REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2037 to Amend Chapter 2.120, Entitled Boards and Commissions, to Create the City’s Housing Commission and Establish the Powers, Functions, and Duties of the Commission
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development
BACKGROUND
At the November 16, 2021 Council meeting, proposed Ordinance No. 2037 was introduced and passed for the purpose of publication. Pursuant to City Charter Sections 808 and 812, proposed Ordinance No. 2037 was published on December 1, 2021 and copies were posted in three public places. The Ordinance now comes to Council for final adoption.
DISCUSSION
Staff is recommending that the City Council enact an ordinance that clearly sets forth the composition of the membership, which shall consist of five council appointed members who shall not hold any paid office or employment in the City government, and shall have the powers, functions, and duties as noted above and in the attached Ordinance.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 2037 will allow the City to create and formalize the City’s Housing Commission that will be tasked with advisory functions related to the administration of the City’s Federal entitlement grants and programs, which include neighborhood enhancement, homeless programs, and public service grants. Additionally, the Housing Commission will study and advance the needs of Santa Clara’s unhoused populations, approved by the Community Plan to End Homelessness and the County’s Unhoused Taskforce to address homelessness in Santa Clara County.
Housing Commission - Scope
Advises City Council on programs, policies, and other issues regarding housing and community services. Responsibilities include:
• Study and advance the needs of Santa Clara’s unhoused populations, including providing recommendations to Council regarding the implementation of recommendations approved by the Community Plan to End Homelessness and the County’s Unhoused Taskforce to address homelessness in Santa Clara County
• Review proposed funding and grant applications by eligible public service agencies for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME and/or other available funds for public services and/or housing projects and help form funding recommendations to Council.
o Activities include: 1) reading proposals, 2) developing questions for agencies, 3) interviewing agencies and 4) making funding recommendations
• Review and provide feedback on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Plans and Annual Action Plans to provide recommendations to Council regarding the content of those plans, including oversight of the City’s Neighborhood Conservation and Investment Program (NCIP) and the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA).
Concurrently with the formation of the commission and City Council’s appointment of commission members, City Staff will bring forward a resolution to set the commission meeting schedule for Council approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact with the adoption of this ordinance.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and City Clerk’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
A summary of proposed Ordinance No. 2037 was published to the Santa Clara Weekly on December 1, 2021 and copies were posted in three public places and made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office.
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Waive Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2037 to amend Chapter 2.120, entitled Boards and Commissions, to add the City’s Housing Commission and establish the powers, functions, and duties of the commission with the Commission to begin activity after conclusion of the Ad Hoc Homelessness Taskforce.
Staff
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Klotz, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance No. 2037 (Introduction)