DATE: February 21, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution 1) Appropriating $15,000 from the Rent Stabilization Fund Balance and 2) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Project Sentinel for Administration of the Rent Increase Dispute Resolution Process in the Amount of $45,000 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Contract Amount of $120,000
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to do the following:
1. Appropriate $15,000 from the Rent Stabilization Fund Balance; and
2. Execute an amendment to the agreement with Project Sentinel to add $45,000 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $120,000 to administer the rent increase dispute resolution process stipulated in the Residential Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protection Ordinance (RRSO) and Mobile Home Space Rent Stabilization Ordinance (MRSO).
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SUMMARY
The Residential Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protection Ordinance (RRSO) and Mobile Home Space Rent Stabilization Ordinance (MRSO) establish mandatory mediation programs with binding arbitration to resolve rent increase disputes for tenants of covered rental units (RRSO) and eligible mobile home units. Project Sentinel currently provides administrative support, administers the mediation and arbitration programs, and develops and facilitates educational workshops to advise tenants and landlords of their rights and responsibilities under the City’s RRSO and MRSO. Project Sentinel’s existing contract with the City will expire on June 30, 2023.
As tenants and landlords continue to experience economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in need for Project Sentinel’s services. Additional funding is needed to continue providing services required by the RRSO and MRSO. Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to appropriate $15,000 from the Rent Stabilization Fund balance, which will be added to the contract along with $30,000 that has already been appropriated and is available through delayed marketing efforts resulting from COVID-19 constraints. With the additional $15,000 appropriation from fund balance, there will be sufficient funds in the Rent Stabilization Fund for this contract amendment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution