CCMIN06162020 - Laserfiche WebLink

immediate relative of the landlord, those renting a room in a single-family townhome where there is no residential lease, or those already participating in the City's Rapid Re-Housing program. Housing Division Manager Hernandez reported the maximum grant assistance allowed is $2,500 but would be the lesser of the tenant's actual rent or applicable rent based on the 2020 Housing Affordability Maximum Rent. He noted the program, whose goal is to assist up to 200 Pleasanton households, will be available until all funds are committed or 60 days after the Countywide Shelter In Place is lifted, and the program budget of$500,000 will come from Lower Income Housing Funds. Housing Division Manager Hernandez reported extensive outreach is planned and information will be placed on the City's website, Facebook site, Twitter feed, and will be included in the City's weekly newsletter distribution list. He reported the item was considered by the Housing Commission who voted unanimously to recommend approval. Lastly, he reported staff recommends the approval of the item. Councilmember Testa expressed her support for the item. In response to her inquiry, Housing Division Manager Hernandez confirmed the assistance would help with one month's rent. Councilmember Pentin expressed his support for the item. In response to Councilmember Pentin's inquiry,Assistant City Manager Dolan confirmed the City did feel it would be too lengthy of a process and would delay assistance. He also advised essential workers would not be prioritized for assistance. Vice Mayor Narum expressed concern that applicants will be required to submit applications electronically. Housing Division Manager Hernandez confirmed applicants will be given alternative methods of applying for assistance. In response to Vice Mayor Narum's inquiries, Assistant City Manager Dolan reported the City Attorney's Office confirmed landlords must accept third party checks if the applicant is renting an apartment or home and the City Attorney is reviewing whether or not mobile home landlords must accept them as well. He reported funding is available if City Council chooses to extend the program once the initial allocation of$500,000 is depleted. In response to Councilmember Brown's inquiries, Housing Division Manager Hernandez confirmed assistance is a grant, and repayment is not required. Assistant City Manager Dolan advised Council has the authority to add language that allows applicants to use the funds to help with arrears. He reported there is a draft agreement with CitySery that is ready for approval. In response to Councilmember Testa's inquiries, Housing Division Manager Hernandez clarified any applicants who are participating in co-housing would be eligible if they provide a residential lease with a 3rd party landlord and meet all the other requirements. In response to Vice Mayor Narum's inquiry, Housing Division Manager Hernandez advised the late fee on rent is a consumer debt that the landlord has a legal right to pursue. Assistant City Manager Dolan advised City Council could adopt the ability to pay late fees with the assistance but would be a moot point if not allowed under state law. Mayor Thorne noted there were no speakers for this item. Councilmember Brown supported the item and called for an amendment to include payment of late fees. City Council Minutes Page 12 of 14 June 16,2020