pages: CityCouncil/2015-10-20.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2015-10-20 | 12 | the City would have a say with requiring a 50% vote of the hotel owners; parcel tax polling should be done for June versus November cognizant of the fact that the School District will have a measure; he would like to see a park parcel tax combined in same measure as the School parcel tax; parks are popular. Councilmember Daysog urged staff to modernize the UUT; requested staff be clear on what would be funded; stated TBID has to involve lodging providers on whom the extra assessment is placed, working in conjunction with business associations, businesses providing services, and recreational destination venues; he spoke with four hoteliers intrigued by an increase; TOT rate is lower than neighbors; a 2% would put Alameda at a competitive disadvantage; he appreciates staff coming up with different options; he does not support increasing the sales tax; he supports a $25 parcel tax, as long as it is targeted. Mayor Spencer stated that she agrees with staff about doing polling on the UUT; requested a chart that has what other cities in the County are doing; she is comfortable with polling. Mayor Spencer stated if staff is not interested in polling on certain issues, she is fine with that; inquired is there a possibility that any funds would go to funding healthcare and pension costs. The Interim City Manager responded in the negative; stated the UUT goes into the General Fund, which pays that type of thing. Mayor Spencer stated that her preference on any of the taxes would be to have funds go to other things, such as the parks; the community would be more on board if the tax were for something specific; regarding TOT she agrees with Karen Bey and would like other types of businesses to weigh in on how to spend the money; she would support a parcel tax for something specific. Vice Mayor Matarrese moved approval of directing staff: 1) to eliminate the sales tax as a possible option, 2) to do a poll by a reputable firm to test the questions brought up in meeting, and 3) to research, including polling and other options, the TBID. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft questioned how Walnut Creek funds park maintenance on their parks; stated Ms. Bey's suggestions to tax local business because tourists frequent them gives her pause; she favors a TBID approach that starts small and ramps up; the polling could include sales tax. Mayor Spencer stated the majority is not interested in sales tax. Vice Mayor Matarrese clarified the motion, as approval of directing staff to eliminate the sales tax as a possible option, to research and conduct polling on other option listed in staff report, including taking a polling approach to the TBID that does consider a broader scope than just the hotels and to bring the results of the plan back to Council in Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 12 October 20, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-10-20.pdf |