pages: CityCouncil/2020-03-17.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2020-03-17 | 6 | the COVID-19 Pandemic and Landlords' Shutting off Utilities in Rental Units Except for Emergency Situations." Adopted. The City Attorney gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Vella inquired whether there is public comment for the item, to which the City Clerk responded in the negative. Councilmember Vella stated the City has residential and commercial tenants; inquired whether the City could take action to not just put the moratorium on evictions, but to also postpone the payment of rent and make any rent due April 1st be delayed to payment over time. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about whether Councilmember Vella's inquiry includes instances when the City is the landlord, to which Councilmember Vella responded in the affirmative. The City Manager responded that he believes a provision exists within the language of the previous urgency ordinance [paragraph no. 20- . The City Attorney stated Council approved giving the City Manager the flexibility in the prior item. Councilmember Vella inquired whether the language needs to be built-in to the ordinance or if the City Manager authorization on a case by case basis is enough. The City Attorney responded the prior ordinance gives the City Manager discretion; stated due to the City acting as landlord, not a regulator, an ordinance does not need to be adopted; the City Manager may take further direction from Council; however, an ordinance is not needed to regulate City Manager actions. In response to Councilmember Oddie's inquiry, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the Council may direct staff to look into commercial payments. Councilmember Oddie expressed support for including commercial tenants in the language; questioned whether property owners who are not receiving rental income could receive aid; stated that he believes the Governor has provided information related to foreclosures; the City needs to look into the foreclosure information; inquired whether a process is being put in place for Section 8 voucher holders to put a pause on vouchers being taken away. Councilmember Vella outlined Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-28-20 related to commercial provisions; stated that she would like staff to look into the City's ability to place a moratorium on commercial evictions. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed support for addressing the commercial property Special Meeting Alameda City Council March 17, 2020 2 | CityCouncil/2020-03-17.pdf |