pages: CityCouncil/2016-02-16.pdf, 30
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CityCouncil | 2016-02-16 | 30 | Mayor Spencer inquired if there are any objections from Council, to which Council responded there are no objections. Mayor Spencer inquired whether the form would not change the ordinance, to which the Community Development Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft requested Committee hearings and decisions be clarified; stated if a tenant has requested the Committee to review a rent increase, the Committee's decision will be non-binding on the parties; there needs to be a sentence that explains it more clearly; a tenant could initiate the RRAC proceeding but the landlord still has the right to increase rent above 5%. The Community Development Director responded for rent increases of 5% or less, the case has to be initiated by the tenant; the RRAC decision is non-binding and there is no recourse to a hearing officer, but there is recourse to the City Council. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated Council only gave the right to go to binding arbitration for increases above 5%. The Community Development Director stated language could be inserted that for increases of 5% or less the Committee's decision will be non-binding on the parties. Mayor Spencer stated it could say for rent increases of less than 5% arbitration is not available. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft requested staff work out the wording for clarification. The Assistant City Attorney stated the idea is nothing would prevent a tenant and landlord from arriving at a rent increase less than the maximum rent increase; nothing precludes reaching an agreement before the Committee hearing. Councilmember Oddie stated the tenant can request Committee review of a rent increase pursuant to Section 6-58.70, which says the tenant may request the Committee review rent increase under 5%. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the decision is non-binding. Councilmember Oddie stated language could be inserted into Section 6-58.70. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she is agreeable to said suggestion. The Community Development Director responded the section would read: if the tenant has requested the Committee to review the rent increase pursuant to Section 6-58.70, the Committee's decision will be non-binding on the parties. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 28 February 16, 2016 | CityCouncil/2016-02-16.pdf |