pages: CityCouncil/2020-05-05.pdf, 25
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CityCouncil | 2020-05-05 | 25 | February financials. Councilmember Vella inquired whether the month prior will be used, to which the Economic Development Manager responded in the affirmative. Public Comment Read Into Record: Discussed issues on the policy and implementation of the program; stated not allowing publicly traded companies is a good step at limiting large businesses; urged the allowance of sole proprietors; stated a ranking system should be developed; urged discussion to ensure a simple and safe guarded program: Ronald Mooney, Alameda. Urged Council consider raising the loss level from 20% to a higher amount to target businesses most at-risk; stated those with a 50% or higher loss are more at risk: Text Message Submittal. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether a ranking system will be used. The Economic Development Manager responded a lottery system will be used. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for finding the businesses which have been impacted most. The Community Development Director stated there is a lottery program; the minimum criteria must be met in order for applicants to be eligible; the criteria includes a minimum loss of income of 20%; sole proprietorships with one employee are not eligible for funding; noted staff has balanced ensuring expediency as well as reaching vulnerable businesses; stated Council approved the eligibility criteria at the previous meeting. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated more is known as time goes by; noted nuances should be considered due to businesses relying on the funds to survive; the requirement to include businesses with at least one employee came from the intention of helping more people; there is no easy way to say yes to some businesses and no to others; expressed concern about the survival of small businesses; inquired whether there is more the City could do. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that he is uncomfortable changing the criteria after it was approved at the previous meeting; applications close tomorrow; there is never a perfect way to move forward; $7,500 may not save a business which has lost 50%; expressed support for working with the State program; other money sources could be explored; the program is currently over-subscribed; expressed support for discussing increasing funding by $200,000 to $300,000; there are options for quick funding such as gofundme.com expressed concern about a delay in setting up a community fund; stated Council must act now; expressed support for the use of a gofundme.com campaign, and directing staff to look into the use of gofundme.com; expressed concern about the materials for the funding applications not being in multiple languages; inquired Special Meeting Alameda City Council 4 April 21, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-05-05.pdf |