pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf, 13
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2020-04-21 | 13 | Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about discussing items that may not be part of the noticed agenda. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. (20-241) Resolution No. 15643, "Amending the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget to Increase Appropriations in the General Fund by $250,000, in the Base Reuse Budget by $97,500, and in the Commercial Revitalization Budget by $250,000 in Order to Fund a $600,000 COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Program to Help Mitigate Barriers to Capital for the Most Vulnerable Alameda Small Businesses and Restaurants; and Recommendation to Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Implementation of the Minimum Wage Increase." Adopted. The Economic Development Manager gave a brief presentation. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the issue surrounding minimum wage could be made into a third rail of local politics or it could be an intelligent, civil discussion looking at the issue from all sides; questioned how to protect local businesses and workers simultaneously; stated three members of Council were present for a noticed town hall meeting for small businesses; Council should consider small business employees will be out of work if the business goes under; expressed concern for future removal of restaurant tables allowing for further needed social distancing; questioned the criteria needed to allow a slight delay in implementing the minimum wage increase; noted the grants will be available for small businesses with 1 to 25 employees; inquired the process for a business with only one employee; expressed concern about employment; inquired whether there is a distinction between individually owned versus corporate owned businesses and restaurants; questioned whether a Starbucks or Burger King with 25 employees would be eligible for the grant; noted there is reference to the number of eligible businesses; more money is needed; expressed support for staff to address how small businesses will be notified of the 10 day application period; stated the window is short; that she would like to make sure everyone is able to apply. The Economic Development Manager responded a small business is typically a mom and pop shop that is owned and has one employee; stated Starbucks would not qualify for funding if it is corporate owned; some restaurant chains or coffee chains are franchised and considered a small business, which would then qualify for funding; noted a franchised Starbucks with 30 employees would not qualify; stated many franchise businesses have more than 25 employees; there are 67 grants outside of Alameda Point and 13 for businesses within Alameda Point, totaling 80 grants; staff plans to utilize a mailing list from the Finance Department, provide the information in an Economic Development newsletter, and businesses associations will get the word out about the grant funding. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether staff has considered geographically targeting Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 3 | CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf |