Page 46 - AAGLA-JAN 2022

Local Advocacy Update
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consideration. As the City Council has the sole authority to amend the ordinance, it is yet to be determined whether the City Council will accept the Commission’s recommendation and effectuate the modifications set forth therein.
New Glendale Waste Hauling Franchise Program Began on December 1, 2021
In July 2021, the Glendale City Council adopted an ordinance establishing an exclusive waste hauling and removal franchise program and approved the related contracts with the four waste haulers. The new franchise structure divides the city into four zones: A, B, C, and D, with each waste hauler given exclusive service collection within one of the four designated zones. Zone A is covered by Southland Disposal. Zone B is covered by Athens Services. Zone C is covered by Waste Resources. Zone D is covered by NASA Services.
The new franchise program applies to commercial and multifamily residential properties that have five or more units. The City will continue to provide waste removal services to residential and residential multifamily properties with four or fewer units.
On December 1, 2021, the first phase of the Glendale franchise program was implemented. Under the new franchise structure, the same rates will apply across all zones. However, it is important to note the level of rate increase you will experience will be dependent on the difference between your current services rates and the rates established under the new franchise structure. Following the initial rate changes, the franchise contract locks in rates for ten years with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index occurring on July 1st of each year. Any additional rate increases would require the waste hauler to submit a written request demonstrating an unexpected event/expenses warranting such an increase and the approval of the City Council.
The first phase applies to commercial and multifamily residential properties that have five or more units and that are currently receiving waste removal services from either the City of Glendale or one of the four waste haulers that were awarded the franchise contract with the City. If your property falls within this category, you were required to subscribe to the service of the awarded waste hauler for the zone in which your property is located, no later than November 30, 2021, with your new service beginning on December 1, 2021.
It is anticipated that the second implementation phase will begin in February 2022 and will transition the remaining properties that are currently receiving waste collection services from service providers other than the City or one of the four companies awarded contracts under the new franchise program.
To learn more about the City’s new franchise program and contact information for the franchise haulers, please go to the City’s website at: https://www.glendaleca.gov/ government/departments/public-works
Long Beach City Council Approves Changes to the City’s “Just Cause” Ordinance
At the Long Beach City Council’s last meeting of the year, the Council directed staff to draft an ordinance amending the City’s “Just Cause” ordinance. The City Council was presented with three options including one extremely problematic option that would have prohibited all tenancy terminations based on substantial remodel and the creation of a Tenant Habitability Program which staff estimated would cost $2 million annually. The City Council rejected this option. The proposed ordinance amendments are as follows:
• Imposition of civil fines of up to $15,000 on rental housing providers who have been adjudicated in violation of the “just cause” ordinance’s substantial remodel tenancy termination notice provisions.
• Requirement that property owners notify the City when construction work will result in a “no-fault” tenancy termination based on substantial remodel and require City Staff to track such information and send out housing navigators to assist displaced renters.
• Requires issuance of a 90-day notice to vacate for any “no-fault” just cause tenancy termination.
• Increases permanent relocation fees to $4,500 or two-months’ rent, whichever is greater.
City Staff were also directed to report back within approximately one year by providing the first years’ worth of data relative to this matter.
Due to our strong advocacy efforts, the most concerning options which would have resulted in the creation of an expensive, administrative bureaucracy and problematic definitional changes were rejected by the City Council. It is important to note that the City’s temporary prohibition on tenancy terminations for substantial remodel, adopted in July 2021, was extended until February 28, 2022, and may be further extended if necessary, pending the City Council’s adoption of the proposed ordinance.
The Association will continue to strongly advocate for our members interests, review the draft ordinance once available and provide updates.
This article is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions regarding your property or specific tenancies and the requirements of any local law changes described herein, please consult with an attorney.
46 JANUARY 2022 • WWW.AAGLA.ORG