OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Francisco Budget and Finance Committee Meeting - September 6, 2023

Budget and Finance Committee — Wednesday, September 6, 2023
BodySan Francisco, California
SessionBudget and Finance Committee
DateWednesday, September 6, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:09

Good morning.

0:09

The meeting will come to order.

0:11

Welcome to the September 6th, 2023 meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee.

0:15

And this is our first budget and finance committee meeting since recess.

0:21

And I am Supervisor Connie Chan, Chair of the Committee.

0:23

I'm joined by Vice Chair Raphael Mendelman and hopefully shortly by Supervisor Asha Safayi.

0:29

Our clerk today is Brent Halipa.

0:31

Thank you so much.

0:32

Good to see you.

0:33

And then I would like to thank uh SFGov TV, um, Susanna Enos uh for broadcasting this meeting.

0:41

Mr.

0:41

Clerk, do you have any announcement?

0:43

Thank you much, Madam Chair.

0:44

Just a friendly reminder for those in attendance uh to please make sure the silence all cell phones and electronic devices so as to not interrupt our proceedings here in the chamber.

0:52

The Board of Supervisors and its committees are convening hybrid meetings that allow in-person attendance and public comment while still providing remote access and public comment via telephone.

1:01

Uh the uh public comment will be taken on each item on this agenda.

1:05

Those attending in person will be allowed to speak first, and then we will take those who are waiting on the telephone line.

1:10

Uh for those watching remotely and streaming through sfgovtv.org.

1:14

The public comment call in number is streaming across the screen, and when connected, you will hear the meeting discussions, but you'll be muted and in listening mode only.

1:22

When your item of interest comes up and public comment is called.

1:25

Those joining us in person should line up to speak, and those on the telephone should dial star three to also be added to the speaker line.

1:31

If you're on your telephone, please remember to turn uh down your TV and all listening devices you may be using.

1:37

Uh each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes to speak unless otherwise stated.

1:40

Uh, we did receive a request for interpretive services in Chinese for item 10.

1:44

And when that item is called, we will provide those instructions in language.

1:48

Uh alternatively, you may submit public comment in writing in either of the following ways.

1:52

Email them to myself, the budget and finance committee clerk at br e N T dot J A L I P A at SFGO V dot O R G.

2:02

If you submit public comment via email, it will be forwarded to the supervisors and also included as part of the official file.

2:08

He may also send written comments uh via U.S.

2:10

Postal Service to our office in City Hall.

2:13

That's one.

2:14

Dr.

2:14

Carlton Big Place Room 244, San Francisco, California, 94102.

2:19

And finally, Madam Chair, items acted upon today are expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors' agenda of September 12th, unless otherwise stated.

2:27

Madam Chair.

2:28

Thank you, Mr.

2:29

Clerk.

2:29

And uh before you call item nine uh number one, uh, would just like to remind everyone that when we have items that have budget and legislative analyst reports, uh, we will actually have the department presentation first and then the report, um, and then we'll go to public comment.

2:45

And for today's agenda, those items are two, three, seven, and eight.

2:50

And with that, Mr.

2:51

Clerk, please call item number one.

2:53

Yes, madam chair.

2:54

Item number one uh is a resolution exempting from the competitive bidding policy set forth in the administrative code, the potential real estate transaction involving uh port property at Sea Wall lot 300 301 and Pier 45 with the fisherman's Wharf Revitalized LLC for development of a mixed-use property, uh urging the port and fishermen's warfare vitalized LLC to engage in outreach to uh affected and interested neighbors, community members, and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed project is designed with public input and urging the port director with the assistance of Port Staff, the City Attorney's Office, and other city officials to take all actions needed to negotiate an exclusive negotiating agreement and a term sheet uh with fishermen's Wharf Revitalized on a sole source basis consistent with this resolution.

3:46

Members of the public have joined us remotely and wish to comment on this resolution.

3:50

Press star three to enter the speaker line.

