body,date,page,text,path
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,1,"City of Alameda Page 1
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 11, 2017
the
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Board Vice President Marguerite Malloy.
2.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Vice President Marguerite Malloy, Members John Nolan, Jan Brandt, Troy
Hosmer
ABSENT:
President Dean Batchelor
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Bronstein, Human Resources Director and Executive
Secretary to the Board
Chris Low, Senior Human Resources Analyst
Robin Young, Senior Human Resources Analyst
Monica Alvarez-Selles, Human Resources Analyst II
Sabina Netto, Human Resources Analyst II
Jessica Romeo, Human Resources Analyst I
Alan Cohen, Assistant City Attorney II
Captain Don Owyang, Alameda Police Department
3.
MINUTES:
3-A Approval of Minutes of the Regular meeting of October 5, 2016.
Vice President Malloy noted correction to the vote count for motions to approve Sections
4-A-i, 4-A-ii, 4-A-iii on page four (4), section 4-A-iv with the exception of the Energy
Resource Analyst, Substation Technician and Crime Prevention specialist, and section 5-
A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D, 5-E and 5F, votes were incorrectly listed as 3-0 and should be corrected
to 4-0.
Vice President Malloy asked for clarification on page four of the October 5, 2016 minutes,",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,2,"City of Alameda Page 2
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 11, 2017
under Section 4-A-iv, she suggested a correction to be made to correct her statement as,
""
wanted to understand the reason for the new specification.""
Vice President Malloy asked for clarification on page four of the October 5, 2016 minutes,
under Section 5-F, she suggested a correction to be made to correct her statement as,
""
their place which can happen if you open a new exam.""
Member Nolan moved that the October 5, 2016 Minutes be approved with
correction. Motion was seconded by Member Brandt which was passed by a 4-0
vote.
4.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
4-A. SUMMARY REPORT FOR EXAMINATION ELIGIBLE LISTS AND
CLASSIFICATIONS FOR JANUARY 11, 2017
4-A-i. ELIGIBLE LIST ESTABLISHED
DATE ESTABLISHED
EXAM NO.
(September 1, 2016 - November 30, 2016)
Customer Service Representative
09/19/2016
2016-50
Financial Services Manager
09/29/2016
2016-43
Administrative Technician II
10/10/2016
2016-46
Firefighter (continuation of 2014-34)
10/17/2016
2016-61
Maintenance Worker I (designated from 2016-19)
10/18/2016
2016-60
Accountant I
11/15/2016
2016-44
Accountant II
11/21/2016
2016-45
Associate Civil Engineer
11/21/2016
2016-40
Fire Captain
11/22/2016
2016-34
Custodian
11/28/2016
2016-53
Police Officer
Anderson, Dominic
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Batta, Rame
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Crawford, Bradley
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
De Claro, Neil
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Hassan, Abrahim
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Jericoff, Michael
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Knight, Emily
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Ringle-Baker, Nicholas
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Sklar, Jacob
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Vierra, Jacob
10/19/2016
2016-26PTc
Prado, Noel
10/19/2016
2016-28c
Reinhardt, Alan
10/19/2016
2016-28c
Schanen, Ryan
10/26/2016
2016-26PTc
Johnston, Brenden
10/26/2016
2016-26PTc
McQuade, Mason
10/26/2016
2016-29PTc
Montalvo, Kayla
10/26/2016
2016-26PTc
Rivera, Roland
10/26/2016
2016-28c
Callahan, Garrett
10/26/2016
2016-28c
Nguyen, Lai
10/26/2016
2016-28c
Arana, Daniel
10/26/2016
2016-28c",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,3,"City of Alameda Page 3
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 11, 2017
Ang, Andrew
10/26/2016
2016-28c
Orduno, Ryan
10/26/2016
2016-30PTc
4-A-ii. ELIGIBLE LIST EXTENDED
DATE ESTABLISHED
EXAM NO.
Redevelopment Project Manager
10/20/2015
2015-12
Division Chief
10/23/2015
2015-16PR
Human Resources Manager
11/02/2015
2015-70
City Engineer
03/03/2016
2016-02
Librarian
04/05/2016
2016-09
Fire/Building Code Compliance Officer
05/31/2016
2016-16
4-A-iii. ELIGIBLE LIST EXPIRED/
DATE ESTABLISHED
EXAM NO.
