Temporary eviction suspension to be considered at special Elk Grove City Council meeting


At tonight's special meeting, the Elk Grove City Council will be asked to approve the local state emergency proclamation issued last week and consider a temporary moratorium on evictions.

The most urgent business for the city council is the consideration of a temporary ordinance banning evictions. The consideration of the item follows Gov. Gain Newsom's Executive Order issued on Monday urging the action.

The proposed ordinance would suspend evictions or foreclosure that "was the result of a substantial decrease in household or business income (including, but not limited to, a substantial decrease in household income caused by layoffs or a reduction in the number of compensable hours of work, or a substantial decrease in business income caused by a reduction in opening hours or consumer demand) or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses caused by COVID-19, all as documented with substantial evidence by the person to be evicted."

It is noted in the staff report, violations of the ordinance can be imposed up to $1,000 per violation. Although evictions will be suspended for non-payment of rent caused by COVID-19 hardships, renters are still liable for payment.   

The ordinance also addresses suspending garbage pickup service cut-offs and late fees collected by the city. The ordinance says the city will also encourage other utilities that operate in the city but as independent agencies, such as the Elk Grove Water District, "to refrain from discontinuing or disconnecting services and/or charging late fees related to such utility services."

As an urgency ordinance, it needs a four-fifths vote of the city council. If approved, it becomes effective immediately. 

Although the meeting, which will start at 6:30 p.m. instead of its usual start time of 6 p.m. is open to the public, the city is advising adherence to social distancing guidelines for participants. In a social media posting, it was noted some council members will participate in proceedings via telephone and the public can view the meeting on the internet via the city's website.

The entire proposed urgency ordinance can be viewed here
   
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