pages: CityCouncil/2018-06-19.pdf, 19
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2018-06-19 | 19 | The Community Development Director stated direction was given at the May workshop to set up a three year pilot program with $500,000 for legal aid for low income renters; at the June 5th meeting, there were subsequent questions about whether or not the program would include other legal services; staff would like to confirm the direction, which is a legal aid program for low income renters. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether there is a way means testing could be done; stated it would be good to know if individual landlords could be limited by number of units, income and assets; stated landlords want to make sure they are abiding by the ordinance. In response to Mayor Spencer's inquiry, the Community Development Director stated the program administration staff gives direction to landlords and helps clarify what is needed to be compliant with the ordinance; staff does not provide individual advice on individual cases. Vice Mayor Vella stated landlords can go to the Housing Authority to get clarification without violating the ordinance; having a separate office where tenants could get advice would be helpful; the program should be bifurcated; inquired whether providers could look at income levels before taking a case as part of the Request for Proposals (RFP). The Community Development Director responded that she does not know how means testing is done; she does not believe legal services attorneys would take landlord cases; if Council directs legal services be provided to both low income tenants and landlords, staff would recommend doing more research on how the process would work on the landlord side and move forward only with the tenant side at this time. Councilmember Oddie stated the direction is clear that Council wants to assist tenants; he does not understand why free legal service would be given to landlords when tenants need it. The Acting City Manager stated the $500,000 in restricted fund balance is set aside; there has been discussion of both landlord and tenant services; staff wants to get clarification on the direction. Mayor Spencer stated Council agreed to allocate the money; suggested coming back to discuss the matter. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated the topic to provide services to both landlords and tenants was raised and is valid to consider; landlords have access to legal services; there are not enough resources so the focus should be on providing services to tenants. The Community Development Director confirmed the direction is for staff to issue the RFP and come back to Council with a contract. Special Joint Meeting Alameda City Council and Successor Agency to the Community Improvement Commission 2 June 19, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-06-19.pdf |