pages: CityCouncil/2016-01-05.pdf, 21
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CityCouncil | 2016-01-05 | 21 | Councilmember Oddie inquired whether a 20% rent increase for a single family is considered a constructive eviction, to which the Community Development Director responded in the affirmative; stated the issue could be mediated by the RRAC. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she does not want to see exceptions made for paying relocation assistance; which places some tenants at a disadvantage. Mayor Spencer concurred with Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft; stated having more time is more important than cash for a lot of tenants; having the option is important. In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry, Mayor Spencer stated the proposal is based on years of tenancy; she prefers straight time. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated giving consideration to longer term tenants is reasonable. Mayor Spencer stated she would treat all tenants the same because tenants with leases expect to be there longer than a year. Councilmember Oddie stated a tenant on a month-to-month lease terminated in 30 days could get a windfall. In response to Councilmember Daysog's inquiry regarding the binding arbitration process, the Community Development Director stated the RRAC would vigorously disagree with the assertion that there were formal or informal guidelines about the 10% rent increases; the RRAC does the mediation case by case. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether anything indicates having a binding arbitration process would constrain excessive rent increases. The Community Development Director stated there are two points behind the logic of binding arbitration: 1) having an option for a binding arbitration process may be an incentive; the option would increase the likelihood to agree to a mediation process and the outcome of the mediation; 2) binding arbitration would be an evidentiary proceeding where documents would be submitted; expertise would be required to understand the business model, creating a level of rigor; the two parts could make the arbitration process successful. In response to Councilmember Daysog, the Community Development Director stated Gardena is a small suburb in Los Angeles County which staff has not reviewed; stated the Mayor might have been referencing Glendale. Mayor Spencer stated that she was referencing the City of Gardena; Gardena has been doing binding arbitration since 1987; clarified at last night's RRAC meeting, the RRAC stated they do not have a threshold number of 10%. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 21 January 5, 2016 | CityCouncil/2016-01-05.pdf |