pages: CityCouncil/2015-11-04.pdf, 17
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CityCouncil | 2015-11-04 | 17 | 497 Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft responded speakers indicated the RRAC process is not working; stated that she is intrigued by Councilmember Daysog's suggestion to have relocation assistance go to the RRAC for cases over a certain percentage for properties not subject to Costa Hawkins. In response to Mayor's Spencer's further inquiry, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like the RRAC composition changed; she supports two landlords and two tenants, but the fifth seat could be changed; three out of five are property owners; additional training is needed. Councilmember Oddie stated that he is advocating for the San Jose model; the RRAC process could still be used for increases under 8% and single family units [not subject to Costa Hawkins]; requested staff to explain San Francisco's relocation assistance hike being recently overturned. The Assistant City Attorney stated the amount was set so high that the Courts found it to be confiscatory and punitive. Councilmember Oddie stated the issue Council is trying to solve is helping tenants feel secure in their homes and stay in Alameda; placing a value on tenancy and allowing tenants to be bought out will not solve the problem and will instead exacerbate the issue because people will be kicked out of Alameda, which is social cleansing. Councilmember Daysog stated that he sees relocation assistance as a mechanism to assist families through a painful process and as sending a message to property owners charging excessive rent increases; outlined how the problem is being defined differently; stated relocation assistance is one way to cool the market and make landlords think again. Councilmember Oddie stated instead, steps could be taken to prevent reaching the step of relocating; that he does not see how kicking people out and being able to charge market rent would cool the market. Councilmember Daysog stated landlords would think twice about doing so because there is an additional cost. Councilmember Oddie stated the two different segments need different remedies. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated there is an assumption that mediation happening at RRAC is worthless, but there have been a number of RRAC successes at bringing rent down; there needs to be protections for people afraid to go to RRAC because they think they will be evicted; there should be an RRAC mediation process for termination not for cause; inquired whether protection can be provided that will be strong enough so people will not be afraid to go to RRAC. Mayor Spencer responded that she wants to address said fear by requiring landlords to Special Meeting Alameda City Council November 4, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-11-04.pdf |