pages: CityCouncil/2015-09-01.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2015-09-01 | 6 | 363 Outlined a letter she received about her apartment building being purchased, including new requirements to pay garbage, sewer and water; a 50% rent increase; and renovations to her patio, but she does not have a patio; shared a picture of sewer back up in her bathroom: Crystal Felder, Alameda. Expressed support for the ordinance; stated the ordinance should go further and landlords should be watched; reviewed correspondence submitted regarding the agenda item: John Klein, Alameda. Stated that she rents the unit she lives next to and would like some consideration given to buildings under four units: Lisa Brown, Alameda. The Community Development Director gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the speakers gave emotional testimony; requested a report at the end of the year on what other cities are doing to address the rent increase problems. The Community Development Director responded that staff will be looking at best practices and impacts of rent increases and provide a report to Council. Councilmember Oddie stated that he understands all the issues raised; housing is a basic need; it is disappointing that the issue came to the Council and has taken 15 months to get going; there is a larger problem; apologized to tenants, stated the needle is not moving to where it needs to be; landlords do not have to mediate, they just have to show up; Council has not really done anything to stop egregious rent increases; there is no teeth to the ordinance; if there is a bigger pattern of massive increases, the Council will be forced to act; if citizens put something on the ballot, it will be far worse than what is going on now. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated the rent increase reports are alarming; it is not a level playing field; she is moved and impressed with so many citizens; encouraged landlords to make a difference; agreed with Angela Hockabaout that the ordinance is a "good first step, but should not be the last". Councilmember Daysog stated the ordinance is a first step, and he would ultimately like to take stronger steps; he would like to see specific language on just cause evictions and a moratorium on rent increases; Alameda will lose the working class flavor if something is not done; the rent increases is a crisis; he looks forward to passing the ordinance, but also to specific action in the future. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated changes should be evaluated in the next six months; there is no reason to delay as stories are getting worse; the Council has to protect citizens in manner of fairness; he has heard that Santa Rosa is looking at rent control; Council has to act fairly or there will be a ground swell of action. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council September 1, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-09-01.pdf |