pages: CityCouncil/2017-04-07.pdf, 20
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CityCouncil | 2017-04-07 | 20 | The Community Development Director noted the HAHCD Director has a degree in Information Technology and has been doing extensive research on databases. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she asked the question because members of the public expressed concern over the costs and software; she supports establishing a fee; there should be a way to have the program self-sustaining; Council has discussed different types of programs; inquired whether fee studies would be presented for each of the scenarios being discussed. The Community Development Director responded the study would be narrowed down to the existing ordinance; until the program is known, staff would not complete a study for other scenarios, such as just cause and FMR relocation benefits. Councilmember Oddie stated the City paid for the first year of the program as kinks were worked out; there might be changes; the fee should adequately cover the program costs; noted Union City requires a landlord to have a valid business license and properly registered rental unit; inquired about business license collection and whether the City is checking for valid business licenses for RRAC cases. The Community Development Director responded landlords with multi-family buildings are required to pay a business license of $20 per unit; stated single family units are exempt from paying a business license; currently, staff does not check to ensure landlords have paid their business license for RRAC cases; a list of rental units staff created was provided to the Finance Department to check against business licenses; Finance followed up with anyone identified who had not paid a business license. Mayor Spencer stated that she would support doing the cross check when a landlord goes through the RRAC process; anyone without a business licenses should be required to get one; inquired whether the Council concurred, to which the Council responded in the affirmative. Mayor Spencer stated Council has talked about having the fee paid by only the landlords and tenants; depending on the fee amount, she would like a portion paid by all property owners in order to keep the fee low; the rent ordinance brings stabilization for the entire community. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft noted Mayor Spencer is proposing a tax. The City Manager stated a user fee, which does not require voter authorization, is being proposed by staff. In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry regarding the program benefitting the entire community, the City Manager stated a benefit assessment district also requires voter approval for anyone in the district. Continued April 4, 2017 Meeting Alameda City Council 20 April 7, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-04-07.pdf |