pages: CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf, 19
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CityCouncil | 2020-07-21 | 19 | Councilmember Oddie noted there are five months of potential unpaid rent; stated the worst is yet to come and another five months is possible; there will be tenants with double rent to payback; expressed concern about evictions due to COVID-19; outlined failed and unpassed bills. Councilmember Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like a clearer understanding of treating unpaid rent as consumer debt; inquired whether the departure is significant enough to have the ordinance return to Council; requested clarification. Councilmember Oddie stated that the motion is to have staff return with an ordinance covering the conversion to consumer debt. The Community Development Director stated the City Attorney has previously noted the conversion is not advisable. The City Attorney stated staff is happy to look at ways to review side agreements and provide as much protection to tenants as possible; staff strives to effectuate Council direction; there are concerns related to conversion of debt to consumer debt notwithstanding other jurisdictions having done so; concerns aside, staff is prepared to receive and effectuate direction from Council. Councilmember Vella expressed support for providing the direction; stated that she does not want to change the current ordinance; the current ordinance should be enacted with as much notice as possible; passing protections without notifying the most vulnerable of their rights is ineffective; discussed articles related to rental evictions; stated during the pandemic, a number of protections have been passed, including a moratorium on evictions; expressed concern about people not knowing their rights; stated both residential and commercial tenants do not understand their rights; notice needs to be provided about protections and in multiple languages; expressed support for mailings and postings in apartment buildings; expressed concern for vulnerable members of the community who are not leaving their home, are at risk and do not have access to the internet to see online postings; updates are becoming word-of-mouth; outlined noticing efforts enacted by the City of San Leandro; stated this is an opportunity for the City to ensure the protections are having the intended effect. Councilmember Oddie stated that he is amenable to updating his motion to include noticing provisions; questioned whether the proposal provided by Councilmember Vella is acceptable or whether additional input from staff is needed; expressed support for the option which is most effective and appropriate. The City Manager stated Council can add direction to the motion allowing staff to create and implement a communication plan with a report back to Council; noted the Council break in August will allow staff the time to provide notice. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council January 21, 2020 13 | CityCouncil/2020-07-21.pdf |