pages: CityCouncil/2019-11-19.pdf, 21
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CityCouncil | 2019-11-19 | 21 | and pop landlords; expressed support for tenants and landlords being treated fairly. (19-649) Councilmember Oddie moved approval of continuing the meeting until 11:45 p.m. Councilmember Vella seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. Councilmember Vella stated the intent of the item is not to go after small mom and pop landlords; the intent is to ensure there are habitable units; a mechanism is in place to address issues related to health and safety; the City is currently under an old model with a Building Official trained in things that do not extend into health and safety, which results in unnecessary calls to the Police Department or scenarios with insufficient training; some jurisdictions have created an independent and separate unit that trains staff to handle incidents. The Planning, Building and Transportation Director stated the Code Enforcement division was designed, shaped and funded 15 to 20 years ago; new laws have been adopted and different types of enforcement are being requested; how Code Enforcement is designed and funded should be reworked; noted that the more Code Enforcement occurs, the more complaints are received. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed concern for Council directing the form the item takes; stated a discussion is needed around the policy that exists and what Code Enforcement does; the policy needs to be revisited; proposed the policy return to Council along with a report from the City Manager on implementation and enforcement. Councilmember Vella stated staff has a proposal; expressed concern over delays. Councilmember Oddie stated that he understands the policy relates to residential properties being inspected, but not commercial; tenant protections and just cause provisions remove fear of bringing issues to landlord attention, which should cause a reduction in Code Enforcement. Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the referral, based on the expectation of the report the City Manager and the Planning, Building and Transportation Director said they will provide. Councilmember Vella stated the motion should include consideration being given to the City Attorney to ensure what is being structured will make the City better at enforcement, especially with the creation of the prosecutorial position. The City Manager expressed support for a separation between enforcement and prosecution. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 18 November 19, 2019 | CityCouncil/2019-11-19.pdf |