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.
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.