CITY OF PLEASANTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
May 3, 2022
This meeting was conducted in accordance with Governor Newsom' s Executive Order N- 29- 20 and AB 361 COVID- 19 pandemic protocols.
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Brown called the hybrid regular meeting of the City Council from the Council Chamber located at 200 Old Bernal and via Zoom to order at the hour of 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Testa led the Pledge of Allegiance and provided opening remarks.
ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
Interim City Manager, Brian Dolan, noted there was a replacement attachment 1 for item 1.
City Council
1. Ratified the Mayor' s appointments to various City Commissions and Committees City Manager
2. Adopted and waived full reading for Resolution No. 22- 1290 a resolution amending the City Administrative Policy: Purchasing Procedures and Manual to comply with State law SB 1383
3. Approved the meeting minutes of January 4, 2022
Community Development
4. Approved the actions of the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission Economic Development
5. Waived the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2237 amending Chapter 5.36 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code renewing the Tri-Valley Tourism Business Improvement District Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: It was m/s by Balch/ Narum to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended and as noted. Motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
6. Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing May 2022 as Jewish American Heritage Month Councilmember Testa read the proclamation.
Rabbi Laurence Milder received the proclamation and thanked the City Council for its recognition.
7. Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing May 2022 as Lupus Awareness Month Councilmember Testa read the proclamation.
Shamekka Marty, a patient advocate for the Lupus Foundation, received the proclamation and thanked the City Council for helping raise awareness.
8. Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing May 2022 as Older Americans Month Councilmember Testa read the proclamation.
Dick Stafford, the representative for the friends of the Pleasanton Senior Center, received the proclamation and thanked the City Council for its recognition.
9. Public Comment regarding items not listed on the agenda — Speakers are limited to 3 minutes.
Mayor Brown opened public comment.
Tracy Farhad, President and CEO of Visit Tri-Valley, thanked the City Council for supporting their marketing district renewal for an additional 10 years. She shared highlights from the 2020- 21 California statistics on tourism- related spending, tax revenues, and jobs. She advised the State is slowly rebounding and visitor spending increased by 46% in 2021 from 2020.
Michael Duggan expressed concern regarding the Livermore- Pleasanton Fire Joint Powers Authority JPA) drug and alcohol substance abuse policy and disparity with police. He noted this policy is driving away potentially good candidates.
Frank Nasca, Livermore- Pleasanton Firefighter, encouraged the City Council to support a fair contract for the City's firefighters. He advised they have been without a contract for 123 days and are seeking a fair and equal contract such as those afforded to the labor groups of Livermore and Pleasanton. He requested open forum conversations with firefighter union representatives and encouraged the City Council to help resolve these issues.
Lisa Stanford reiterated that LPFD has been without a contract for 123 days and reported districts throughout the area go uncovered so that on-duty personnel can train fire trainees in the Academy. She believes every single employee should be subject to the drug testing policy and should be consistent across labor groups. She advised the City Council is failing its constituents by not passing a fair contract for the LPFD and leaving districts without coverage.
Mayor Brown closed public comment.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS
If necessary to ensure completion of the following items, the Mayor may alter time limits.
10. Public Hearing - Consider adoption of a resolution for the Housing and Human Services Grants and Community Grant Program:
10a. Approve allocations for Housing and Human Services Grant and Community Grant Program Funds for 2022 grant funding cycle ( FY 2022/ 23) City Council Minutes Page 2 of 9 May 3, 2022
Recommendation # 1:
Recreation Manager Jay Ingram reported the City provides two grant programs that include the Housing and Human Services Grants and Community Grants programs. He advised a regional virtual pre-application workshop was held in December 2021 to provide information about the programs. He explained that applications were accepted online.
Recreation Manager Ingram reported the Housing and Human Services Grant Program reviewed 20 grant applications representing 14 agencies. He advised the commission made recommendations to provide funding to 12 of the agencies. He reported the top three areas the grant funding will be addressing are Capital/ Rehab, and Food and Homelessness and provided a detailed overview of what services are provided in each area.
