pages: CityCouncil/2021-01-05.pdf, 17
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CityCouncil | 2021-01-05 | 17 | Council has time to enact the policy. Councilmember Spencer stated there is a compromise to remove the paragraph regarding COVID-19 violations; the instance of violations is hypothetical and Alameda has good businesses; adding the language to the agreement is an overreach; businesses can be trusted and worked with; stated that she will support the agreement with the provision removed. Vice Mayor Vella stated the provision is due to Council providing substantially higher financial help than other businesses; there is a give and take and agency on the part of the businesses; the discussion is a distraction from the matter and is killing an agreed to deal. The City Manager stated there has been a net positive balance of $6 million in the Base Reuse fund; capital expenses still exist for the fund; staff has recommended the lease agreements due to the long-term viability of the area and ability to strengthen the City. The Interim Community Development Director stated staff does not anticipate further applications for the program; $1.5 million has been allocated for the program and only half of the allocation has been spent. Councilmember Spencer moved approval of the staff recommendation [introduction of the ordinance], with striking the COVID-19 enforcement violations provision. The motion failed for lack of a second. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated in political life, members rarely come to a perfect agreement; elected representatives are governing at precarious times for all; not everyone is impacted by COVID-19 equally; noted that she has recommended an ad hoc committee be formed to address policy language; urged consideration of compromise. Councilmember Knox White stated the program was developed in November 2020; that he feels Council has come up with a solution to address concerns raised by Councilmembers; it seems odd and off-putting for Council to have agreements with different terms for different tenants; expressed concern about the suggestion that three Councilmembers would change policy in order to pull rent from businesses; stated that he supports fixing the concerns through a policy; the issue does not relate to putting the City at more risk; however, the protections added negotiate against the City and ensure clarity for tenants. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation [introduction of the ordinance], with hope that Council can honor the negotiations and work staff has done at the direction of a unanimous Council. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 15 January 5, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-01-05.pdf |