3:52

Hey prompt will indicate that you have raised your hand and when the system indicates you have an unmuted.

3:58

Thank you, Mr.

3:59

Clerk, and today I just want to acknowledge that we have President Aaron Preskin here.

4:03

Uh, this is the sponsor of this item.

4:05

And would you like to have an opening remark?

4:08

Thank you.

4:09

Uh Budget Chair Chan and Member Vice Chair Mandelman.

4:15

Um, thank you for scheduling this uh for your first meeting since our summer recess.

4:22

Uh as we saw yesterday in John King's reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle, uh, Fisherman's Wharf is an incredible part of San Francisco.

4:34

Uh that is one of the geese that lays the golden egg.

4:38

It is a place where uh locals and visitors from around the region, around the country and around the world uh can have an authentic experience on the shores of the bay.

4:50

It is an inextricable part of San Francisco's early and ongoing history.

5:00

And indeed is a bit tarnished and has uh plenty of opportunity, and I say that as the Port of San Francisco and the City of San Francisco and similarly situated cities and municipalities around the state grapple uh with sea level rise and a host of infrastructural challenges.

5:19

Uh the Port of San Francisco that we'll hear from shortly from Mr.

5:23

Mike Martin has been exploring the opportunity uh for revitalization at Fisherman's Wharf, particularly in and around uh Pier 45 that has had infrastructural challenges and business challenges that really is at the very heart of uh our celebrated Fisherman's Wharf.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Comment████████████████████20%
Public Works██████████████14%
Economic Development████████████12%
Capital Planning██████████10%
Community Engagement██████████10%
Public Health███████7%
Water Resource Management██████6%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

San Francisco Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance Committee Meeting - September 6, 2023

The Budget and Finance Committee convened on September 6, 2023, chaired by Supervisor Connie Chan, with Vice Chair Raphael Mandelman and Member Ahsha Safai. The committee considered ten agenda items, including sole source negotiations, grants, lease agreements, a bond-like certificate of participation, an emergency declaration for Laguna Honda Hospital repairs, and a multi-year permit for concerts at Golden Gate Park's Polo Fields. Most items were recommended to the full Board; the concert permit was sent without recommendation due to outstanding neighborhood concerns.

Consent Calendar

(No formal consent calendar was used; all items received individual discussion and votes.)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Item 1 (Fisherman's Wharf Sole Source): No public speakers.
  • Item 2 (Caltrans Art Maintenance): No public speakers.
  • Item 3 (Zoo Recycled Water Grant): No public speakers.
  • Item 4 (Domestic Violence Grant): No public speakers.
  • Item 5 (Guaranteed Income Exemption): No public speakers.
  • Item 6 (CHP Communications Lease): No public speakers.
  • Items 7 & 8 (COP & Laguna Honda Emergency): Rudy Gonzalez (Secretary-Treasurer, San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council) spoke in support, citing the need for improvements at Laguna Honda Hospital and the benefits of the certificates of participation.
  • Item 9 (Selby & Palou Mini Park Lease): No public speakers.
  • Item 10 (Polo Fields Concerts): Over 30 speakers, including representatives from labor unions (IATSE, Teamsters, Operating Engineers, Plumbers), small business owners, Richmond and Sunset residents, and community organizations. The overwhelming majority voiced strong support, citing economic benefits, union jobs, tourism, and the positive track record of Another Planet Entertainment. A few speakers noted concerns about traffic and parking but acknowledged ongoing mitigation efforts. Chair Chan noted that many Richmond residents at a previous community meeting had expressed unease about the additional impacts.

Discussion Items

  • Item 1 (230842) - Sole Source Negotiations – Fisherman’s Wharf Revitalized, LLC: President Aaron Peskin sponsored the resolution to waive competitive bidding for Port property at Seawall Lot 300/301 and Pier 45, allowing exclusive negotiations with Fisherman’s Wharf Revitalized LLC for a mixed-use development. Port staff Mike Martin and Lou Gerardo presented, emphasizing the need for revitalization and the early stage of the process (24–36 months of exclusive negotiations ahead). Supervisors Chan and Mandelman added as co-sponsors. No public comment. The committee voted unanimously (3-0) to forward to the full Board with a positive recommendation.
  • Item 2 (230716) - Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans for Transportation Art: Trent Tiger (Public Works) described the Potrero Gateway Public Art Project, including a maintenance agreement for sculptures on Caltrans right-of-way. The city will perform routine upkeep; $10,000/year estimated cost. The BLA recommended approval. No public comment. Unanimous (3-0) to forward to full Board with positive recommendation.
  • Item 3 (230816) - Accept Grant – San Francisco Zoo Recycled Water Project: Anahida Fala (SFPUC) presented a $538,051 grant from the California Department of Water Resources to construct a pipeline delivering recycled water to the zoo. Total project cost is $3.975 million, with the balance from SFPUC capital funds. Discussion about water rates: recycled water will be charged the same as potable water due to blended rate structure. Supervisors Chan, Mandelman, and Safai added as co-sponsors. Unanimous (3-0) to forward with positive recommendation.
  • Item 4 (230814) - Accept Grant – Leveraging Collaboratives to End Domestic Violence Program: Cameron Lucas (Department on the Status of Women) requested retroactive acceptance of a $150,000 grant from Blue Shield of California Foundation to fund the Healing Roots Podcast aimed at addressing domestic violence. A brief administrative delay explained. No public comment. Unanimous (3-0) to forward with positive recommendation.
  • Item 5 (230702) - Exempt Guaranteed Income from CAAP Determinations: Susie Smith (Human Services Agency) presented an ordinance to exempt payments from guaranteed income pilot programs when determining eligibility for County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP). This supports a new state-funded pilot for foster youth. Supervisors added as co-sponsors. No public comment. Unanimous (3-0) to forward with positive recommendation.
  • Item 6 (230480) - Communications Lease with California Highway Patrol: Claudia Gorham (Real Estate) presented a 10-year lease for 400 sq ft and an antenna at Christmas Tree Point, with initial annual base rent of $9,000 (up from $55/month). No public comment. Unanimous (3-0) to forward with positive recommendation.
  • Items 7 & 8 (230833 & 230811) – Certificates of Participation and Emergency Declaration for Laguna Honda Hospital: These items were considered together. Olivia Chen and Grant Carson presented the $77.17 million COP authorization (not to exceed) to finance critical repairs and street repaving, including $4 million for Laguna Honda water tank replacement. BLA noted total debt service of $136.3 million. Then Ron Alameda (Public Works) presented the emergency declaration for up to $28.4 million in repairs at Laguna Honda Hospital to meet regulatory requirements for recertification. BLA raised concerns about the open-ended nature and suggested amendments. After discussion, Chair Chan proposed amendments to limit the authorization to $28.4 million and to swap out the OMACL cabinet replacement for emergency power replacement. The committee adopted the amendments (3-0) and then forwarded item 8 as amended with a positive recommendation (3-0). Item 7 was also forwarded with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 9 (230573) - Property Lease – Selby & Palou Mini Park: Chris Towns (Rec & Park) presented a 10-year lease renewal for a DOT-owned lot under Highway 280, used as passive open space. Annual base rent $2,000 with 4% annual increases. No public comment. Unanimous (3-0) to forward with positive recommendation.
  • Item 10 (230710) - Permit Issuance – Another Planet Entertainment – Polo Field Concerts: Sarah Madlin (Rec & Park) proposed a three-year permit for a two- or three-day concert the weekend after Outside Lands, with a minimum permit fee of $1.4 million (two-day) or $2.1 million (three-day) per year. Benefits include free downtown concerts, free Muni for attendees, a $10,000 annual community benefit fund per district, and economic activity ($68 million estimated for Outside Lands). Extensive public comment was overwhelmingly supportive. Chair Chan expressed concerns about impacts on Richmond residents, noting unresolved issues from a community meeting (parking, road access, noise, wildlife). She acknowledged the benefits but sent the item to the full Board without recommendation to reflect that concerns remain. Vice Chair Mandelman and Member Safai voiced strong support. The committee voted unanimously (3-0) to forward without recommendation.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 1: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 2: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 3: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 4: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 5: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 6: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 7: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 8: Amended to limit scope and amount ($28.4 million; swap OMACL for emergency power); then moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 9: Moved to full Board with positive recommendation (3-0).
  • Item 10: Moved to full Board without recommendation (3-0).

