South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting – March 23, 2022
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South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting – March 23, 2022
The regular meeting of the South San Francisco City Council convened at 6:00 PM on March 23, 2022, in a hybrid in-person/virtual format. The council considered a consent calendar, public comments, and several administrative and legislative items, including housing reports, a school liaison officer MOU, bond issuance for Oyster Point development, and amendments to the city’s disposable foodware ordinance. The meeting also included a proclamation for National Library Week and extensive public testimony on ADA lawsuits affecting local businesses, eviction protections, and downtown blight.
Presentations
- National Library Week Proclamation: Mayor Mark Nagales read a proclamation recognizing April 3–9, 2022, as National Library Week. Diane Huddleston accepted on behalf of the library staff and board of trustees, highlighting the library’s services during the pandemic and the upcoming new library in the Civic Center campus.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tom Carney (resident of 30+ years): Spoke on two issues: (1) ADA-compliance lawsuits targeting small businesses on Grand and Linden Avenues, urging the city to provide grants, fee waivers, or relocation assistance; (2) blight in the downtown area, including litter, needles, and human waste, stating conditions are “a disgrace” and have worsened. He provided photos and noted that two businesses are leaving due to ADA suits.
- Alan Hage (Faith in Action Bay Area board member): Expressed concern that over 370 South San Francisco families still have pending rent relief applications and state eviction protections end April 1, 2022. He urged the city council to pass a local ordinance preventing evictions for non-payment of rent through the end of the year.
- Lorena Melgarejo (Executive Director, Faith in Action Bay Area): Seconded Hage’s comments and encouraged South City to take bold action to protect renters, noting precedents in Richmond, Sonoma County, Alameda, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. She offered to provide sample ordinances.
- Martha Sanchez (owner of Carnes Pan Sal City on Linden Avenue): Described the hardship of her family’s small business being sued under ADA, stating they are “barely making ends meet” and need more than just phone calls from the city. She asked for a collective effort to help stores stay open.
- Leonella Savasa (daughter of owner of Carnester Tepa): Highlighted that many residents depend on local small businesses due to lack of transportation, and called the ADA lawsuits “unfair” and harmful to the city’s history and community.
- Ruth Chavarria (owner of Carnester Tepa, 25-year business): Recounted that she contacted the Chamber of Commerce but received only a list of inspectors and attorneys. She emphasized that after the pandemic, her business cannot afford improvements and pleaded for more substantive help from the city.
Council Response to Public Comments
- Mayor Nagales and Councilmember Addiego noted that a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and city manager had already occurred regarding the ADA lawsuits, and that further collective action is being explored.
- City Manager Mike Futrell acknowledged the issue, stated that the main breezeway on Grand Avenue has been repaired and construction on a second started. He committed to another staff walk-through.
- Councilmembers expressed full support for the affected businesses and emphasized that the council is working on a coordinated response, including possible legal challenges and grant programs.
Consent Calendar
- Items 2–12 (with 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, 12A): Approved unanimously by roll call. Notable items included:
- Item 2: Minutes of September 8, 2021, March 1, 2022, and March 2, 2022.
- Item 3: Housing Successor Agency Annual Report for FY 2020-2021.
- Item 4: Amendments to Public Works Engineering Division Master Fee Schedule FY 2021-2022.
- Item 5: Purchase of one BLS ambulance for total not to exceed $262,865, with budget amendment appropriating $202,406 from General Fund reserves and $60,459 from Public Safety Impact Fee Fund.
- Item 6: First amendment with JWC Environmental for sewage grinder parts, not to exceed $210,000.
- Item 7: Conditional access easement for 101 Gull Drive (Sanfo Group).
- Item 8: Acceptance of $14,500 grant from California Water Service Firefighter Grant Program for wildland firefighting PPE.
- Item 9: Purchasing agreement with CDCE Inc. for 35 police mobile computers, not to exceed $204,299.
