South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - October 11, 2023

The City Council of South San Francisco held a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at 33 Arroyo Drive. Mayor Flor Nicolas presided, with all council members present. The meeting featured four proclamations, one public comment, unanimous approval of the consent calendar, and discussion and approval of four capital projects.

Proclamations and Presentations

• Italian American Heritage Month: Councilmember Mark Addiego presented a proclamation to Jeanette Acosta, recognizing October as National Italian American Heritage Month, highlighting contributions of Italian Americans.
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Mayor Nicolas presented a proclamation to City Manager Sharon Ranals, a breast cancer survivor, recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Statistics: one in eight women will be diagnosed; black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer.
• Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week: Councilmember Mark Addiego presented a proclamation to Don Lovell. The unit has three full-time officers who responded to over 1,300 citizen complaints this year.
• Fire Prevention Week: Councilmember Eddie Flores presented a proclamation to Ian Harditic. The department will deliver fire safety materials to approximately 3,200 students and provide direct presentations to about 1,400 pre-K through 4th graders.

Public Comments

• John Baker addressed the council regarding the proposed expansion of managed lanes on Highway 101. He noted that the east side of South San Francisco has a 95th percentile pollution burden on CalEnviroScreen. He argued that adding lanes induces demand and does not reduce congestion. He requested Mayor Nicolas, as the city's representative on C/CAG, to pull the item for discussion and vote against studying lane expansion. He expressed support for converting existing lanes to HOV lanes but opposed new lanes.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent calendar unanimously (5-0), which included:

• Approval of minutes from September 27, 2023.
• Second reading and adoption of ordinances for the Lindenville Specific Plan, Height Incentive Overlay, Colma Creek Greenbelt Overlay, Arts and Makers Overlay, and Active Ground Floor Use Overlay districts, and zoning map amendments.
• Adoption of an ordinance establishing rules of conduct for city property.
• Adoption of an ordinance changing meeting locations for various commissions.
• Resolution approving the second amendment to the 2023-2024 Wage and Salary Schedule and budget amendment.

Discussion Items

• Item 10: Linden Avenue Park Project – Award of consulting services agreement to MIG, Inc. for $526,920 with a $52,692 contingency. The project will create a one-acre park in the Old Town neighborhood, funded by a state grant and park fees. Councilmembers emphasized the need for community engagement and sensitivity to the area's history. Approved unanimously.
• Item 11: Centennial Way Trail Park Improvements – Award of construction contract to A & B Construction for $4,505,417 with a $4,955,959 total budget. The project includes an outdoor classroom, picnic area, skate plaza, bike pump track, fitness area, and nature play area. Funded by a $2.4 million Clean California grant and other sources. Construction must be completed by June 2024. Council discussed lighting, safety, and accessibility. Approved unanimously.
• Item 12: Oyster Point Phase IIC Improvement Project – Award of construction contract to Giron Construction for $3,716,501.51 with a total budget of $4,273,976.74. Work includes asphalt overlay, new dog park, picnic area, and lighting. Funded entirely by redevelopment agency funds. Council noted the project had been deferred for over a decade. Approved unanimously.
• Item 13: HSIP 10 Curb Ramp Replacement Intersection Improvement Project – Resolution approving updated state-aid master agreement and program supplemental agreement for $249,800. The project will install 17 new ADA-compliant curb ramps and repave intersections. Councilmember Flores highlighted lessons learned from previous ramp projects. Approved unanimously.

Council Member Reports and Announcements

• Mayor Nicolas reported on recent events including a bike ride, sister city visit, and facility tours. She also requested a moment of silence for victims of the Hamas attack in Israel.
• Councilmember Addiego reported on airport noise committee meeting: SFO operations at 80% of pre-COVID levels, passenger numbers at 89%, international travel at 97%. He also noted deaths of community members.
• Vice Mayor Nagales requested a safe routes to school audit at Westborough Middle School and suggested a legislative fix for speed reduction laws.
• Councilmember Flores highlighted the climate summit, domestic violence awareness event, and upcoming community conversation.
• Councilmember Coleman reported on his trip to study housing policy in Asia and upcoming housing leadership day.

Key Outcomes

• All four resolutions (Items 10-13) were approved unanimously (5-0).
• The consent calendar was approved unanimously.
• The meeting was adjourned in memory of Fernando Pascual, Ollie Mae Welsh, Beverly Franzella, and Gloria Gill.