pages: CityCouncil/2020-05-05.pdf, 26
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CityCouncil | 2020-05-05 | 26 | whether a grant program can be opened for those in the three highest language categories; stated the outreach will be very useful; the grant application process does not work when applicants are submitting via Microsoft Edge; expressed support for adding language stating: "please do not use Microsoft Edge;" stated the response to the program has been tremendous. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the deadline is May 7th, to which the Community Development Director responded in the affirmative. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how the City could work with a gofundme.com campaign; inquired whether the City should put money into WABA's gofundme.com campaign. Vice Mayor Knox White responded in the negative; stated there is interest in starting an Alameda Business gofundme.com campaign; should the City promote the campaign, with a list of 190 possible applicants, the following businesses would be considered to receive funding after the grant fund cutoff; noted little staff time would be used; stated work and fundraising would be from the private sector. Councilmember Vella expressed concern about changing the criteria; expressed support for changing the criteria if a second round of applications are done, prioritizing businesses that have taken a harder hit in the potential second round, and conducting a lottery; noted many financial issues for businesses are related to cash flow; expressed support for the City loaning money to the program, and pursuing public/private funds, which look at grants, non-profits and different donors; stated a gofundme.com campaign would be appropriate; she would like to consult with the City Attorney's office to further understand the legality of collecting and administering funds; expressed support for promoting the opportunity on social media and websites; noted individual gofundme.com campaigns have been successful; stated that she would like to get to businesses that may not have the same social media following as others; expressed support for looking at businesses with multiple locations in the criteria for the next round; stated there are daycare providers and preschool operators, which have multiple locations and larger staff that should remain operational; expressed support for keeping businesses operational; stated daycare and preschool are important and should be included for eligibility. Councilmember Daysog stated the $600,000 being invested by the City represents a substantial amount of taxpayer dollars; some entities might not survive; there is risk involved; the risk is worth taking; the times are not ordinary; Council is making a reasonable and prudent decision; expressed support for the item, and the City Attorney's office protecting Council from outstanding legal issues which may arise from the use of gofundme.com; stated the amount of responses is a good indication that business communities are struggling. Councilmember Oddie expressed support for the item, finding more funding if possible and the exploration of gofundme.com campaigns; expressed concern about payments over $5,000; stated that he would support different criteria if there is another round of Special Meeting Alameda City Council 5 May 05, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-05-05.pdf |