South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - July 28, 2021

The City Council held a regular meeting on July 28, 2021, at 6:00 PM, with a hybrid in-person/virtual format. The meeting included presentations, consent calendar, and administrative business. A special meeting was convened to consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South San Francisco Unified School District regarding School Liaison Officers (SLOs). The council approved the MOU with several amendments after extensive public comment and deliberation.

Presentations

• National Immunization Awareness Month: Councilmember Nicolas presented a proclamation declaring August as National Immunization Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council noted that 87% of San Mateo County residents had received their first dose and 78% were fully vaccinated.
• Youth Summer Internship Program Graduates: Human Resources Director Leah Lockhart introduced 15 graduates from the city's first youth summer internship program. Interns from various departments spoke about their experiences. The program is expected to expand in future years.

Consent Calendar

The consent calendar included items 3-14, with items 6, 9, 11, and 13 pulled for discussion. Items 6 (432 Baden Avenue) was pulled to send to the housing subcommittee; item 9 (public art) was moved to administrative business; items 11 (fee schedule) and 13 (guaranteed income pilot) were discussed.

• Item 4: Accepted construction of the 2020 Street Surface Seal Project ($2,353,259.85).
• Item 5: Authorized application for $2,362,500 from California's Local Housing Trust Fund for an 82-unit affordable rental housing project at 201 Baden Avenue.
• Item 7: Authorized acquisition of 71 Camaritas Avenue for $5.5 million and determined CEQA review not required.
• Item 8: Appointed directors to Pooled Liability Assurance Network Joint Powers Authority.
• Item 10: Determined continued emergency for Sign Hill Diamond Fire repairs.
• Item 11: Approved amendments to Master Fee Schedule for FY2021-2022, including a 2% increase and elimination of library overdue fines for adults.
• Item 12: Accepted $200,000 from San Mateo County for North County Business Resource Center.
• Item 13: Approved Professional Services Agreement with YMCA for Guaranteed Income Pilot Program (expanding to 160 households) and appropriated $200,000.
• Item 14: Introduced ordinance establishing a Youth Commission.
• The consent calendar was approved unanimously with the exception of pulled items.

Public Comments & Testimony (Special Meeting on SLO MOU)

• 12 e-comments and multiple in-person and Zoom speakers opposed the MOU, arguing that police do not belong in schools, the MOU lacked specificity on student rights, and funds should be redirected to counselors and mental health services.
• Speakers highlighted concerns about vague language, lack of parental consent for interrogations, and the school-to-prison pipeline.
• Former students and teachers testified about negative experiences, including police presence causing fear and disproportionate impact on students of color.
• A few speakers supported the MOU, emphasizing the benefits of positive interactions and safety.

Discussion Items (Special Meeting on SLO MOU)

• Presentation by Police Chief Jeff Azzopardi: Reviewed the SLO program history, duties, and benefits. Noted only two arrests in 2018-2019 (a teacher for inappropriate conduct and a student for assault). Emphasized that officers follow state law regarding interrogations (WIC 625) and that the MOU was developed collaboratively.
• Council Deliberation: Councilmembers discussed amendments including:
  • Adding an appendix summarizing student rights regarding interrogations and searches (to be updated as law changes).
  • Requiring the school district to provide a list of when not to call SLOs (referencing student handbook).
  • Ensuring annual review and report to city council and school board.
  • Including a method for anonymous complaints and a process for school administration to approve/disapprove SLO assignments.
• Councilmember Coleman proposed removing sections that allow social roles for SLOs (e.g., teaching anti-bullying), but after discussion, it was agreed to refer those details to the school district for further refinement.
• The MOU was approved with amendments by a vote of 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously, with items 6, 9, 11, 13 moved to administrative business.
• SLO MOU: Approved with amendments (appendix on student rights, complaint process, annual review, and school district's role in defining when to call SLOs). Motion carried 5-0.
• Preschool Facility: Staff directed to further explore modular construction and to design for up to 80 children (four classrooms) at Westborough Park, with consideration of local union labor and prevailing wage.
• Lease at 235 Grand Avenue: Approved two-year lease for city staff and fellows program at $3,200/month (1,500 sq ft). Motion carried 5-0.
• Playground Naming: Approved naming the large playground at Westborough Park in memory of Anne Waters. Motion carried 5-0.
• Advisory Body Compensation: Introduced ordinance amending municipal code to set compensation by resolution; adopted resolution setting $100 per regular meeting attended for compensated boards/commissions. Introduced and adopted unanimously.
• Public Art Agreement: Approved agreement with Ride Art Studio for three pieces ($464,000) for Caltrain Public Art Installation. Motion carried 5-0.