pages: CityCouncil/2019-10-15.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2019-10-15 | 16 | the Housing Authority is not under the City's governance; information and forms for the appeal process should be on the City's website; there is an overall Code Enforcement issue related to habitability; the City needs a better way to report Code Enforcement problems; identifying hearing officers for appeals is important; questioned whether rent funds can be used towards retiree hearing officer staff; stated leaving direction open- ended can allow for improvement to all root issues. Vice Mayor Knox White stated many tenant comments have not been relayed to Board members; there is a lack of clarity and a third party is needed; expressed support for an external task force; expressed concern over bringing the Housing Authority back under City governance; noted there is frustration about not being able to hear both sides of issues; stated there needs to be a way for the Housing Authority to listen to the public complaints and address them; elected officials do not need to be the end result of every decision; expressed support for engagement around the issues being brought forth. Councilmember Oddie stated the referral is meant to increase accountability, transparency and reduce conflicts of interest; the answer is not to have the Housing Authority move back under the City; discussed the legal implications of private information; stated that he will never stop fighting for the most vulnerable people in the community; society is judged by how the most vulnerable are treated; expressed support for the hard work done by the Housing Authority; stated there needs to be time to address the issues. Councilmember Daysog stated the Housing Authority was separated from the City in 2012; expressed support for continuing the separation and independence; stated the Housing Authority has proven to be successful since 2012; the attempt to incorporate Council into the appeals process is difficult; discussed outside agencies which implement housing policies; stated there are specific obligations to taxpayer funded programs; involving outside officers in the appeals and hearing process can be difficult due to differences in policies; the funding allows families to live in affordable housing and equally applies rules and transparency. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the idea of a mediated conversation is good; Code Enforcement will come up for discussion at a priority setting meeting; the Housing Authority Board is a great resource that is not frequently used instead of making requests to elected officials; there are independent agencies that can be used as well; there is desire to provide more housing; the housing crisis is not going away any time soon. The City Manager stated everyone has the same goals; noted his experience began with housing; stated the root of the issue should be the focus; three City departments will need to staff the issue: City Manager's office, Community Development Department and City Attorney's office; he recommends starting with an informal stakeholder group, which could decide whether or not a more formalized group is needed; stated the group will focus on transparency, accountability, conflict of interest, hearing officers and informal mediation methodology, with a deadline of returning to Council February 18, Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 14 October 15, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-10-15.pdf |