OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - March 10, 2021

City Council — Wednesday, March 10, 2021
BodySouth San Francisco, California
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, March 10, 2021
StatusFILED
Video Record
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0:07

Okay, um is our city clerk Acosta uh with us and ready to start I'm ready Mayor Wonderful Okay then we'll um uh call to order the regular meeting of the South San Francisco City Council for this Wednesday, March the 10th, and we'll begin with the roll call.

0:32

Councilmember Coleman.

0:35

Here member Florence, Councilmember Nicholas Present.

0:43

Mayor Nagales here.

0:46

Mayor Adiego.

0:48

Here thank you, Mayor.

0:51

Moving on to agenda review, Mayor.

0:56

Um, Mr.

0:56

Mayor, uh, I would ask uh after the presentation item number two, which is given by uh Nicolo De Luca, our um uh associate in Sacramento, uh he is also scheduled to present on item number 11 as a courtesy once we complete item two, I would ask if we could move to item 11 to allow him to resume his duties in Sacramento.

1:21

But other than that, uh no changes, Mr.

1:23

Mayor.

1:24

Okay, he has duties at 7 o'clock to leave in Sacramento.

1:28

It's a busy town.

1:29

They never sleep, I'm told apparently not.

1:32

So anybody have a problem with moving the item.

1:35

No.

1:37

So we'll go ahead and um accommodate um Mr.

1:42

DeLuca.

1:43

And with that, uh, the next item, Rosa.

1:46

Moving on to announcements from staff.

1:50

Uh Mr.

1:50

Mayor and for members of the public, uh many residents received the postcard a few days ago from our general plan team uh inviting the public to a series of uh public meetings uh throughout this month on important issues impacting South San Francisco, such as climate change, land use, and other policies.

2:10

Uh, a complete listing of those meetings is on our website, SSF.net.

2:15

Uh so I would encourage everyone listening uh and the public to attend.

2:21

And the more voices we hear to write our new general plan, the more it will be reflective of our community and our aspirations for the future.

2:30

So again, our website, SSF.net has it full schedule.

2:34

Um, I think that's all the announcements from staff, Mr.

2:37

Mayor.

2:38

Thank you, Mr.

2:38

Futrell.

2:40

Thank you, Mayor.

2:41

Moving on to presentation.

2:43

Item number one proclamation denouncing anti-Asian racism.

2:48

Okay.

2:49

And um, this was actually um, although you see my name next to the item on your agenda, this was actually requested by Councilwoman Flora Nicholas, and I think it uh is most appropriate that she actually read um this proclamation.

3:05

So since the start of the pandemic, just over a year ago, we have seen a steady increase in xenophobia and violence against the Asian American community.

3:16

More than 3,000 incidents have been reported to stop AAPI hate since March 2020.

3:23

Fortunately for us, it has not reached our city, but I and I hope it will not.

3:36

My sincere condolences to the victims and their families, and I want to reaffirm that this acts of hate and violence have no place in our society, especially in our city, where 39% identify themselves as Asians.

3:53

So I'm going to read the proclamation denouncing anti-Asian racism.

3:58

Whereas the city of South San Francisco and San Mateo County is home to diverse communities and has been for many generations.

4:07

Whereas San Mateo County has a history that includes support for racial and social justice for all communities.

4:15

Whereas more than one-third of our South San Francisco's population is of Asian descent.

4:22

Whereas language that evokes xenophobia endangers our communities who are experiencing heightened discrimination.

4:31

Whereas we are disturbed and alarmed by the severity and frequency of hate crimes and race-based harassment again against Asians associated with COVID 19 in San Mateo County and throughout the world.

4:45

Whereas no race, nationality, or ethnicity is responsible for COVID 19, whereas Americans of Asian descent have contributed immeasurably to our communities' development and diversity as a people.

5:00

Whereas this diverse group of people continues to lead and serve as public servants, artists, educators, activists, servicemen and women, scientists, and business owners in South San Francisco and throughout our country.

5:17

Whereas it's one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse groups in America.

5:22

The Asian American community reminds us that though we have all distinct backgrounds and origins, we are bound in common purpose by our shared hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children.

5:36

Now therefore be resolved that the city of South San Francisco does hereby proclaim that racism against Asians shall not be tolerated in any form.

5:47

And we stand in support of individuals and communities targeted by association with COVID-19.

5:54

And we urge everyone to speak up in support of equity, justice, and inclusion.

6:01

Signed by all members of the council.

6:03

Thank you.

6:05

Councilwoman, um, thank you very much for you know uh bringing this to our attention and putting together this proclamation.

6:12

And I guess the unfortunate part is it's um you know remains um an issue of the day.

6:18

And um, you know, so many of us have um elderly members of our family that are easy targets and are very fragile.

6:28

And um what's what's occurring is just unfathomable that people would act out in that manner of violence towards um some of our oldest members of the community.

