HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-2013 HSC MinutesHUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes
CITY OF CITY OF DUBLIN
DUBLIN November 4, 2013
The November 4, 2013 Human Services Commission (HSC)was called to order at 7:00 PM at the Dublin
Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Luke Sims, Community Development Director.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners (Cm.) Present:Brown, Lockhart, McCormick, Muetterties, Wakamoto-Lee
Commissioners Absent: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Sims led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
3.1 Welcome to Human Services Commissioners
Mr. Sims welcomed the new Commissioners by expressing appreciation for the Commissioners participation in
a dynamic new role.
3.2 Administration of Oath of Office to newly appointed Human Services Commissioners by
City Clerk
Caroline Soto, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to the Human Services Commissioners.
Mr. Sims next introduced Staff: Joni Pattillo, City Manager; Amy Cunningham, Assistant to the City Manager
ATTCM); Lynette Darensburg, Administrative Analyst II; Anastasia Nelson, Recording Secretary; and Lauren
Quint, City Attorney's Office (CAO).
3.3 Public Comments — None
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS - None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — None
PUBLIC HEARING — None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None
NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Human Services Commissioner Orientation
Ms. Cunningham presented highlights of the adopted Commission bylaws, excerpts from the Commissioner
Resource Handbook and City of Dublin Administrative Policies as outlined in the Staff Report.
Ms. Quint presented a review of the Brown Act and Robert's Rules of Order as outlined in the Staff Report.
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Cm. Brown inquired about Commissioner's restrictions when outreaching with neighbor(s) in a private setting
to discuss local needs in the neighborhood/community. Ms. Cunningham remarked that statements made
would need to be identified as not representative of the entire Commission. Ms. Quint went on to state that the
Commissioners should use a disclosure statement at the beginning of the conversation identifying themselves
as a Commissioner and indicate that all statements made are of a personal opinion, as a resident of the City of
Dublin, not as a Commissioner representing the HSC.
Ms. Cunningham summarized the 2011 Human Services Needs Assessment: Findings Report of the Tri-Valley
Tri-Valley Needs Assessment) as outlined in the Staff Report.
Cm. McCormick asked if the HSC will be collaborating with the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton to develop a
strategic plan to address the needs as defined in the Tri-Valley Needs Assessment report. Ms. Cunningham
confirmed this to be so and advised that the City of Pleasanton is taking the lead in developing a strategic plan
and usually meet in June and August, however due to staff changes it is unknown if the tri-valley cities will
meet during the typical time frame.
Cm. Brown inquired if a Commissioner could independently reach out to Commissioners in Pleasanton and
Livermore to ascertain background and ideas on issues indicated in the Tri-Valley Needs Assessment. Ms.
Cunningham encouraged all to be mindful of the Brown Act. Ms. Pattillo added a note of caution in reaching
out independently from the Commission and advised that Commissioners should act as a group, whenever
possible, which in turn will promote good relationships and utilize the collective experience within the
Commission.
Cm. McCormick suggested developing a mission statement for the HSC that is specific to the objective of the
Commission. Ms. Cunningham referred to the bylaws of the Commission which can be used to develop a
mission statement. Cm. Lockhart suggested developing a vision statement as well, to define the goals of the
HSC for future Commissioners. All Commissioners agreed to implement a mission statement and vision for
the HSC.
Cm. Lockhart commented on the vague commentary in the affordable housing reporting in the Tri-Valley
Needs Assessment. Ms. Cunningham suggested that joint commission meetings will assist the tri-valley cities
in developing common language to identify specific needs.
8.2 Fiscal Year 2014-2015 City of Dublin Community Grants Program
Ms. Cunningham introduced an overview of the City's Community Grants Program and the Commission's role
in recommending grant funding allocations to the City Council as outlined in the Staff Report.
Ms. Darensburg continued the discussion of the Commission's role in recommending grant funding allocations
as identified in the Staff Report.
Cm. Lockhart inquired if funding deliberations are handled in a public forum similar to how it was handled in the
past by the City Council, with funding allocations decided upon the night of the presentations. Ms.
Cunningham confirmed and stated that a similar methodology is used by Commissions in Livermore and
Pleasanton.
Cm. Brown asked if Staff will eliminate grant applications that do not address any of the fourteen needs of the
Tri-Valley Needs Assessment, prior to the Commissioners review. Ms. Cunningham responded that applicants
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are informed of the criteria at a mandatory Community Grants Workshop and thus far no organization has
applied that did not qualify.
