pages: CityCouncil/2017-04-07.pdf, 22
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CityCouncil | 2017-04-07 | 22 | resolution as matters have to be placed on the agenda; eliminating the RRAC would streamline the process; money spent on staffing and training the RRAC could be directed elsewhere; the situation was simpler when the RRAC was first formed; a more sophisticated, effective response is needed. Councilmember Matarrese stated the suggestion is something to think about; he would like an outside party to evaluate the system, especially because of the success of so many cases being resolved by mediation; mediation cannot be done at the RRAC. Vice Mayor Vella stated that she supports Councilmember Matarrese's suggestion; mediation only works when both parties are committed to reaching a settlement; mediation needs to be voluntary; she would like to review the option of having the mediator outside of the system and not a Housing Authority employee; having outside mediators and Hearing Officers would add legitimacy and would untangle the Housing Authority and City Attorney staff. Mayor Spencer inquired whether Vice Mayor Vella would like the mediators instead of the RRAC, to which Vice Mayor Vella responded that she would like to see the costs and understand what the proposal would look like for increases under 5%; some of the most contentious cases before the RRAC have been increases under 5%; different options should be reviewed depending on costs and the recommendation of the outside party conducting the evaluation. Mayor Spencer inquired whether Vice Mayor Vella supports having a mediator prior to or instead of cases going to RRAC, to which Vice Mayor Vella responded that she would consider both; stated there could be three things to consider: 1) whether a mediator should be hired by the Housing Authority or contracted out, 2) whether the RRAC should be eliminated, or 3) whether certain cases should go to a Hearing Officer instead of the RRAC. Councilmember Oddie stated that he agrees with suggestion to have an outside evaluation; when the ordinance was adopted, he proposed to have the RRAC as the appellate board for the Hearing Officer to ensure criteria for approving a rent increase was met; he is open to suggestions on how to improve the process; the more mediation up front, the better; he is concerned about the process being so public; however, Council thought the public shaming of going to the RRAC with a large increase might be effective. Mayor Spencer stated that she is not sure who would be able to conduct the evaluation and is concerned about the cost; she does not support the City spending money on a consultant; she thinks the program is working very well; she attends most RRAC meetings; having both parties present is critical; the first step should be having a mediator; the Housing Authority should determine whether the mediator is on staff or a professional; the Housing Authority has been very effective at training staff; the RRAC process has been part of the community since the 1970s; seeing peers from the community on the RRAC contributes to having a genuine conversation; she would be Continued April 4, 2017 Meeting Alameda City Council 22 April 7, 2017 | CityCouncil/2017-04-07.pdf |