pages: CityCouncil/2014-09-16.pdf, 10
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CityCouncil | 2014-09-16 | 10 | heard; Renewed Hope is the only organized group and expects to get a more diverse group of tenants. Councilmember Daysog stated the proposed task force seems to be equally representative of the community; the Rent Review Advisory Committee (RRAC) and the Social Services Human Relations Board (SSHRB) understand individuals facing a housing related crisis; that he would like to see a well-balanced task force and a workable framework for collecting information. Councilmember Chen stated that he is concerned members would be arbitrarily appointed to the task force; lots of people are not being represented; suggested allowing the public decide who they want to represent the community and stakeholders in a task force; the task force is a sensitive issue that should not be rushed. Vice Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how the representatives would be decided, to which Councilmember Chen responded Mr. Cambra would have meetings to determine the composition of the task force. Mr. Cambra noted realtors have a desire to participate in the process. Councilmember Chen stated the task force seems structured and might be intimidating with three city-appointed board members. Councilmember Tam stated that she is concerned three stakeholders, the Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Realtors, and the East Bay Rental Housing Association, have already decided everything is fine and no changes are needed; inquired whether the process would differently answer the questions regarding changes to the RRAC and the Municipal Code. Mr. Cambra responded it is impossible to answer the questions until there is an understanding of what the problems are; stated both tenants and landlords understand there are deficiencies in the mechanism; the stakeholders would decide how issues would be addressed after finding about successes and failures. Councilmember Tam stated it is not clear how a community-based process could come up with changes in the law. Mr. Cambra stated if the stakeholder suggestions could be translated into law, in the future, rental disputes would not have to come before Council. In response to Mayor Gilmore's inquiry, Mr. Cambra stated the questions from the staff report were not originally incorporated in the process, but he would take the questions to the stakeholder group and try to get answers for the Council. Councilmember Daysog stated that he understands the desire to broaden the discussion to include other voices, but there is danger of empowering Mr. Cambra to Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 16, 2014 | CityCouncil/2014-09-16.pdf |