pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-07.pdf, 13
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CityCouncil | 2020-04-07 | 13 | Councilmember Vella inquired whether Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft would be amenable to adopting the urgency as drafted with the 6-month repayment period and direction to staff to conduct more outreach and look at potential impacts of a longer repayment period. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft responded in the affirmative; stated that she would also like to see language in the ordinance about a rent freeze for residential tenants. Councilmember Vella inquired whether it is possible for Council to find a way to support property owners and add priorities to lobbyists for mortgage relief for landlords. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft responded that she is in support of the idea; inquired whether the Council may take such action. The City Manager and City Attorney responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Vella moved adoption of the urgency ordinance, with direction for staff to return with rent freeze language for residential tenants, to conduct outreach relative to the payback period, and to look at impacts and language for an extended payback period. Councilmember Oddie seconded the motion, with a friendly amendment to evaluate transition timing. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Knox White stated that his understanding from the City Attorney would be to allow adding the 30-day language at the current time rather than delaying another two weeks for discussion. The City Attorney stated some of the Council changes could be enacted at this meeting and some changes will have to wait until later; that he would like to review the list of actions that can be taken at this meeting and which need to be performed at a later date. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that he would like to see how the City is balancing the rent freeze range; expressed support for the motion. Councilmember Daysog stated the City is going to have to work with State and federal legislators and lobbyists sooner rather than later; outlined allowable tax expense examples for unpaid rent; stated smaller landlords would like some provisions allowed for unpaid rent expenses on tax returns. The City Attorney reviewed the list of Council direction and possible timelines; stated direction has been given to look at a rent freeze for a short period; staff believes the rent freeze item can be brought back at the next Council meeting as another emergency ordinance; direction has been given to staff to look at whether or not the City can expand the substantive defense to be 30-days after the conclusion of the pandemic; Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 11 April 7, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-04-07.pdf |