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. The meeting will come to order. Welcome to the September 6th, 2023 meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee. And this is our first budget and finance committee meeting since recess. And I am Supervisor Connie Chan, Chair of the Committee. I'm joined by Vice Chair Raphael Mendelman and hopefully shortly by Supervisor Asha Safayi. Our clerk today is Brent Halipa. Thank you so much. Good to see you. And then I would like to thank uh SFGov TV, um, Susanna Enos uh for broadcasting this meeting. Mr. Clerk, do you have any announcement? Thank you much, Madam Chair. Just a friendly reminder for those in attendance uh to please make sure the silence all cell phones and electronic devices so as to not interrupt our proceedings here in the chamber. The Board of Supervisors and its committees are convening hybrid meetings that allow in-person attendance and public comment while still providing remote access and public comment via telephone. Uh the uh public comment will be taken on each item on this agenda. Those attending in person will be allowed to speak first, and then we will take those who are waiting on the telephone line. Uh for those watching remotely and streaming through sfgovtv.org. The public comment call in number is streaming across the screen, and when connected, you will hear the meeting discussions, but you'll be muted and in listening mode only. When your item of interest comes up and public comment is called. Those joining us in person should line up to speak, and those on the telephone should dial star three to also be added to the speaker line. If you're on your telephone, please remember to turn uh down your TV and all listening devices you may be using. Uh each speaker will be allowed up to two minutes to speak unless otherwise stated. Uh, we did receive a request for interpretive services in Chinese for item 10. And when that item is called, we will provide those instructions in language. Uh alternatively, you may submit public comment in writing in either of the following ways. Email them to myself, the budget and finance committee clerk at br e N T dot J A L I P A at SFGO V dot O R G. If you submit public comment via email, it will be forwarded to the supervisors and also included as part of the official file. He may also send written comments uh via U.S. Postal Service to our office in City Hall. That's one. Dr. Carlton Big Place Room 244, San Francisco, California, 94102. And finally, Madam Chair, items acted upon today are expected to appear on the Board of Supervisors' agenda of September 12th, unless otherwise stated. Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. And uh before you call item nine uh number one, uh, would just like to remind everyone that when we have items that have budget and legislative analyst reports, uh, we will actually have the department presentation first and then the report, um, and then we'll go to public comment. And for today's agenda, those items are two, three, seven, and eight. And with that, Mr. Clerk, please call item number one. Yes, madam chair. Item number one uh is a resolution exempting from the competitive bidding policy set forth in the administrative code, the potential real estate transaction involving uh port property at Sea Wall lot 300 301 and Pier 45 with the fisherman's Wharf Revitalized LLC for development of a mixed-use property, uh urging the port and fishermen's warfare vitalized LLC to engage in outreach to uh affected and interested neighbors, community members, and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed project is designed with public input and urging the port director with the assistance of Port Staff, the City Attorney's Office, and other city officials to take all actions needed to negotiate an exclusive negotiating agreement and a term sheet uh with fishermen's Wharf Revitalized on a sole source basis consistent with this resolution. Members of the public have joined us remotely and wish to comment on this resolution. Press star three to enter the speaker line. Hey prompt will indicate that you have raised your hand and when the system indicates you have an unmuted. Thank you, Mr. Clerk, and today I just want to acknowledge that we have President Aaron Preskin here. Uh, this is the sponsor of this item. And would you like to have an opening remark?

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