pages: CityCouncil/2009-03-17.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2009-03-17 | 9 | The Planning and Building Director responded staff does not keep track of public information request costs. Councilmember Matarrese stated the meter starts to run when an appeal is filed; inquired whether most of the time is spent on staff trying to get parties together. The Planning and Building Director responded that the matter would depend on the case; stated administrative staff needs to prepare notices, mailing, etc. Mayor Johnson stated the appellant should pay administrative costs. Councilmember Matarrese stated if the appeal is granted, an applicant or the City eats the costs; an appellant should be responsible for costs if the appeal does not have grounds and is not granted. Councilmember Tam stated that she does not agree; that she is trying to balance some of the issues; the next agenda item addresses cost recovery for emergency services for false alarms; full recovery costs would not be charged for inspections; cities provide certain services, which is part of the cost of doing business; it is appropriate to look at a fee structure that would increase the flat rate beyond $100 but not to completely recover the cost of time and materials; that she would favor a hybrid approach similar to San Leandro and the Park Street Business Association proposed in terms of time and materials; San Leandro charges $278 per applicant, in addition to time and materials for direct costs. Mayor Johnson stated charging more up front is good; actual costs, such as mailings, should be recovered; a delicate balance is needed between not making appeals too expensive versus having a system that allows frivolous appeals. Vice Mayor deHaan stated an applicant pays more than a non- applicant in San Leandro and Hayward; he would prefer a flat rate of $300 for both sides. Mayor Johnson stated that she likes the idea of a flat fee if someone wins and a reasonable cap if someone loses; that she does not see the reason for spending more than a superficial amount of staff time on a residential appeal; people need to know that they are on their own once a board or commission makes a decision. Councilmember Gilmore stated there may be an instance where someone Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 9 March 17, 2009 | CityCouncil/2009-03-17.pdf |