pages: CityCouncil/2015-06-11.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2015-06-11 | 7 | 308 Mr. Wehmann stated that he would like to be able to pay the $25 renewal fee, but cannot because of the outstanding amount due; the first notice he received included the penalties, which does not seem fair. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how long Mr. Wehmann has lived on Central Avenue, to which Mr. Wehmann responded since 2006. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how long the unit has been rented, to which Mr. Wehmann responded the unit has been rented on and off; stated that he was told he is being charged for fees back to 2011 and he never received any notice that he was required to pay the fee; suggested sending a notice or having a disclosure when properties with two units are sold or have Alameda Municipal Power send a notice to properties with two accounts. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he is inclined to waive the late fee for the two individuals [Mr. Wong and Mr. Wehmann]; he is not inclined to waive the late fee for Legacy Partners; the Code is byzantine and needs to be revamped; the Council should direct staff to start the process and provide a timeline, along with a notification and disclosure process. The City Attorney noted staff can update the ordinance but a vote of the people would be required since the business license is a tax. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether Mr. Wehmann has paid something, to which Mr. Wehmann responded that he paid the business license and the late fee after he received the first notice. Councilmember Oddie stated staff cannot explain the outstanding amount; the information should be provided to Council. In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry, Mr. Wehmann stated that he is asking to waive all of the penalties that go back to 2011; he paid the fee and will renew when the unit is rented; all back amounts should be waived since this was his first offence. The Finance Director noted the ordinance allows staff to collect unpaid business license fees going back three years. Mr. Wong stated he and Mr. Wehmann offer their assistance. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the letters should be more informative; the City should reach out to the community in a wide variety of ways, including the website; the business license fees should be clear to the average citizen. Mayor Spencer stated there were no comments on the waste fee. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 11, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-06-11.pdf |