pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 5
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CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 5 | not like the idea of a mediation program; the program does not offer a remedy for a tenant whose landlord refuses to participate; expressed concern about enforcement; expressed support for a legal assistance program for tenants that is more tenant-friendly being housed in the City Attorney's office and for continuing the local emergency [paragraph no. 21-692]: Toni Grimm, Alameda Renters Coalition. Expressed support for comments provided by Speaker Grimm; stated the problem with mediation is the program is non-binding, does not include enforcement, discourages tenants from seeking legal advice and has one legal right given up in exchange for another; a landlord represented by counsel knows their rights and benefits, while tenants do not; tenants do not truly have the opportunity to fully negotiate on their own behalf; a mediator is not obligated to give a tenant any legal advice; people benefitting from the service are typically of low-income, elderly, disabled and mothers with children; urged Council not yank the program away from people in uncertain times: Lana Rishina, Alameda. Expressed support for the permanent continuation of conducting City Council meetings via teleconference; stated remote participation is easier for all: Marilyn Rothman, Alameda. Expressed support for the Centro Legal de la Raza matter; stated that she is not fully aware of the impacts the services provide; discussed her experience answering questions for tenants through Alameda Renters Coalition; stated many tenants have benefitted from legal help; when facing eviction, there is an imbalance between tenants and landlords; she has benefitted from services provided by Centro Legal de la Raza; noted that her relationship with her landlord improved due to better understanding: Laura Woodard, Alameda Renters Coalition. Councilmember Daysog requested the resolution declaring an emergency [paragraph no. 21- 692] be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember Herrera Spencer moved approval of remainder of the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated that he will support continuing the local emergency; critical pieces of local rules are linked to the continuation, such as the moratorium on rent increases and evictions; he understands the difficulties many are facing; small mom and pop landlords are also facing difficulties; he does not think anyone is interested in evictions; however, small mom and pop landlords should be able to get back into working within the rent regulation system in place; the rent regulation system does allow a small rent increase; while Council cannot adopt any changes to the moratorium on rent increases or evictions, he thinks Council should begin to have the discussion on behalf of smaller landlords. Councilmember Herrera Spencer amended the motion to include adoption of the resolution declaring an emergency and recorded a no vote on the item. Councilmember Knox White agreed with the amendment to the motion. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Herrera Spencer: Ayes; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. [Items so enacted or adopted are indicated by an asterisk preceding the paragraph number.] Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 2 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |