pages: CityCouncil/2018-10-02.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2018-10-02 | 9 | Speisekammer. Expressed concern over small business being crippled by the minimum wage increase; suggested eliminating certain businesses: Kyle Connor, Alameda Theatre Cinema Grill. Questioned why the Council is intervening in the State process which is in place: Bob Shannon, Alameda. Expressed support for increasing the minimum wage: Laura Thomas, Renewed Hope and AJA. Discussed problems working people face; urged approval of the minimum wage increase: Kirsten Fairbanks, Alameda for Black Lives. Councilmember Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation; noted the Bay Area has higher costs than the rest of the State and other surrounding cities are moving in said direction; stated housing costs suffer from wage disparity. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she will support the recommendation; Council has grappled with housing issues for three years; she does not take pride in knowing Alameda is one of the lowest minimum wage cities. Vice Mayor Vella stated the item is minimum wage, not living wage; a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) calculator sets the living wage for California as $14.01 per hour and the living wage for a single parent is $29.68 per hour; the cost of rent is the typical reason commercial spaces close; the Council is obligated to insert themselves in the issue because constituents are being affected, she will support the recommendation. Councilmember Oddie stated minimum wage is the one tool the Council has to help address the inequality; he will support the recommendation. Mayor Spencer inquired whether Councilmembers have comments regarding the employee benefits packages recommendation. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft responded the correspondence was received late in the afternoon; stated the issue could be considered at a later time. Mayor Spencer expressed concern over the impact on local businesses and employees working at local businesses; stated that she prefers to have an ordinance similar to other cities with different increases for more employees; small businesses have indicated the increases could cause businesses to close; the "Buy Local" campaign is to bring in people from outside Alameda; requested Council to consider a step up for smaller businesses. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 October 2, 2018 | CityCouncil/2018-10-02.pdf |