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2020-04-21 Special Meeting MinutesSpecial Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 1 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY- -APRIL 21, 2020- -7:01 P.M. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft convened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Councilmember Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft – 5. [Note: This meeting was conducted via WebEx] Absent: None. AGENDA ITEMS (20-240) Recommendation to Accept a Budget Update for Fiscal Year 2019 -20 General Fund Revenue and Expenditure Projections through June 30, 2020; and (20-240 A) Resolution No. 15642, Altering the Pension Funding Policy for Fiscal Year 2019-20 to Not Invest Reserved Funds in Discretionary Pension Payment Due to COVID-19. The City Manager made a brief presentation. The City Treasurer stated the Budget Analyst has done great work; assumptions from surrounding cities have been taken and applied to current numbers related to the current fiscal year budget; analysis of revenue impacts has been conducted; the situation will be fluid during the last four months of the fiscal year; there is a dis tinction between lost revenue and deferred revenue; many items shown are lost revenue , such as sales tax from restaurants and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from hotels; discussed a report about lost revenues affecting restaurants; stated deferred revenue, such as transfer taxes and rent are anticipated; collection of sales taxes is being deferred for many businesses; much of the revenue from this period will not come back; management is proactive; the City is in a strong position financially; there is hope for more clarity by the time the May budget workshops occur; it is reasonable to expect some of the issues to carry over into the 2021 budget. The City Auditor stated the financial uncertainty will require constant monitoring; information provided by the Finance Department shows variances, but is generally correct and consistent; the pandemic will not allow past practice to dictate the manner in which the City can track revenues and expenditures; uncertainty of cash flow will necessitate a timely review of the City’s budget; recommended the City institute a policy of having budget analysis significantly more frequently;, stated there should be a minimum monthly review of information to enable management to react to the effects of the pandemic; stated the information will enable reallocation of funds; the revenue and expenditure update that has been presented has allocated $750,000 to COVID -19 expenses and economic assistance. Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 2 Councilmember Oddie stated the City has been working hard to increase its sales ta x and TOT; the City is less dependent on said taxes; noted there is merit to more frequent updates; stated updates have previously been provided up to nine months after the fact; going forward, Council having more information would be better. Councilmember Oddie moved approval of the staff recommendation. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether the expenditure line for Police shown is desired or actual, to which the City Manager responded the estimated actuals is projected for June 30th. Councilmember Daysog stated the City is aggressively recruiting for Police Officers; should the City end up with more hires, the figure could be higher. The City Manager stated the estimate is based on recruitment; staff is confident in the figure. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion. Under discussion, Vice Mayor Knox White stated previous staff and Council put the City in a position to have a cushion and allow for necessary planning; expressed support for staff’s recommendation; stated various scenarios will be discussed in July. Councilmember Vella stated more frequent budget updates will be needed; expressed concern about the burden on staff; stated additional budget asks will require critical information; expressed support for previous decisions related to budget preparations; inquired whether federal aid will impact the budget; questioned whether the City would be in a position to recoup money; expressed support. The City Manager responded anything received from the federal government will be a positive; stated staff is planning to review the budget strategy in October; not all estimates will be available for the May 2020 work session; staff will work with an outside consulting firm for a report back late September. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the item; stated the situation is very fluid; noted the duration of the shelter in place is unknown; stated some restrictions may be loosened; social distancing is making a difference; expressed support for past Council budget actions; stated the City does have reserves, but is spending more than it is bringing in; the proposal presented is prudent; the situation will continue to be assessed; noted the City Manager has experience with budgets. Councilmember Daysog expressed support for the staff recommendation; stated that he appreciates the flexibility of staff and Council regarding the pension reserve; the amount set aside for the pension formula is out of whack and should be discussed further; the City has been holding down expenditures on the Police side. Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 3 Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed concern about discussing items that may not be part of the noticed agenda. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. (20-241) Resolution No. 15643, “Amending the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget to Increase Appropriations in the General Fund by $250,000, in the Base Reuse Budget by $97,500, and in the Commercial Revitalizatio n Budget by $250,000 in Order to Fund a $600,000 COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Program to Help Mitigate Barriers to Capital for the Most Vulnerable Alameda Small Businesses and Restaurants; and Recommendation to Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Implementation of the Minimum Wage Increase.” Adopted. The Economic Development Manager gave a brief presentation. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the issue surrounding minimum wage could be made into a third rail of local politics or it could be an intelligent, civil discussion looking at the issue from all sides; questioned how to protect local businesses and workers simultaneously; stated three members of Council were present for a noticed town hall meeting for small businesses; Council should consider small business employees will be out of work if the business goes under; expressed concern for future removal of restaurant tables allowing for further needed social distancing; questioned the criteria needed to allow a slight delay in implementing the minimum wage increase; noted the grants will be available for small businesses with 1 to 25 employees; inquired the process for a business with only one employee; expressed concern about employment; inquired whether there is a distinction between individually owned versus corporate owned businesses and restaurants; questioned whether a Starbucks or Burger King with 25 employees would be eligible for the grant; noted there is reference to the number of eligible businesses; more money is needed; expressed support for staff to address how small businesses will be notified of the 10 day application period; stated the window is short; that she would like to make sure everyone is able to apply. The Economic Development Manager responded a small business is typically a mom and pop shop that is owned and has one employee; stated Starbucks would not qualify for funding if it is corporate owned; some restaurant chains or coffee chains are franchised and considered a small business, which would then qualify for funding; noted a franchised Starbucks with 30 employees would not qualify; stated many franchise businesses have more than 25 employees; there are 67 grants outside of Alameda Point and 13 for businesses within Alameda Point, totaling 80 grants; staff plan s to utilize a mailing list from the Finance Department, provide the information in an Economic Development newsletter, and businesses associations will get the word out about the grant funding. Councilmember Daysog inquired whether staff has considered geographically targeting Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 4 assistance to businesses; stated Alameda Point money can only be sent to businesses within Alameda Point; businesses are spread out throughout the rest of the City; inquired whether there is a possibility of targeting businesses in specific areas, such as Park Street, South Shore, and Webster Street excluding Alameda Landing; there are limited dollars and Council needs to make difficult decisions about efficient funding; expressed support for the concept of small business funding. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about whether the inquiry is directed at the pros and cons of geographic targeting, to which Councilmember Daysog responded in the affirmative. The Economic Development Manager stated staff finds importance in ensuring business districts are viable when the pandemic is over; staff has considered geographic targeting and will readily accept Council direction. Councilmember Vella inquired how members of the business community would receive information if they are not associated with traditional business associations; and whether the money could apply to preschools or daycare facilities. The Economic Development Manager responded the funding will apply to all small businesses; stated staff is going to send out the information to a wide array of businesses; there is a separate list for child care businesses that will receive the informational notice; all small businesses will be receive information. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired the reason behind sending the information to large businesses which may be ineligible to receive funding, to which the Economic Development Manager responded the community talks to each other and many businesses encourage each other to apply for funding through a network. Councilmember Vella expressed support for the item; inquired whether there are other potential funding sources being looked at for future opportunities Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she has submitted a Council Referral for the next meeting; noted a community member has discusse d exploring the idea of creating a tax exempt special fund to provide gap resources to be matched with grants or philanthropic donations to local businesses, renters and other local organizations that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The City Attorney stated for items generally related to the agenda item, Council is authorized to give brief staff direction without significant deliberation; the issue is related, but not agendized; staff recommends to provide brief direction to staff to bring an item to Council for consideration and action. Councilmember Vella inquired whether other grants could be looked at by staff members as well; stated this is a great start and she would like to see if other options exist. Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 5 The City Manager responded having staff look into other funding opportunities could be part of the direction to staff. Vice Mayor Knox White stated the staff report notes grant sizes for funding up to $7,500; inquired whether consideration has been given to allowing some businesses to donate portions of grants to other businesses; whether the intent is to provide 80 $7,000 grants or up to 80 at $7,500. The Economic Development Manager responded the intention of the staff report was to allow for $7,500; stated the alternatives included a range between $5,000 and $10,000; noted Council may select a different amount. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether restrictions can be placed on the funding awards related to non-publicly traded entities. The Economic Development Manager responded Council may provide direction to exclude said entities. Councilmember Oddie stated that he would like a breakdown of the timeline; noted that he would like to know the deadline and disbursement dates. The Economic Development Manager responded the information will go out by Monday; stated the ten days would begin after the information goes out; proposals would be reviewed within two weeks; following review, checks will be sent out within 30 days. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether the application close date would be May 7, to which the Economic Development Manager responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether it is possible to put a placeholder on the May 5th agenda for Council discussion of the matter in the event more than 80 applications are received; expressed concern about delaying the process due to Council reauthorization. The Economic Development Manager responded that she is unsure changes can be made to the resolution; noted Council can change the recommendation to state: “as funds apply;” the resolution is related to funding; staff is requesting approval of the program; the reference in the staff report provides a concept. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether there will be adequate notice for business community members. The Economic Development Manager responded many businesses are responsive to e- mail; stated staff can ensure capital letters be used by for maximum visibility. Councilmember Oddie stated the minimum wage increase can be included in the Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 6 communication; inquired the reason for omitting the Governor’s ability to off -ramp; and whether there is a requirement for a conflict or ethics check of panel members that are not employed with the City. The City Manager responded a restriction in funding for corpo rate-owned businesses could create issues; stated restricting publicly-traded businesses would help clarify;; noted a restriction of financial institutions could be considered by Council as well. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether a single accountant could be eligible. The Community Development Director responded the accountant would need at least one employee; noted the Governor will not make an announcement regarding the minimum wage off-ramp until August 1st, which is past the City’s July 1st deadline; stated the panel can be limited to two Economic Development staff members, a representative from Support of Competitive Research (SCORE), a representative from the small business development center, and two non-profits which work closely with small businesses. Public Comment Read Into Record: Expressed support for the grant program; expressed concern for the number of businesses the grant is likely to help; urged Council to consider a larger vision for an “Alameda Strong” campaign; outlined funding breakdowns; noted tax deductions for donations: Linda Asbury, W est Alameda Business Association. Questioned whether the City can work with private funders to supplement the grant program; expressed support for the item: Ron Mooney, Alameda. Stated the poorest people should not be supporting business owners by losing an anticipated wage increase; noted rent, utilities and food costs have increased; stated changing the wage increase would take more notice: Catherine Pauling, Alameda. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft noted the regular meeting will not begin at 8:30 p.m. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that he will not support a delay in the minimum wage increase; the businesses community has been discussing the minimum wage increase a lot; inquired whether Council could provide direction to staff to find ways to augment the current program; stated there is a need to augment the program and set up something for long-term; many businesses and fundraisers in town are looking at ways to help increase funding; if every business take the full amount, the City will be helping less than 10% of all businesses; he expects the program to be over-subscribed; there is money to spend for business marketing; questioned whether the item could be agendized for the May 5th meeting to discuss shifting funds from one business to another; stated a longer term economic crisis will follow the pandemic; Council will need to roll-out programs to help the change; his goal is to help save as many businesses as possible to keep a strong commercial sector; strong business marketing programs will Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 7 be important going forward; expressed support for a re -opening committee for the businesses community; the community could review street organization and parking; staff should come back with a plan to re-open in June; $7,500 grants will only carry businesses for a month or two; expressed concern about spending too much time on geographic equity and limiting certain spaces; stated Council needs to work fast and be as equitable as possible; expressed concern about spending too much time effectively causing a delay in the implementation of programs and funding; expressed support for the recommendation with the augmentation of moving forward with a matching fund and bringing back a funding recommendation for increasing t he size of the program at the next meeting. Councilmember Daysog stated Council must allow the small mom and pop shops a fighting chance to survive; the grant program is a positive step; many local-owned stores will need temporary relief from the minimum wage increase; smaller stores do not have financial reserves like national chains; 60 to 90 days would be a reasonable delay; expressed support targeting the grant to specific commercial areas; stated that he would support staff tracking how many applications are received from each known commercial business area within the City. Councilmember Vella expressed support for giving staff general direction to move forward with trying to expand funding for the grant program through various funding sources; expressed concern for restaurants and businesses; stated the diverse cuisine throughout Alameda should stay; expressed concern about preschools and daycare facilities; stated that she would like to ensure childcare facilities are available; expressed support for businesses which provide activities; stated many businesses will have to re-think how they open when the shelter in place order is lifted; noted activity and after school programs will also