Report Prepared by: Travis Lindsey, City Attorney
Title
SUBJECT: Provide Staff Direction on the Implementation of a Potential Urgency Ordinance Related to the Displacement of Residents Living within Rental Housing Due to Recent Storms and Flooding
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City Attorney will provide the legal options available to the City Council for consideration for the implementation of a potential Urgency Ordinance related to the displacement of residents living within rental housing due to the recent storms and flooding.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Provide staff direction on the implementation of a potential Urgency Ordinance related to the displacement of residents living within rental housing due to recent storms and flooding.
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AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Sections 200, 412, and 416.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Year 2023/24 City Council Adopted Goals & Priorities, Natural Disaster/Flood Response, and Explore an Urgency Ordinance that addresses a temporary stay of rent hikes after a natural disaster and tenant rights of first refusal for housing.
DISCUSSION
On February 21, 2023, the City Council adopted its annual Goals & Priorities, developed through a series of three Town Halls meets conducted in late January and early February 2023. Under the newly added Natural Disaster/Flood Response section, City Council directed staff to return with the legal options for their consideration that would address the temporary stay of rent increases after a natural disaster and the implementation of tenants' rights to first refusal for housing.
The City Attorney has developed a comprehensive presentation with legal options related to the drafting of an Urgency Ordinance. Upon the conclusion of the presentation, staff are seeking direction from the City Council on what elements, if any, to include in an Urgency Ordinance to be brought back at a future meeting for adoption.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation needed at this time.
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