South San Francisco City Council Meeting - May 12, 2021

The South San Francisco City Council met on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 6:00 PM via teleconference. The meeting included presentations recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Brain Tumor Awareness Month, a training on municipal securities disclosure, public comments on police violence and accountability, and several administrative items. Council approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $110 million in Lease Revenue Bonds for Phase 2 of the Community Civic Campus and other capital projects, introduced an ordinance to repeal bicycle licensing, and heard community demands for police reform.

Presentations

• Proclamation honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Vice Mayor Nagales read the proclamation recognizing the contributions of AAPIs and designating May 2021 as AAPI Heritage Month.
• Presentation on Disclosure Requirements for Municipal Securities: Finance Director Janet Salisbury and bond counsel Brian Forbath provided training on federal securities law obligations, emphasizing accuracy and completeness in public statements.
• Proclamation recognizing May as Brain Tumor Awareness Month: Councilmember Nicolas, a brain tumor survivor, read the proclamation and shared her personal experience. Planning Commissioner Sarah Funis accepted the proclamation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of March 24, March 30, and April 2, 2021 meetings (Item 4).
• Resolution authorizing write-off of $223,148 in uncollectible ambulance billing accounts receivable (Item 5 – pulled for discussion, then approved unanimously. Vice Mayor Nagales inquired about the lengthy write-off process; EMS Chief Walls explained the multi-step review cycle.)
• Resolution continuing emergency repairs for the Sign Hill Diamond Fire (Item 6).
• Resolution approving a reimbursement agreement with Genentech, Inc. for off-site improvements along East Grand Avenue (Item 7). All consent items (4, 6, 7) passed unanimously; Item 5 passed after separate roll call.

Public Comments & Testimony

Multiple members of the public spoke during general public comment and on specific agenda items:

• Eddie Holman, Liliana Rivera, Andrea Sim, Kellyana, Marcella Rivera, and Devante condemned the recent police killing of Roger Allen in Daly City, criticized the council for remaining silent, and demanded action to reduce police violence and militarization. Specific asks included defunding the police, creating unarmed civilian response units for traffic and non-violent issues, removing school resource officers, and holding officers accountable. Speakers also referenced the 2012 killing of Derrick Gaines by South San Francisco police.
• Corey David (written comment) questioned the city's position on state housing bills (SB9, SB10, AB1401) and parking requirements.
• Mina Richardson (on Item 8) urged prioritization of older neighborhoods for street paving.
• Liliana Rivera (on Item 10) strongly supported repealing the bicycle licensing ordinance to eliminate a pretext for police stops.
• John Baker (on Item 10) supported repeal, noting the ordinance is outdated and can be used to harass cyclists, especially youth of color.
• Nick O. (on Item 10) supported repeal, linking it to broader criminalization of youth and urging investment in crisis response teams.

Discussion Items

• Item 8: SB1 Project List for FY2021-22: Senior Engineer Bianca Liu presented the proposed list of projects (South Linden Avenue and Scott Street Grade Separation, 2020/2021/2022 pavement rehab, Grand Boulevard Phase 3) funded by approximately $1.3 million in SB1 gas tax revenue. Council asked about neighborhood notification; staff committed to improved outreach including a GIS website and public relations component. Approved unanimously.
• Item 9: Ambulance Purchase: EMS Chief Richard Walls presented a request for $450,000 to purchase an advanced life support ambulance from Red Sky Emergency Vehicles. The funds come from the Infrastructure Reserve ($346,500) and Public Safety Impact Fee ($103,500) funds. Regarding chassis selection, staff chose an International MV607 for reliability. Approved unanimously.
• Item 10: Repeal of Bicycle Licensing Ordinance: City Attorney Sky Woodruff introduced an ordinance to repeal Chapter 11.44 of the Municipal Code, which required licensing of bicycles and motorized bicycles. Council heard public support and voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance; it will return for final adoption at the next meeting.
• Item 11: Lease Revenue Bonds Series 2021A (Public Hearing): Finance Director Janet Salisbury presented the proposal to issue up to $110 million in bonds to finance Phase 2 of the Community Civic Campus (library, parks, council chambers), street paving ($24 million), and solar roof ($2 million). The bonds would be issued through the Public Facilities Financing Authority, collateralized by multiple city properties. Salisbury noted the city's AAA underlying rating and projected that Measure W sales tax revenues would more than cover debt service. Public comment from Mina Richardson raised concerns about total project cost and oversight; Salisbury replied that total debt service for Phase 1 and Phase 2 combined is estimated at under $200 million, with proceeds of about $105 million for Phase 2. Council approved the resolution (5-0) authorizing execution of related documents. Council then recessed and convened as the Financing Authority, which also approved the bond issuance unanimously.

Council Comments & Requests

• Vice Mayor Nagales reported that 73% of South San Francisco residents have received their first vaccine dose; highlighted a program distributing 400 free laptops to bridge the digital divide; noted that only $4 million of $47 million in county rent relief funds have been approved, requesting a new email blast to residents; asked for a staff update on the single-use plastic ban ordinance via Thursday memo.
• Councilmember Nicolas thanked partners for Arbor Day and library events; requested an update on the summer employment program; moved to adjourn in memory of Rosalinda Corresamonte.
• Councilmember Flores announced a $29,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente to support COVID-19 vaccine equity in South San Francisco; encouraged continued advertising of Spanish translation services for council meetings; expressed condolences for Roger Allen's family and commitment to addressing police violence.
• Councilmember Coleman acknowledged the pain of the Roger Allen killing and other deaths; stated he has discussed with staff about researching changes to reduce unnecessary armed contacts between police and residents, and ensuring transparency and accountability in any future incidents.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items (4,5,6,7) approved.
• Resolution for SB1 project list (Item 8) approved.
• Budget amendment for ambulance purchase (Item 9) approved.
• Ordinance to repeal bicycle licensing (Item 10) introduced; final adoption scheduled for next meeting.
• Resolution authorizing Series 2021A Lease Revenue Bonds (Item 11) approved by council and then by the Public Facilities Financing Authority.
• Council entered closed session for real property negotiation (71 Camaritas Avenue) and anticipated litigation.