pages: CityCouncil/2017-04-07.pdf, 21
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CityCouncil | 2017-04-07 | 21 | Mayor Spencer stated that she would be open to using General Fund money if her suggestion cannot be done. The City Manager stated the policy could be discussed when staff brings back the fee. Mayor Spencer stated Council also wanted to address the trust and the RRAC; inquired whether there is anything to be discussed. Vice Mayor Vella responded the Council should also discuss a model lease and the sunset provision. Trust Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated private realtors have discussed setting up at trust; she would like to keep the discussion open. In response to Councilmember Oddie, Councilmember Matarrese stated that he suggested using the property transfer tax as a revenue stream to provide seed money for the trust fund, safety net services or funding a mediator; he would like to lock down a funding stream first. In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the City Manager stated the suggestion could be discussed as part of the budget; mediator costs would be included as a line item when the program fee returns and Council could decide whether to include the amount in the program fee or the budget. Councilmember Matarrese expressed support for the City Manager's suggestion. Councilmember Oddie stated that he likes Councilmember Matarrese's idea and would like to pursue it. Mayor Spencer stated the Council supports the suggestion. RRAC Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the RRAC relies on volunteers with little training in mediation; turnover requires new members to be trained; the RRAC is tasked with making a decision regarding housing; only difficult cases end up at the RRAC since the Housing Authority staff or mediators settle the majority of the cases; suggested that the RRAC process be replaced with staff or a third-party mediator attempting to resolve the issue; stated if the attempts at resolution fail, cases that fit the criteria could go to a Hearing Officer for a binding decision, which gives the parties even more incentive to settle; the RRAC meetings cause discussions about personal matters, such as finances, to be public; tenants have even answered medical questions in the public setting; a public setting is not conducive to a productive, candid discussion; tenants are intimidated to participate in the process; the RRAC process prolongs reaching a Continued April 4, 2017 Meeting Alameda City Council 21 April 7, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-04-07.pdf |