Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Called to order: 5:00 PM · 10 items
Minutes not yet published by the City Clerk — vote and comment data typically appear 4–6 weeks after the meeting.
Attendance
Contracts(5 items)
Increase contract with Eviction Defense Center by $200,000 for tenant legal services
In Plain English
The city currently pays the Eviction Defense Center $981,244 per year to provide free legal help to tenants facing eviction. If approved, the contract increases to $1.18 million for the next fiscal year. The center helps residents fight unlawful evictions and understand their rental rights.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase translation services contract by $19,000 to $67,600 total
In Plain English
The city's Rent Program uses The Spanish Group for translating documents and meetings. The current contract needs more funding to cover translation costs through June 2026. If approved, the total contract value rises from $48,600 to $67,600 for the fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase Project Sentinel legal services contract by $75,000 to $150,000
In Plain English
The city's Rent Program currently contracts with Project Sentinel for legal services. The existing contract needs more funding to cover costs through June 2026. If approved, the total contract value rises from $75,000 to $150,000 for the fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Increase interpretation services contract by $15,000 to $62,000 total
In Plain English
The city uses interpreters to help non-English speakers access city services like rent control hearings. The current contract runs through June 2026 but needs more funding. If approved, the total contract value rises from $47,000 to $62,000 for the fiscal year.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Approve $26,200 contract amendment for interpretation services with Accent on Languages
In Plain English
The city uses interpretation services to help non-English speakers access Rent Program services like tenant counseling and landlord dispute resolution. The current contract with Accent on Languages needs renewal for the upcoming fiscal year. If approved, the city spends up to $26,200 from July 2025 through June 2026.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Budget(4 items)
RECEIVE the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Monthly Activity Report through May 2025
Official Agenda Text
Receive monthly financial report for Rent Program through May 2025
In Plain English
The Rent Program collects fees from landlords and uses the money to operate rent control services. This monthly report shows how much money the program collected and spent from July 2024 through May 2025. The report helps the city council track whether the program stays within budget.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Authorize replenishing Rent Board reserves to 18% of annual budget
In Plain English
The Rent Board maintains emergency reserves like a savings account for unexpected expenses. Current reserves have dropped below the required minimum of 18% of the annual budget. If approved, the board adds money back to reach the 18% target set by city policy.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Adopt revised rent program budget and new 2-tier fee structure for landlords
In Plain English
The city's rent control program needs updated funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Landlords currently pay a single annual fee per rental unit they own. If approved, landlords pay $267 per year for fully rent-controlled units and $151 for partially controlled units starting in fiscal year 2025-26.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Housing(1 item)
Set 2025 rent increase limit at 1.62% for existing tenants
In Plain English
The city caps how much landlords can raise rent each year for tenants who moved in before September 1, 2024. This year's limit would be 1.62%, meaning a $2,000 monthly rent could increase by up to $32. Newer tenancies are not covered by this rent control.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.