pages: CityCouncil/2016-02-02.pdf, 29
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CityCouncil | 2016-02-02 | 29 | The Assistant City Attorney responded the current way the ordinance is written is the tenants can exchange staying a month for a month less in relocation assistance. The Community Development Director stated direction from Council is needed if there would be an exemption for mom and pop landlords. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that tenants need cash to relocate; to leave it up to tenants and landlords to work out on their own is not fair; she agrees with the staff recommendation. Mayor Spencer inquired if Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft is requesting to leave it the tenant's choice, which is what the ordinance currently states, to which Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Oddie stated if a landlord is willing to give up the income by taking the unit off the market, they can afford to pay relocation fees; mom and pops violate the rules too and the City has to protect all tenants. Councilmember Daysog stated that most mom and pops are good landlords and the City should recognize that; he would like the small mom and pop landlords exempted from the relocation benefit or given consideration where time is given. Vice Mayor Matarrese concerned with Councilmember Daysog; stated the distinction of mom and pop landlords needs to be defined; the issue should be subject to mediation to allow for a combination of finance and time and worked out on a case by case basis. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council has heard that people are afraid to go to the RRAC; she would like to give the staff recommendation a year to see if it works. Mayor Spencer stated she, Councilmember Oddie, and Councilmember Ezzy Ashcarft are in agreement with staff's recommendation. The Community Development Director requested Council direction on the issue of no cap for rent increases; stated the cap was set for when a landlord has to initiate the RRAC process at 5%. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated there was no discussion on the issue; she agrees the 5% threshold is reasonable. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether landlords who do not raise the rent for several years would be able to do a higher rent increase like in Los Gatos. The Community Development Director responded said information would be taken into account by the RRAC when making a decision. Mayor Spencer stated Los Gatos' rent control is not a trigger, it is a cap. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 28 February 2, 2016 | CityCouncil/2016-02-02.pdf |