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REPORT: Housing and Redevelopment Director, May 2, 1994 Housing Coordinator Jones-Thomas presented the Housing and Human Concerns Committee's recommendations for annual CDBG grants, and advised that only 15% of the available funds could be designated for public service activities, $161,850. City Attorney Schricker requested that the Council consider and vote on the two subjects separately: the public service grants and the capital improvement projects. Councilwoman Gasparini will excuse herself from the consideration and decision regarding the capital improvement projects, due to a conflict of interest. In response to Council questions, Housing Coordinator Jones-Thomas explained that the Hope House request was better suited for consideration by the Rehabilitation Loan Committee, and the $175,075 contingency funds were set aside for funding Bethsaida Family Living Home and the Center for Independence of the Disabled if certain modifications are made. The contingency fund was not part of the 15% set aside for public service activities. Mayor Buchan called upon those people in the audience who handed in speaker's cards. Peter Reid, Executive Director of Legal Aid in San Mateo County, described his organizations' activities and thanked the Council for the grant of $5,000. Victor Marquez, Executive Director, and Karen Carrera, staff attorney, of La Raza Centro Legal told the Council this was the third year in a row they had been turned down for a CDBG grant. In response to Council questions, Attorney Carrera advised that La Raza differed from Legal Aid in that their staff was bilingual, they represented clients in court, and they were instrumental in preventing homelessness. Director Marquez stated La Raza did not want to be pitted against Legal Aid, and there was an overwhelming need for both La Raza and Legal Aid to serve Redwood City clients. In response to Council questions, Director Marquez advised he had had conversations with staff from Legal Aid and Mr. Reid and agreed that finding areas where both had joint interests would be a good avenue to explore. Director Marquez stated that City staff had encouraged La Raza to again apply for a CDBG grant and again was ignored. Director Marquez stated that from an advocate's perspective that was unacceptable. Council Members discussed the concept of duplicate services supplied by Legal Aid and La Raza acknowledging the need is great for all the agencies requesting grants; the appropriate process for requests during the budget process; the Human Assistance Program; the finite amount of money available for CDBG grants; the difficulty of choosing which agencies receive what amounts; and ways to find funding for La Raza. MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 Page No. 240 Regular Meeting Minutes May 9,1994 Page 6