pages: CityCouncil/2021-05-04.pdf, 7
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CityCouncil | 2021-05-04 | 7 | policy due to low response; staff feels as though the program is not being utilized and improvements to the housing stock are not occurring; in revising the ordinance, staff anticipates improvements will increase. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired the number of landlords who have participated in the program. Gregory Katz, Alameda Housing Authority, responded the previous fiscal year had one program submission. Councilmember Herrera Spencer inquired whether the amount has remained the same to- date. Mr. Katz responded that he could provide the information since the beginning of the program. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the CIP process was not being used due to landlords finding ways to improve their properties without using the program pass-through; questioned indicators housing stock is not being improved aside from low numbers of program use. Special Counsel responded improvements have been made; stated the threshold number under the current policy is high and causes a deterrent for landlords; if there is turnover, landlords can raise the rent to market-rate, which causes a cash infusion and allows the landlord to make capital improvements without having to go through the current process; he is not aware of an uptick in rehabilitation of units throughout the City; staff recommends the CIP process as an avenue to make improvements and recover costs over time. Stated the Bay East Association of Realtors opposes the current CIP proposal, but would like to continue to engage with stakeholders to come up with something that is workable; the per unit threshold is too high; only foundation replacement would qualify under the current proposal; discussed the ordinance definitions; recommended the CIP be any improvement reflecting the definition; noted the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) definition for a depreciating asset: Karen Miller, Local Government Relations Committee of the Alameda Chapter Bay East. Expressed concern about the timing and creating policy that would not take effect for over a year; stated times are uncertain for renters; renters looking for housing often have to provide their own cleaning and painting; renters should be protected; urged Council to support State funding or grants to assist landlords behind on receiving rents: Catherine Pauling, Alameda. Stated that he is against the CIP; questioned why the plan is being addressed during COVID: Austin Tam, Alameda. Stated this is an opportunity for Council to show it cares about diversity; discussed statistics from the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE); stated many people have lost their job during the pandemic; urged Council to vote against the ordinance: Sofia Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 5 May 4, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-05-04.pdf |