CANCELLED/EXHAUSTED
Paralegal
03/04/2015
2015-03
Assistant General Manager - Engineering & Operations 07/21/2015
2015-23
Public Works Manager II
08/05/2015
2015-34
Utility Geographic Information Systems Analyst
08/20/2015
2015-26
Deputy City Clerk
09/02/2015
2015-54
Traffic Signal Maintenance Technician
10/13/2015
2015-60
Administrative Technician II
10/21/2015
2015-67
Senior Clerk
11/03/2015
2015-72
Public Relations Officer
11/10/2015
2015-37
Permit Technician
11/24/2015
2015-82
Electrical Distribution Technician
02/24/2016
2015-79
Administrative Technician Il
03/02/2016
2015-81a
Management Analyst
03/17/2016
2016-17
Park Maintenance Foreperson
03/28/2016
2016-07
Utility Construction Compliance Specialist
04/28/2016
2016-01
Combination Building Inspector
05/03/2016
2016-15
Public Safety IT Systems Coordinator
05/31/2016
2016-20
4-A-iv. LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS
Existing Classification Specification Revision:
-
Engineering Manager
-
Substation Technician
New Classification Specifications:
-
Crime Prevention Technician
Member Brandt moved to approve Consent Calendar items 4-A-i, 4-A-ii, and 4-A-iii.
Motion was seconded by Member Nolan which was passed by a 4-0 vote.
Vice President Malloy requested to pull item 4-A-iv for further discussion. Vice President
Malloy first asked for comments or questions on Classification Specification Revisions for
Engineering Manager and Substation Technician. Member Nolan stated that he had
questions regarding the Engineering Manager. Member Nolan requested clarification on",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,4,"for the evaluation of those reports. Senior Human Resources Analyst, Chris Low clarified
that reports to the Engineering Manager will be differing levels of professionals, including
electrical engineering staff, as well as, paraprofessional computer drafters and that
performance evaluations will be split between the Engineering Manager and most likely
the Senior Electrical Engineer.
Vice President Malloy and Member Nolan agreed that management includes supervision.
Vice President Malloy emphasized the importance of understanding the primary function
of the position; whether it be management of process, procedures, and functions or
whether it be supervision of people, from the specification and that the specification was
not clear in this respect. Chris Low clarified that the Engineering Manager's primary
function is managing the electrical engineering function and that its secondary function is
supervision.
Member Nolan also asked for clarification on the requirements for the Engineering
Manager specification. Member Nolan asked for clarification whether requirements other
than registration as a professional engineer, such as certificates, would be required.
Senior Human Resources Analyst Chris Low responded that the primary requirement for
the classification is registration as a professional engineer, however, other requirements
may be desired at the time of recruitment but that none were now required also clarifying
that this revised specification will result in a recruitment not a reclassification as the
position is currently vacant. Vice President Malloy suggested the re-examination of the
use of the term supervise in the specification, as well as, the addition of ""or management""
after ""supervisory capacity"" under employment standards, in order to open it up
recruitment for those applicants with more varied experience. With the suggested
changes the board approved the Engineering Manager revision and did not need to see
further revisions.
Vice President Malloy asked for comments or questions on Substation Technician
Specification. Member Brandt called attention to a correction from the October 5, 2016
meeting minutes that had not been incorporated into the specification revision. Human",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,5,"City of Alameda Page 5
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 11, 2017
Resources Director Bronstein apologized and both she and Chris Low stated that the
changes will be incorporated. The Substation Technician specification was approved with
the proposed amendment.
Vice President Malloy then began a discussion of the Crime Prevention Technician
specification expressing her appreciation for Robin Young's work putting together the e-
mail describing the questions posed by the Civil Service Board at the October 5, 2016
meeting. Vice President Malloy found the e-mail very responsive to the Board's especially
in allowing the department to respond to the Board's specific questions. Member Brandt
also expressed her appreciation for the e-mail addressing the Board's questions and had
no further concern or comment. Member Nolan, though finding the email helpful, asked
for clarification regarding education and experience requirements as described in the
specification.
