pages: CityCouncil/2015-03-17.pdf, 4
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CityCouncil | 2015-03-17 | 4 | The City Attorney stated rent control is not the issue tonight; the issue is strengthening the RRAC committee; the sentiment is that the RRAC is not enough; rent issues are so egregious; concurred with Mayor Spencer that adopting rent control is difficult and limited in its application and how it is enforced. Mayor Spencer stated that she supports strengthening the RRAC as the best solution to support all the tenants in the City. In response to Vice Mayor Matarrese's inquiry, the Community Development Director stated staff committed to publishing the recommendations for the May 5th meeting. Vice Mayor Matarrese inquired whether or not the 30-day extension would extend beyond the May 5th meeting, to which the Community Development Director responded the logistics could require more time. Mr. Cambra stated ARC will not be able to go before the RRAC until April 5th In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry, Mr. Cambra stated ARC cannot do enforcement; ARC views City staff as a partner and stakeholder to do enforcement and to deal with funding issues. Councilmember Oddie stated ARC's original goal was to put together principles for Council review; only Council can give direction to staff; strengthening the RRAC is already being dragged out; if the ARC cannot decide, it is the job of the Council to decide. Mayor Spencer stated that she is concerned about Council doing enforcement; the Council depends on the landlords, tenants and RRAC to solve rent problems; the Council cannot get involved; the RRAC encourages landlords and tenants to work together; that she supports the process. Councilmember Oddie concurred with Mayor Spencer that the RRAC is a valuable asset; stated Council is not trying to take away the RRAC's power, and is just trying to strengthen the process which is beneficial to the community; the community voice and analysis is the responsibility of the City Council; an extra layer of bureaucracy is being added which is not necessary. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated that she does not want to further delay giving the RRAC more teeth; she is ready to call for the vote; she did not receive any emails from the public regarding the issue. Angela Hockabout, ARC, stated that she is fully confident in process put forward by Mr. Cambra, which is invaluable and allows the opportunity to hear landlord and tenant concerns; there is more cooperation and willingness. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-03-17.pdf |