Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - January 25, 2023

City Council — Wednesday, January 25, 2023

BodySouth San Francisco, California

SessionCity Council

DateWednesday, January 25, 2023

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:43:03

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:05

I don't know how it's been here, but over it's actually been cold.

0:13

I call to order the regular City Council meeting.

0:22

Roll call, please.

0:33

Madame's assistant city clerk.

0:36

Can you hear me?

0:49

Um Madame Deputy Clerk, who who's doing the roll call?

0:56

Marisella.

0:57

Are you?

0:58

That would be the assistant city clerk.

1:00

I believe she's having computer issues at the moment.

1:02

Okay.

1:06

So even Mayor Nicholas.

1:12

Present.

1:13

Vice Mayor Navali.

1:15

Here.

1:16

Council Member Flores.

1:18

Present.

1:18

Council Member Coleman.

1:20

Here.

1:22

Council Member Member of Yaya.

1:25

Here.

1:26

Thank you.

1:28

May I call in our Parks and Rec Director Greg Mirriati to lead us with a pledge of allegiance.

1:34

Certainly.

1:34

Please stand.

1:37

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:42

To the Republic.

1:45

One nation undervisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:54

Agenda review.

1:57

No changes to the agenda, Madam Mayor.

2:01

Is there any acknowledgements from staff?

2:06

Yes, we do have several announcements.

2:08

The first is from uh Deputy City Manager Christina Fernandez, and she's gonna uh update us on the uh storm recovery.

2:17

Good evening, Mayor Nicholas, Vice Mayor Nogales, and Council members.

2:20

Uh Christina Fernandez, Deputy City Manager.

2:23

I'm here tonight just to update you on staff's progress as we continue to deal with the aftermath of the winter storm events in December and January.

2:31

Um the financial front, the city has submitted a preliminary damage assessment to the County of San Mateo's Department of Emergency Services in the amount of $853,000 311.

2:43

Um please note that this is a rough estimate and subject to change.

2:48

Uh the county will turn will in turn submit a package comprised of damage assessments from all San Mateo County cities seeking reimbursement to the governor's office of emergency services or Cal OES.

3:01

Yesterday, the city hosted the federal and state individual assistance team along with the small business administration.

3:08

The IA team prepares an initial damage assessment by examining the damages and costs related to a disaster, the impact of the disaster on the community, um, and which state, federal, or voluntary agency programs might be appropriate for providing needed assistance.

3:25

The goal was to look at homes and businesses throughout the county that have sustained major damage or have been destroyed with the intent of qualifying the operational area, which is the county, and cities for various federal IA programs.

3:40

So more to come on the financial side.

3:43

As it relates to city-owned properties, uh, public works and parks continue to mitigate against future storms by clearing debris from storm systems and the restoration of backflow protection from tidal interaction.

3:55

As it relates to various mudslides, the parks department is working with the geotechnical engineer to assess slide and other soil movement concerns and provide recommendations for mitigation work.

4:06

Thankfully, we have not witnessed any more movement on to the slides on Sign Hill.

4:12

Regarding the slide between King Drive and Arroyo Drive, it appears stable at the moment.

4:16

That slide is also awaiting recommendations from the geotechnical consultants.

4:22

Regarding the Oyster Point embankment failure.

4:25

Staff and contractors are studying potential long-term remedies to avoid this from worsening or occurring in the future.

4:32

Measures being considered include adding additional gabion wall retaining infrastructure, erosion control fabric, or other engineered systems.

4:41

Regarding tree removals, staff will assess trees in Brentwood Park and remove additional hazards as needed.

4:49

The back portion of the park remains closed, pending some tree work.

4:53

There are several downed limbs in the back of the park and some broken limbs hung up in the trees.

5:00

The work will be scheduled as soon as possible.

5:04

One tree fell this week related to the high winds to the high winds event on 123 on Sister Cities Boulevard.

5:12

It was a fairly small tree in the median, which was resolved quickly.

5:16

Other miscellaneous public property damage includes damages to the heater and water heater at Saibecker Preschool.

5:24

The preschool was relocated for one day to the Bulos Community Center while repairs were made.

5:30

The water heater and two furnaces were elevated on stands to avoid them from being flooded out in the future.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Comment██████████████████████22%

Housing██████████████████18%

Technology and Innovation███████████████15%

Procedural████████████12%

Public Safety████4%

Public Engagement███3%

Human Rights███3%

Engineering And Infrastructure███3%

Transportation Safety███3%

Summary of Proceedings

South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - January 25, 2023

The City Council held a regular meeting on January 25, 2023, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered routine consent items, a public hearing on the Housing Element update, and an administrative item on community Wi-Fi. Staff provided updates on storm recovery, and the Council adopted several resolutions.

