pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-07.pdf, 8
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CityCouncil | 2020-04-07 | 8 | Councilmember Vella stated laundry areas are essential functions; inquired whether something can be posted in facilities to inform people of any changes. The Community Development Director responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Vella expressed concern about vulnerable populations, which may not have access to, or be comfortable with, using different modes of technology in order to acquire information, stated small businesses may not be associated with a business groups and might not receive information. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the City is under a shelter in place directive and any direction provided by Council to staff, including posting notices, should attempt to protect staff going out physically; notices could also be placed in Food Bank orders; stated staff can work to discover the best way to notify the most tenants and landlords possible. Councilmember Vella expressed support for the lack of late fees and processing fees; inquired whether language has been reviewed prohibiting increases for residential and commercial tenants at this time. The Community Development Director responded the ordinance does not include a freeze on rent increases; stated Council could provide direction to staff to return with something for consideration. Councilmember Vella expressed support for a freeze on rent increases; stated there are currently millions of people applying for unemployment; that she would like staff to look into whether or not Council may place a freeze on increases at this time. The Community Development Director stated a rent freeze could be imposed for residential tenants, but not for commercial tenants. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the reason a rent freeze would only apply to residential tenants. The City Attorney responded if the City were not under a declared emergency, State law is clear that local agencies have no right to regulate rents with respect to commercial entities; stated the City's ability to regulate rent is exclusively residential; the Governor issued an Executive Order which carves out a narrow exception with respect to evictions; staff has reviewed the Order, which does not extend far enough to controlling rent; staff's recommendation is for residential tenants only. Councilmember Vella inquired whether after one year, the rent due is no longer evictable. The City Attorney responded staff does not believe the rent to be non-evictable; stated Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 April 7, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-04-07.pdf |