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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Development Block Grant Commission - Minutes - 04/17/2008Commission Members Present: Bob Browning, Chair Eric Berglund, Vice Chair Michael Kulischeck Jeff Taylor Kay Rios Jennifer Wagner Catherine Costlow Staff Present: Ken Waido Heidi Phelps Julie Smith Sharon Thomas Megan Woodman Kara Smith NOTE: All motions appropriate to each Competitive Process application are listed by project and category in these minutes. As such, the listing represents a summary of discussions and motions rather than a chronological record of such proceedings. In the case of several motions for a funding recommendation, final carrying motions are so noted. MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mr. Browning. He noted that the CDBG Commission needed to be very formal in its process tonight, since the Commission will be forwarding its resulting Spring 2008 Competitive Process funding recommendations to City Council. The first funding deliberation category was Housing. Following discussion of all Housing applications, moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to accept final Housing funding recommendations as they appeared on the Housing Funding Matrix grid. Motion carried unanimously. The next funding deliberation category was CDBG Program Administration. Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Ms. Wagner: to recommend full funding for CDBG administration. Motion carried unanimously. Next, moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Rios: to accept the CDBG Administration funding recommendation as it appeared on the Funding Matrix grid. Motion carried unanimously. The funding deliberation discussion for the Public Service category was lengthy. After all Public Services applications were discussed, and initial funding recommendations made, a motion was made, seconded, and carried to accept the Public Service funding recommendations as they appeared on the Funding Matrix grid. That motion was later rescinded due to some concerns surrounding the vote not being unanimous. After more discussion, where some Commission members explained what recommendations they were not totally in agreement with, it was determined that not everyone's exact preferences could be met, due to a lack of funding this year. Commission members agreed that the City needs to attempt to get "the most bang for its buck", and serve populations that need assistance with the most basic of needs: food, shelter, and safety. Following the additional discussion of Public Service funding issues, moved by Ms. Wagner, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to approve the Public Service category funding recommendations as they appeared on the Funding Matrix grid. Motion carried unanimously. The final funding deliberation discussion was for the HOME Program Administration category. Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full funding. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. HOUSING CATEGORY APPLICATIONS HO-01 CARE: Provincetowne Pre -Development Costs. Request: $150,000 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Berglund: to recommend full ($150,000) funding. This agency has a good track record with previous projects. This project has had a good start. The Commission has supported CARE projects in the past, and it is only appropriate to continue. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $150,000 HO-02 City of Fort Collins: Home Buyer Assistance. Request: $200,000 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend full ($200,000) funding. This program provides wonderful home ownership opportunities. With the down economy, this is a very important program. It recycles funds and it makes the American dream possible. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $200,000 HO-03 City of Fort Collins: Land Bank. Request: $201,387 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Berglund: to recommend zero ($0) funding. Given the lack of funds available, and the fact that there are already several properties currently in the land bank inventory, the Commission thinks that the money is better used elsewhere. If there was a contract on a property, it would be different. The City cannot afford to fund "walking around" money. Site identification is needed. This activity is not a priority in the Consolidated Plan. It is not a priority to fund the land bank program this cycle. Motion carried 6-1. Funding recommendation: $0 HO-04 Fort Collins Housing Authority: Stanford Acquisition. Request: $1,139,000 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full ($1,139,000) funding. Good opportunity in today's market to retain 82 housing units as affordable. The Housing Authority will be able to rehabilitate units and do some energy savings, etc. This is their area of expertise. Aging units, but good plan for updating and longevity. Good leveraging of funds. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $1,139,000 HO-05 Fort Collins Housing Corporation: Leisure Drive Rehab. Request: $216,524 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full ($216,524) funding. Housing Corporation has a good track record. This project would be maintaining properties in an affordable range. Previously rehabbed projects have been a benefit to the neighborhoods that they are in. Housing Corporation handles the project budget and funding, so they can come back in the fall cycle for additional funds, if necessary. Project serves low-income and extremely low-income clients. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $216,524 HOUSING CATEGORY: OVERALL FUNDING MOTION Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to accept the Housing funding recommendations as they appear on the Housing Funding Matrix grid. Motion carried unanimously. El ADMINISTRATION CATEGORY APPLICATIONS AD-1 City of Fort Collins: CDBG Program Administration. Request: $211,078 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Ms. Wagner: to recommend full ($211,078) funding. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $211,078 Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Rios: to accept the CDBG Program Administration recommendation as it appears on the Funding Matrix grid. Motion carried unanimously. AD-02 City of Fort Collins: HOME Program Administration. Request: $81,840 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full ($81,840) funding. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $81,840 E PUBLIC SERVICE CATEGORY APPLICATIONS PS-01 B.A.S.E. Camp: Scholarships. Request: $48,000 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend partial funding in the amount of $36,000. The funding is for scholarships. It was noted that the $48,000 seemed a bit high, given last year's funding level. However it was clarified that the need for a higher amount stemmed primarily from Poudre School District's change in facility rental policies. The District will be charging per child daily fees for facility rentals during the summer. This program is a good companion program to the Food Bank's Kids' Cafe program, as it is year-round. BASE Camp provides needed care for younger children before and after school when parents work full time. This non- profit agency does so at a better cost than other independent, for -profit providers. There was disagreement over the partial funding recommendation, since the program helps keep people employed. In these times, people need to know their kids are safe. It was noted that the increased funding request reflected increased summer operations costs, and therefore a greater need for scholarships. Motion carried 4-3. FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend full ($48,000) funding. The importance of affordable childcare and keeping parents working is of huge benefit to the community. Motion carried 5-2 Funding recommendation: $48,000 PS-02 Boys and Girls Club: After School Program. Request: $18,309 FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Mr. Browning, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend partial funding in the amount of $11,520. Program allows people keep working and provides for a safe place for their kids to go. It was noted that there might be some crossover in services between this program and BASE Camp's offerings. Motion carried unanimously. M Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Mr. Browning: to recommend full ($18,309) funding. Commission members again noted the importance of affordable childcare in the community. It is important to keep people working and comfortable that their kids are safe. Motion failed 3-4. Funding recommendation: $11,520 PS-03 Catholic Charities Northern: Senior Outreach. Request: $10,000 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Berglund: to recommend full ($10,000) funding. It was noted that this program has had a lot of funding cuts. This request is a small amount to ask for in order to serve an at -risk population. The per -person cost is relatively low. Also, there is good leveraging of funds. The seniors served by this program are extremely low-income. Motion carried 6-1. Funding recommendation: $10,000 PS-04 Catholic Charities Northern: Shelter and Supportive Services. Request: $48,264 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend partial funding at $34,927. Motion carried unanimously. Although CCN does good work, there is no real measured overall impact with a quantifiable data source. However, there have been good outcomes with families transitioning to housing. CCN provides hard and soft case management to a very vulnerable population. Funding homelessness services is not always popular, but it is a growing need. The needs of the disenfranchised, chronically homeless -- a group that doesn't always fit into the shelter framework -- was mentioned. Moved by Mr. Berglund: full funding for PS-4. No second, motion failed. 7 FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Ms. Costlow, seconded by Mr. Berglund: to put the $8,619 remaining after the initial round of funding recommendations towards this homeless shelter request (PS-4). This action would bring the total funding recommendation to $43,546. There is a need in our community for people to go to these places when they are in a crisis. It was noted again that CCN is the sole community -wide provider for emergency shelter in our city. It is important to make sure that service continues. Motion carried 4-3. Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Wagner: to recommend PS-4, Catholic Charities Northern's Shelter, for the minimum amount requested ($34,927). Motion failed 2-4-1. The intent of the motion was to free up some money for some of the other programs. Funding recommendation: $43,546 PS-05 Crossroads Safehouse: Advocacy Program. Request: $90,000 Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend partial funding at $45,000. This program serves an at -risk, vulnerable population. There would be value gained in having a licensed clinical social worker on staff. It would be a good addition to their program and would bring additional training skills to this agency's existing staff. The Commission thinks this agency does good work. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $45,000 PS-06 Disabled Resource Services: Access to Independence (ATI) Program. Request: $22,054 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend full ($22,054) funding. This program serves a unique population in our community. Due to the leveraging DRS has, and the number of individuals served, there is good "bang for the buck". The Commission would hate to see this program go away. It provides unique, comprehensive support for a vulnerable population. Motion carried 6-1. Funding recommendation: $22,054 PS-07 Education Life Training Center (ELTC): Employment Skills Training. Request: $25,000 Moved by Ms. Wagner: to recommend zero ($0) funding. No second, motion failed. FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Ms. Costlow: to recommend partial funding at $17,623. This program provides GED and good skills training, which improves job marketability. It helps people get something above a non -living wage. The great partnership with employers was highlighted. The Commission discussed whether it could recommend funding for less than the minimum amount. Supporl for this program was expressed, because it is one of the few programs that focuses on adult literacy -- a silent, unmet need. There was a suggestion to fund this program at a higher amount. Conversely, it was stated that this not being a case of providing a roof over someone's head or a putting food in a child's mouth, and therefore lower on the scale of primary needs. There was a rebuttal, citing how imperative employment skills are for a living wage. It was also noted that when the Commission asked for hard numbers on the outcomes for measurements of success, it did not get them, and that there are higher funding priorities. Motion carried 5-2. Funding recommendation: $17,623 PS-08 Education Life Training Center (ELTC): Job Access and Retention. Request: $4,992 Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Kulischeck: to recommend zero ($0) funding. The presentation the agency gave was good. It was alleged that there is a duplication of these services, which are also supplied by employers. One Commission member didn't remember hearing the duplication part, and wouldn't support zero funding. Support for funding this project was expressed, since "soft" life skills gained are so important. A lot of people lose theirjobs and don't understand why. They may not have learned how to deal with people or to show up on time. At the same time, concern was expressed over the severe budget issues this year — there may not be enough "pad" in the budget to cover recommending funding for this project. The importance of soft skills was again noted. It was at least one member's belief that some of this training content was covered in ELTC's basic offerings. One Commission member brought forth a desire to see this content incorporated into ELTC's regular classes. Motion carried 4-3. Funding recommendation: $0 PS-09 Elderhaus: Therapy Center Activity Program. Request: $21,202 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Berglund: to recommend full ($21,202) funding. This is not a duplicated service and Elderhaus has a good track record. The program serves an at risk population, and where possible, gets folks back to a sustainable point for re-entering society. Caregivers are given critical respite. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $21,202 PS-10 Elderhaus: Home Front Veterans Program. Request: $32,256 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Kulischeck: to recommend zero ($0) funding. The Commission stressed that the concept is valuable. The program does not yet have specific projected numbers or a track record -- it was mentioned that there would be "a lot". One Commission member had concerns about who the program would actually be serving. Once this program is on the ground running, there would be a greater comfort level with providing support at that time. The Commission is dealing with extreme funding issues. There are very pressing needs in the community that, if this program were funded, would go unmet. 10 Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $0 PS-11 Family Center: Sliding Scale Fee. Request: $20,000 Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend full ($20,000) funding. Anything the City can do with available funds to help parents stay employed and keep kids safe is good. The sliding fee spots open in Ft. Collins are disappearing and the City needs to continue supporting the ones that do exist. It was noted that with the closing of several child care centers and wait lists increasing, the City needs to support those that are left as much as possible. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $20,000 PS-12 Food Bank: Kids Cafe Program. Request: $22,167 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full ($22,167) funding. The Food Bank has a proven track record and great funds leveraging for this program. There is a need to keep the future of our country healthy. This program is a year round service, and targets the most vulnerable part of our population. There is a high number of clients served for the funds provided. This program has documented its outcomes really well. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $22,167 PS-13 HPI: Emergency Rent Assistance. Request: $40,000 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full ($40,000) funding. HPI does a great job of helping people to maintain housing stability. This program makes good use of partnerships to leverage resources. Great bang for 11 the funding buck. It is a particular advantage of this program that all the funding goes to direct assistance, and not to administration or salaries. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $40,000 PS-14 LCMH: Mental Health Services for Crisis Prevention Partnership. Request: $41,238 Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms. Costlow: to recommend partial funding at $20,619. This effort is a good partnership among agencies, and targets people at the lowest AMI level. With intervention for these clients, it is a case of pay now or pay later. These community members are being helped later, but not at the very end, which is good. This program highlights the linkages of prison population problems and mental health issues. This collaborative leverages state and national level money well. It was noted that the request translated to a high per client cost. Concern was expressed regarding a lack of measurable impacts and quantifiable outcomes. Motion carried 4-3. FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Wagner: to change the funding recommendation for this project (PS-14) to zero ($0). It was stated that there are other priorities that are more important in the community. Motion carried 4-1-2 Moved by Ms. Rios: to recommend funding of the $8,619 remaining after the initial round of funding recommendations towards this program (PS- 14). No second, motion died. Funding recommendation: $0 12 PS-15 Matthews House: Program for At -Risk Youth. Request: $29,436 Moved by Mr. Browning, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend partial funding for $14,000. It was noted that this is a classic case of "pay now or pay later". There is a need to keep these kids out of jail. The program has great leveraging. It fills the gap between the teenager who has full-time, intense supervision and adult services. There is a huge number of volunteers, which is a good thing. The concern is primarily with the program's budget, which includes a large sum of donations from private individuals that have not been guaranteed. There was a question on why the motion was for the minimum amount requested It was answered that the motion maker's individual preference was for funding recommendations at the minimum amount requested for most applicants, due to the overall lack of funds available. Motion carried 5-1-1. Funding recommendation: $14,000 PS-16 Northern Colorado AIDS Project (NCAP): Client Services and Homelessness Prevention Program. Request: $25,000 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Mr. Kulischeck: to recommend full ($25,000) funding. This agency services a vulnerable population. NCAP's track record is fantastic, and they have been able to help a lot of folks. They have demonstrated themselves to be well connected to their clientele and have been able to meet housing services and other basic needs for clients. They are the only source in our community for this kind of comprehensive service for this client base. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $25,000 PS-17 Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N): Emergency Rent Assistance. Request: $21,000 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full ($21,000) funding. 13 The Commission thinks this program exhibits good leveraging of funds. N2N's Emergency Rent Assistance program is a good companion program to other local efforts working to avoid eviction and homelessness. The agency comprehensively assesses people's housing situations, with a view towards future prevention of similar circumstances for households. It was positively noted that this is a small amount of case management to help keep folks in their homes. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $21,000 PS-18 Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N): Housing Counseling. Request: $68,906 Moved by Mr. Browning, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to recommend full ($68,906) funding. The Commission acknowledged that these are tough times and there is a need to keep people in housing as much as possible. Motion failed 3-4. Moved by Ms. Rios: to recommend partial funding at $45,000. No second, motion died. It was noted that Neighbor to Neighbor was the only local agency providing a full spectrum of housing counseling services, including reverse mortgage counseling. There was disagreement among Commission members surrounding the validity of the reverse mortgage counseling statement. It was argued that there are other agencies that also provide this service. The amount recommended covers the housing counseling position. It was asserted that the mortgage counseling position would reflect the remainder of the request, and may not be as important in this cycle. Commission comments on previous motions for this program apply to this motion, as well. The rise in foreclosures has created more work for this agency. FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Ms. Wagner, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend partial funding at $39,375. A need for clarification and context on the housing counselor was expressed. It was noted that the application's Page 3 states that this program is the primary source of housing counseling in Fort Collins, which is a reason to support it. The 14 agency is free to spend recommended funds within the framework of its request components in whatever way it sees fit. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $39,375 PS-19 Project Self -Sufficiency (PS-S): Services for Single Parent Families. Request: $30,000 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Berglund: to recommend full ($30,000) funding. This agency has a good track record, and helps people who do not have other resources. Project Self -Sufficiency is the only agency that comprehensively empowers these clients. It was noted that this program provides a long-term benefit to the community by opening up enhanced employment opportunities. Motion carried 5-2. Funding recommendation: $30,000 PS-20 Respite Care: Scholarships. Request: $25,000 Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Wagner: to recommend full ($25,000) funding. This is a unique program that helps a needy part of our population, and is unduplicated in our area. By providing needed care, Respite's services allow caregivers to keep working, which is especially important in the current economy. Motion carried unanimously. Funding recommendation: $25,000 PS-21 Rehabilitation and Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA): Home Health Care Scholarships. Request: $35,000 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Berglund: to recommend full ($35,000) funding. 15 There is a growing demand for these services, and it is well documented. The Commission is supportive of the fact that funds go directly to client services for scholarships. Services provided help keep people independent and in their homes. The program services two special populations, the elderly and those with disabilities. Motion carried, 4-3. Funding recommendation: $35,000 PS-22 United Day Care Center (UDCC): Scholarships. Request: $54,000 Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend full ($54,000) funding. There is a huge need for affordable childcare services. This program helps keep families employed and provides a safe place for children. The demand will increase and the supply is decreasing. It was noted that this agency's cost -per - child numbers for City funding have gone up. Dollars requested for the grant reflect a higher proportionate cost per client than other programs. At the same time, it is an important program to support. Motion carried 6.1. Funding recommendation: $54,000 PS-23 United Way: 2-1-1. Request: $29,259 Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Ms. Wagner: to recommend zero ($0) funding. The Competitive Process allocates limited funds; 2-1-1 is not a direct service and doesn't meet the primary need criteria. The issue of duplication of services was raised, since many agencies do at least some of their own information and referral (I & R). Conversely, almost every one of the applicants for funding said that they use this service. The main opposition from the Commission for funding this request centered around essentially funding another funder (United Way). Additionally, although 2-1-1 does a lot to meet the basic needs of low-income citizens, not all their assistance is health and safety related or for lower -income community members. The Commission pointed out that, ideally, it was important to demonstrate community buy -in for this program. One Commission member asserted that the program should be funded through a tax. It was expressed that the program should be supported, but not fully funded. 16 Motion carried 6-1. Funding recommendation: $0 PS-24 Volunteers of America: Home Delivered Meals. Request: $25,116 FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend full ($25,116) funding. This project serves a critical basic need for at -risk populations. It makes sure people maintain their independence. The federal and state funding for this program receives requires a local match. This service does not duplicate any existing programs. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Taylor moved to recommend reduction of this project's funding to the minimum requested. No second, motion died. Funding recommendation: $25,116 PS-25 Women's Resource Center: Dental Care. Request: $29,040 Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Ms. Rios: to recommend full ($29,040) funding. The Commission believes this program meets a critical health and safety need. This is the only entity currently serving this population in the City, and serves extremely low income clients. The program leverages funds well, and is truly making a difference. Early intervention like this can help prevent some more serious issues that could occur later on. It was noted that when a person's teeth are negatively affected, it can also affect many other organs. Dental care is an amazing preventative care mechanism. In addition to the health care benefits of the program, there are also some soft benefits: finding and keeping employment, and gaining self esteem. Motion carried 6-1. Funding recommendation: $29,040 17 Public Service Category: Overall Funding Recommendation Note: Motions and votes to "accept funding recommendations as they currently appear on the Public Service Funding Matrix grid" reflect differing funding values, depending on outcomes of voting at any given time. A hard copy of the Public Service Funding Matrix grid, as it reflects the Final Carrying Motion for acceptance of the recommendations, is made a part of the permanent record of these deliberations. Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms Rios: to accept the funding recommendations as they currently appear on the Public Service Funding Matrix grid. It is a tough cycle and the Commission is trying to help the City get the most bang for its buck. it was noted that the Commission really tried to document why certain projects didn't get funded. One member lamented that, given the importance of affordable childcare, it was unfortunate that the BASE Camp and Boys and Girls Club requests weren't fully funded. The Commission revisited projects that didn't get recommendations for full funding. Motion failed 3-4. Moved by Ms. Rios, seconded by Mr. Kulischeck: motion should be to accept the recommended funding amounts for agencies based on the monetary values reflected on the Funding Matrix grid, and not tie the motion to a funding source [staff will align recommended funds with appropriate funding sources to ensure smooth program implementation]. Motion carried 5-2. One Commission Member wanted to know why the two Members who did not vote to approve the grid, did so. One dissenting Member noted that he was struggling with where to take money from. He believed very strongly in funding LCMH's application (PS-14), and wanted to see it funded. The other Member noted that his funding preferences turned out to be very different from what the Board had recommended. It was also shared that there are two ways of looking at funding allocations. The City can give each applicant its minimum amount requested, or the City can maximize its money spent on those agencies who do get funded. Moved by Mr. Berglund, seconded by Mr. Kulischeck: to re -visit the funding recommendations in the Public Service category that the Commission made, and re -open deliberation [in effect, rescinding the prior motion]. EEC Regarding the $43,546 for Catholic Charities Northern's Shelter application (PS- 4), one Commission Member expressed discomfort with the recommended amount. His concern was that the $43,546 didn't fall within logical reasoning that justifies that it is 'Y' number of hours or'Y' number of salaries. Another Commission member clarified, sharing that some applicant is going to be the recipient of the remaining money not already recommended for funding to another application, and that it would therefore not exactly match number of salary hours, etc. Motion carried 5-2. Moved by Mr. Kulischeck: to accept the funding recommendations for the Public Service category as they currently appear on the Funding Matrix grid. No second, motion failed. It was then more specifically asked what funding changes the other dissenting Member [on the 5-2 vote] would make. The dissenting Member noted that his changes would have been so sweeping, that it would not have been beneficial to what appeared to be the majority thinking of the Commission, and that he was choosing to defer to the majority thinking of the Commission. FINAL CARRYING MOTION: Moved by Ms. Wagner, seconded by Mr. Taylor: to approve the funding recommendations as they currently appear on the Public Service Funding Matrix grid. It was reiterated that the Commission's voice, in speaking through its majority voting, was valid. It was also reemphasized that it was important for the City to get the best bang for its buck, and to serve the populations who need the funding the most. Another Commission member asserted that the Commission was not arbitrary on its recommendations for any of the requests, but had done the best that it could, given the limited funds available. Motion carried unanimously. There will be no City Council Study Session regarding this Competitive Process cycle. The Agenda Item for this Spring 2008 Competitive Process funding allocation will be heard and decided on by City Council on June 3rd. One Commission member wanted to know that if there was an alternative funding allocation motion [based on a funding recommendation disagreement by an applicant, and a differing funding decision by City Council], would the Commission be notified? Staff reassured the Commission that if there was an applicant strongly contesting the recommendation for its request, that the Commission would be notified, and the process adjusted, if necessary. Moved by Mr. Kulischeck, seconded by Ms. Rios: to adjourn. 11 , Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. a, 19