pages: CityCouncil/2016-01-05.pdf, 18
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CityCouncil | 2016-01-05 | 18 | excessive rent increases and has not addressed other issues such as maintenance, code enforcement, and relocation benefits. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she agrees with staff's approach on not bringing eviction issues to the RRAC; she likes what is included in Ordinance 2 and 3 regarding payment provisions which give more protection and certainty to tenants; she is hesitant in putting too much weight into statistics; measuring the negative is tough; adding a layer of binding arbitration eliminates fear and uncertainty and would be a good solution to create a level playing field; Council needs to depart from the 8% trigger; she favors the issue of the fee being paid by landlords to help underwrite the cost of arbitration; larger property owners will be bearing the majority of the expense since the fee would be charged per unit. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the fee could be passed to the tenant, to which Councilmember Oddie responded the proposal allows the landlord to pass half of the annual fee onto the tenant. Mayor Spencer stated there are a lot of landlords that do not always charge the maximum and costs are passed to the tenant; inquired whether the fee issue should be kept separate. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft responded various cities that were reviewed have pass- through provisions; at the end of the day, the tenants benefit. Councilmember Oddie stated Council should have further discussion on the best way to pay for the arbitration. Mayor Spencer inquired whether Council agrees with Vice Mayor Matarrese's recommendation that eviction issues should go to RRAC. Councilmember Daysog responded that he concurs with staff recommendation of not having eviction issues go to the RRAC and coming up with clear relocation benefits. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether Vice Mayor Matarrese's proposal was in lieu of a standard relocation fee. Vice Mayor Matarrese responded 60 days is too short; there should be an extended period of time; details can be resolved by mediation. Councilmember Oddie stated capital improvements will be addressed separately; a fixed schedule has predictability; landlords could build the amount into their budget if they know the number; the concept of having to go to the RRAC is interesting, but he is not sure what it accomplishes. Mayor Spencer stated that she would prefer to have a straight six month schedule, not tied to how long the tenant has been in the unit; time versus money could be negotiated Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 18 January 5, 2016 | CityCouncil/2016-01-05.pdf |