Consent Calendar

Approved the minutes of January 11, 2023.
Authorized the Mayor to sign a letter urging state legislators to amend the Brown Act for increased local control over teleconference meetings.
Accepted a donation of baked goods ($5,000) and $3,250 from Bimbo Bakeries USA for the Holiday Food Drive.
Accepted a donation of two police eBikes valued at $11,235.57 from Genentech, Inc.
Authorized submittal of an application for $16,369 in CalRecycle funds for beverage container recycling.
Amended the audit services agreement with Maze & Associates for a one-year extension.
Accepted a $1,500,000 Congressionally Directed Spending award for the Library, Parks and Recreation Civic Campus Project.
Rescinded a shuttle operations contract with ACE Mobility Solutions and awarded it to Parking Company of America, LLC.
Approved a consulting services agreement with Wilsey Ham, Inc. for design of the Oyster Point Sanitary Sewer Pump Station Relocation (total budget $836,000).
Authorized joining a lawsuit against Monsanto over PCB contamination through Sher Edling LLP.
Continued the declaration of a local emergency related to major storms and flooding.

Public Comments & Testimony

General Public Comments: Corey David criticized the Council for prioritizing development over residents’ quality of life, accusing them of ignoring the city’s soul. Wendy Sinclair Smith pleaded to save the Municipal Services Building (MSB) for community and senior use, suggesting a moratorium on its demolition for at least 10 years. Tom Carney supported saving MSB as a senior/arts center and questioned why residents should pay for sewer infrastructure for a hotel (Item 13). Anna Nastari echoed support for MSB, citing its suitability for seniors and need for community space.
Housing Element Public Hearing: Cynthia Markopoulos demanded MSB be removed from the housing element, stating it is Ada-compliant and historically significant. Fionola (on behalf of seniors) argued the city failed due process and questioned the justification for demolition. Ethan Mutsi (Youth Commissioner) supported high-density housing on the site and criticized NIMBY opposition. Keanu Simmons (Housing Leadership Council) commended the city’s housing policies and urged adoption. Noelle Langmack urged adoption as written. Tom Carney again requested MSB be removed, noting seniors’ needs and suggesting development east of 101. Angelina Soldatos (California Apartment Association) expressed concerns about contradictory policies in the element.

Discussion Items

Storm Recovery Update: Deputy City Manager Christina Fernandez reported $853,311 in preliminary damage assessments submitted to the county. Staff are addressing mudslides, tree removals, building leaks, and displaced residents (4 families on Susie Way). The YMCA food distribution was relocated temporarily to Orange Memorial Park.
Presentations: Proclamations recognized January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month (accepted by Pamela Estes), National Biotechnology Month (accepted by Aldo Carrascoso, co-founder of Interven Biosciences), and a certificate to Bimbo Bakeries for donations.
Consent Calendar Items Pulled: Councilmember Flores pulled Items 9, 11, 12, and 13 for discussion.
- Item 9 (Curb Ramp Replacement): Questions about curb design and contractor responsiveness. Staff explained compliance with federal/state standards and a 26% contingency due to excavation uncertainty.
- Item 11 (Congressionally Directed Spending): Councilmembers thanked Congresswoman Jackie Speier for securing $1.5 million.
- Item 12 (Shuttle Operations): Explained that ACE Mobility Solutions had a miscalculation; contract rescinded and awarded to Parking Company of America. Staff noted plans to apply for funding for a secondary route.
- Item 13 (Sewer Pump Station): Discussion about sole bidder Wilsey Ham. Staff confirmed 30 firms were contacted but only one bid due to project complexity. Councilmember Addiego expressed concern but acknowledged firm’s qualifications.
Housing Element Update (Item 16): Chief Planner Tony Rozzi presented the 2023-2031 Housing Element, a response to the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 3,956 units. The element identifies opportunity sites on El Camino, Lindenville, and South Airport. Adoption is urgent to avoid the “Builder’s Remedy” which could strip local control. City already exceeded zoning capacity with a 20% buffer. Staff made edits based on prior Council study session: program EQ 6.3 clarified timing for affordable housing funds; added program for veterans housing; and program CRT 9.1 allowing gradients of affordability. Council discussed amendments: CRT 4.6 changed from “up to 300” to “at least 300” affordable units; CRT 7.2 set minimum density at 30 units/acre for institutional sites. Council clarified that including MSB in the element does not mandate its development, and downzoning would require upzoning elsewhere due to SB 330.
Community Wi-Fi Network (Item 17): IT Director Tony Barrera presented a pilot project to build a free Wi-Fi network in Old Town (12,000 residents, low/moderate income), covering 117 blocks with 105 access points. Cost: $709,893 for equipment/installation, $66,000 for two-year maintenance, plus 10% contingency totaling $780,882. Funded by infrastructure reserves and ARPA grants. Councilmember Flores emphasized addressing the digital divide and noted the pilot could expand. Councilmember Addiego asked about useful life (4-5 years) and long-term funding. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

Consent Calendar (Items 4-8, 10, 14-15): Approved (4 votes recorded; Vice Mayor Nagales not called but assumed in favor).
Items 9, 11, 12, 13: Approved (4 votes recorded: Councilmember Flores, Mayor Nicholas, Vice Mayor Nagales, Councilmember Addiego).
Housing Element CEQA Exemption (16B): Approved (4 votes recorded: Councilmember Flores, Mayor Nicholas, Councilmember Addiego, Councilmember Coleman).
Housing Element Adoption (16A): Approved (4 votes recorded: Councilmember Coleman, Councilmember Flores, Councilmember Addiego, Mayor Nicholas).
Community Wi-Fi Agreement (17): Approved unanimously (all 5 members voting yes: Addiego, Coleman, Flores, Nicolas).
Council Comments: Vice Mayor Nagales reported on a guaranteed income pilot program; Council recognized victims of Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay shootings and adjourned in memory of Jose Quintero, Nelson Newcastle, and Harry Melvin Wolfe.
Closed Session: Conducted to discuss City Manager recruitment (no action reported).

Meeting Transcript

I don't know how it's been here, but over it's actually been cold. I call to order the regular City Council meeting. Roll call, please. Madame's assistant city clerk. Can you hear me? Um Madame Deputy Clerk, who who's doing the roll call? Marisella. Are you? That would be the assistant city clerk. I believe she's having computer issues at the moment. Okay. So even Mayor Nicholas. Present. Vice Mayor Navali. Here. Council Member Flores. Present. Council Member Coleman. Here. Council Member Member of Yaya. Here. Thank you. May I call in our Parks and Rec Director Greg Mirriati to lead us with a pledge of allegiance. Certainly. Please stand. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic. One nation undervisible with liberty and justice for all. Agenda review. No changes to the agenda, Madam Mayor. Is there any acknowledgements from staff? Yes, we do have several announcements. The first is from uh Deputy City Manager Christina Fernandez, and she's gonna uh update us on the uh storm recovery. Good evening, Mayor Nicholas, Vice Mayor Nogales, and Council members. Uh Christina Fernandez, Deputy City Manager. I'm here tonight just to update you on staff's progress as we continue to deal with the aftermath of the winter storm events in December and January. Um the financial front, the city has submitted a preliminary damage assessment to the County of San Mateo's Department of Emergency Services in the amount of $853,000 311. Um please note that this is a rough estimate and subject to change. Uh the county will turn will in turn submit a package comprised of damage assessments from all San Mateo County cities seeking reimbursement to the governor's office of emergency services or Cal OES. Yesterday, the city hosted the federal and state individual assistance team along with the small business administration. The IA team prepares an initial damage assessment by examining the damages and costs related to a disaster, the impact of the disaster on the community, um, and which state, federal, or voluntary agency programs might be appropriate for providing needed assistance. The goal was to look at homes and businesses throughout the county that have sustained major damage or have been destroyed with the intent of qualifying the operational area, which is the county, and cities for various federal IA programs. So more to come on the financial side. As it relates to city-owned properties, uh, public works and parks continue to mitigate against future storms by clearing debris from storm systems and the restoration of backflow protection from tidal interaction. As it relates to various mudslides, the parks department is working with the geotechnical engineer to assess slide and other soil movement concerns and provide recommendations for mitigation work. Thankfully, we have not witnessed any more movement on to the slides on Sign Hill. Regarding the slide between King Drive and Arroyo Drive, it appears stable at the moment. That slide is also awaiting recommendations from the geotechnical consultants. Regarding the Oyster Point embankment failure. Staff and contractors are studying potential long-term remedies to avoid this from worsening or occurring in the future.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com