agenda - revised 2/27 - cityofberkeley.info€¦ · amy davidson provided background on the rfp...

Housing Advisory Commission

HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION

Regular Meeting

Thursday, March 5, 2015 Time: 7:00 p.m.

South Berkeley Senior Center 2939 Ellis Street – Berkeley

Secretary Amy Davidson, (510) 981-5406

AGENDA - Revised 2/27 All agenda items are for Discussion and Possible Action.

Public Comment Policy: Members of the public may speak on any items on the Agenda and items not on the Agenda during the initial Public Comment period. Members of the public may also comment on any item listed on the agenda as the item is taken up. Members of the public may not speak more than once on any given item. The Chair may limit public comments to 3 minutes or less.

PRELIMINARY MATTERS

1. Roll Call 2. Agenda Approval 3. Welcome new Commissioner Kate Gordon, District 8 4. Public Comment 5. Approval of the January 14, 2015 Draft Meeting Minutes (Attachment 1) 6. Approval of the February 5, 2015 Draft Meeting Minutes (Attachment 2)

CONSENT CALENDAR 7. Draft Memo on Public Benefits in High Rise Development – Affordable Housing

Supply Subcommittee (Attachment 3)

UPDATES / ACTION ITEMS 8. 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development –

Kristen Lee http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=12160

9. Appeal of the Notice of Substandard and Unsafe Building and Public Nuisance Pursuant to BMC Sections 19.40.020, Subsection 202, 19.28.020, Subsection 116.1 and 1.24.030 at 2302 Piedmont Avenue and Order to Correct (Attachment 4)

10. Commission on Aging report on Annual Meetings of Commission Appointees – All (Attachment 5)

2180 Milvia Street – 2nd Floor • Berkeley • CA • 94704 • Tel. 510.981.5400 • TDD: 510.981.6903 • Fax: 510.981.5450 E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=12160

Housing Advisory Commission Regular Meeting March 5, 2015 of 3

11. Additional members for the CDBG and/or Affordable Housing Supply Subcommittees

12. Subcommittee Reports – (a) Affordable Housing Supply – Marian Wolfe (b) CDBG – Recommendations for CDBG Funding – Kristen Lee, Gregory Magofna

(Attachment 6) (c) Housing Trust Fund – Amy Davidson

13. Request for City Council to Waive Permit Fees for Projects Funded by

CDBG – Alejandro Soto-Vigil (Attachment 7)

14. Update on Council Items – All/Staff

15. Request for City Council to Reconsider Removing the Special Assessment Lien Placed on 1722 9th Street – Alejandro Soto-Vigil (Attachment 8)

16. Future Items (a) Request for Information on Housing at the Berkeley Marina – (Attachment 9) (b) Form Joint Subcommittee on Density Bonus and Invite Planning Commission

and ZAB to Identify Members – Igor Tregub (c) Community Emergency Response Training for Multi-unit Residential Buildings

and Emergency Cache Program Tailored to the Needs of Large Multi-unit Residential Buildings - http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/2015/02_Feb/Documents/2015-02-24_Item_19_Community_Emergency.aspx

17. Announcements

(a) Mayor’s State of the City report (includes housing policy proposals) : http://www.cityofberkeley.info/uploadedFiles/Mayor/Mayor's%20Opportunity%20Gap%20Report%202015.pdf (b) Next HAC Meeting: Wednesday, March 11

18. Adjourn

Please refrain from wearing scented products to public meetings.

This meeting is being held in a wheelchair accessible location.

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/2015/02_Feb/Documents/2015-02-24_Item_19_Community_Emergency.aspx

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/2015/02_Feb/Documents/2015-02-24_Item_19_Community_Emergency.aspx

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/uploadedFiles/Mayor/Mayor's%20Opportunity%20Gap%20Report%202015.pdf

http://www.cityofberkeley.info/uploadedFiles/Mayor/Mayor's%20Opportunity%20Gap%20Report%202015.pdf

Housing Advisory Commission Regular Meeting March 5, 2015 of 3

ATTACHMENTS 1. Draft January 14, 2015 Meeting Minutes 2. Draft February 5, 2015, Meeting Minutes 3. Public Benefits for Two Proposed Downtown High Rises, Affordable Housing

Supply Subcommittee 4. Appeal of the Notice of Substandard and Unsafe Building and Public Nuisance

Pursuant to BMC Sections 19.40.020, Subsection 202, 19.28.020, Subsection 5. Commission on Aging, Annual Meetings of Commission Appointees 6. CDBG Subcommittee Recommendations 7. Request for City Council to Waive Permit Fees for Projects Funded by CDBG 8. Request for City Council to Reconsider Removing the Special Assessment Lien

Placed on 1722 9th Street 9. Request for Information on Housing at the Berkeley Marina 10. Correspondence, Eleanor Walden, re: unsafe conditions at Redwood Gardens