6:39

So thank you for your efforts.

6:43

Okay, I guess we can move on to um the next presentation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Housing████████████████16%
Affordable Housing██████████████14%
Public Safety████████████12%
Land Use Planning███████████11%
Procedural█████████9%
Public Comment████████8%
Community Engagement███████7%
Racial Equity█████5%
Data Collection██2%
Summary of Proceedings

South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - March 10, 2021

The South San Francisco City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, starting at 7:00 PM via teleconference. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a proclamation denouncing anti-Asian racism, presentations on state housing legislation (SB9), a public hearing on a community facilities district for the Kilroy Oyster Point development, and adoption of a safe firearm storage ordinance. The council also addressed public comments on housing and zoning, deferred several items, and made announcements about naming opportunities for community facilities.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes of February 10, 2021 – Approved.
  • Item 4: Second Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement with Raimi + Associates – Approved unanimously. The amendment adds $629,762 for additional work on the General Plan Update and authorizes a $150,000 contingency. (Originally pulled for discussion, but approved after clarification.)
  • Item 5: Parcel Map No. 20-0996 for Kilroy Oyster Point Development – Approved, creating new public rights-of-way and easements.
  • Item 6: Resolution determining continued emergency for Sign Hill Diamond Fire repairs – Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Housing and Zoning (Item 10 related): Over 60 e-comments were received, and 16 speakers addressed the council during general public comments. Speakers expressed a range of positions:
    • Supporters of upzoning/missing middle housing: Renters, young professionals, and housing advocates argued that single-family zoning is exclusionary and contributes to the housing crisis. They cited racial and economic disparities, the need for affordable housing, and the importance of housing as a human right. Some speakers referenced the history of redlining and the need to address generational wealth gaps.
    • Opponents of upzoning: Homeowners concerned about parking, traffic, neighborhood character, and the potential for overdevelopment. Some argued that the city already has diverse homeowners and that racism is not a factor in housing debates.
    • Several speakers directly addressed council members' behavior, urging collegiality and apology.
  • Safe Storage of Firearms (Item 14): Two speakers, including a survivor of gun violence, urged adoption of the ordinance with civil penalties.
  • Community Facilities District (Item 8): One speaker asked about the possibility of residential units at Kilroy Oyster Point; another asked about the bond issuance process.
  • General Plan/Housing Element (Item 9): One speaker questioned the city's land availability for housing.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamation Denouncing Anti-Asian Racism: Adopted unanimously. Mayor Addiego noted that 39% of South San Francisco's population is of Asian descent, and over 3,000 incidents of anti-Asian hate have been reported since March 2020.
  • Presentation on Senate Bill 9 (SB9): Niccolo De Luca (Townsend Public Affairs) presented. SB9 would allow lot splits and up to two units per lot in single-family zones, subject to conditions. The council discussed potential impacts, timing (likely passage by August 2021), and the need to oppose it. Councilmember Coleman clarified that he did not initiate the upzoning discussion; staff brought it forward due to state legislation. Vice Mayor Nagales proposed an alternative: pause the city's own $100,000 study on eliminating single-family zoning and instead use the 21 Elements regional study (free to the city) expected by July 2021. The council voted to pause the city study and rely on the 21 Elements data and SB9 developments. Motion passed 5-0.
  • Item 11: Letter in Support of Senate Bill 260 (Climate Corporate Accountability Act): Deferred until the final version of the bill is available, per council policy. Staff will reach out to affected businesses.
  • Item 8: Community Facilities District No. 2021-01 (Kilroy Oyster Point): Detailed presentation by Matt Griffin (Kilroy Realty) and Brian Forbath (city bond counsel). The CFD will finance $105 million in public infrastructure for the 2.5 million square foot life science development. The council held a public hearing, received no written protests, and approved all related resolutions: establishing the CFD, authorizing bonded indebtedness, certifying election results, and introducing the levy ordinance. All votes were unanimous.
  • Item 9: 2020 Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Report: Accepted. The report noted that the city issued about 50 building permits in 2020 (mostly ADUs), but received 600 units in entitlement applications. Councilmembers expressed concern about the low number of affordable units (very low and low income) and agreed to discuss increasing the 15% affordable housing requirement.
  • Item 12: Consulting Services Agreement for 2022 West of 101 Pavement Rehabilitation Project: Approved unanimously. The contract with Nichols Consulting Engineers (NCE) is for $1,596,000, with a total project design budget of $1,755,600.
  • Item 14: Ordinance Requiring Safe Storage of Firearms in Residences: Adopted unanimously with amendments. Councilmember Coleman proposed a civil penalty-only approach (no misdemeanor), with first offense education/warning and provision of trigger locks. The ordinance will be brought back for a second reading. The police department will purchase trigger locks for distribution.

Key Outcomes

  • Proclamation denouncing anti-Asian racism adopted.
  • Item 4 (Raimi + Associates contract) approved.
  • Item 5 (Parcel Map) approved.
  • Item 6 (Sign Hill emergency) approved.
  • Item 7 (Resolution of Necessity for Antoinette Lane property) approved, allowing eminent domain proceedings for the Community Civic Campus Phase II.
  • Item 8 (CFD No. 2021-01) all resolutions adopted, including establishment, bonded indebtedness up to $105 million, election certification, and introduction of tax levy ordinance.
  • Item 9 (Housing Element Annual Progress Report) accepted.
  • Item 10 (study on single-family zoning modifications) deferred; council voted to pause the city study and await the 21 Elements regional study and SB9 outcome.
  • Item 11 (SB 260 support letter) deferred.
  • Item 12 (Pavement Rehabilitation contract) approved.
  • Item 13 (Outdoor Dining Pilot Program extension) deferred to March 24, 2021.
  • Item 14 (Safe Firearm Storage Ordinance) approved with civil penalty only; will be finalized at next meeting.
  • Naming committee recommendations: Alice Peña Bulos for Westborough Center, Roberta Sartiglia for Magnolia Senior Center, and Carol Matsumoto for the Caltrain Plaza – to be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
  • Council comments: Announcements about board appointments, memorials for residents lost to COVID-19, and a request for data on parking citations.

Administrative Notes

  • The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:40 PM.
  • The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2021, at 6:00 PM (new time).

Meeting Transcript

Okay, um is our city clerk Acosta uh with us and ready to start I'm ready Mayor Wonderful Okay then we'll um uh call to order the regular meeting of the South San Francisco City Council for this Wednesday, March the 10th, and we'll begin with the roll call. Councilmember Coleman. Here member Florence, Councilmember Nicholas Present. Mayor Nagales here. Mayor Adiego. Here thank you, Mayor. Moving on to agenda review, Mayor. Um, Mr. Mayor, uh, I would ask uh after the presentation item number two, which is given by uh Nicolo De Luca, our um uh associate in Sacramento, uh he is also scheduled to present on item number 11 as a courtesy once we complete item two, I would ask if we could move to item 11 to allow him to resume his duties in Sacramento. But other than that, uh no changes, Mr. Mayor. Okay, he has duties at 7 o'clock to leave in Sacramento. It's a busy town. They never sleep, I'm told apparently not. So anybody have a problem with moving the item. No. So we'll go ahead and um accommodate um Mr. DeLuca. And with that, uh, the next item, Rosa. Moving on to announcements from staff. Uh Mr. Mayor and for members of the public, uh many residents received the postcard a few days ago from our general plan team uh inviting the public to a series of uh public meetings uh throughout this month on important issues impacting South San Francisco, such as climate change, land use, and other policies. Uh, a complete listing of those meetings is on our website, SSF.net. Uh so I would encourage everyone listening uh and the public to attend. And the more voices we hear to write our new general plan, the more it will be reflective of our community and our aspirations for the future. So again, our website, SSF.net has it full schedule. Um, I think that's all the announcements from staff, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Futrell. Thank you, Mayor. Moving on to presentation. Item number one proclamation denouncing anti-Asian racism. Okay. And um, this was actually um, although you see my name next to the item on your agenda, this was actually requested by Councilwoman Flora Nicholas, and I think it uh is most appropriate that she actually read um this proclamation. So since the start of the pandemic, just over a year ago, we have seen a steady increase in xenophobia and violence against the Asian American community. More than 3,000 incidents have been reported to stop AAPI hate since March 2020. Fortunately for us, it has not reached our city, but I and I hope it will not. My sincere condolences to the victims and their families, and I want to reaffirm that this acts of hate and violence have no place in our society, especially in our city, where 39% identify themselves as Asians. So I'm going to read the proclamation denouncing anti-Asian racism. Whereas the city of South San Francisco and San Mateo County is home to diverse communities and has been for many generations. Whereas San Mateo County has a history that includes support for racial and social justice for all communities. Whereas more than one-third of our South San Francisco's population is of Asian descent. Whereas language that evokes xenophobia endangers our communities who are experiencing heightened discrimination. Whereas we are disturbed and alarmed by the severity and frequency of hate crimes and race-based harassment again against Asians associated with COVID 19 in San Mateo County and throughout the world. Whereas no race, nationality, or ethnicity is responsible for COVID 19, whereas Americans of Asian descent have contributed immeasurably to our communities' development and diversity as a people. Whereas this diverse group of people continues to lead and serve as public servants, artists, educators, activists, servicemen and women, scientists, and business owners in South San Francisco and throughout our country. Whereas it's one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse groups in America. The Asian American community reminds us that though we have all distinct backgrounds and origins, we are bound in common purpose by our shared hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children. Now therefore be resolved that the city of South San Francisco does hereby proclaim that racism against Asians shall not be tolerated in any form.

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