South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - March 9, 2022

The South San Francisco City Council held a regular hybrid meeting on March 9, 2022, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included presentations, public hearings, and approvals of multiple resolutions and ordinances. Key actions included adopting the current district map for redistricting, approving a consulting agreement for the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center, authorizing pension obligation bond issuance, and introducing a sewer lateral inspection ordinance.

Presentations

• Promotores Program: The city launched the Promotores program, hiring three community members (Marisol, Hilda, Ernest) to bridge services to underserved residents. Tamiko Huey presented the program's development, which stemmed from the Racial and Social Equity Commission. Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting the program's potential to set a trend for other cities.
• Proclamations: March 2022 was declared Women's History Month (presented by Vice Mayor Nicolas, with community leader Daniela Hongitud accepting) and Irish-American Heritage Month (presented by Mayor Nagales, with a flag-raising event scheduled for March 11).

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of February 16 and February 23, 2022.
• Accepted $7,911.04 in Department of Justice grant funding for Police Department soft armor vests (Budget Amendment 22.051).
• Appropriated $1,133,732 in U.S. Economic Development Administration grant funding for the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center at the Economic Advancement Center (Budget Amendment 22.054).
• Awarded a construction contract to McGuire and Hester for the Caltrain Access & Bay Trail Gap Closure Project (No. ST2003) in the amount of $565,646, with a total construction contract authority of $650,493.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Redistricting (Item 8): Several residents (Hermes Monson, Pedro Gonzalez, Robert Ortiz, Tom Carney) spoke in favor of retaining the current district map (109). They argued that late changes disenfranchised District 5 residents and lacked community input. Tom Carney also invited the public to the Irish flag-raising event.
• ARPA Hazard Pay: Multiple AFSCME and Teamsters members (Kimberly Morrison, Rebecca Hernandez, Marissa Jordan, Anders Chippendale, Martin Pinol, Nancy Seidel, Tristan Kaye, Laura G., Erica Young, Laura Arminino, Rod Palmquist, Devin Stenhouse) requested $7,500 per employee hazard pay from ARPA funds and coalition bargaining. They noted that Daly City negotiated $5,500 per employee. The council did not take action; this was public comment only.
• CDBG (Item 9): Representatives from 19 organizations (including HIP Housing, Legal Aid Society, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Friends for Youth, Ombudsman Services, El Concilio, Project Sentinel, Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities, Trauma Services, Samaritan House, Family Crossroads, Peninsula Family Service, CORA, Rebuilding Together Peninsula, Peninsula Volunteers Meals on Wheels, Health Mobile) spoke on housing, community, and economic development needs. The council directed the CDBG subcommittee to consider funding priorities.

Discussion Items

• Redistricting (Item 8): Fifth public hearing on redistricting. Demographer Kristen Parks presented revised map 102A, which kept Old Town and Peck Slots intact. Council discussed minor line adjustments (e.g., keeping both sides of streets together) but noted that some changes were not possible due to census block geography. A motion by Vice Mayor Nicolas, seconded by Councilmember Addiego, to retain the current map (109) passed unanimously (5-0). The current map will be adopted for the next 10 years.
• Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center (Item 10): Staff presented a $2,936,542 consulting services agreement with ELS Architecture and Urban Design. The project includes a 28,500 sq ft facility with two indoor pools (lap and therapy) and a total budget of $34 million. Council discussed community input, ventilation, and the need for warm-water therapy. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Pension Obligation Bonds (Item 11): Resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds to refund and prepay certain pension obligations and authorizing judicial validation. Staff explained that the validation process takes 90-100 days. The council will later decide on actual sale. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Sewer Lateral Inspection (Item 12): Ordinance amending Title 14 to require sewer lateral inspection and correction upon property sale. Public Works staff collaborated with the San Mateo County Association of Realtors. Council discussed proactive group repair programs and the 35% of homes with at-risk Orangeburg laterals. Introduced and approved unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Adopted the current district map (109) for the next 10 years after the fifth public hearing.
• Approved consulting agreement for Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center with ELS Architecture (not to exceed $2,936,542, total budget $3,320,197).
• Authorized pension obligation bond issuance and judicial validation.
• Introduced sewer lateral inspection ordinance (first reading).
• Consent calendar approved.
• Council comments included support for Ukraine (lighting City Hall in Ukrainian colors), a request for a letter supporting AB 2053 (social housing funding), and a call for transparent appointment of the Equity and Public Safety Commission.
• The meeting adjourned to closed session for labor negotiations (pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6).