Written material may be viewed in advance of the meeting at the Housing Department, 2180 Milvia Street, 2nd Floor, during working hours or at the Berkeley Public Library, Shattuck/Kittredge Streets, during regular library hours at the Reference Desk. Accommodations Provided Upon Request. To request a disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in the meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at 981-6342 (V) or 981-6345 (TDD) at least three business days before the meeting date. Providing at least three working days’ notice will help to ensure availability at the meeting. Communications to Berkeley boards, commissions or committees are public record and will become part of the City’s electronic records, which are accessible through the City’s website. Please note: e-mail addresses, names, addresses, and other contact information are not required, but if included in any communication to a City board, commission or committee, will become part of the public record. If you do not want your e-mail address or any other contact information to be made public, you may deliver communications via U.S. Postal Service or in person to the secretary of the relevant board, commission or committee. If you do not want your contact information included in the public record, please do not include that information in your communication. Please contact the secretary to the relevant board, commission or committee for further information.

Please refrain from wearing scented products to public meetings.

This meeting is being held in a wheelchair accessible location.


HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION Regular Meeting

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

HAC 3/5/2015 Attachment 1

Time: 7:05 p.m.


Secretary – Amy Davidson, (510) 981-5406

DRAFT MINUTES

PRELIMINARY MATTERS 1. Roll Call

Present: Abramson, Casalaina, Darrow, Magofna, Chang, Tregub and Wolfe. Absent: Drake. Excused Absence: Skjerping and Soto-Vigil. Staff Present: Davidson, Wyant, Lee and Chang. Public: 1 member from the public was present.

2. Introductions Commissioner Heidi Abramson and new HHCS Community Development Project Coordinator, Jenny Wyant were introduced. An announcement was made regarding Kristen Lee’s promotion to Housing and Community Services Division Manager.

3. Agenda Approval Motion to approve agenda passed. (M/S/C: Casalaina/Magofna. Ayes: Abramson, Casalaina, Darrow, Magofna, Chang, Tregub and Wolfe. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Drake, Skjerping (excused), and Soto-Vigil (excused).

4. Public Comment None.

5. Approval of December 4, 2014 Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the minutes passed. (M/S/C: Casalaina/Darrow. Ayes: Casalaina, Darrow, Magofna, Tregub and Wolfe. Noes: None. Abstain: Abramson and Chang. Absent: Drake, Skjerping (excused), and Soto-Vigil (excused).

UPDATES / ACTION ITEMS

6. Approve Consent Calendar

Motion to approve the Consent Calendar passed. (M/S/C: Casalaina/Magofna. Ayes: Abramson, Casalaina, Darrow, Magofna, Chang (for Soto-Vigil), Tregub and Wolfe. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Drake, Skjerping (excused), and Soto-Vigil (excused).

7. Discuss Warming Centers and Coordinated Assessment

Kristen Lee provided information on the warming centers in Berkeley and the coordinated efforts with Alameda County, Oakland, and organizations in Berkeley, such

Housing Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Draft Minutes January 14, 2015 Page 2 of 2

as BOSS and Berkeley Food and Housing Project that provide shelter and services. A suggestion to assign a HAC liaison to the Homeless Commission will be considered at the HAC meeting in February.

8. Update on Housing Trust Fund Request for Proposal Amy Davidson provided background on the RFP process and requested feedback from the HAC regarding funding priorities. HAC members will provide feedback by e-mail to the HAC Secretary. The HTF Subcommittee (Darrow, Magofna, Tregub, Wolfe) will work with Amy to provide recommended priorities, and report back at the February meeting.

9. Updates on Council Items

Following are updates on items discussed at previous HAC meetings: • City Council did not refer the Request for Information to the Rent Stabilization Board regarding fee structure for long-term tenants • 3135 Harper Street Project: at 12/16/14 meeting, City Council voted to extend HTF funding reservation for another year • Commissioner Tregub, HAC Representative for the HWCAC, will attend meeting on 1/28/15 where issue regarding west Berkeley air quality issues will be discussed. • PACE Program: Energy Commission considered PACE financing for commercial properties. PACE program applies to single family homes and residential rental units

10. Future Items

• CDBG Subcommittee continue to meet • HAC Review of Draft Consolidated Plan, February 2015

11. Announcements • HAC Officers – election in February • Affordable Housing Supply Subcommittee – need to replace Commissioner

Casalaina • Commissioner Casalaina was recognized for his years of service with the HAC

12. Adjourn.

Motion made to adjourn the meeting. (M/S/C: Casalaina/Darrow. Ayes: Abramson, Casalaina, Darrow, Chang, Tregub and Wolfe (Magofna not present for vote). Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Drake, Skjerping (excused), and Soto-Vigil (excused). Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Approved on DATE, 2015 _______________________, Amy Davidson, Secretary


HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION Regular Meeting

Thursday, December 4, 2014


Time: 7:03 p.m.


Secretary – Amy Davidson, (510) 981-5406

DRAFT MINUTES

PRELIMINARY MATTERS 1. Roll Call

Present: Abramson, Darrow, Drake, Magofna, Skjerping, Soto-Vigil (7:05 p.m.), Tregub, and Wolfe. Staff Present: Davidson, Lee, Tran, and Wyant. Public: 5 members from the public were present, including Councilmember Jesse Arreguin. Public Speakers: 1.

2. Agenda Approval Motion to approve agenda passed. (M/S/C: Tregub/Darrow. Ayes: Abramson, Darrow, Drake, Skjerping, Soto-Vigil, Tregub, and Wolfe. Noes: Magofna. Abstain: None. Absent: None.)

3. Public Comment A long-term resident of Berkeley, Willie Phillips, discussed the need to provide more affordable housing. He also encouraged Housing representatives to attend the Council meeting on February 10th where an item to name the South Berkeley Library after Mrs. Pittman, a long time African American community leader in Berkeley.

4. Approval of January 14, 2015 Meeting Minutes

Commissioners noted that several items on the draft minutes did not list who moved and seconded the motions. Staff will correct the minutes and bring back at the next meeting.

UPDATES / ACTION ITEMS

5. Draft Consolidated Plan Kristen Lee provided an update of the draft Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) and Analysis of Impediments (AI). For the Con Plan, the public comment period will open at the end of March and then it will go to City Council on April 28th. Draft of the AI will come before the HAC in a month or two. Commissioners provided staff with general comments and questions. Lee and Commissioner Magofna provided an update on CDBG, ESG, and HOME FY2015 allocations and FY2016 applications for funding.

6. Selection of a Liaison to the Homeless Commission A motion was moved, seconded, and carried to select Commissioner Tregub as a liaison to the Homeless Commission. (M/S/C: Drake/Soto-Vigil. Ayes: Abramson, Darrow, Drake, Skjerping, Soto-Vigil, and Wolfe. Noes: None. Abstain: Tregub. Absent: Magofna.)

Housing Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Draft Minutes February 5, 2015 Page 2 of 3

7. HAC Officers Election

For the Chair position, Commissioner Wolfe nominated Commissioner Tregub and Commissioner Drake nominated Commissioner Magofna. The vote for Commissioner Tregub failed. (Ayes: Darrow, Soto-Vigil, Tregub, Wolfe. Noes: Magofna. Abstain: Abramson, Drake, and Skjerping. Absent: None.) The vote for Commissioner Magofna also failed. (Ayes: Darrow, Drake, Magofna. Noes: Soto-Vigil and Wolfe. Abstain: Abramson, Skjerping, and Tregub. Absent: None.) A motion to close nominations and postpone until the March meeting failed. (M/S/C: Tregub/Skjerping. Ayes: Abramson, Drake, Skjerping, and Tregub. Noes: Magofna, Soto-Vigil, and Wolfe. Abstain: Darrow. Absent: None.) Commissioner Soto-Vigil nominated Commissioner Darrow for the position of Chair but the vote failed. (Ayes: Darrow, Drake, Skjerping, and Soto-Vigil. Noes: None. Abstain: Abramson, Magofna, Tregub, and Wolfe. Absent: None.) A motion was moved and seconded (Tregub/Darrow) to close nominations again. A substitute motion was moved, seconded, and carried to elect Commissioner Darrow as Chair again. (M/S/C: Magofna/Drake. Ayes: Darrow, Drake, Magofna, Skjerping, Soto-Vigil, Tregub, and Wolfe. Noes: None. Abstain: Abramson. Absent: None.) For the Vice Chair position, Commissioner Drake nominated Commissioner Magofna and Commissioner Soto-Vigil nominated Commissioner Tregub. The vote for Commissioner Magnofa failed. (Ayes: Darrow, Drake, Magofna, and Skjerping. Noes: Soto-Vigil and Wolfe. Abstain: Abramson and Tregub. Absent: None.) The vote for Commissioner Tregub passed. (Ayes: Darrow, Skjerping, Soto-Vigil, Tregub, and Wolfe. Noes: Magofna. Abstain: Abramson and Drake. Absent: None.)

8. Update on Council Items

a. West Berkeley Air Quality (January 20) b. Housing Trust Fund Request for Proposals (January 20) c. PACE Program Seismic Financing (January 20) d. Berkeley Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO) (January 20)

9. Future Items

The CDBG and Affordable Housing Supply subcommittees can each hold one additional member. Consider voting during next meeting.

10. Announcements

a. Commissioner Darrow provided an updated on the Affordable Housing Supply subcommittee.

11. Adjourn

Motion made to adjourn the meeting. (M/S/C: Skjerping/Magofna. Ayes: Abramson, Darrow, Drake, Magofna, Skjerping, Soto-Vigil, Tregub, and Wolfe. Noes: None.