Member Nolan noted that of the four agencies surveyed in conjunction with creating the
Crime Prevention Specification, only one required education beyond a high school
diploma. Member Nolan was concerned that the additional experience required by the
new Crime Prevention Technician specification would deter otherwise excellent
candidates from applying. Vice President Malloy responded to Member Nolan's concern
stating that applicants are generally not deterred from applying for lack of required or
desired education or experience and that from her experience she did not believe that
applicants would be deterred from applying if they believed they were capable of doing
the job regardless of the requirements.
Senior Human Resources Analyst Robin Young added that, from a testing perspective,
additional education, experience or certificates deemed desirable but not required are
useful in screening and identifying the best qualified candidates from recruitments that
receive large numbers of applicants. Robin Young went on to explain that a two year
degree, if in a subject related to criminal justice or crime prevention or something specific
to the nature of the job, would be a reasonable way to screen applicants. Member Nolan
asked if colleges offer two year degrees in crime prevention as opposed to just police
officer courses and whether a certificate is available in crime prevention. Senior Human
Resources Analyst Robin Young explained that there is a certificate available through a
professional association but was not aware of a certificate through college course work.
She further emphasized that lack of two years of college course work or lack of the
certificate would not exclude applicants.
Member Brandt moved to approve Consent Calendar item 4-A-iv with the
recommended amendments and changes. Motion was seconded by Member Nolan
which was passed by a 4-0 vote.",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,6,"Utilities Database Analyst
09/18/16
Fire
Firefighter Assigned to Civil Service Position from Safer
10/03/16
Fire
Firefighter (Safer) X 3
10/03/16
Human Resources
Administrative Technician Il
10/03/16
Community Development
Administrative Technician I
10/16/16
Police
Police Officer
10/17/16
AMP
Customer Service Representative
10/17/16
Information Technology
IT Services Coordinator
10/17/16
Finance
Intermediate Clerk
10/24/16
Police
Maintenance Worker I
11/14/16
Public Works
Intermediate Clerk
PROMOTIONS
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
09/18/16
Fire
Apparatus Operator
09/18/16
Fire
Administrative Technician III
09/18/16
Police
Police Lieutenant
09/29/16
Public Works
Project Manager I
10/02/16
Police
Police Sergeant
10/03/16
Public Works
Public Works Supervisor
RETIREMENTS
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
10/13/16
Police
Administrative Technician II
10/13/16
Police
Police Records Supervisor
SEPARATIONS
DATE
DEPARTMENT
JOB CLASSIFICATION
09/01/16
Recreation & Parks
Custodian
09/03/16
AMP
General Manager
09/08/16
Human Resources
Administrative Technician Il
09/18/16
AMP
Engineering Supervisor
10/14/16
AMP
Utility Construction Compliance Specialist
11/07/16
Police
Police Officer
11/15/16
Police
Police Officer",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,7,"City of Alameda Page 7
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 11, 2017
5-B.
Informational Report, October 13, 2016, Regarding Designation of Eligible
List - Maintenance Worker II, 2016-19 for Maintenance Worker I vacancy,
PW.2510.006
Member Nolan questioned the reason for the designation of the Maintenance Worker II
eligible list expressing a concern that the designation process was not being used for
""cherry picking."" Human Resources Director Bronstein responded to this concern and
informed the board that the designation was due to the existence of a Maintenance
Worker II eligible list and a lack of a Maintenance Worker I list. The board was satisfied
with the explanation provided.
5-C. Informational Reports,
December 21, 2016, Acknowledgement of Administrative Assignment -
Patrick Corder
December 21, 2016, Acknowledgement of Administrative Assignment
-
Armondo Baldizan
Member Nolan requested clarification on 5-C, how those in an administrative assignment
are paid for their Holidays. Senior Human Resources Analyst Robin Young explained that
as a fire fighter in a suppression assignment, fighting fires, are eligible for holiday-in-lieu
pay which is a percentage of their base pay and every bi-weekly pay period. However,
when a firefighter is moved into an administrative assignment they no longer receive the
holiday-in-lieu pay and instead are awarded a prorated amount of the holidays remaining
in the year. Human Resources Director Bronstein further explained that firefighters in an
administrative assignment receive the holiday hours to use to take the holiday off.
