pages: CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf, 22
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CityCouncil | 2022-03-01 | 22 | which will allow time for conversation to occur with interested groups; the earliest increases would go into effect would be June 1st; the City Attorney provided workable solutions. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Vice Mayor Vella is proposing providing staff with direction to bring back the matter and not move forward at the current meeting, to which Vice Mayor Vella responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Knox White stated the matter is not easy; the initial discussion occurred when the pandemic had just begun, people were being forced to stay in their houses and jobs were being shut down; he does not see a scenario in the next 6 to 9 months where the same will occur again even with future surges and variants; he did not imagine the rent moratorium lasting two years; Council should honor the 60 day notice; Council committed to allowing landlords to bank increases; public comment received from landlords and tenants suggests a middle ground has be found; expressed support for the ordinance and ensuring a 60 day notice; stated that he would also like to have a 60 day notice instead of allowing the banked AGA as soon as the pandemic is over; when the pandemic is over, everyone will know the AGA increases will not be available for another 60 days; if a landlord raises rent 2.7% in June, any other banked AGA cannot be used until the following June; the increase being available for use does not mean landlords can release the banked increases; the system and rules are in place to allow the more phasing; the faster Council allows the 2.7% increase, the less likely people will wait until September 1st when a larger AGA will be in place; the longer Council waits, the more likely landlords will wait until a higher AGA percentage occurs; expressed support for Council acting tonight; stated that he is not supportive of delaying the matter. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the additional 60 day notice before banked increases can occur; expressed concern about payment shock; stated the current situation is different than two years ago; there are vaccines. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she prefers an effective date of May 1st; she agrees with the comments provided by Councilmember Knox White; inquired whether there is a cap on how much landlords can use for banked rent increases. The Interim Base Reuse Manager responded landlords can bank up to 8% and can implement increases that are based on the current year AGA plus up to 3%. Councilmember Herrera Spencer expressed concern over how large the CPI will be with an additional 3%; stated it is appropriate to begin loosening the restriction; she is concerned about the increases since she is a renter; the increases will hit hard if the City does not allow for slow and gradual increases; it is appropriate to approve 2.7% now; staff's report is balanced and includes a lot analysis to try to figure out how to unwind the matter without hitting tenants with a difficult increase. Councilmember Daysog stated a number of renters and landlords are hurting during the pandemic; the staff recommendation is a middle-ground approach and is reasonable; the recommendation takes into consideration the concerns of renters and landlords; Council should begin to move forward with the matter; many other cities that have rent control have realized landlords cannot be hindered from performing economically; landlords and renters must cover costs. Councilmember Daysog moved approval of staff's recommendation [introduction of the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council March 1, 2022 20 | CityCouncil/2022-03-01.pdf |