Housing Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Draft Minutes February 5, 2015 Page 3 of 3

Abstain: None. Absent None.) Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Approved on DATE, 2015 _______________________, Amy Davidson, Secretary


DATE: February 23, 2015 TO: Berkeley City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Adjustments

Board FROM: Brendan Darrow, Chair, Housing Advisory Commission RE: Public Benefits for Two Proposed Downtown High Rises This memo addresses two proposed high rises under review by the Planning Commission: The 18-story downtown condo/hotel project and the mixed use Harold Way project. While we have reviewed the developer’s list of proposed benefits for the Harold Way project, we have not yet reviewed a list of proposed benefits to be provided by the hotel project. So far, to our knowledge, neither of these projects is proposing additional affordable housing benefits. As the City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Adjustments Board are well-aware, additional affordable housing is listed in the Downtown Plan as one of the public benefits that could be offered in exchange for additional densities.1 We strongly believe that both projects can and should provide additional affordable housing. For the Harold Way project, we propose additional affordable, housing requirements – increasing the current requirement of 10% to 20%. While the developer has not yet decided whether the project will pay impact fees or provide the units, we strongly encourage that units be provided. In this way, the Downtown can continue to be home to a more diverse residential group and not just provide housing for renters who make substantial salaries. The hotel project is subject to two affordable housing requirements. Assuming that the hotel space is subject to a commercial linkage fee, a fee of $4/SF would apply to the hotel/commercial space. We propose increasing this fee to $5/SF for the increased density that the project receives. We also recommend increasing the affordable housing requirement to 20% on the condo units. However, in this case we recommend that the project pay housing impact fees, and not provide the units. The principal reason for the preference of fees over units it that the HOA fees associated with condo units could be unaffordable to low- and moderate-income buyers over time, possibly requiring additional subsidies from the City.

1 We encourage commissioners to review the following document published by EBHO (East Bay Housing Organizations). It clearly explains the gains to developers who receive higher densities, and the expectations that local governments and the public can have to receive public benefits in return for these higher densities. http://www.ebho.org/images/Research_and_Reports/LVR-White-Paper-Full_141113.pdf

1

http://www.ebho.org/images/Research_and_Reports/LVR-White-Paper-Full_141113.pdf


We would like to point out that Berkeley’s for-sale inclusionary requirement is still 20%, although the rental housing requirement has dropped to 10% from 20%. So, requesting that the new high rises provide 20% of the units as affordable (or subject to impact fees) is consistent with current policy for ownership housing and with the former rental housing inclusionary requirement as well. Finally, one important issue is the financial feasibility of providing a higher level of affordable units (or paying higher fees). Rents, sales prices, and development costs are constantly in flux. To assess feasibility, we would be glad to provide a pro forma model that the City could request that the developer keep current at the developer’s expense. However, we do not feel that the economist/consultant that could update these pro formas be hired by the developer, due to a conflict of interest. We propose that the City maintain a list of independent consultants who could undertake this work.

2

HAC 3/5/2015Attachment 4

Attachment 1

Attachment 2

Attachment 3

Attachment 4

Attachment 5

Commission on Aging

2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94E-Mail: manager@CityofB

To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

From: Commission on Aging

Submitted by: George Porter, Commission on Aging

Subject: Annual Meetings of Commission Appointees

RECOMMENDATION The Commission on Aging recommends thathold annual "working" meetings that gather togemembers. The purpose of the meetings would be for personal contact, informationsharing and networking.

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATIONThe City will incur minimal costs in the implementation of this recommendation

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTSCurrently there is very little established policy, either formal or informal, regarding faceto-face contact between Council membersvarious City Commissions and none addressing any sCouncilmember (and the Mayor) and his or her full group of commissioners.

As things stand, since appointment tooften overlap Councilmember's (and the Mayor's) terms, if a given disthands, on occasion new Council members (and Mayorcommissioners have never met in person. In addition to this, since reappointment ofcommissioners to a second term is often a routinyears can pass with little or no direct contact between a Councilmember (or the Mayor)and his or her appointee.

As far as contact between a Councilmember's (or the Mayor's) group of commissionersgoes, there is no consistent policy and to the Cin many, many cases commissioners have no idea of even the name of theircounterparts on other commissions much less any understanding of who these peoplemight be and how best to work with them towards common goals. Indeecommissions are in constant contact with one another, since there is little established

94704 ● Tel: (510) 981-7000 ● TDD: (510) 981-6903 ● Fax: ofBerkeley.info Website: http://www.CityofBerkeley.info/Man

[CONSENT CALENDAR[Meeting Date (MM dd, yyyy)]

Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

Commission on Aging

George Porter, Commission on Aging, Chairperson

Annual Meetings of Commission Appointees

The Commission on Aging recommends that all City Council members and the Mayorhold annual "working" meetings that gather together their appointed Commission

The purpose of the meetings would be for personal contact, information

FISCAL IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION The City will incur minimal costs in the implementation of this recommendation

CURRENT SITUATION AND ITS EFFECTS Currently there is very little established policy, either formal or informal, regarding face

face contact between Council members, the Mayor and their appointees to thevarious City Commissions and none addressing any such contact between aCouncilmember (and the Mayor) and his or her full group of commissioners.

