pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf, 22
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CityCouncil | 2020-04-21 | 22 | to be used for repayment of rent; expressed support for rent forgiveness; stated all businesses will be working toward being successful. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the proposal could work for the Alameda Theatre; many businesses operate on a thin margin; expressed concern for profit-splitting with businesses which do not currently have said business model; stated that she would like more information related to landlords offering a reduction in rent to be repaid over a period of time. Councilmember Vella expressed concern about a blanket policy related to rent reduction or abatement; stated some businesses are adapting and changing models; expressed concern about budget impacts; stated, as a landlord, the City needs to work with businesses to see what is possible; there are retail-oriented businesses that could benefit from a longer repayment period; there will need to be a combination of repayment periods or rent reductions; expressed support for the City Manager looking into the duration which a business has paid market rent; stated many tenants pay below market rate, which should be factored into the benefit; stated businesses with profit margins could begin repayment once profits return. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed support for Councilmember Vella's comments; stated the perfect program is difficult to craft; expressed support for approving a 90-day deferral, directing staff with some guidance to return with a longer term program; stated the government shut down most tenants; Council can show leadership by trying to abate rent to the greatest extent possible for tenants not able to open and conduct business; the City is one of the few with money to provide relief; expressed support for directing the City Manager to look into an abatement proposal; questioned the criteria for not abating rent while a business was closed; stated deferrals will be needed as well. Councilmember Vella questioned whether abating rent would be applied to the shelter in place order or a longer term; stated that she supports abating rent while under the shelter in place; expressed support for staff addressing whether the intention be to abate rent past the shelter in place order for businesses to figure out how to restart. Vice Mayor Knox White stated the Alameda Theatre is a good example of a business not being able to re-open the same as the rest of the City; questioned whether the City should collect rent payment from the Theatre should this occur; stated there are bond payments based on what was to be collected; staff can return with more information for a plan through the end of the shelter in place order; the process is similar to the rent program offering 30-days past the end of the order. Councilmember Daysog stated the City is in a unique position to exercise flexibility in an effort to help businesses; expressed support for staff's recommendation and going beyond the shelter in place order; stated ramp-up time will be needed to regain consumer demand, which should be factored into decision making. Councilmember Oddie stated the intention of the item is to hear other criteria to include; Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 12 | CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf |