pages: CityCouncil/2020-05-19.pdf, 23
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2020-05-19 | 23 | month, and 50% rent conversion to grants for businesses showing they retained 75% of jobs over a one-year period; stated that he is struggling with the idea that the goal is to charge people for land and buildings which are unable to be used or occupied; not every business will be able to qualify for the program; Council can provide direction and information related to the deferral program; some businesses will open in the next 2 to 6 weeks; Council should not be involved with every program decision; expressed concern about the criteria reflecting Council selecting businesses which are important or generating the most money; business communities are made of different sizes and all are important; Council should help solve the problem and provide support. Councilmember Oddie expressed support for Vice Mayor Knox White's comments; stated the City should be more lenient with businesses which have been shut down; the cap should be three months; the payments can be extended out; the cap should be $300,000; the program should be fair to all. Councilmember Daysog expressed support for extending the cap beyond three months; stated recovery may not happen until the end of 2021; stated should shelter in place orders be lifted soon, demand will still be tepid; the timeline can be between 3 to 18 months. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the original cap of three months could be considered and revisited if needed; stated recovery might happen sooner than anticipated; Council does not currently know the magnitude and duration of the issue, but can come up with a reasonable solution which can be revisited if needed. Councilmember Daysog expressed support for Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's comments. Councilmember Vella stated that she would like clarification or a suggestion of an overall cap; expressed support for the item returning if the cap is met; noted portions of businesses could be shut down, while other portions function; expressed support for looking at each businesses' resiliency plan; inquired how the total number of qualifying employees was calculated. The Assistant Community Development Director responded staff looked at other landlord programs; stated a few tenants have multiple locations; some tenants have multiple buildings. Councilmember Vella stated that she would lower the employee cap to 25 or more. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether a cap on the amount of rent has been decided. Councilmember Oddie expressed concern about the amount being abated versus deferred; expressed support for the cap to be $300,000; then, a report should be brought to Council; stated more can be done if needed in three months; inquired whether any tenants with under 25 employees which may qualify for the program. Special Meeting Alameda City Council 14 May 19, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-05-19.pdf |