As things stand, since appointment to commissions are in general for four (4)often overlap Councilmember's (and the Mayor's) terms, if a given district seat changes

new Council members (and Mayor) and their inheritedcommissioners have never met in person. In addition to this, since reappointment ofcommissioners to a second term is often a routine matter, it is possible that eightyears can pass with little or no direct contact between a Councilmember (or the Mayor)

As far as contact between a Councilmember's (or the Mayor's) group of commissionersgoes, there is no consistent policy and to the Commission on Aging's (CoA)in many, many cases commissioners have no idea of even the name of theircounterparts on other commissions much less any understanding of who these peoplemight be and how best to work with them towards common goals. Indeed, though somecommissions are in constant contact with one another, since there is little established

x: (510) 981-7099 anager

[CONSENT OR ACTION] CALENDAR [Meeting Date (MM dd, yyyy)]

and the Mayor Commission

The purpose of the meetings would be for personal contact, information

The City will incur minimal costs in the implementation of this recommendation.

Currently there is very little established policy, either formal or informal, regarding face-the Mayor and their appointees to the

uch contact between a Councilmember (and the Mayor) and his or her full group of commissioners.

four (4) years and rict seat changes

) and their inherited commissioners have never met in person. In addition to this, since reappointment of

e matter, it is possible that eight (8) years can pass with little or no direct contact between a Councilmember (or the Mayor)

As far as contact between a Councilmember's (or the Mayor's) group of commissioners (CoA) observation

in many, many cases commissioners have no idea of even the name of their counterparts on other commissions much less any understanding of who these people

d, though some commissions are in constant contact with one another, since there is little established


Annual Commission Appointee Meetings CALENDAR

Page 2

policy encouraging broad based communication between commissions, the simple fact that shared interests exist is far too often missed.

BACKGROUND Over the past couple of years outreach and communication to other commissions has been part of the CoA work plan. A few individual commissioners have sat in on other commissions meetings, introduced themselves, tried to establish lines of communication and then reported back to the CoA, especially as regards issue relating to the aging population. This has proved moderately fruitful, but time consuming and very hit or miss. During that same time period one commissioner had an appointing council member that held annual commissioner meetings and reported back. This practice seemed much more useful and a couple of other commissioners who had had similar experiences before this period confirmed this which started us down the road that led to this action item.

To the best of the CoA's discovery, in the past various Council members (and Mayors) have come up with individual ways of establishing lines of communications with their commissioners and between them. Though the CoA fully appreciates Council members' (and the Mayor's) need for latitude in determining these relationships, the end results are often uneven and sporadic. In the case of the annual commissioners meeting, over the years some Council members have always held such meetings, others only on occasion and some not at all. Over those same years the individual commissions have had memberships with widely varying exposure to and understanding of the broad set of Municipal concerns the effect their work and much of the time in meetings can be spent bringing everyone up to date regarding these.

The CoA voted at its regular meeting of January 21, 2015 to recommend that City Council members (and the Mayor) hold annual "working" meetings that gather together their appointed Commission members. The purpose of the meetings would be for personal contact, information sharing and networking. M/S/C (Jacqulin/Hallberg) Ayes: Castello-Kramer, Hallberg, Jacqulin, Lazaris,Porter,Ratnum,Schechner,Stross; Noes: None; Abstain: None

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY There are no identifiable environmental impacts

RATIONALE FOR RECOMMENDATION The CoA feels that Council members (and the Mayor) establishing the habit of an annual commissioners meeting is a very simple and cost effective way of both addressing the concerns expressed above and of opening doors to new opportunities insofar as:

1) It ensures a basic level of the needed personal contact between Council members


Page 3

and their commissioners.

2) For all attendees it puts a "human face" on the work of the various commissions andcreates the sense of a broader community effort, the value of which should not be underestimated.

3) A well run meeting where each commissioner has a chance to briefly recap the lastyear's work of the commission he or she sits on establishes a baseline of information regarding Municipal concerns.

4) It encourages greater communication between the commissions which will result in:

a) greater appreciation of one another's workb) greater awareness of the current scope of one another's workc) greater appreciation of the complexity of the Council's workd) more efficient use of time in commission meetingse) equal opportunity for all commissioners for access to useful informationf) the recognition of and better cooperation in achieving shared goalsg) more efficient sharing of resourcesh) increased transparency between commissions

5) In general, it will enliven the working relationship between Berkeley's elected officialsand its citizen commissions and help ensure that our investment in this cooperative effort will yield greater returns.

Again, the CoA's suggestion here is that these be casual and friendly working meetings, not just social events. Though we fully appreciate that Council members (and the Mayor) already carry a heavy load, the CoA strongly feels that these yearly meetings will be of so much value to the municipality that we unanimously urge individual Council members (and the Mayor) to take this additional, small burden upon themselves.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS CONSIDERED The CoA had considered that holding the meetings should be done on good faith, that they need not be an official requirement but instead should take the form of a pledge to "do his or her best to hold such yearly events". After further consideration, that language was removed from the recommendation and the accompanying background of the report.

CITY MANAGER The City Manager [TYPE ONE] concurs with / takes no position on the content and recommendations of the Commission’s Report.


Page 4

Note: If the City Manager does not (a) concur, (b) takes any other position, or (c) refer to the budget process, a council action report must be prepared. Indicate under the CITY MANAGER heading, “See companion report.”

CONTACT PERSON Gail Feldman, Commission Secretary, HHCS, 981-5232

RESOLUTION NO. ##,###-N.S.

SHORT TITLE OF RESOLUTION HERE

WHEREAS, (Whereas' are necessary when an explanation or legislative history is required); and

WHEREAS, (Insert Additional 'Whereas Clauses' as needed); and

WHEREAS, enter text here; and

WHEREAS, enter text here; and

WHEREAS, (The last "Whereas" paragraph should contain a period (.) .

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley that (Action to be taken) - ends in a period (.).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that (for further action if needed; if not delete) - ends in a period (.).

Exhibits [Delete if there are NO exhibits]A: Title of the Exhibit B: Title of the Exhibit


CDBG, ESG and HOME FY2015 Allocations, andFY2016 Applications for Funding

CDBG SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

February 18, 2015

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

REVENUES Allocated FY2015 FY2016 (-2%)CDBG Award 2,496,679$ 2,450,327$

Program Income (projected FY16) 100,494$ 60,000$ Earlier Unused Funds 300,000$ 250,000$

SUBTOTAL CDBG Funds Available 2,897,173$ 2,760,327$

GF Funding Available 187,627$ 213,007

EXPENDITURES - By Category Funded FY2015 Applied

FY2016/17Proposed FY2016/17

I. Housing Services 1,331,740$ 1,482,301$ 1,325,301$ II. Public Services (17.83%) 455,856$ 485,004$ 430,476$

III. Public Facility Improvements 236,193$ 630,515$ 343,289$ IV. Planning & Administration (20%) 511,336$ 502,065$ 502,065$

V. Housing Trust Fund 321,554$ 159,941$ 159,196$ Total CDBG Funds Allocated/Requested 2,856,679$ 3,259,826$ 2,760,327$

CDBG Funds Remaining Unallocated 40,494$ (499,499)$ (0)$

GF Funds Allocated/Requested 187,627$ 251,535$ 213,007$ GF Runds Remaining Unallocated -$ (38,528)$ -$

CDBG Project Details

I. CDBG - HOUSING SERVICES PROJECTS Funded FY2015 Applied


1 Center for Independent Living: Residential Access Project for Disabled 140,219$ 140,219$ 140,219$ 2 Community Energy Services Corp.: Home Safety & Repair Program 282,334$ 282,334$ 282,334$ 3 Rebuilding Together Safe Homes Project 98,279$ 98,279$ 98,279$ 4 Bay Area Community Land Trust (GF) 4,991$ 5,100$ 4,991$ 5 COB HHCSD: Loan Services 114,058$ 58,325$ 58,325$ 6 COB HHCSD: Senior and Disabled Rehab Program 177,540$ 204,138$ 204,138$

Rehab Loans 150,000$ 150,000$ 150,000$ 7 COB HHCSD: Affordable Housing Development and Rehab 369,310$ 392,006$ 392,006$ 8 Neighborhood Solutions: Rehab Program -$ 157,000$ -$

SUBTOTAL Housing Projects -- CDBG 1,331,740$ 1,482,301$ 1,325,301$ Subtotal Housing Projects -- GF 4,991$ 5,100$ 4,991$




February 18, 2015

Funded FY2015 Applied


9 Homeless Services (Berkeley Food & Housing Project)* (CDBG) 180,986$ 180,986$ 180,986$ 10 Youth Services (Biotech Partners: Biotech Academy at Berkeley High)* (CDBG) 68,094$ 68,094$ 68,094$ 11 The Bread Project: Culinary Job Readiness Training (GF) 41,165$ 50,000$ 41,165$ 12 Center for Independent Living: Employment Services (GF) 36,607$ 36,607$ 36,607$ 13 EBCLC: Fair Housing Counseling (CDBG) 34,932$ 34,932$ 34,932$ 14 Inter-City Services: Employment, Education and Training (GF) 95,036$ 150,000$ 95,036$ 15 Homeless Services (Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention)* (CDBG) 59,107$ 59,107$ 59,107$ 16 Resources for Community Development: Social Svcs. at Special Needs Housing ( 9,828$ 9,828$ 9,828$ 17 Rising Sun Energy Center: Green Energy Training Services (CDBG) 50,852$ 80,000$ 25,472$

Rising Sun Energy Center: Green Energy Training Services (GF) 25,380$ 18 Homeless Services (Women's Daytime Drop-In Center)* (CDBG) 61,885$ 61,885$ 61,885$

Subtotal Public Services: CDBG 455,856$ 485,004$ 430,476$ Subtotal Public Services: GF 182,636$ 246,435$ 208,016$

CDBG Public Services CAP 463,076$ 447,591$ 447,591$ GF Available 182,636$ 213,007$ 213,007$

III. CDBG - PUBLIC/COMMUNITY FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS: Allocations or recommended funding is one-time only.

Funded FY2015 Applied

FY2016/17Proposed

FY201619 Berkeley Food and Housing Project: Facility Project -$ 124,874$ -$ 20 COB Aging Services: ADA Upgrades and Interior Improvements -$ 203,220$ 109,350$ 21 COB Public Health: Ann Chandler Improvements -$ 49,742$ 36,135$ 22 Youth Spirit Artworks: ADA and Other Improvements -$ 45,000$ 45,000$ 23 COB HHCSD: Public Facilities Improvements 134,085$ 128,229$ 128,229$

Lifelong Medical Care: Dental Clinic Improvements 34,493$ -$ 24 LIfelong Medical Care: Over 60s Improvements 43,040$ 54,875$ -$ 25 Rebuilding Together: Community Facilities 24,575$ 24,575$ 24,575$

Subtotal Public Facilities Improvements: 236,193$ 630,515$ 343,289$

IV. CDBG - PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION** Funded FY2015 ProjectedFY2016/17

ProjectedFY2016/17

COB HHCSD: CDBG Planning & Administration 373,275$ 366,508$ 366,508COB City Manager's Office: Support Costs 138,061$ 135,558$ 135,558

CDBG Planning & Administration TOTAL 511,336$ 502,065$ 502,065

V. HOUSING TRUST FUND Funded FY2015 Applied

FY2016/17Proposed

FY2016

7 City of Berkeley Housing Trust Fund*** 321,554$ 159,941$ 159,196

II. CDBG/GF - PUBLIC SERVICES PROJECTS

***Should the final amount of CDBG funding awarded to the City of Berkeley change, the funding amount for the Housing Trust Fund would be adjusted accordingly to utilize the full CDBG allocation.

**Set-aside. Planning and Administration is a capped category of CDBG funding. The City of Berkeley City Manager and Housing & Community Services Departments will utilize the maximum amount of funding available under this category.

* These projects are shown here for CDBG budgeting purposes, but are reviewed by other Commissions whoserecommended funding level is reflected here.




February 18, 2015

HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Allocations

REVENUES Allocated FY2015 FY2016 (-13%)HOME Award 644,224$ 562,305$

Program Income (projected) 20,000$ 20,000$ SUBTOTAL HOME Funds Available 664,224$ 582,305$

EXPENDITURES Allocated FY2015

Staff Recommended

FY2016 Administration (10%) $ 66,422 $ 58,231

CHDO Operating Funds (5%) 28,638$ 28,638$ Available for HTF Projects 569,164$ 495,437$

Total 664,224$ 582,305$

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Allocation SUMMARY

REVENUES Funded FY2015 FY2016 (+9%)ESG Award 203,290$ 222,546$

Earlier Unused Funds -$ SUBTOTAL ESG Funds Available 203,290$ 222,546$

EXPENDITURES Funded FY2015

Staff Recommended

FY2016A. Homeless Prevention* 39,040$ 19,918$

B. Rapid Rehousing* 142,303$ 179,261$ C. Emergency Shelter -$ -$

D. Homeless Management Information System 6,700$ 6,676$ E. Administration (7.5%) 15,247$ 16,691$

Total ESG Funds Allocated 203,290$ 222,546$

Funding will be allocated to the Housing Crisis Resolution Center to carry out the program.


To: Housing Advisory Commission

From: Commissioner Alejandro Soto-Vigil Commissioner Lars Skjerping Commissioner Greg Magofna

Date: March 5, 2015

Re: Request the Council to Waiver Permit Fees for Projects Funded by CDBG ______________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Housing Advisory Commission request the City Council to allow fee waivers for projects funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

BACKGROUND:

Every year the the HAC is requested to make recommendations to the City Council on which projects should receive funding from the federal CDBG program. In doing so, the HAC appoints no more than 4 members to the CDBG subcommittee. The subcommittee examines all qualified projects that meet the criteria created by staff. In examining qualified projects and proposed budgets, the current CDBG subcommittee has agreed that more work can be done on facility upgrades on qualified projects if the City permanently waived permit fees for these projects.

Therefore, the 2014-2015 CDBG subcommittee recommends that the City Council allow waivers for permit fees for projects that receive CDBG monies.



To: Berkeley City Council

From: Housing Advisory Commission

Date: March 5, 2015

Re: Request the City Council Reconsider Removing the Special Assessment Lien Placed on 1722 9th Street

____________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION: That the Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) requests the City Council to reconsider removing the special assessment lien and other related fines or penalties for code violations and nuisance abatement at 1722 Ninth Street.

JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT: The HAC’s mission is to advise Council on housing matters; Council on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs and funding allocations; hear and determines matters regarding the abatement of substandard and deficient buildings; serve as an appeals board for tenants and property owners regarding relocation and correction of code violations; advise Council on Housing Trust Fund (HTF) allocations. It is clear that this issue is in the purview of the HAC’s mission.

BACKGROUND: On June 4, 2013, the City Council voted to record the special a special assessment lien with the County of Alameda.

