South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting Summary – August 10, 2022

The City Council held a hybrid in-person/virtual meeting on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, starting at 6:00 PM. The agenda included presentations, public comments, consent calendar approvals, and significant administrative business items including actions on labor negotiations, catalytic converter theft, and a citizens initiative for early childhood education funding. The meeting adjourned after approximately four hours.

Consent Calendar

• The Council unanimously approved the consent calendar (Items 4–12) which included: approval of July 11, 2022 meeting minutes; a zoning map amendment (RZ20-0001) to create a Planned Development District for a 292-unit multi-family residential development at 40 Airport Boulevard; an extension of the consulting services agreement with MuniServices, LLC for sales tax analytics and audit services through June 30, 2024; a resolution authorizing submission of a 2022 Infill Infrastructure Grant application; a resolution to continue remote meetings due to health and safety concerns; acceptance of a $3,200 donation from the Stanford Gardner Center; a professional services agreement amendment with Meyers Nave; an extension of the banking services agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank through August 31, 2024; and an ordinance authorizing the city to develop, construct, or acquire affordable housing units under Article XXXIV of the California Constitution.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple ASME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) members spoke during public comment, urging the Council to prioritize contract negotiations and provide fair wage increases. Speakers noted that city workers are nearly 12% behind inflation and that staffing shortages are impacting services, particularly in dispatch and public works.
• Several residents of Oyster Cove Marina addressed the Council, requesting assistance with relocation due to the marina’s closure by the Kilroy Corporation. They asked for a stay through the winter to avoid dangerous anchoring conditions. City Manager Mike Futrell reported that staff are working one-on-one with boaters and pursuing temporary live-aboard waivers with BCDC.
• Union representatives also spoke in favor of supporting the Carpenters Union and emphasized the need for labor standards in construction projects.
• Numerous speakers commented on Item 16 (pre-K parcel tax initiative), both in support and opposition. Supporters highlighted the benefits of universal early childhood education and the need to pay educators a living wage. Opponents raised concerns about the tax burden on businesses, potential loss of economic competitiveness, and the initiative’s administrative ambiguities.

Discussion Items

• Presentations: The Council received a proclamation recognizing September 2022 as National Preparedness Month, a presentation from the California Department of Insurance on the Low Cost Auto Insurance Program, and a presentation from Star Vista on the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Councilmember Flores noted upcoming events for Suicide Prevention Month, including the installation of yellow “Josh’s Benches” engraved with the 988 number.
• National Night Out: Multiple councilmembers reported on successful National Night Out events held in various neighborhoods, highlighting community engagement and thanking staff and volunteers.
• Catalytic Converter Theft (Items 14 & 15): The Council discussed the rising incidence of catalytic converter thefts (433 cases from January 2021 to June 2022). They voted unanimously to support five state bills (AB 2407, AB 1740, AB 2682, SB 986, SB 1087) to combat the thefts. The Council also introduced a regular ordinance and adopted an urgency ordinance (effective immediately) adding Chapter 10.74 to the Municipal Code, prohibiting the unlawful possession of used catalytic converters. The ordinances include exemptions for lawful purchasers and vehicle owners. Councilmembers noted that while these measures are important, they are not a complete solution and discussed additional prevention strategies such as license plate readers and security shields.
• Article XXXIV Ballot Measure (Item 13): The Council adopted a resolution authorizing Councilmembers James Coleman and Mark Addiego to submit an argument in favor of a proposed ballot measure seeking voter authorization for the city to develop, construct, or acquire affordable housing units. The measure itself does not impose a new tax but would allow the city to directly build or acquire affordable housing.
• Early Care and Education Parcel Tax Initiative (Item 16): The Council received an economic impact report from Strategic Economics and a program cost analysis from Brian Economics regarding the citizens initiative that would impose a $2.50 per square foot annual parcel tax on commercial office properties 25,000 square feet or larger. The report estimated annual revenue of $56 million under current conditions, rising to $68.2 million with future development. Analysis indicated potential shortfalls in funding all program objectives (resident tuition, wage enhancements for teachers, and non-resident worker child care) and highlighted uneven impacts on older, less intensively developed properties. After extensive debate, including concerns about the tax’s effect on small businesses, the community facilities district, and administrative challenges, the Council voted 5-0 to place the measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot. The motion was made by Councilmember Coleman and seconded by Councilmember Addiego.
• League of California Cities Delegates (Item 17): The Council designated Mayor Mark Nagales as the voting delegate and Vice Mayor Buenaflor Nicolas as the alternate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference & Expo on September 7–9, 2022.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar (Items 4–12) approved unanimously.
• Resolution authorizing Councilmembers Coleman and Addiego to submit an Article XXXIV ballot argument adopted (5-0).
• Support for five state bills addressing catalytic converter theft approved (5-0).
• Regular ordinance (15A) and urgency ordinance (15B) prohibiting possession of used catalytic converters adopted (5-0).
• Resolution to place the early care and education parcel tax initiative on the November 8, 2022 ballot adopted (5-0).
• Voting delegate and alternate for League of California Cities conference designated.