2004-05-13 Joint CC HABOC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
THURSDAY- -MAY 13, 2004- -6:01 P.M.
Mayor /Chair Johnson convened the Special Joint Meeting at 6:51 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers /Board Members Daysog,
Gilmore, Kerr, Matarrese, Board Member
Torrey and Mayor /Chair Johnson - 6.
Absent: None.
(04 -220) Study Sessions to consider the Two -year Financial Plan
for the Housing Authority.
The City Manager noted the Housing Authority presentation was
revised to include updated funding information.
The Housing Authority Executive Director gave a presentation on the
Housing Authority budget, including the impact of changes in
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding.
Mayor /Chair Johnson requested a chart of the number of Housing
Authority employees over the past several years, as other
department provided.
In response to Council /Authority questions the Housing Authority
Executive Director stated that the Housing Authority would have an
approximately $3.2 million deficit at the end of the current fiscal
year; by not paying the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) for the
month of June, $1.6 million would be saved.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated that a plan needs to be created to deal
with the emergency; the City needs to work with legislators; the
Council /Board needs to be involved; immediate steps need to be
taken; other cities do not appear to have been impacted like
Alameda; inquired whether Berkeley has had funding issues; stated
the City needs to take any action, including talking to the
Secretary of HUD.
Councilmember /Board Member Matarrese stated notices are going out
to tenants tomorrow; people should be informed; questioned whether
there is a way to hold off [sending out notice] and find an
immediate solution.
The Housing Authority Executive Director indicated that the notices
would include information about upcoming public meetings; the
Housing Authority would be informing both landlords and tenants
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
May 13, 2004
about the situation.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated more should be done politically; noted
Congressman Pete Start would be in Alameda Saturday.
The City Manager suggested the Mayor /Chair meet with Congressman
Stark; stated staff would follow up.
Mayor /Chair Johnson suggested other Councilmembers /Board Members be
permitted to meet with Congressman Stark.
The City Manager stated staff would get out notice to allow the
entire Council /Board to attend.
Councilmember /Board Member Kerr stated the City needs an active
lobbyist to work with HUD.
The City Manager stated staff would follow up with the City's
lobbyist to seek suggestions.
Councilmember /Board Member Kerr requested information about what is
happening in other cities, such as Oakland, San Leandro, etc.
The City Manager stated staff would provide information.
Councilmember /Board Member Kerr questioned whether Alameda is being
singled out and whether HUD is making a political decision; noted
HUD has gone after Alameda before.
Mayor /Chair Johnson stated the City should work with the lobbyist
very quickly to develop a plan.
Councilmember /Board Member Kerr inquired whether HUD funded
reserves in other jurisdictions, to which the Housing Authority
Executive Director responded in the affirmative.
Mayor /Chair Johnson requested that funding of reserves be addressed
on Saturday with Congressman Stark.
Vice Mayor /Board Member Daysog requested information on why the
number of contracts should be reduced from 1659 to zero, rather
than 1659 to 1625; noted the City receives funds for 1625 contracts
and only has 34 over leasing contracts.
The Housing Authority Executive Director stated a spreadsheet would
be provided.
In response to Vice Mayor /Board Members Daysog's inquiry about the
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
May 13, 2004
contracts being in a certain area, the Housing Authority Executive
Director responded that he would provide said information; a high
proportion are west of Sherman Street.
Mayor /Chair Johnson called a recess at 7:50 p.m. to continue a
Special Joint City Council, Community Improvement Commission and
Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Meeting and reconvened the Special
Joint Meeting at 8:58 p.m.
The Council /Board discussed the funding shortfall and directed a
meeting be scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2004.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor /Chair Johnson adjourned the
Special Joint Meeting at 9:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
Special Joint Meeting
Alameda City Council and Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners
May 13, 2004