pages: CityCouncil/2022-05-17.pdf, 17
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CityCouncil | 2022-05-17 | 17 | Vice Mayor Vella stated that she supports the matter; a number of cities are piloting GBI for good reason; the cost of living is extremely high; child care facilities have closed during the pandemic; child care and living costs are increasing; the amount is an investment in members of the community to ensure that people are able to stay in Alameda and meet rising costs. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated tax payer dollars come from the same families; the 11,000 low income households struggle and have to buy necessities, which include sales tax; taxes have been placed on homes that are rented; low income households pay taxes; it is inappropriate to ask people paying taxes to give funding to 150 people out of 11,000; the funding may be transformational to the 150; however, many people do not have money for necessities; she is saddened that the City will be taking money from other families to provide money to 150 households; many families are struggling and will be left behind. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has been excited about the concept of GBI since the City of Stockton's Mayor spoke at an Alameda County Mayor's conference; staff has put together an excellent report; expressed support for the program having a chance to make a direct impact on people's lives; stated the program can be leveraged to provide more or similar benefits to more people; there is a time to be bold and transformative; expressed support for doing something that creates happiness for other people; stated GBI allows people opportunities; Alameda has been moving forward with a lot of transformative programs; inquired whether the proposed timeline is realistic; stated the program has been discussed with Alameda Housing Authority (AHA); expressed support for AHA residents being eligible to participate in the program; the program is new to Alameda, but not new to the state; discussed GBI programs in Canada being long-standing with positive results. The Community Development Director stated staff is juggling quite a bit; the Development Managers has done an admirable job of getting the complicated research and reporting completed; the program will take a bit to implement with the help of consultants; there is possibility for a longer timeline due to unknown variables; staff will return to Council with any delays; as staff determines the complexity of the project, there could be a need for part-time staff; staff will return to Council if it is determined that the program is more time consuming. Councilmember Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation, with understanding that staff may return to Council and amend the timeline; stated the program is another value statement made by the City. Vice Mayor Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the program is a value statement; the City is stating that it values taking money from people that cannot afford and are being pushed out of the City in order to provide funding to 150 people; she does not support the matter. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: No; Herrera Spencer: No; Knox White: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 3. Noes: 2. (22-355) Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code Chapter Four to Comply with Assembly Bill 1276 Regarding Single-Use Foodware Accessories and Standard Condiments. Introduced. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 17, 2022 17 | CityCouncil/2022-05-17.pdf |