pages: CityCouncil/2016-01-05.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2016-01-05 | 7 | Christopher Hanson stated rent cannot be raised 50% unless the property is below market rate; questioned how landlords can recover market rate under the cap of rent control; stated an alternative to rent control would be passing a utility tax. Mayor Spencer requested that the City Attorney comment about the comment that Councilmembers who are renters or landlords should recuse themselves from voting because of a conflict of interest. The City Attorney stated all Councilmembers either rent or own in the City of Alameda or they could not be members of the City Council; there are exceptions to the conflict of interest rules; all Councilmembers are legitimately able to weigh in on the decision. Neutral: Geoffrey Burnaford, Alameda, urged the Council to review the 8% amount, which is a large increase over time; stated that he would like the ordinances to include language that forces the process to be changed or reviewed annually. Lester Cabral, Alameda, stated that he is against the ordinances; stated the RRAC is all that is needed; rent control does not work in other cities and will not work in Alameda. Renter: Lynette Lee, Renewed Hope/Buena Vista United Methodist Church, stated that she supports the moratorium; requested higher relocation fees. Neutral: Jed Smith, Alameda, stated that he was evicted from his home for a 66% rent increase; tenants and landlords need to work together to address the situation and the bad landlords; urged intervention by the Council. Erick Wonzen, Alameda, urged homeowners to rent out extra rooms, garages, and in- law units as a solution to stop the increasing rent. John Messina, San Jose, stated if landlords are getting less than fair market value, it is Federal law that they be reimbursed. Debra Arbuckle, Alameda, stated many people have moved out of the County because of large rent increases; urged Council to help the tenants that pay half of their salaries on rent; stated that she agrees with a 5% maximum on rent increases and just cause evictions. John Scellato, Alameda, stated that he would like tenants and landlords to work together to come to a fair solution for everyone. Renters: Bunny Duncan, Alameda, stated that she would like tenants and landlords to fight together for the same goals; she feels landlords are trying to get the best of people. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 7 January 5, 2016 | CityCouncil/2016-01-05.pdf |