6.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA (PUBLIC COMMENTS)
(Any person may address the Civil Service Board in regard to any matter over which the
Civil Service Board has jurisdiction or of which it may take cognizance that is not on the
agenda).
7.
CIVIL SERVICE BOARD COMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF)
HR Director Bronstein informed the board of the birth of Nafisah Ali's third child and
introduced two new Human Resources Analysts, Sabina Netto and Jessica Romeo who
were unable to attend the October 5, 2016 meeting due to a training.
8.
CONFIRMATION OF NEXT CIVIL SERVICE BOARD MEETING
The next Civil Service Board meeting was confirmed for April 5, 2017 at 5:00 PM.",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
CivilServiceBoard,2017-01-11,8,"City of Alameda Page 8
Civil Service Board Minutes
Regular Meeting January 11, 2017
9.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 5:25p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
mm
Nancy Bronstein, Human Resources Director
and
Executive Secretary to the Civil Service Board",CivilServiceBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
LibraryBoard,2017-01-11,1,"CITY
of
of
MINUTES OF THE
ALAMEDA FREE LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017
The regular meeting of the Alameda Free Library Board was called to order at 6:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Catherine Atkin, Board Member
Kathleen Kearney, Vice President
Nancy Lewis, Board Member
Gertrude Woods, Board Member
Suzanne Whyte, President
Absent:
None
Staff:
Jane Chisaki, Library Director
Lori Amaya, Recording Secretary
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA (Public Comment)
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
An asterisk indicates items so enacted or approved on the Consent Calendar
*A.
Report from the Library Director Highlighting Activities for the Months of November and
December 2016.
*B.
Draft Minutes of the Regular Library Board Meeting of November 9, 2016.
*C.
Library Services Report for the Months of October and November 2016.
*D.
Financial Report Reflecting FY16/17 Expenditures by Fund for November and December 2016.
*E.
Bills for Ratification for the Months of November and December 2016.
Director Chisaki informed the Board that the ILS project is on schedule and moving forward. The public
component was completed first. The next phase is for back of house functions, such as ordering new
materials. The security gate installation at the Café entrance will be completed soon.",LibraryBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
LibraryBoard,2017-01-11,2,"Page 2 of 4
Minutes of the
Alameda Free Library Board
January 11, 2017 Meeting
The Red Cross held a blood drive in the Stafford Room on January 5th, which was well attended with 38
reservations. There will be a new liaison by the next blood drive in March.
The Made in Alameda program is coming up. So far, two artists and one author have expressed interest.
Friends are co-sponsoring the event and can purchase the one day liquor license, if necessary. Vice
President Kearney asked if there are any flyers she can forward to a friend for information. Director
Chisaki responded that the Library's website has a link to more information for those interested in
completing an application to participate. An ad will be placed in the newspaper further down the road.
The Foods for Fines drive was last done in 2014, and this summer would be a good time to have another
drive. The drive was an overall positive experience as it brought books back in to the library, cleared
patron accounts allowing them to use library services again, and provided donations for the food bank.
Director Chisaki expects to have designs of the new logo soon. The Friends logo is contingent on the
Library's logo, so they are looking forward to seeing the designs. Vice President Kearney asked if any
feedback was given to the designer and Director Chisaki confirmed she had provided him with several
suggestions. The designer is incorporating a bridge theme in the design.
Director Chisaki explained that the Services Report numbers for October are similar to what they normally
are. November numbers were lower because there were some closure days, so December numbers will be
lower as well. Door counters are now working properly. Director Chisaki clarified that the months
included in the Services Report are always one month behind the months that are included in the
Expenditure Report and Check Registers, because it allows staff more time to input the data.
There were no changes to the Draft Minutes of the November 9, 2016 Library Board meeting.
Vice President Kearney moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Board Member Atkin seconded the
motion, which passed with a 5-0 vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A.
Integrated Library System: Status Report (J. Chisaki)
This item was discussed during the Report from the Library Director.
B.
New Logo for the Library (J. Chisaki)
This item was discussed during the Report from the Library Director.
NEW BUSINESS",LibraryBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
LibraryBoard,2017-01-11,3,"Page 3 of 4
Minutes of the
Alameda Free Library Board
January 11, 2017 Meeting
A.
Circulation Trends Report: Discussion (J. Chisaki)
Director Chisaki discussed the reports and explained that overall circulation continues to decrease, which
matches national trends. E-book numbers have increased, but are not as high as print material. Director
Chisaki is concerned with circulation at the branches, especially the West End Branch. Although
circulation numbers are down, staff report they are busy and chairs are filled. Children's circulation is
constant. Director Chisaki doesn't see anything alarming in the report because as the numbers fluctuate,
the pattern matches what is happening across the country. School Resources Services Liaison, Sarah
Burkey, visits elementary schools to push the Summer Reading Program. This brings the children to the
library looking for the books Sarah showed them in class. Director Chisaki shared a letter from Sarah
about an encounter she had with a parent that thanked her for visiting her child at school and teaching
her
about the library. Vice President Kearney mentioned an encounter with a patron that came in with her
child and asked for a title in hard cover, but there weren't any available copies. Director Chisaki will let
the Teen Services Librarian know to acquire more copies.
B.
Patron Suggestions/Comments (Speak-Outs) and Library Director's Response
None.
LIBRARY BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
None.
DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS
Director Chisaki commented that the Library met with ARPD and HandsOn Bay Area to build 10 Little
Free Libraries at no cost to the Library. They will be mounted in the parks throughout Alameda and will
be stocked with the Library's advanced reader copies. ARPD will monitor the Little Free Libraries and
replace with a spare, if vandalized. President Whyte asked if there is anything similar at the ferry stops for
commuters and Director Chisaki explained that the library has found most commuters prefer the
convenience of e-books, and even some libraries that have book machines at transit centers are being
removed because they aren't circulating.
Director Chisaki met with the new Vice Mayor, Malia Vella, and learned that she and her grandmother are
library users. Vice Mayor Vella expressed interest in the various programs and activities the library has to
offer.
Student Success Card is moving forward. The first draft of the MOU will be completed soon.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA GENERAL",LibraryBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
LibraryBoard,2017-01-11,4,"Page 4 of 4
Minutes of the
Alameda Free Library Board
January 11, 2017 Meeting
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Chisaki, Library Director and
Secretary to the Alameda Free Library Board",LibraryBoard/2017-01-11.pdf
RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-01-11,1,"Approved Minutes
January 11, 2017
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Rent Review Advisory Committee
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m.
Present were: Chair Sullivan-Sariñana; Member Vice-Chair Landess; and Members
Griffiths, Friedman, and Schrader.
Absent: None
Vacancy: None
RRAC Staff: Claudia Young
2. AGENDA CHANGES
a. None.
3. STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
a.
Staff announced that there will be a special meeting of the Rent Review Advisory
Committee on January 12, 2017 at 6:30pm. Staff clarified that the Committee will not
review cases at this meeting. Rather, the special meeting will be held to discuss Ordinance
no. 3148 as it relates to the Rent Review Advisory Committee,
b. Staff explained the schedule for the evening, noting where to find the meeting agenda and
explaining procedures for public comment.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT, NON-AGENDA, NO.1
a. No public comment.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval of the Minutes of the December 5, 2016 Regular Meeting.
Motion and second (Schrader and Landess). Approved by unanimous consent.
6. UNFINSHED BUSINESS
a. No unfinished business.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7-A. Case 582 - 2007 Lincoln Ave., Unit C
Proposed rent increase: $55.00 (5.0%), effective December 1, 2016
No Committee review. Case postponed one month to the February 6, 2017 RRAC meeting.
Page 1 of 4",RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-01-11.pdf
RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-01-11,2,"Approved Minutes
January 11, 2017
7-B. Case 624-344 - Westline Dr., Unit C205
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $124.00 (4.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $676.00 (26.7%); Under review
Effective date delayed until Committee Review
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-C. Case 629- - 915 Shorepoint Ct., Unit E319
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $43.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $350.00 (16.2%); Under review
Effective date delayed until Committee Review.
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-D. Case 640.1 - 1537 Schiller St., Unit D
Proposed rent increase: $110.00 (10.0%), effective February 1, 2017.
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a
rent increase between 5.1-10%. -
7-E. Case 651 - 1721 St. Charles St.