Cm. McCormick questioned if the applicant has to identify the need their organization is addressing within the
application process. Ms. Cunningham stated yes and added that it is mandatory for organizations to work in
harmony with the City's mission, vision and values.
Cm. Lockhart inquired if Commissioners are required to attend the Community Grants Workshop.
Ms. Cunningham responded no.
Cm. Lockhart also mentioned that some Commissioners may have conflicts of interest with grant applicant
organizations. Ms. Cunningham replied that Ms. Quint will review the HSC Organizational Affiliation
Worksheet and speak about conflicts of interests during this meeting.
Cm. Brown asked how many grant applications are usually submitted. Ms. Cunningham stated 25-30
applications are usually received.
Ms. Quint identified potential conflicts of interest related to each Commissioner's community
group/organization affiliations as outlined in the Staff Report and stressed the need to verbally recuse oneself
during voting/funding portions of a Commission meeting if affiliated with an organization and served in the
capacity of a board/officer member.
Ms. Cunningham presented a preview of the next HSC meeting and explained that grant funding is decided the
night of the presentations and that each applicant is granted three minutes per presentation followed by a two
minute question and answer, starting at 6 PM.
Ms. Quint suggested having all the recusals at the beginning of the meeting.
Cm. Brown asked if organizations can answer questions prior to the HSC meeting. Ms. Cunningham noted
how thorough the applications are in capturing the essence of the organization and emphasized that a
discussion should happen in a public forum. Ms. Cunningham also explained that the order of presenters is
determined by the application submittal date and time.
Cm. Brown asked if the organizations applying for a grant would benefit by staying to the end of the HSC
meeting. Ms. Cunningham replied that the funding recommendations are decided at the end of the meeting,
however all applicants will be notified of the funding recommendations.
Cm. Muetterties inquired as to when the January meeting would be held. Ms. Cunningham responded the
week of January the 20th
8.3 Establish Future Human Services Commission Quarterly Regular Meeting Schedule and
Appointment of Officers
Ms. Cunningham held a group discussion regarding a regular meeting date. All Commissioners agreed on
Monday or Thursday for a regular meeting date.
Mr. Sims opened the discussion to the Commissioners to select a HSC Chair and Vice Chair representative.
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On a motion by Cm. McCormick, seconded by Cm. Muetterties, on a vote of 5-0, the Commission voted
Janet Lockhart as Chair of the HSC. On a motion by Cm. McCormick, seconded by Chair Lockhart and
on a vote of 5-0, the Commission voted Alan Brown as Vice Chair of the HSC.
OTHER BUSINESS
9. Brief INFORMATION ONLY reports from the Human Services Commission and / or Staff
related to meetings attended at City Expense (AB 1234).
Chair Lockhart thanked Ms. Pattillo on behalf of all the Commissioners for the exciting opportunity to serve the
community through the HSC.
Ms. Pattillo recognized the City Council, including Mayor Sbranti and the commitment of Staff, for bringing the
Commission to fruition and for major accomplishments in housing developments, such as Emerald Vista. Ms.
Pattillo highlighted the partnerships with the faith based communities as a key component to making the
community better and complemented the HSC in seeing a need to compose a vision and mission statement.
The Commissioners agreed with Ms. Pattillo's suggestion to have Staff lay the groundwork in preparing a
vision and mission statement. Ms. Pattillo concluded by stating she sees a great future for the HSC.
Ms. Cunningham reminded the HSC that she and Mr. Sims will meet one on one with each Commissioner over
the next couple of months. Ms. Cunningham also mentioned some up-and-coming events: 2013 Tri-Valley
Community Outreach, Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Raymond's Catholic Church, November 28, 2013; First
Annual Tri-Valley Prayer Breakfast, November 25, 2013, sponsored by CityServe. Additionally, Ms.
Cunningham spoke about a pilot program in Livermore coordinated by Tri-Valley Haven and supported by non-
profit organizations to direct community needs through Tri-Valley Haven.
Chair Lockhart acknowledged Tri-Valley Haven as being known for providing services for battered women.
Ms. Cunningham elaborated that Tri-Valley Haven does provide services for domestic violence and
homelessness and is also partnering with other non-profit organizations in an effort to meet a full series of
needs for individuals/families and also to prevent a duplication of efforts for the same individual/family that
could deplete resources for others in need and if successful, this program will be expanded to the entire Tri-
Valley.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Anastasia Nelson, Recording S cretary
APPROVED:
Aviv.V9ildat ,
anet Lockhart, Chairperson
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