Councilmember Narum inquired about the $ 19, 250 grant to Sunflower Hill and how it will be used.
Recreation Manager Ingram explained it is to pay for the staffing for the Garden Manager for the Garden Program. He confirmed it has been historically supported in the past.
Mayor Brown advised the gardens are in Livermore and she hopes to bring the Master Gardener program to Pleasanton Community Gardens in the future.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Narum moved to approve the Human Services Commission- related grants.
Councilmember Balch seconded the motion.
Councilmember Narum thanked the Human Services Commission for their hard work on the process.
She remains optimistic that HUD will provide additional funding to fund more programming.
Councilmember Testa inquired if there was a way to fully fund programs. Interim City Manager Dolan advised two years ago the decision was made to try to find the funding to provide 100% support. He noted there are budget challenges this year due to reduced revenues and it was decided to return to the normal procedure using the formulas the City Council has adopted.
Councilmember Balch wished it could be 100% funded this year but feels the City should belt- tighten in light of the pandemic. He thanked the Human Services Commission for bringing in the non- profit organization partnerships to help serve the needs of the community.
Mayor Brown thanked organizations providing services to those in need. She thanked the Human Services Commission for their hard work.
MOTION: It was m/s by Narum/ Balch to approve the Human Services Commission related grants funding as recommended. Motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
Recommendation # 2:
Housing Manager Steve Hernandez reported the Housing Commission reviewed eight grant applications representing different agencies and recommended funding fund all eight applicants for a total of $ 512, 234. He explained that $ 386, 299 is coming from the Lower Income Housing Fund and 125,925 from HOME funds. He advised the two top areas are Rapid Re- Housing and Housing Rehab and provided a detailed overview of what services are provided in each area.
City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9 May 3, 2022
Councilmember Testa inquired about Tri- Valley REACH' s funding request was $ 35, 000 and they received $ 50, 000. Housing Manager Hernandez clarified that their request was $ 50, 000 and the recommendation was to fully fund their request. He explained there was a typo in the report.
CouncilmemberTestarequestedanupdateonhowHabitatforHumanityisachievingitsgoals. Housing Manager Hernandez provided a brief update.
CouncilmemberTestainquiredaboutthe loanandgrantterms. HousingManagerHernandezexplained the loan is a 1% interestloanat a 30-yearterm andgrantshaveno expectationof repaymentwith up to 15, 000 per household every 5 years based on 80% of Area Median Income.
CouncilmemberTestainquiredaboutcarryoverfunds. HousingManagerHernandezreportedcarryover funds were not recommended. CouncilmemberTesta expressedconcernthat the funding was not being used to serve residents if it was not being used. Housing Manager Hernandez clarified that the remainingfundsare not indicativeof applicationsnot beingprocessedor inspectionsnottaking place.
He advised the work is based on the availability of contractors and they are not paid until the work is completed.
Councilmember Testa inquired about the City's homeless count. City Attorney Sodergren advised there is not a total yet but there are formulasthe consultantneedsto factor into each of the individualcity counts. He noted the numbers should be available in August.
Councilmember Testa inquired why Goodness Village requested $ 143, 000 and only $ 40, 000 was recommended. Housing Manager Hernandez explained Goodness Village is a pilot program and the amount was a pro- rata approach calculation.
Councilmember Testa inquired about the $ 100,000 that was previously given to Goodness Village for six months of staff coverage. Housing Manager Hernandez explained that was an emergency gap funding request by Goodness Village. Interim City Manager Dolan noted that everyone agrees that Goodness Village is a great idea but the staff has always been concerned about the operational funding. He reported Goodness Village explained it is not their intent to request ongoing funding from the cities. He advised Dublin provided a small amount and noted that although Livermore does not give funding for operations they provided substantial startup funding through in-lieu permit fees.
Councilmember Balch inquired if the gap funding was due to the building. Housing Manager Hernandez confirmed that was correct. He confirmed this grant process could be an avenue for Goodness Village to obtain operational funding in the future.
Mayor Brown inquired about the concern regarding no duplication between ECHO Housing and Centro Legal. Housing Manager Hernandez explained he does not believe there is a duplication of services between the two agencies. He reported ECHO Housing is providing HUD- certified fair housing counseling services that Centro Legal does not. Centro Legal is to provide actual legal representation for Pleasanton residents who are in the legal process of eviction. ECHO Housing would be contacted when a resident receives a three- day notice and Centro Legal would be contacted when the resident is presented with the notice of eviction.
Mayor Brown noted the report indicates 9 residents were served and the grant is allocating $ 40, 000 and inquired about the ratio. Housing Manager Hernandez explained Centro Legal' s services cost more because they are actual attorneys. He noted ECHO Housing can serve 80 people but Centro Legal would serve fewer due to the nature of the legal process of eviction.
City Council Minutes Page 4 of 9 May 3, 2022
Interim City Manager Dolan explained Centro Legal was brought on board last year in anticipation of the end of the eviction moratorium although it was extended. He noted this is to make sure the City is prepared for the moratorium to end this year.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing.
Samantha Beckett, Centro Legal, clarified they serve all Alameda County residents regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. She reported they expect the number of residents served to triple in the next year. She noted their services are distinct from ECHO Housing. She explained they are staffed by non- attorneys who are certified housing counselors who give legal information to tenants about their rights and housing- related issues.
Mayor Brown closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Testa moved to approve the housing- related grants as recommended. Councilmember Balch seconded the motion.
Councilmember Narum thanked the Housing Commission for sorting through this and expressed support for the organizations.
Councilmember Balch commented that housing is critical and noted the City is using $ 386, 000 from its Low Income Housing Fund to keep people in housing units in the community and believes it is a good use of the fund.
Councilmember Testa believes there should be an additional conversation about how the City' s Low Income Funds are being used. She believes the grants are important and should be funded.
Mayor Brown expressed support for services such as Adobe Services' rapid re-housing and believes many people in Pleasanton are at the risk of losing their homes. She expressed appreciation for CityServe of Tri-Valley and Tri- Valley REACH. Mayor Brown thanked the Housing Commission for their hard work.
MOTION: It was m/s by Testa/ Balch to approve the funding for housing related grants as recommended. Motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
Recommendation # 3:
Recreation Manager Ingram reported the Civic Arts Commission reviewed 8 grant applications representing 5 agencies and made recommendations for funding all applicants at various levels. He provided a brief overview of the grant funding which includes 15% towards Museum Programming for the Ed Kinney Series, 11% towards the Livermore Valley Opera for Pleasanton community outreach, 27% for Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council for two programs: Arts Gathering & Project Support and Conversation Banners for Youth, 34% towards the Pacific Chamber Orchestra for three programs:
1)Discover music, in-school assembly, 2) a holiday concert, and 3) a school day orchestra matinee, and 13% allocated to the Pleasanton Community Concert Band for a storage cost reduction project.
Recreation Manager Ingram reported the Youth Commission reviewed 6 grant applications representing 5 agencies and made recommendations for funding all applicants at various levels. He provided a brief overview of the grant funding that includes 37% going towards healthy relationships through programs for Middle and High School students offered by TVH, 17% is for the Go Green City Council Minutes Page 5 of 9 May 3, 2022
Initiative developing youth- led training for climate change, 18% is for Teen Esteem and their K- 12 program supporting students where they are physically and emotionally, 19% is for Hively to support a new STEM program through hands- on learning, and 9% is for Partners for Golf for which is a program that teaches core values such as honesty, courtesy, confidence, integrity, judgment, respect and more.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Balch moved to approve the funding for the Community grants recommended.
Councilmember Narum seconded the motion.
Councilmember Balch thanked the Youth Commission for their feedback and the Civic Arts Commission for making sure Pleasanton is a beautiful place.
Councilmember Narum thanked both commissions for their hard work. She agrees that most of these recommendations make Pleasanton a wonderful, great place to live. She expressed support for the Ed Kinney Series and thanked the Pleasanton Community Concert Band for their performances.
Councilmember Testa recalled her time at the Human Services Commission and noted at the time the grants were all together and expressed appreciation that they are now reviewed by the commissions Mayor Brown expressed support for all the work the Youth Commission and Civic Arts Commission did during the process.
MOTION: It was m/s by Balch/Narum to approve the funding for the Community grants recommended by the Civic Arts and Youth Commission as recommended. Motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
Recommendation # 4:
Recreation Manager Ingram reported the recommendation is to adopt a resolution approving the allocation of Housing and Human Services Grant and Community Grant Funds for the Fiscal Year 2022/23, authorize the City Manager to enter into individual contracts with each agency receiving grant funding, take all other actions necessary to carry out the Housing and Human Services Grant and Community Grant programs for the Fiscal Year 2022/ 23.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Balch moved to approve as recommended. Councilmember Narum seconded the motion.
Councilmember Balch reminded residents the actions taken will provide residents with $ 1. 8 million in grants back to the community and the people that serve the community.
Mayor Brown thanked the federal government for assisting with funding.
MOTION: It was m/s by Balch/ Narum to adopt and waive the full reading of Resolution No. 22- 1290 (2) approving the allocation of Housing and Human Services Grant and Community Grant funds and authorize the City Manager to enter into individual contracts with each agency receiving grant funding as recommended. Motion passed by the following vote:
City Council Minutes Page 6 of 9 May 3, 2022
Ayes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
10b. Approve the Annual Action Plan for FY 2022/ 23 for use of federal Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG) Funds
Housing Manager Hernandez advised the City is required to submit an Annual Action Plan to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a condition of receiving its annual allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant Funds. The Annual Action Plan lists the project and activities that will be funded by CDBG funds and is available for public review and input.
Housing Manager Hernandez explained the City has not received its final CDBG fund allocation so the Annual Action Plan cannot be submitted at this time but will be submitted 60 days after HUD announces the CDBG allocations for the Fiscal Year 2022/ 23.
Mayor Brown noted that CDBG funds come from the U. S. Department of Urban and Housing Development.
Councilmember Testa advised she spoke with one of Pleasanton' s unhoused who expressed concern that there is no opportunity to shower or do laundry. She requested staff investigate providing solutions for those concerns.
Mayor Brown recommended that the item be referred to the Human Services Commission.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Balch moved to approve the item as recommended. Councilmember Narum seconded the motion.
MOTION: It was m/s by Balch/ Narum to approve the Annual Action Plan for Federal Fiscal Year 2022 and direct staff to submit the Action Plan to HUD 60 days after HUD announces the CDBG allocations for Fiscal year 2022/ 23 as recommended. Motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
11. Consider approving $ 50, 000 in funding for Three Valleys Community Foundation Assistant to the City Manager Becky Hopkins reported the item is a request for one- time funding support of $ 50,000 for the Three Valleys Community Foundation. She provided a brief history of the foundation and explained it is a grant- making public charity organization. She reported they work with donors to steward their funds toward direct gifts, endowments, or grants to nonprofits serving the communities of Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Sunol.
Assistant to the City Manager Hopkins reported the agreement would provide Three Valleys Community Foundation with a $ 50, 000 grant to be paid over three years and provided an overview of the terms. She advised Three Valleys Community Foundation will be required to provide an annual update to the Human Services Commission.
Councilmember Narum inquired if any of the other cities have helped with start- up funds. Assistant to the City Manager Hopkins advised Dublin has offered the same type of agreement.
City Council Minutes Page 7 of 9 May 3, 2022
CouncilmemberBalch notedhe understandsthe one-time fundingis to supportoperationalcosts but inquired if the City Council could set up funding outside of this one-time agreement. Assistant to the City ManagerHopkinsconfirmedthat was an option and the Three Valleys CommunityFoundation would look for partners who are interested in funding the projects for the benefit of the community.
Mayor Brown noted that funding is cobbled together and this could be a partial source for funding John Sensiba, of Three Valleys Community Foundation, noted this funding will help with the developmentof the Three ValleysCommunityFoundationand will help drive local philanthropy. He believes this is an appropriate use of the City's money to help put in place an infrastructure to allow non- profit organizations to be funded.