need assistance; expressed support for looking at funding for arts based providers and not for profit organizations, which provide important activities; stated that she will not be supporting a delay in the minimum wage increase; all options should be exhausted when looking at ways to keep businesses afloat; she does not want to hurt the lowest wage workers by delaying the wage increase; expressed concern for the inability to pay rent and make -up for lost wages; the grant is a good first step; expressed concern about creating too much bureaucratic red-tape, spreading grants throughout the City and to different types of businesses and conflicts of interest; stated that she is supportive of the panel description; expressed support for publicly traded companies being ineligible, and limiting language around financial institutions, such as banks or lenders; stated that she does not want all funds to go to landlords for payment of rent; the funding should be spent trying to keep the businesses afloat in other ways; commercial landlords should be working with businesses. Councilmember Oddie stated there is more creativity to be had; businesses have been impacted; his weekly take-out business is no longer operating; a recent call showed rent is the number one concern; a three week deferral on rent with six months to repay yields 1.5 times the monthly rent; deferred payment deserves should be discussed at a later time; expressed support for staff direction to work on a public -private partnership sooner rather than later; stated that he is happy to contribute by ordering take -out, extra Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 8 tipping, or pre-paying for services; expressed gratitude for staff’s work on conflicts; stated staff has exercised good judgement; noted his first choice would be to have the process contained within staff; stated publicly traded companies should not be eligible; there may be some issues with franchises; this is just the beginning, many other proprietors that do not have employees will need assistance and Council should consider providing assistance; he will not support a delay in the minimum wage increase; expressed support for understanding how businesses deal with the increase should it prove to be impactful; expressed concern that the action is not enough; stated a trigger should be added in the event a high amount of applications are received, the City Manager could be authorized to fund an additional amount or additional funding could be considered at the next Council meeting. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated more funding is needed; the City’s funding should be considered as a last resort; businesses should apply for federal grants; outlined available funding; stated staff has connected with the business community and provided resources; façade grant funds could be used to help reposition floorplans for businesses and restaurants to prepare for reopening; she does not support a geographical quota; good criteria have been created, along with the proposed panel; Council must resist the urge to be all things to all people; her first criteria is to keep people housed; expressed support for helping renters and keeping businesses open; stated there is not majority support for delaying the minimum wage increase; she does not support a blanket delay; questioned whether staff could provide criteria for allowing a slight delay in implementing the minimum wage increase, such as an employer providing benefits or maintaining its workforce in majority or whole; questioned whether the topic lends itself to subcommittee review; stated the subcommittee could be herself and Councilmember Oddie; she would hate to see a business go under. Councilmember Vella moved approval of the staff proposal to start the small business grant program at $7,500 per grant, adding direction based on Vice Mayor Knox White’s comments related to a business which does not need all $7,500 being able to return a portion of the grant back to the fund for allocation to other businesses , directing staff to look at other public-private partnerships and funding available in the future , taking into account all feedback given from speakers and Councilmem bers, directing staff to work on this immediately and allow the program to begin as soon as possible , and that no financial institutions or publically traded companies can be recipients of the grant. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion, with the understanding that the direction also includes no bureaucratic hoops be in the way of the program starting. Under discussion, Councilmember Oddie proposed a friendly amendment to include the Community Development Director’s panel composition. Councilmember Vella accepted the friendly amendment. Councilmember Oddie proposed an agenda item be placed on the next Council meeting to discuss the matter in the event of popularity. Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 9 Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the subcommittee could be allowed to weigh -in the event of a hardship. Vice Mayor Knox White responded the idea of inserting elected officials in that decision making capacity is problematic; stated the decision should come from staff. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft questioned whether staff could to bring something to the attention of the subcommittee. Councilmember Oddie stated the suggestion relates to delaying the minimum wage versus the subcommittee evaluating the applications. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that the discussion can be left as-is; noted staff can reach out if needed. Councilmember Daysog stated that he would have preferred a 60 to 90 day delay in the minimum wage increase, but he is overall satisfied; expressed support for the motion. The Economic Development Manager requested flexibility on Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation and SCORE in the event they are not available. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested Council consensus. Vice Mayor Knox White stated that he would add any other similar entity. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated all other parameters laid out by Council should be followed as well related to conflict of interest. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and May or Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. (20-242) Urgency Ordinance No. 3274, “Implementing Emergency Measures to Assist Local Businesses During the State of Emergency Caused by the COVID -19 Pandemic.” Adopted. The Community Development Director made brief comments. Councilmember Vella moved adoption of the urgency ordinance. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether there has been thought to allowing consumption of alcohol on streets. The City Attorney responded State law generally precludes open containers from being taken onto public streets; staff can look into the issue outside of State law should Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 10 Council desire. Councilmember Daysog requested the item be bifurcated with cannabis items separated due to his recusal on such items. Councilmember Vella inquired the difference between allowing alcohol consumption during street fairs and Councilmember Oddie’s inquiry. The City Attorney responded there are specific authorizations for closed street events. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired how to conduct two votes on the item. The City Attorney responded Council could take a vote on general support for everything in the ordinance except cannabis; Councilmember Daysog could then recuse himself for Council vote on the ordinance as a whole. Vice Mayor Knox White made a substitute motion to make a statement of support for all items in the ordinance, minus cannabis. Councilmember Oddie seconded the substitute motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. Councilmember Vella moved approval of the ordinance. Vice Mayor Knox White seconded the motion, which carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Absent; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 4, Absent: 1. (20-243) Urgency Ordinance No. 3275, “(A) Imposing within the City of Alameda a Temporary Moratorium on (1) Residential and Commercial Evictions Due to or During the COVID-19 Pandemic, (2) Landlords’ Shutting off Utilities in Residential and Commercial Rental Units Except for Emergency Situations and Essential Activities, and (3) Rent Increases for Fully Regulated Residential Rental Units Until January 1, 2021, and (B) Repealing Ordinance No. 3273.” Adopted. Councilmember Oddie inquired whether consideration has been given to how base rent will be calculated for landlords and tenants enter ing into a voluntary agreement to temporarily lower the rent for a short time. The City Attorney responded regulations are being developed to ensure any rent reduction will not impact base rent calculations. The Community Development Director stated the regulations were promulgated last week; the regulations are out and include the provision. Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 11 Public Comment Read Into Record: Urged Council to consider small businesses; stated six months is a very short time for people to get back up and running; expressed concern for large property owners being able to weather the virus better than average citizens: Joanne Martin, Hot Rod Shop. Vice Mayor Knox White moved approval of the staff recommendation as-written [adoption of the urgency ordinance]. Councilmember Vella seconded the motion. Under discussion, Councilmember Daysog stated the provision freezing rents for residential units until January 2021 is too onerous and unreasonable; a reasonable timeframe would be four months; outlined difficulties with the rent regime and rent formula; stated the allowable rent increase will be much less than 2.8% due to the downgrade in the economy; an eight month rent freeze will create a deep freeze instead; expressed support for a four month rent freeze instead. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for the motion. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following roll call vote: Councilmembers Daysog: Aye; Knox White: Aye; Oddie: Aye; Vella: Aye; and Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft: Aye. Ayes: 5. (20-244) Recommendation to Consider Rent Relief for City of Alameda Commercial and Residential Tenants, Excluding Cell Phone Towers and Marinas. The Assistant Community Development Director gave a brief presentation. Councilmember Oddie stated if a business is able to get back up and running from day one, they should yield a lesser rebate than an alternate business which struggles more to return in need of extra assistance. The Assistant Community Development Director continued the presentation. Councilmember Oddie stated that he was hoping to have creative minds look at this item; discussions have been had with businesses showing that rent is the biggest worry; the City should lead by example where others can follow. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated rent is a concern, but also many are trying to retain as many employees as possible and are attempting to apply for grants; noted creative solutions should be considered during this time; ideas for re-opening should be discussed. Councilmember Vella inquired whether a business that is a business district anchor should be considered as value; questioned whether profit-splitting could be considered Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 12 to be used for repayment of rent; expressed support for rent forgiveness; stated all businesses will be working toward being successful. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the proposal could work for the Alameda Theatre; many businesses operate on a thin margin; expressed concern for profit -splitting with businesses which do not currently have said business model; stated that she would like more information related to landlords offering a reduction in rent to be repaid over a period of time. Councilmember Vella expressed concern about a blanket policy related to rent reduction or abatement; stated some businesses are adapting and changing models; expressed concern about budget impacts; stated, as a landlord, the City needs to work with businesses to see what is possible; there are retail-oriented businesses that could benefit from a longer repayment period; there will need to be a combination of repayment periods or rent reductions; expressed support for the City Manager looking into the duration which a business has paid market rent; stated many tenants pay below market rate, which should be factored into the benefit; stated businesses with profit margins could begin repayment once profits return. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed support for Councilmember Vella’s comments; stated the perfect program is difficult to craft; expressed support for approving a 90 -day deferral, directing staff with some guidance to return with a longer term program; stated the government shut down most tenants; Council can show leadership by trying to abate rent to the greatest extent possible for tenants not able to open and conduct business; the City is one of the few with money to provide relief; expressed support for directing the City Manager to look into an abatement proposal; questioned the criteria for not abating rent while a business was closed; stated deferrals will be needed as well. Councilmember Vella questioned whether abating rent would be applied to the shelter in place order or a longer term; stated that she supports abating rent while under the shelter in place; expressed support for staff addressing whether the intention be to abate rent past the shelter in place order for businesses to figure out how to restart. Vice Mayor Knox White stated the Alameda Theatre is a good example of a business not being able to re-open the same as the rest of the City; questioned whether the City should collect rent payment from the Theatre should this occur; stated there are bond payments based on what was to be collected; staff can return with more information for a plan through the end of the shelter in place order; the process is similar to the rent program offering 30-days past the end of the order. Councilmember Daysog stated the City is in a unique position to exercise flexibility in an effort to help businesses; expressed support for staff’s recommendation and going beyond the shelter in place order; stated ramp-up time will be needed to regain consumer demand, which should be factored into decision making. Councilmember Oddie stated the intention of the item is to hear other criteria to include; Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 13 a checklist would be involved; the process should be as immune to political pressure as possible; noted one of the criteria for abatement is to maintain employees; expressed support for staff providing recommendations; expressed concern about business resiliency and financial impacts; stated there should be a cap; he supports the idea of repurposing profit participation; three non-profits are listed; questioned what can be done for the businesses which have no revenue. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated the subcommittee had quite a bit of input; expressed concern about being all things to all people; stated Council is providing input for staff to implement; the item should not be politicized; expressed support for criteria similar to the grant program application related to business viability; stated Council should not be the entity to prop up businesses that were not a growing concern; non-profits should also be accounted for; she is optimistic about the future; the City is helping to slow the spread of COVID-19; scientific advancements will impact the reopening of businesses; outlined potential new norms for restaurants and businesses; urged everyone to do as much as possible; questioned whether Vice Mayor Knox White proposed implementing a 90-day trial with a discussion to return. Vice Mayor Knox White expressed concern about stepping up to provide community benefits as a factor in credit; stated some businesses are able to provide support and some are fighting for survival; the City can celebrate the in tent behind the actions, but it can be problematic; his recommendation is to defer the rent for 90 -days to give staff time to come back with a plan. Councilmember Vella stated that she supports much of the direction from the subcommittee; expressed support for looking at overall resiliency of a business; businesses need to find new ways to operate in a world where social distancing requirements are in place; expressed concern about the City funding things long-term to keep businesses afloat; questioned whether the businesses could also apply for the small business grant; expressed concern about businesses applying for grant funding and rent abatement; stated there should be an overall cap; one to two exceptions would need detailed explanations; expressed support for looking into how much employees are making, and at the overall health of the business; for giving approval for the deferral as-needed; staff can take time to refine the direction provided. Councilmember Oddie questioned whether the 90 -days will begin immediately or include the 60-days of already deferred time. Vice Mayor Knox White responded his assumption is that most tenants paid in March; stated the start date would be April 1, 2020. Councilmember Oddie stated the extension would be through June; expressed support for the timing; stated civic contribution could also include paying staff or allowing staff to work at the Food Bank. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft expressed support for recognizing civic good deeds, but it should Special Meeting Alameda City Council April 21, 2020 14 not be a strong part of criteria; stated financial needs and viability should still be reviewed. The City Manager stated that he has made note of each Councilmember’s input; staff has been given direction with some consistencies; a proposal can be brought back to Council for discussion. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether the 90-day timeframe works. The City Manager responded that he supports the timeframe. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether enough direction has been provided. The City Manager responded staff can bring a proposal back for consideration. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger City Clerk The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance.