HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-11 Human Relations Commission Action MinutesADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to
access City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with
government code section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
Page 1 of 28
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ACTION MINUTES
Thursday, February 11, 2021
7:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING
****BY VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ONLY***
Commissioners Present: de Tourreil, Regehr, Savage, Stinger
Absent: Smith
Staff: Minka van der Zwaag, Mary Constantino
Council Liaison: Council Member Stone
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment: Aram James, Rebecca Eisenberg
IV. BUSINESS
1. Presentation on City of Palo Alto’s Housing Element update working group – Tim
Wong, Senior Planner
Mr. Wong presented information on the upcoming update of the City’s Housing Element
and explained of how members or the community could submit an application for
consideration for participating in the working group.
No Action Taken
2.Presentation regarding policy development for renter protection measures – Lauren
Bigelow, Partnership for the Bays Future Fellow at City of Palo Alto
Presentation on research regarding local demographics and policies in regards to possible
renter protection.
No Action Taken
3.Introduction to issues related to housing insecurity in Palo Alto, presentation and
panel discussion.
a.Elizabeth Guzman, Director of Dispute Resolution Programs - Project
Sentinel
Ms. Guzman provided insight to calls they receive from the public who are seeking
help with rent related issues.
ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to
access City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with
government code section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
Page 2 of 28
b.Philip Dah, Senior Director, LifeMoves Opportunity Services Center & Hotel
de Zink Shelter
Mr. Dah explained that through LifeMoves’ Opportunity Center they provide rental
assistance and are part of the EAN, Emergency Assistance Network of Santa Clara
County. They provide rent assistance and eviction intervention for folks who live
in Palo Alto among several other services.
c.Leah Cowan, local renter
Ms. Cowan is a longtime resident and renter in Palo Alto. She shared her family
experience living in a BMR Section 8 unit.
d.Angie Evans, local housing justice advocate
Ms. Evans provided information about the newly formed Palo Alto Renters’
Association which is governed by an eight-person steering committee which
priorities include a rent registry, public education, tenant harassment and affordable
housing.
No Action Taken
4.De-brief on Human Relations Commission Retreat
The Commission further discussed follow up steps regarding the workplan items that were
agreed upon at the February 5, 2021 retreat and made a decision regarding the review of
the HSRAP applications.
MOTION: Chair Smith moved and seconded by Vice Chair Stinger that the Chair, staff,
and up to 2 members of the public who are not current members of HRC (upon agreement
of the Chair and staff) shall review and make recommendations to the full HRC regarding
FY22/23 HSRAP funding recommendations. Chair Smith moved, seconded by Vice Chair
Stinger that the chair staff and up to two members who are not current members of the
Commission.
MOTION PASSED: 4-0
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Commissioner Savage moved, seconded by Commissioner de Tourreil to
approve the Minutes for the January 14, 2021 Human Relations Commission Meeting.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0
VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Thursday, March 11,2021
Staff presented that on the March 11 HRC meeting the Community Development Grant
Block (CDBG) and the Human Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) funding
recommendations will be brought to the full HRC and with just those two items, the meeting
will be lengthy. Staff asked the Commissioners if they would prefer to delay the other
proposed items to the April meeting, have two March meetings or have one long meeting.
The Commissioners chose to have two March meetings.
ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to
access City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn about the City's compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact 650-329-2550 (voice), or e-mail ada@cityofpaloalto.org . This agenda is posted in accordance with
government code section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Members of the public are welcome to attend this public meeting.
Page 3 of 28
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:10pm