pages: CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf, 23
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CityCouncil | 2020-04-21 | 23 | a checklist would be involved; the process should be as immune to political pressure as possible; noted one of the criteria for abatement is to maintain employees; expressed support for staff providing recommendations; expressed concern about business resiliency and financial impacts; stated there should be a cap; he supports the idea of repurposing profit participation; three non-profits are listed; questioned what can be done for the businesses which have no revenue. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the subcommittee had quite a bit of input; expressed concern about being all things to all people; stated Council is providing input for staff to implement; the item should not be politicized; expressed support for criteria similar to the grant program application related to business viability; stated Council should not be the entity to prop up businesses that were not a growing concern; non-profits should also be accounted for; she is optimistic about the future; the City is helping to slow the spread of COVID-19; scientific advancements will impact the reopening of businesses; outlined potential new norms for restaurants and businesses; urged everyone to do as much as possible; questioned whether Vice Mayor Knox White proposed implementing a 90-day trial with a discussion to return. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed concern about stepping up to provide community benefits as a factor in credit; stated some businesses are able to provide support and some are fighting for survival; the City can celebrate the intent behind the actions, but it can be problematic; his recommendation is to defer the rent for 90-days to give staff time to come back with a plan. Councilmember Vella stated that she supports much of the direction from the subcommittee; expressed support for looking at overall resiliency of a business; businesses need to find new ways to operate in a world where social distancing requirements are in place; expressed concern about the City funding things long-term to keep businesses afloat; questioned whether the businesses could also apply for the small business grant; expressed concern about businesses applying for grant funding and rent abatement; stated there should be an overall cap; one to two exceptions would need detailed explanations; expressed support for looking into how much employees are making, and at the overall health of the business; for giving approval for the deferral as-needed; staff can take time to refine the direction provided. Councilmember Oddie questioned whether the 90-days will begin immediately or include the 60-days of already deferred time. Vice Mayor Knox White responded his assumption is that most tenants paid in March; stated the start date would be April 1, 2020. Councilmember Oddie stated the extension would be through June; expressed support for the timing; stated civic contribution could also include paying staff or allowing staff to work at the Food Bank. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for recognizing civic good deeds, but it should Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 13 | CityCouncil/2020-04-21.pdf |