pages: CityCouncil/2020-05-19.pdf, 14
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CityCouncil | 2020-05-19 | 14 | lost 20%; the funding opportunity could be a lifeline that allows the business to continue; a lot of work has gone into the program; the 13 to 15% administrative cost is not unheard of and is standard for managing funds; expressed support for implementing the program and begin to receive donations from the community. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated there is a fiscal duty to explore more than one option for administering funds; 13 to 15% for administrative costs might be standard; questioned how much administration the project requires. Councilmember Oddie stated the administrative fee is large; noted the rates could be lowered to help all businesses, tenants and non-profits; stated landlords are business people; another $300,000 should be added to the grant program; the fund is about investing and can be the difference between going out of business and surviving; the businesses generate sales tax and pay workers; many home based businesses have recurring expenses not related to their mortgage; people working out of their home are unable to perform their job; expressed support for including assistance for sole proprietorships, and awarding more grants out of the original $600,000; noted many proprietors have been left out of programs. Councilmember Vella inquired whether an Alameda business could apply to administer the project; stated the process should not cause an unnecessary delay; expressed support for increasing the residential portion; expressed concern about families paying more in rent; stated that she would consider increasing the amount of residential funding up to $3,000 or $3,500 based off of a single month's rent; some people have substantially lower rent; expressed support for helping businesses get back to work; stated child care businesses will need to completely change operations, which may impact their ability to operate without assistance; expressed support for lowering the award amount for sole proprietors; stated the intent of the grant is to help as many people as possible; expressed concern about giving a lot of money to one individual; stated an individuals' overhead is substantially less than a business which employs a number of people; noted proprietors are also included in the pandemic unemployment assistance and can recoup funds; expressed support for capping the number of proprietors able to receive funding, sole proprietors receiving up to half of the grant award, and only so many awards being given to sole proprietors for the first wave of funding; inquired whether there is a difference in cost for administering one fund or two separate funds; noted GoFundMe campaigns have received push back from business associations; expressed concern about separating funds; stated it is easier to have one fund be administered. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the model of other cities keeping the funds separate should be followed; separate funds respects the donor; expressed support for negotiating the administrative fee, and allowing donors to have a say where money is placed; stated that she has difficulty with the in-home sole proprietor; there is a difference between being home-based sole proprietor and a sole proprietor that is not home-based; Council is trying to help the business districts, including non-profits, and should give thought to how many applications will be received; expressed support for increasing the rent award Special Meeting Alameda City Council 5 May 19, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-05-19.pdf |