pages: CityCouncil/2016-06-21.pdf, 18
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CityCouncil | 2016-06-21 | 18 | In response to Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, the Community Development Director stated the benefits derived from the program accrue on a per unit basis, not on the size of the unit or the amount of rent. Councilmember Daysog stated that he is satisfied with the analysis; he would have preferred more comparable nearby cities; inquired how the City would pay for the program if a new fee is not created, would the $1.9 million costs have to be absorbed. The City Manager responded the budget Council approved included $700,000 until the end of December 2016; if the program continues until the end of the fiscal year, it would be another $700,000; the revenue for the rest of the year would have a structural deficit; funds could come from the fund balance. Councilmember Daysog stated everyone has to tighten belts to deal with a rental crisis, the City should absorb the cost. Councilmember Oddie stated that he is not ready to support the program; Council should consider putting it off for six months; there will be more information and real numbers, the start-up kinks would be worked out; there is uncertainty and many options to evaluate. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Oddie; stated more time buys more accuracy; Council would know how the program is being used; there is still a lot of speculation; she has grave reservations about the fee for arbitration; the program could be more refined and staff could provide better options in six months; Council could apply the information more wisely in the second half of the fiscal year. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he would like six months of real data, the cost of contracting versus hiring staff, and additional comparisons. In response to Vice Mayor Matarrese's inquiry, the Community Development Director stated the Housing Authority billed the City just under $40,000 for the program in the first two months, and they are not fully staffed; staff agreed to bid the program administration and plans to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) in September; the ordinance is only funded through December. Councilmember Daysog stated rents are outrageous, more studies and methodologies requires action of the Council and residents of Alameda as a whole, to tighten belts to get through the crisis, the Council needs to take action and leadership, not wait for more studies. Mayor Spencer stated that she likes the comparisons; Berkeley's fee is higher; she would like more information and comparisons to other cities to bring down cost; make the program should be complaint driven and increases should be no more than 5%; she concurred with waiting for more information. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council June 21, 2016 | CityCouncil/2016-06-21.pdf |