Network within the program as suggested by Councilman Claire. '-- Councilman Ruskin, former member of HHCC and current Council alternate, said the HHCC is to be commended for its hard work, and suggested the recommendations should be approved, and the Council should direct the City Manager to take the approximately $9,000 from the General Fund. Mayor Hartnett said he was a member of the HHCC when Shelter Network was asked "to take over the operation of the sheIter....It was made clear at the Committee level that there were no promises nor commitments for on-going funding....It is in the Minutes and I was there." Mayor Hartnett said the Committee expressed support of Shelter Network, "but it was not intended to be a signal that the same amount of funds would be committed for sure in subsequent years." Mayor Hartnett described the multi-year grant implications, and said he was not prepared to signal a specific funding level for each ofthe next three years. Vice Mayor Howard, member of Shelter Network's Local Board, said it was a fine organization that took over operation of Redwood City's Family Shelter at a very important time. Vice Mayor Howard suggested that Shelter Network work out a way to apply for additional funds in a different category if possible for next year. She also suggested that Shelter Network work with the Council to identify other ways the City could support the family shelter. '-- MINUTE BOOK NO. 54 Regular Meeting Minutes Page No. 231 May 13, 1996 Page 8