pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2020-04-21 | 16 | communication; inquired the reason for omitting the Governor's ability to off-ramp; and whether there is a requirement for a conflict or ethics check of panel members that are not employed with the City. The City Manager responded a restriction in funding for corporate-owned businesses could create issues; stated restricting publicly-traded businesses would help clarify;; noted a restriction of financial institutions could be considered by Council as well. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether a single accountant could be eligible. The Community Development Director responded the accountant would need at least one employee; noted the Governor will not make an announcement regarding the minimum wage off-ramp until August 1st, which is past the City's July 1st deadline; stated the panel can be limited to two Economic Development staff members, a representative from Support of Competitive Research (SCORE), a representative from the small business development center, and two non-profits which work closely with small businesses. Public Comment Read Into Record: Expressed support for the grant program; expressed concern for the number of businesses the grant is likely to help; urged Council to consider a larger vision for an "Alameda Strong" campaign; outlined funding breakdowns; noted tax deductions for donations: Linda Asbury, West Alameda Business Association. Questioned whether the City can work with private funders to supplement the grant program; expressed support for the item: Ron Mooney, Alameda. Stated the poorest people should not be supporting business owners by losing an anticipated wage increase; noted rent, utilities and food costs have increased; stated changing the wage increase would take more notice: Catherine Pauling, Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted the regular meeting will not begin at 8:30 p.m. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that he will not support a delay in the minimum wage increase; the businesses community has been discussing the minimum wage increase a lot; inquired whether Council could provide direction to staff to find ways to augment the current program; stated there is a need to augment the program and set up something for long-term; many businesses and fundraisers in town are looking at ways to help increase funding; if every business take the full amount, the City will be helping less than 10% of all businesses; he expects the program to be over-subscribed; there is money to spend for business marketing; questioned whether the item could be agendized for the May 5th meeting to discuss shifting funds from one business to another; stated a longer term economic crisis will follow the pandemic; Council will need to roll-out programs to help the change; his goal is to help save as many businesses as possible to keep a strong commercial sector; strong business marketing programs will Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 6 | CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf |