body,date,page,text,path
OpenGovernmentCommission,2017-02-06,1,"MINUTES OF THE OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2017 7:00 P.M.
Chair Foreman convened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL -
Present:
Commissioners Aguilar, Dieter, Little, and Chair
Foreman - 4.
Absent:
Commissioner Henneberry - 1.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, NON-AGENDA
None.
AGENDA ITEMS
3-A. Minutes of the October 3, 2016 Meeting
Vice Chair Dieter moved approval of the October 3, 2016 Minutes.
Commissioner Aguilar seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote
-
4. [Absent: Commissioner Henneberry - 1.]
3-B. Accept the Annual Public Report
Vice Chair Dieter stated she thinks the agenda title, ""Accept the Annual Public Report""
is unclear; she suggested adding the words ""on alleged violations of the Sunshine
Ordinance and the Number of Public Records Requests"" to the title the next time the
report is on the agenda, so that the public will know exactly what the report is when
reading the agenda title.
The Assistant City Attorney took note of Vice Chair Dieter's comments.
Commissioner Aguilar moved approval of accepting the annual report.
Commissioner Little seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 4.
[Absent: Commissioner Henneberry - 1.]
COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Chair Dieter inquired the time frame of the Semi-Annual and Annual Reports, to
which the Assistant City Attorney responded she does not know at the moment, but will
provide the answer at the next meeting.
Vice Chair Dieter requested a copy of the revised Sunshine Ordinance.
Meeting of the
Open Government Commission
February 6, 2017",OpenGovernmentCommission/2017-02-06.pdf
OpenGovernmentCommission,2017-02-06,2,"The Assistant City Clerk stated she would provide copies to all Commissioners.
In response to Chair Foreman's inquiry about when he was elected Chair, the Assistant
City Attorney stated the Commission meets twice a year and he was elected in October
2016.
Chair Foreman stated he thought the election of officers takes place at the first meeting
in February.
The Assistant City Attorney stated she will check on the practice, review the by-laws,
and inform the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Foreman adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Irma Glidden
Assistant City Clerk
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.
Meeting of the
Open Government Commission
February 6, 2017
2",OpenGovernmentCommission/2017-02-06.pdf
RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,1,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Rent Review Advisory Committee
Monday, February 6, 2017
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Present were: Chair Sullivan-Sariñana; Vice-Chair Landess; Members Griffiths, Friedman
Absent: None
Vacancy: One Landlord member
RRAC Staff: Jennifer Kauffman
City Attorney Staff: Michael Roush
2. AGENDA CHANGES
a. None.
3. STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
a.
The next Committee meeting will be Wednesday, February 22, 2017. More information is
available at www.alamedarentprogram.org.
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 January 11, 2016 Regular Meeting.
Motion and second (Sullivan-Sariñana and Landess). Unanimously approved.
b. Approval of the January 12, 2016 Regular Meeting.
Motion and second (Sullivan-Sariñana and Friedman). Unanimously approved.
6. UNFINSHED BUSINESS
a. No unfinished business.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7-A. Case 582 - 2007 Lincoln Ave., Unit C
Tenant: Heather Reed and Eric Strimling as designated representatives for tenant, Sia Sellu
Landlord: John Galleto
Proposed rent increase: $55.00/month increase, effective December 1, , 2016
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,2,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
Committee members asked for clarification concerning the role of the tenant advocates. They
verified they were authorized on behalf of Ms. Sellu to agree to a rent increase of $25.00/month
and do not have authority beyond that. Mr. Roush stated that the representatives' participation on
behalf of the tenant satisfies the requirements of the Ordinance that the tenant appear at the RRAC
meeting.
Mr. Strimling explained that Ms. Sellu was interested in resolving this matter privately with the
landlord but the landlord was not open to that suggestion. Ms. Reed explained that Ms. Sellu can
only accept a small increase due to her disability and her fixed income. Ms. Sellu does not consider
the quality of the unit to warrant a $55.00/month increase. She noted that Ms. Sellu likes living in
Alameda and considers it her home. Ms. Reed also explained that the stress of the rent review
process has negatively affected Ms. Sellus health.
The landlord, Mr. Galleto, explained that the building is operating at a loss and that the unit's rent
is
below market rate. He said he is willing to reconsider the amount of the rent increase if the
tenant provides documentation to demonstrate her claim that she us unable to pay the $55.00
increase. He clarified that he would need to see the type of documentation associated with a typical
rental application.
The tenant advocates stated Ms. Sellu would be willing to complete a rental application form but
wanted to ensure that her medical information would not be used against her and that her tenancy
would not be terminated.
Chair Sullivan-Sariñana emphasized that the goal of the Committee is to facilitate discussions
between a tenant and a landlord in order to reach an agreement between the tenant and landlord.
When parties are unable to reach an agreement, the Committee shifts from facilitators to making
a recommendation regarding the amount of the rent increase. Mr. Roush added that the tenant and
landlord may still negotiate an agreement after the Committee recommendation.
Member Friedman recommended postponing the case to allow both parties an opportunity to
negotiate. The tenant advocates stated that Ms. Sellu would like a decision this evening. The
Committee agreed to make a recommendation.
Vice-Chair Landess expressed concern for both parties. She acknowledged that it appeared
this rent increase and review process have been stressful for the tenant. She also stated that
the landlord expenses have increased. She recommended that a $55.00 (5%) is reasonable.
Member Friedman noted that landlord included in the rent increase calculation costs related
to a reserve fund to be used when a termination requires relocation assistance fees. While
he noted this is a real cost, he did not agree that the landlord's calculation of these costs
were reasonable and did not agree that the costs justify a 5% increase. In addition, he noted
that he does not believe the landlord's mortgage costs are valid factors in calculating a rent
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,3,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
increase. Taking in good faith the comments of the tenant, he asserted that it appears the
5% increase poses a financial burden on the tenant. He recommended a $33 (3.0%)
increase.
Chair Sullivan-Sariñana noted that he is taking the comments of the landlord and tenant in
good faith. He summarized that the tenant expressed she is unable to pay the 5% increase
and the landlord stated he would reconsider the amount of the rent increase if the tenant
provides documentation of her inability to pay the higher rent. In addition, the tenant
representatives stated the tenant would be willing to provide the requested documentation.
Therefore, he stated that it appears both parties may be able to work out an agreement of a
$25 increase when the requested documentation is provided by the tenant. Thus, he
recommended a $25 (2.3%) increase.
Member Griffiths stated that he recognizes the tenant is facing a hardship with this rent
increase. He also noted that he appreciates that the landlord has a history of reasonable
rent increases. While he agrees with Member Landess that 5% is a reasonable increase for
the landlord, he also acknowledged the tenant is a difficult situation. He recommended an
increase of $25.00 (2.3%) and encouraged parties to meet privately so that the landlord's
requested documentation could be provided by the tenant.
Motion and second for Committee to recommend an increase of $25.00 (2.3%) effective March
1st, 2017 (Sullivan-Sariñana and Griffiths). Passed with Sullivan-Sariñana, Griffiths, and Friedman
voting yes and Landess voting no.
Motion and second for 5 minute recess (Sullivan-Sariñana and Landess). Unanimously approved.
7-B. Case 653 - 43 Sandpiper Pl.
Proposed Rent Increase: $480.00 (15.1%), effective March 1, 2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-C. Case 683 - 871 Oak St.
Proposed Rent Increase: $1,000.00 (50.0%), effective March 15, 2017
Review was postponed to the February 22, 2017 Committee meeting.
7-D. CASE 655 - 300 Westline Dr., Unit A101
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $60.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $785.00 (25.7%); Under review
Effective date: 2/16/2017
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,4,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant provided written documentation
to the landlord that they will vacate the unit.
7-E. CASE 656 - 300 Westline Dr., Unit A102
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $60.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $785.00 (25.7%); Under review
Effective date: 3/1/17
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant provided written documentation
to the landlord that they will vacate the unit.
7-F. CASE 657 - 300 Westline Dr., Unit A112
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $101.00 (4.8%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $538.00 (25.8%); Under review
Effective date: 2/6/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-G. CASE 659 - 310 Westline Dr., Unit B207
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $82.00 (2.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $771.00 (27.2%); Under review
Effective date: 2/17/17
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant provided written documentation
to the landlord that they will vacate the unit.
7-H. CASE 660 - 310 Westline Dr., Unit B213
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $73.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $959.00 (26.1%); Under review
Effective date: Delayed until RRAC review.
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant provided written documentation
to the landlord that they will vacate the unit.
7-I. CASE 661 - 310 Westline Dr., Unit B315
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $64.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $842.00 (26.1%); Under review
Effective date: Delayed until RRAC review.
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,5,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
7-J. CASE 663 - 330 Westline Dr., Unit B329
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $105.00 (4.7%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $552.00 (25.0%); Under review
Effective date: 2/5/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-K. CASE 664 - 344 Westline Dr., Unit C115
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $101.00 (4.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $538.00 (26.4%); Under review
Effective date: 2/21/2017
No Committee review. The tenant did not attend the meeting. Hence, the Committee took no
action and both options on the rent increase notice are valid. The tenant retains the option to
choose the 12-month lease offer or the month-to-month rental agreement offer.
7-L. CASE 665 - 344 Westline Dr., Unit C119
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $43.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $497.00 (22.6%); Under review
Effective date: 2/20/2017
No Committee review. The tenant did not attend the meeting. Hence, the Committee took no
action and both options on the rent increase notice are valid. The tenant retains the option to
choose the 12-month lease offer or the month-to-month rental agreement offer.
7-M. CASE 666 - 344 Westline Dr., Unit C223
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $44.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $502.00 (22.6%); Under review
Effective date: 2/9/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase of 15.0%.
7-N. CASE 668 - 909 Shorepoint Ct., Unit D214
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $39.00 (1.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $657.00 (33.0%); Under review
Effective date: 2/18/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,6,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
7-O. CASE 669 - 909 Shorepoint Ct., Unit D216
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $46.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $355.00 (15.2%); Under review
Effective date: Delayed until RRAC review.
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-P. CASE 670 - 909 Shorepoint Ct., Unit D316
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $112.00 (5.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $406.00 (18.1%); Under review
Effective date: Delayed until RRAC review.
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant provided written documentation
to the landlord that they will vacate the unit.
7-Q. CASE 672 - 915 Shorepoint Ct., Unit E230
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $122.00 (4.8%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $732.00 (28.5%); Under review
Effective date: 2/10/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-R. CASE 673 - 915 Shorepoint Ct., Unit E309
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $54.00 (1.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $713.00 (26.7%); Under review
Effective date: 2/19/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-S. CASE 675 - 941 Shorepoint Ct., Unit F203
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $102.00 (5.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $541.00 (26.3%); Under review
Effective date: 2/17/2017
No Committee review. The tenant did not attend the meeting. Hence, the Committee took no
action and both options on the rent increase notice are valid. The tenant retains the option to
choose the 12-month lease offer or the month-to-month rental agreement offer.
7-T.CASE 676 - 941 Shorepoint Ct., Unit F303
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,7,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $46.00 (1.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $517.00 (21.6%); Under review
Effective date: 2/23/2017
No Committee review. The tenant did not attend the meeting. Hence, the Committee took no
action and both options on the rent increase notice are valid. The tenant retains the option to
choose the 12-month lease offer or the month-to-month rental agreement offer.
7-U. CASE 677 - 941 Shorepoint Ct., Unit F328
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $117.00 (4.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $701.00 (29.2%); Under review
Effective date: Delayed until RRAC review.
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant provided written documentation
to the landlord that they will vacate the unit.
7-V. CASE 679 - 937 Shorepoint Ct., Unit G201
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $57.00 (2.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $756.00 (26.1%); Under review
Effective date: 2/22/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant provided written documentation
to the landlord that they will vacate the unit.
7-W. CASE 680 - 937 Shorepoint Ct., Unit G308
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $124.00 (5.0%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $741.00 (29.9%); Under review
Effective date: 2/12/2017
No Committee review. The tenant did not attend the meeting. Hence, the Committee took no
action and both options on the rent increase notice are valid. The tenant retains the option to
choose the 12-month lease offer or the month-to-month rental agreement offer.
7-X. CASE 681 - 937 Shorepoint Ct., Unit G314
Proposed rent increases:
12-month lease - $66.00 (4.9%); No review
Month-to-month agreement - $441.00 (32.9%); Under review
Effective date: 2/10/2017
No Committee review. Prior to the RRAC meeting, the tenant and landlord agreed to a rent
increase between 0-5%.
7-Y Discuss Committee members' attendance at the March 7, 2017 City Council meeting to
represent recommendations passed at the January 24, 2017 RRAC special meeting
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RentReviewAdvisoryCommittee,2017-02-06,8,"Approved Minutes
February 6, 2017
Staff shared an update that the City Council meeting to review the Ordinance will not be held in
March. Staff will update the Committee when the exact date is known. City Attorney staff
confirmed that he will forward the Committee recommendations, approved January 24, 2017, to
all Committee members for review prior to the City Council meeting.
Chair Sullivan-Sariñana confirmed that he will attend the meeting to present the Committee's
recommendations. He encouraged other Committee members to attend the meeting as well.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT, NON-AGENDA, NO. 2.
a. Angie Watson-Hajjem of ECHO Housing spoke about ECHO's Fair Housing and tenant-
landlord mediation services.
9. MATTERS INITIATED
a.
Chair Sullivan-Sariñana suggested setting aside time at an upcoming meeting to discuss
the criteria the Committee uses in determining a reasonable rent increase. He requested that
the City Attorney's Office provide guidance for that discussion. Staff confirmed that this
matter will be agendized in a future Committee meeting.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
RRAC Secretary
Jennifer Kauffman
Approved by the Rent Review Advisory Committee on March 6, 2017.
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