pages: CityCouncil/2020-12-15.pdf, 4
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CityCouncil | 2020-12-15 | 4 | discussed a notice regarding increases which confused tenants: Laura Woodard, ARC. Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the urgency ordinance imposing and extending within the City of Alameda a temporary moratorium on rent increases for fully regulated residential rental units until June 30, 2021. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the motion includes the direction to staff to explore additional opportunities to further provide assistance to landlords, especially small operators, impacted by COVID-19. Councilmember Oddie responded that he would let somebody else make said motion. Councilmember Daysog seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Vella stated there is a degree of uncertainty on both sides; suggested considering waiving the program fee for landlords with tenants unable to pay rent; stated that she is concerned about the letters that went out; many people are unable to pay rent right now and might be sidestepping the program; she is open to giving direction to staff; helping landlords with fewer units also helps tenants; the City is trying the alleviate the stress; expressed concern for landlords contemplating an increase while tenants are trying to pay back rent; direction to staff should include considering an extension to banking increases, so landlords do not feel they have to impose the 2019 increase right away in order not to lose it; stated the goal is preventing displacement; there are many families in need and signing up for supportive services; the City should be proactive and creative to alleviate the stress and work collaboratively. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft concurred with Councilmember Vella; stated the June date is reasonable; discussed the vaccine; stated the moratorium needs to be extended; the City does not want small landlords to lose their properties; encouraged staff to continue working with landlords in coming up with practical solutions to help renters. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed support for continuing the moratorium; questioned whether the Council might want to consider having a date connected to when the State of Emergency is rescinded; stated impacts will continue; the date could be set 30 or 60 days after rescinding the State of Emergency; expressed support for allowing a year to implement increases. The Interim Community Development Director stated the idea is interesting; inquired whether the duration could be modified. The Chief Assistant City Attorney responded the ordinance could tie termination to the local emergency, however, staff would need to come back to deal with the rolling rent increase concept; stated the ordinance could be amended tonight regarding the termination date. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft suggested the language state the moratorium conclude by June 30, 2021 or the conclusion of the State of Emergency, whichever is later; concurred with Vice Mayor Knox White; discussed the rollout of the vaccine. Councilmember Vella expressed support for the Mayor's proposed language; inquired whether with the language change proposed, the motion could be amended to add direction to look at Special Meeting Alameda City Council December 15, 2020 4 | CityCouncil/2020-12-15.pdf |