pages: CityCouncil/2011-02-15.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2011-02-15 | 7 | The Controller stated a person would be assessed an additional 35% if a citation is not paid within a certain period of time; the additional assessment would cover attorney costs. The Acting City Manager stated the City was handling citation collection in house before contracting with the City of Inglewood. Vice Mayor Bonta inquired whether a 35% collection assessment is typical, to which the Controller responded in the affirmative. Councilmember deHaan left the dais at 9:54 p.m. and returned at 9:55 p.m. Speakers: Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association; and Jon Spangler, Alameda. Councilmember Johnson stated all violations should not have a fixed fee; that she would not mind considering different fees for different violations; inquired what "Major Repairs/Display for Sale" means. The Acting Police Chief responded blight issues; stated people cannot work on vehicles on City streets. Councilmember Johnson stated the fine for said violation should be more expensive. Vice Mayor Bonta stated different violations should have different fees; currently, the City has varied fees; inquired why flat fees are being proposed. The Controller responded for simplicity sake; stated most of the current fees range from $30 to $35; the difference is minimal; the collection part of the staff recommendation is the most important part because the collection agency is looking to implement the proposed increases March 1, 2011. Councilmember Tam inquired whether a $50 assessment would be reasonable given the egregiousness of a violation. The Acting Police Chief responded that he is very reluctant to get involved with the fee structure because enforcement should not be tied to fees; stated that he supports updating the fee schedule; he does not want it to appear that the Police Department is doing enforcement to generate revenue. Councilmember Tam stated asking the Finance Department should not have to answer whether an expired meter is worse than parking by a fire hydrant. The Acting Police Chief stated that he likes the simplicity of the $50 fee; taking a closer look at a fee variance is hard to argue against. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 February 15, 2011 | CityCouncil/2011-02-15.pdf |