- Item 10: Resolution continuing remote meetings due to health and safety concerns.
- Item 11: Ordinance requiring sewer lateral inspection upon property transfer due to sale.
- Item 12: Ordinance adopting voting district boundaries with no changes.
- During discussion of item 5, Councilmember Addiego questioned the cap on using Public Safety Impact Fee funds (25% per purchase). City Manager noted a future fee study may revisit this.
Discussion Items
- Item 13 – Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Report: Associate Planner Stephanie Skangos presented the 2021 APR. Key statistics: For the current RHNA cycle (2015–2023, Cycle 5), the city has issued building permits for 1,175 units out of a target of 1,864, leaving a shortfall of 689 units. The very-low and low-income targets are unmet due to project timelines (e.g., PUC project not yet permitted). The next RHNA cycle (2023–2031) will require 3,956 total units. Council accepted the report unanimously, authorizing transmittal to state agencies by April 1, 2022.
- Item 14 – School Liaison Officer MOU (Version 14): Management Fellow Amy Ferguson presented updates requested by the school district, including data sharing on student arrests/citations, a start date 30 days after approval, and removal of automatic renewal. Council proposed additional edits: changing data deadline to within 30 days after school year, adding “Report” to the section title, requiring areas of improvement in assessments, and adjusting the renewal timeline to earlier in spring to avoid summer lapses. Motion passed unanimously to send an updated Version 15 to the district.
- Item 15 – Oyster Point CFD Bonds (Resolutions 15A and 15B): Acting Finance Director Jason Wong and Kilroy representative Mike Grizot presented. Resolution 15A authorized issuance of up to $25 million (estimated $22 million) in special tax bonds to reimburse Kilroy for public infrastructure in Community Facilities District No. 2021-01. Resolution 15B approved an amended funding agreement and second amendment to the development agreement. Both resolutions passed unanimously. Phase 1 (660,000 sq. ft., 100% leased) is complete; a restaurant opens next week. Phase 2 (875,000 sq. ft.) is under construction with completion expected 2024.
- Item 16 – Deputy Police Chief Classification: HR Director Leah Lockhart explained reinstatement of the Deputy Police Chief classification at 5% above Police Captain salary (approx. $206,000–$250,000 annually). Passed 4-0-1 (Councilmember Coleman abstained).
- Item 17 – Disposable Food Serviceware Ordinance Amendment: Chief Sustainability Officer Christina Fernandez proposed amendments to align with state laws AB 1276 and AB 1200: (1) Only drive-throughs and airport food facilities may offer accessories automatically; (2) Dispensers must dispense one item at a time; (3) PFAS requirements sunset Dec. 31, 2022. The county will lead education and enforcement starting Oct. 1, 2022. Passed unanimously.
Council Comments & Requests
- Vice Mayor Nicolas announced South San Francisco received a 2022 Cultural Diversity Award (Silver Level) from the National League of Cities; reminded residents of the March 31 deadline for state rent relief and urged applications via HousingIsKey.com or 833-430-2122.
- Councilmember Addiego reported on a successful visit to South San Francisco High School by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, emphasizing representation and civic engagement.
- Councilmember Flores shared a thank-you note for rapid EMS response; noted railroad police laptops; urged outreach on city rent relief program ($550,000 available).
- Councilmember Coleman expressed concern about eviction protections ending April 1 despite available city funds; discussion followed on whether to agendize an urgency ordinance but council consensus was to rely on existing city rental assistance and outreach rather than a new moratorium. City Manager confirmed funds can be replenished as needed.
- Mayor Nagales requested a memo on red-tag compensation for tenants in illegal in-law units. Adjourned in memory of Eddie Ann M. Thompson, former resident and relative of a former mayor.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar (Items 2–12): Approved unanimously.
- Item 13 – Housing APR: Accepted and transmitted to state (unanimous).
- Item 14 – SLO MOU: Motion to send Version 15 with council’s edits to school district (unanimous).
