pages: CityCouncil/2013-10-15.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2013-10-15 | 7 | Councilmember Tam inquired if Mr. Costello gave Mr. Jackson renter's credit for janitorial services rendered. Mr. Costello responded that he tried to help out Mr. Jackson; Mr. Jackson was not cleaning the restrooms for very long. Councilmember Chen stated the sudden 50% spike in Mr. Jackson's rent caused grief for a tenant who has consistently paid rent consistently for the last 20 years which is bad business; increasing the rent incrementally would be easier to absorb. Councilmember Daysog stated figuring something out with the RRAC would be helpful. Tim Goodman, Alameda, stated rent increases were done legally. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the RRAC is a voluntary process that works best if both parties are willing to participate. Mayor Gilmore inquired if the landlord informed staff that they were not going to attend the meetings, to which the RRAC Chair responded in the affirmative. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry, the RRAC Chair stated a general rule is that a 10% increase is acceptable in a rising rental situation; the sticker shock is the big issue; people have budgets; increasing rent on a routine basis if is warranted is encouraged to prevent sticker shock. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is troubled that the RRAC was not able to resolve two cases this year. Mayor Gilmore stated Mr. Costello is an upstanding business person who has been generous to the community; business people need to raise rents; however, meetings were not attended and the process was not followed; there is a lot to be said for communication. Councilmember Daysog suggested the RRAC process be reviewed; stated Council needs information to make a decision; the situation of someone having low rent for many years should also be reviewed. Councilmember Tam moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Chen seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Gilmore inquired whether Mr. Costello would be interested in meeting with the RRAC, to which Mr. Costello responded in the negative. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 October 15, 2013 | CityCouncil/2013-10-15.pdf |