ROCKLAND — Rockland City Council members have issued a resolve that encourages landlords and renters to work together during the shutdowns evoked by COVID-19. The resolve further expresses the Council’s appreciation for landlords who’ve already taken those steps.

Not all tenants need help, and not all landlords can afford delays in the rent, according to Rockland City Council member Nate Davis, prior to the unanimous vote, Monday, March 30, in a Council meeting video conference.

Davis said he created the resolve knowing that some people in the city suddenly don’t know how they will pay their rent in April.

“The first of the month is right around the corner and I fear that we are going to be in a situation where a lot of people – both residence and businesses – can’t make rent,” said Davis.... “It’s great if these arrangements can be worked out privately between renters and landlords [but] I thought it would be worthwhile for the City to offer some encouragement in this direction.”

During the meeting, Davis offered reasoning for his resolve after City Manager Tom Luttrell read aloud from two letters submitted by community members.

“In this time of COVID-19, with landlords being asked to suck it up when they are not being paid by their renters, Resolve 14 is doing just that,” said Beverly Cowan. 

Another letter written by former Council member Will Clayton stated that a resolve must be carefully considered and discussed fully since it can be interpreted differently from its intention.

“Resolve 14, in my opinion, sends a conflicting message, which seemingly pits renters versus landlords and property owners,” said Clayton. 

Though he also stated his appreciation for Davis’ efforts, as well as government officials who provide strong leadership and encourage optimism, Clayton offered a different route of action.

According to him, a more appropriate action is to create an order directing the city manager and finance director to transfer funds from the undesignated fund balance to the General Assistance Office. There, the money would further be designated to Rockland renters.  

The majority of the resolve’s language comes from the Portland manager’s emergency order, according to Davis. That order also suggested a delay of evictions. Davis then added some revisions that emphasized the resolve as encouragement and not a mandate.

Before the unanimous vote, Councilor Ed Glaser requested that a line be added that thanks landlords who’ve already taken that measure, or will do so in the future. 

The additional line now reads: The City of Rockland thanks landlords who have shown generosity and flexibility in accepting delayed or reduced rental payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for delaying eviction proceedings. 

Councilor Valli Geiger thanked Davis for proposing the resolve.

“You worked hard to walk the line of not – in anyway – suggesting that this is punitive, just suggesting that we all figure out what we’re able to do in this horrible moment when so many people are facing true financial disaster,” she said. “Thank you for proposing it. Thank you to any landlords who are able to delay while we work through this incredible economic devastation to our community.”

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com

CITY OF ROCKLAND, MAINE

RESOLVE #14

IN CITY COUNCIL

March 30, 2020 (prior to the meeting)

RESOLVE Supporting Relief for Distressed Renters and Leaseholders in Rockland

WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has created severe economic hardship for many residents and businesses of Rockland; and

WHEREAS the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to persist for months beyond the present date; and

WHEREAS the City of Rockland recognizes that landlords are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but that some landlords can withstand delayed or reduced rent payments without severe economic hardship;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AS FOLLOWS:

THAT the City of Rockland encourages landlords throughout the City to not undertake or process any evictions during a local or statewide State of Emergency; and

THAT the City of Rockland encourages landlords throughout the City whose tenants are in financial distress during a local or statewide State of Emergency to accept late or reduced rental payments without penalty; and

THAT the City of Rockland encourages the State of Maine to enact protections against evictions or foreclosures during a statewide State of Emergency and to offer cash assistance to landlords who undergo hardship from lost revenue during this period.

Sponsor:  Councilor Davis

Originator:  Councilor Davis