- Item 15A – CFD Bond Resolution: Approved (unanimous).
- Item 15B – Amended Funding Agreement & Development Agreement: Approved (unanimous).
- Item 16 – Deputy Police Chief Salary Schedule: Approved (4-0-1, Coleman abstained).
- Item 17 – Foodware Ordinance Amendment: Approved (unanimous).
- No formal decision on eviction moratorium; council will focus on outreach and existing $550,000 city rent relief fund.
Meeting Transcript
Just a reminder to the community that COVID testing and COVID vaccines are still available. And the testing site at 616 Linden Avenue is free and still open. However, next week, the 31st will be its last day in operation. So those that need that, I encourage them to take advantage and uh get vaccinated, get boosted. Thank you. Thank you. Next item, please. Next, we have presentations. Item one proclamation recognizing April 3rd through 9th, 2022 as National Library Week. Mark Nagales, Mayor. So it's my honor to read this proclamation. Um recognizing National Library Week. And I know we have Diane Huddleson on on here, so thank you for accepting the recognition on behalf of the library. And so for it reads, whereas during the pandemic, library workers continue to see their communities' demands and adapt resources and services to meet their users' needs during these challenging times. And whereas whether people visit in person or virtually, our nation's free public libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and pursue lifelong learning through access to information, technology, multimedia content, educational programs, and literacy services. And whereas first sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association and observed in libraries across the country each April. And whereas the theme for National Library Week 2022, Connect with Your Library, highlights the numerous ways libraries serve to connect communities to books, resources, programs, technology, and of course each other. And whereas libraries and librarians leave their communities in innovation, providing steam programming, makerspace and access to and training for new technologies, and whereas libraries are pioneers supporting democracy and affecting social change with a commitment to providing equitable access to information for all library users, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or social economic status. And whereas libraries lead in working with diverse communities, including people of color, immigrants, and people with disabilities, offering services and educational resources that transform communities, open minds, and promote inclusion and diversity. And now therefore be resolved that the city council of the city of South San Francisco does hereby proclaim April 3rd to the 9th, 2022 as National Library Week, encourages all residents to take advantage of the wonderful program services and resources at our libraries. And this is this is going to be signed by the entire city council. And Dan, before I kick it over to you, I just want to make sure that I'm pretty sure folks see what's happening across the street with our new Civic Center campus. And one of the exciting things is well for me, the the new council chambers, but uh but also the fact there's going to be a new library space there, and it's gonna be phenomenal and one of the jewels of our community. So uh Diane, uh, I wanted to kick it over to you if you want to say a few words. Thank you very much, Mayor Nangales. I totally agree with you about our new library building. Fellow city council members, Mr. Futral, Mr. Woodruff. I accept this on behalf of our library staff and the library board of trustees. Uh it goes without saying that we have been able to provide a myriad of services to all our members in our community during these trying times. And in the future, we look forward with our new library to providing an increasing amount of offerings as we return to more normal times. Again, thank you very much for the proclamation. Thanks, Diane. All right. Moving on. Next item, please. Next, we have public public comments. We do have one public comment from Tom Carney. Good evening, City Council. My name is Tom Carney. I've lived here for over 30 years and uh reason my family in South San Francisco. I'm here tonight to speak on two items. Uh the first item is uh the ADA issues on Grand Avenue. Uh a number of businesses on Grand Avenue, Linden Avenue are uh facing lawsuits right now with the ADA law not being compliant. Uh not helping these local small businesses is going to be a disservice to our residents. Many families in the old town area do not have the luxury of driving down to safe way, Walgreens to pick up essentials. Many of us prefer the convenience of stopping at the local corner store, getting our haircuts on Linden, our wives and daughters want to get pampered at a local salon on Grand Avenue. If these small businesses are getting pushed out because ADA suits, it not only stalls our local economy, but leaves the residents with little amenities. We urge the city to find a way to help these small businesses comply with the ADA suits.
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