Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code by Repealing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article I (Streets), Section 22-3 (Repairs) in Its Entirety and Repealing and Replacing Chapter XXII (Streets and Sidewalks), Article II (Sidewalks), Sections 22-18 (Repair of Sidewalks and Other Works) and 22-20 (Specifications) to Amend the Sidewalk Repair Procedures and Make Other Technical Amendments;
Introduction of Ordinance Amending Alameda Municipal Code 1-5.3 (Civil Action Enforcement) of Chapter 1 (General) to Improve the City's Collections Process;
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Resolution Amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 to Add a Fee for a Formal Hearing with a Hearing Officer Regarding Sidewalk Repair Costs Owed to the City; and
Recommendation to Adopt a Collections Policy. (Finance 10024051)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
To improve fairness, transparency, and revenue recovery, staff proposes adopting a formal Collections Policy aligned with best practices and other jurisdictions. The policy sets a clear process to recover up to 75% of delinquent debt, or approximately $550,000 annually. Staff recommends an amendment to Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) section 1-5.3 to officially authorize Small Claims legal actions, ensuring the City of Alameda (City) has the authority to implement and enforce the new Collections Policy immediately. Staff also recommends amendments to the AMC Sections 22-3, 22-18, and 22-20 to further define a clear and transparent process for placing a special assessment on a lot for delinquent sidewalk repairs and make other technical amendments to these sidewalk repair sections. For individuals experiencing financial hardship, the sidewalk repair program includes a financial assistance component and the proposed collections process includes payment plan options.
BACKGROUND
In October 2025, staff presented ...
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