Property owners object as council confirms special‑assessment penalties on consent calendar

Hayward's council passed a consent calendar on June 16 that included confirmation of special assessments and enforcement penalties for properties found out of compliance. The consent calendar passed unanimously after public comment and a vote; several members of the public had earlier urged review of particular penalties.

Robert Finkel, representing a property owner identified in the consent packet, told the council that his client faces approximately $14.5 million in penalties stemming from an unlawful cannabis grow at a leased property and argued the figure is "nearly four times the value of the entire property itself." He said the ordinance was drafted to deter illicit operators and not to punish a landlord who had contracted a tenant that broke the law; he submitted a written objection and asked council to decline to confirm the special assessment.

Council members acknowledged the objections and reminded speakers that the city has an appeal process and that the city attorney would review objections. City staff and the city attorney said appeals and legal questions will be handled through the established procedures; council proceeded to approve the consent calendar items, including the assessments, by unanimous vote.

The transcript records the objection and the speaker's written submission; council did not amend the consent item at the meeting. Property owners who wish to challenge assessments were told to pursue the city's administrative appeal process and consult the city attorney's office.