M/S/C (Maio/Wozniak) to adopt Resolution No. 66,192–N.S. rejecting the property owner's objection to the cost of the administrative fines issued to him for his failure to comply with Council Resolution No. 65,749-N.S. and allowing the lien to be recorded as written and approved by the City Manager. Vote: Ayes – Maio, Moore, Anderson, Capitelli, Wengraf, Wozniak, Bates; Noes – Arreguin; Abstain – None; Absent – Worthington (Recused)

During the June 4, 2013 conversation at City Council meeting, several members of the City Council, including Mayor Tom Bates indicated that upon completing the work required by Council Resolution No. 65,749–N.S., Mr. Alcala would be allowed to return to the City Council to request relief of the Special Assessment Lien.

On July 23, 2013, Mr. Alcala completed the remedial work on the main house under permit # 12-2361. On January 2, 2014, Mr. Alcala completed remedial work on the accessory building under permit # 12-804. Upon completion of these two remediations, Mr. Alcala complied with Council Resolution No. 65,749-N.S.



CURRENT SITUATION AND EFFECTS: Roberto Alcala’s 2014-2015 taxes are $3,600.34. However, due to the fines placed by the City of Berkeley Code Enforcement division, his taxes for 2013-20014 cycle is is $86,917.33. Without the $83,807.51 in City of Berkeley fines, his taxes would be 3,109.82.

According to the Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector, the City originally placed a $69,000 Special Assessment Lien on 1722 9th Street. If unable to pay, state law requires Alameda County to place 1.5 percent interest per month for a total of 18 percent interest per year. There is an option to pay in installments, however, a 20% payment is required with the remainder paid in 5 or less installments. If no payment is made in 5 years, the property is seized and sold at auction.

CONCLUSION: Based on the June 4, 2013 comments by several City Council members, it is the duty of the HAC to request that the City Council reconsider removing the special assessment lien other related additional fines or penalties for code violations and nuisance abatement at 1722 Ninth Street.


To: Housing Advisory Commission

From: Commission Vice-Chair Igor Tregub Commissioner Alejandro Soto-Vigil Commissioner Greg Magofna

Date: March 5, 2015

Re: Request for Information on Housing at the Berkeley Marina ____________________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Housing Advisory Commission request a city staff member from the Park, Recreation and Waterfront department to present information regarding housing rules and policies at the 1100 berths located in the Berkeley Marina.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Berkeley has a housing shortage, particularly for affordable housing. It is imperative that the Housing Advisory Commission examine all areas of housing controlled by city policy. The current berthing fees are reasonable and affordable, particularly if it is a livable space. (See: hyperlink #1)

The Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department control the livable spaces at the 1100 berths. As HAC commissioners, it is our duty to understand how this housing program works. Moreover, it would be interesting to learn whether the City can expand housing opportunities at this site.

CONCLUSION:

The Housing Advisory Commission should support this request to the City because the Berkeley Marina may be an underutilized location for affordable housing.

Attachments: 1. http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Parks_Rec_Waterfront/Marina/Berthing_Fees.aspx)


http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Parks_Rec_Waterfront/Marina/Berthing_Fees.aspx

From: Eleanor Walden [mailto: ] Sent: Monday, February 09, 2015 3:22 PM To: Health, Housing & Community Services; Rent Stabilization Program Subject: FYI: unsafe conditions at Redwood Gardens

Can these agencies give the residents of Redwood Gardens in Berkeley any support for unsafe living conditions and improper supervision of living environment?

Redwood Gardens, a non-profit corporate owned, HUD financed, 169 unit low income apartment, at 2951 Derby St. in Berkeley needs attention from Berkeley city government. The tenants and the owners have had severe disagreements over the past year but the latest abuse of the owners to protect the safety of the tenants must be brought to the attention of any agency that can look into the matter. I am writing to the Berkeley Housing Commission and the Rent Board for the purpose of asking if any pressure can be brought to CSI Coop, the owning corporation, to protect the safety of the tenants.

Over the week-end an incident occurred that was imminently dangerous. Due to lack of security, including unlocked doors and unsafe fencing, on the south-east entrance of Redwood Gardens, a man entered the building on Sat. morning about 2:30am. Berkeley police responded to a report filed 2/7/15 Sat. morning about 2:30 am that a man was seen in the courtyard of Redwood Gardens in the vicinity of the window of apartment 140. When the police came the man was discovered sleeping in the hallway of the building near apartment 102. At approximately 2:30am I was awakened by a noise outside my window and became aware that the window screen was out. My window screen was taken or fell out of the window and was found the next morning broken on the ground. This might have been coincidental but the correspondence to the time the man was seen is unnerving. An officer from Berkeley Police Department visited me at approximately 4pm on Sat. to take the report. He inspected the lack of security on the South East side of the building open to the street. I have pictures of the gates held together with twisted wire and large gaps in the fences through which anybody could crawl, to say nothing of any agile person being able to get over the 6ft. fence sections. The lack of security and disregard for the safety of the residents allowed by the management and owners of Redwood Gardens is a case for concern. Tenants have reported being worried about the open access and calling the office of the on site manager several times but never receiving acknowledgement or response to their concerns.

The police officer suggested that CSI and it's management hire a security company for the hours when workers are not here. Security cameras should be posted at the entrance points.

Eleanor Walden, Co-chair Residents' CouncilRedwood Gardens, #140