In responseto CouncilmemberNarum's previousquestion, Mr. SensibareportedbothAlamedaCounty SupervisorsNateMileyand DavidHaubertverballycommittedand notedthere was an actionitemat theAlamedaCountyBoardof Supervisor's meetingtwoweeksagoto approvefunding.
Councilmember Narum inquired if any Pleasanton residents have reached out to create a fund or donorfunds. Mr. Sensibareportedboth haveoccurredand he provideda brief overviewof howthey intend to build local donor relationships.
Councilmember Testa noted there was a foundation a few years back that did not come to fruition. She asked if Mr. Sensiba could explain why that happened. Mr. Sensiba noted his impression was that the governance function did not operate as it should have.
Councilmember Balch requested Mr. Sensiba provide a brief overview of how he expects to see services distributed and needs identified.
Mr. Sensiba explained the most common way for a community foundation to fund community needs is through donor- advised funds where the donor identifies the need and an organization that is identified as the one to best meet the need is selected. He explained a community foundation is placed- based and serves the needs of the community that may change over time. He provided an overview of the many ways needs can be identified. He noted this is a long- term investment in the community.
Mayor Brown appreciates the foundation' s commitment to an annual update to the Human Services Commission and the City Council. She inquired if the foundation will expect to need ongoing funding.
Mr. Sensiba explained they do intend to need ongoing funding but not from governmental agencies. He clarified this is start- up capital and expects the foundation to be self-funded in 18 to 24 months.
Mayor Brown inquired if the foundation is working with We Are Pleasanton. Mr. Sensiba confirmed the partnership with We Are Pleasanton and reported there have already been donations made.
Councilmember Narum inquired if there was a website available for donations. Mr. Sensiba advised anyone interested in donating can go to 3vcf. org for additional information.
Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Narum moved to approve the requested funding for the Three Valleys Community Foundation with a one- time allocation totaling $ 50, 000, to be paid over three years. Councilmember Balch seconded the motion.
Councilmember Narum advised this is a one- time request and that she looks at it as an investment in Pleasanton. She noted some residents have already established funds that have more than covered the $ 50,000 that will be put back into the community. She advised the City Council approved having City Council Minutes Page 8 of 9 May 3, 2022
staff explore an all-abilities playground fund with Three Valleys Community Foundation to get the project fund.
Councilmember Balch believes this is an excellent opportunity to grow the region philanthropically and expressed support for the item.
Mayor Brown expressed strong support for the item. She noted the need is great and thanked the Three Valleys Community Foundation for their efforts.
MOTION: It was m/s by Narum/Balch to approve the requested funding for the Three Valleys Community Foundation with a one- time allocation totaling $ 50, 000, to be paid over a period of three years as recommended. Motion passed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers Balch, Narum, Testa, Mayor Brown Noes: None
Absent: Councilmember Arkin
MATTERS INITIATED BY COUNCIL— None.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilmember Balch reported that StopWaste introduced its budget and is looking at what programs to bring back. He noted electrification continues to be a big focus for them and the needs related to Senate Bill 1383.
Councilmember Narum reported Emeryville and Dublin are switching over to the Renewable 100 with East Bay Community Energy ( EBCE). She reported Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority LAVTA) approved their budget of over $ 21 million which is a 14% increase. She reported attendance at the Tri- Valley Water meeting.
Councilmember Testa reported attendance at the Legislative Committee, a League of California Cities Housing and Community Development Legislative meeting where they discussed more of the significant upcoming bills and local control.
Mayor Brown reported a meeting was held with Townsend and Associates and reported Congressman Eric Swalwell is going to continue to support Valley Link federally and Pleasanton for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS). She announced a Committee and Commission Appreciation Dinner will be held on May 12.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brown adjourned the regular meeting at 9: 18 p.m.
Respectfully bmitted,
4D
o elyn on
Ci y Clerk
City Council Minutes Page 9 of 9 May 3, 2022