pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-07.pdf, 12
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CityCouncil | 2020-04-07 | 12 | expressed support for a two year period and for the rent freeze; stated there are programs in place for people with mortgages; expressed support for a temporary freeze; stated there needs to be a way to make landlords whole again based on partial payments; the shelter in place could go on for an unknown amount of time; Council must be flexible and open to adjusting to whatever happens; this will likely not be the last emergency ordinance; expressed support for more eviction protections, including commercial tenants and finding ways to offer support to small businesses; stated the challenge is going to be how people get back on their feet; the next round of ordinances should include ways to help small businesses. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated anything done has to be fair in balancing all sides; that she is mindful of many landlords working with tenants; a lot has been imposed on property owners; no one should suffer; people will not be thrown out; repayment time periods can start out conservatively; proactive work from the State and County will create success at flattening the curve of COVID-19; more will be known before the next meeting; a year to repay rent is too long; expressed support for starting conservatively and extending if needed. Councilmember Vella stated that there is an incredible amount of stress being placed on the community; people are now depending on the Food Bank in Alameda which has seen a tremendous increase; millions of people are applying for unemployment; expressed concern for those that are behind in paying, not only rent, but also utilities and other items; stated the stress of repayment is difficult; stated six months is a long time to pay items back, but the time is not long considering that people are unemployed with no way of earning an income for at least 3 months; stated there are a lot of things most families cannot prepare for and many could not prepare for this; expressed support for a longer payback period of 12 months; stated allowing longer payback periods will put more pressure on the federal and State government to come down harder on the banks and force a negotiation of longer payback terms; noted Governor Newsom has been able to negotiate a 90-day forgiveness period with banks; stated the federal government needs to do more; everyone must work together to prevent another housing and mortgage crisis; it is reasonable to allow a rent increase freeze through the end of 2020; expressed support for the inclusion of commercial tenant protection. Councilmember Vella moved adoption of the urgency ordinance, with a 12-month repayment period. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like more information; that she would like staff to have the ability to hear from property owners in order to avoid operating in a vacuum; expressed support for Councilmember Vella's comments; stated that she has difficulty understanding the pressure being placed on State and federal government by this action; noted that she would like to ensure people are aware of the available assistance from federal, State and local governments; stated that she would like an understanding of the implications for all landlords; she would like staff to have a better opportunity to conduct outreach. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 10 April 7, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-04-07.pdf |