Tenant/public speakers: Monica Vehryzka
Landlord/public speakers: Harold Nelson
Proposed rent increase: $ 150.00 (12%) effective March 1, 2017
Staff noted that the landlord filed a request to raise the rent in 2016. The rent increase was found
invalid as it did not comply with regulations. The landlord rescinded the rent increase. The current
Ordinance provides that after a rent increase is found invalid, a landlord may proceed with a rent
increase request if a new notice, in compliance with regulations, is served on the tenant.
The tenant, Ms. Vehryzka, stated the reasonable maximum monthly rent increase would be $62.50
(5.0%). The tenant explained that she has limited income that is not increasing as fast as her rent.
She also stated that the landlord did not provide her with documents required by Ordinance
no. .3148. She explained that she has been a good, long-term tenant and considers Alameda her
home.
The landlord, Mr. Nelson, stated that there have only been two rent increases in the past six years
and the current rent does not cover maintenance and mortgage costs. The landlord explained that
he considers the market rent for comparable units to be $1,700.00 to $1,800.00. Mr. Nelson
expressed concern about his income as he nears retirement. He explained that the unit was re-
painted, and received upgraded the flooring as well as new appliances when the tenant moved in.
Page 2 of 4",RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-01-11.pdf
RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-01-11,3,"Approved Minutes
January 11, 2017
He explained that the procedures for rent increases were difficult to follow. He stated that the
Bay Area is an expensive place to live and that he should not be responsible for the tenant's
income. Member Friedman noted that the Committee is concerned about affordability. The
landlord stated he did not want to raise the rent by less than 10.0%.
Staff clarified that there is currently no hard cap on rent increases in the City of Alameda.
The Committee unanimously passed a motion to extend time on the case by 10 minutes. Motion
and Second (Griffiths and Landess).
Public Comment:
Erick Strimling: Mr. Stimling noted that a rent of $1,150 in 2014 gave the landlord an
adequate rate of return. He questioned the landlord's consideration that an additional
$3,000.00 of rent per year was a reasonable rate of return.
The parties were unable to reach an agreement. The Committee discussed a binding
recommendation for the rent increase.
Member Griffiths recommended an increase of $62.50 immediately followed by an
increase of $62.50 in six months. He explained that he generally prefers stepped increases
since they give the tenant time to adjust to an increase and place only a temporary burden
on the landlord. He also noted that the Committee should make a recommendation that has
the best chance of being accepted by both parties.
Member Friedman noted that both sides have valid perspectives. He emphasized the
tenant's financial constraints and the landlord's cost constraints after years of not raising
rent. He favored a 5.0% increase now, followed by a 5.0% increase in six months. He noted
that this has the best chance of being accepted.
Vice-Chair Landess emphasized that she thought the tenant raised important concerns. She
noted that the landlord did not take the opportunity to show more empathy for the tenant's
situation. In addition, she noted that the landlord lacked transparency in his documented
costs. She stated that a 5.0% increase is fair.
Member Schrader stated that a 10.0% increase would be reasonable since it averages out
to an increase of less than 3.0% per year since the last rent increase. However, he stated he
would support a 5.0% increase now, followed by a 5.0% increase in six months.
Chair Sullivan-Sariñana noted that both parties have reasonable positions. He emphasized
that the intent of the Ordinance is to keep Alamedans in their homes. He explained that
stepped increases can cause confusion. Thus, he favored an 8.5% increase.
The Committee unanimously recommended a rent increase of $62.50 to a monthly rent of
$1,312.50, effective March 1, 2017 followed by a $62.50 increase to a monthly rent of $1,375.00,
effective September 1, 2017. Motion and second (Griffiths and Friedman).
Page 3 of 4",RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-01-11.pdf
RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-01-11,4,"Approved Minutes
January 11, 2017
8. PUBLIC COMMENT, NON-AGENDA, NO. 2.
a. No public comment.
9. MATTERS INITIATED
a. Member Friedman noted that he will submit a discussion outline to Staff for the
Committee's January 12th Special Meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
and
RRAC Secretary
Claudia Young
Approved by the Rent Review Advisory Committee on February 6, 2017.
Page 4 of 4",RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee/2017-01-11.pdf