South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - January 10, 2024

The South San Francisco City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Library Parks & Recreation Building, Council Chambers, 901 Civic Campus Way. The meeting began at 6:30 PM. Key actions included approval of the consent calendar (with several items pulled for discussion), approval of an emergency rental assistance funding allocation, discussion of the draft Broadband Master Plan, authorization of an anti-displacement roadmap contract, and acquisition of a Below Market Rate (BMR) unit. Public comments focused on the preservation of the Municipal Services Building (MSB) for senior and community use.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of December 13, 2023: Approved.
• Reappointments to the Parking Place Commission and Traffic Safety Commission: Approved.
• CDBG Curb Ramp Replacement Project (FY 2022-23): Accepted construction improvements.
• Dell Marketing L.P. Agreement: Approved a professional services agreement for server hardware procurement and installation, not to exceed $253,394.
• Remnant Parcels Purchase: Approved resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase six remnant parcels with delinquent taxes (APNs 091022010, 091022020, 091022030, 091025010, 091034080, 015031090) subject to the County of San Mateo Chapter 8 tax sale.
• Police Asset Forfeiture Funds: Approved $61,719.33 for less-lethal launchers and optics.
• Caltrans Climate Adaptation Planning Grant: Approved application for $600,000 (not to exceed $1,000,000) for the SSF Shoreline Protection and Connectivity Project.
• Project Read Grant Renewal: Approved filing for renewal of Community Development Block Grant funds through Daly City.
• San Bruno Community Foundation Grant: Approved acceptance of $6,000 for Project Read's Learning Wheels Family Literacy Program.
• Animal Licensing and Control Ordinance: Adopted on second reading, repealing and replacing Chapter 9.04 of the Municipal Code.
• Sewer Improvements Agreement with Southline Building 1 Owner, LLC: Approved agreement for construction and reimbursement for sewer improvements on Tanforan Avenue (as part of Southline Development Project).

Items 5, 7, and 12 were pulled for discussion but were ultimately approved as part of the consent calendar motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Wendy Sinclair Smith: Spoke in renewed support of reopening and repurposing the Municipal Services Building (MSB) for senior services and physical activities (e.g., pickleball), noting its historical use as a community hub.
• Charlene Roosville: Longtime resident (45 years) expressed safety concerns about parking for the new Library Parks & Recreation Building, urged consideration of MSB as additional senior space, and mentioned using Project Read there.
• Cynthia Markopoulos: Cited population statistics (60,655 total; 15,074 seniors; 6,434 on east side, 8,640 on west side) and stated that per-senior spending on services was only 44.61 cents per year in 2023, arguing that the MSB must be preserved as a senior multi-use community center.
• Peggy DeRas: Questioned whether a developer (Swinnerton) had taken possession of the MSB. Council clarified Swinnerton is only using office space temporarily until repairs are complete.
• Nanette Cole: Asked the council to "rezone and save the MSB building" for seniors, citing the importance of consistent community space and questioning the need for a new fire station when Station 61 has training space; she suggested extending the existing station into the empty police station.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 - Remnant Parcels Purchase (Discussion): Councilmember Addiego expressed support for purchasing the delinquent parcels along Westborough Boulevard to maintain them, noting they were previously controlled by a private entity and became overgrown.
• Item 7 - Caltrans Climate Adaptation Grant (Discussion): Councilmember Addiego asked about the proposed I-380 to Oyster Point connection, noting past concern about a causeway (bay fill). Staff clarified this is a feasibility study that could double as sea level rise protection for Highway 101 and the water quality control plant. The councilmember stressed the need for private property owners to contribute to future efforts.
• Item 12 - Sewer Improvements Agreement (Discussion): Vice Mayor Flores questioned the $599,000 authorization limit, which is 50% above the $397,000 base agreement. Staff explained the higher limit provides flexibility for unforeseen conditions (underground utilities, railroad area) and noted any spending above $599,000 would require council approval. The resolution gives the City Manager authority to execute amendments up to $599,000.
• Item 11 - Broadband Master Plan (Study Session): Presented by IT Director Tony Barrera and consultant David Brevitz (Intrust). The plan aims to expand city-owned fiber network (currently 4.9 miles fiber, 19.2 miles conduit). Key recommendations: expand backbone, establish a technology enterprise fund, create a smart city steering committee, pursue public-private partnerships (P3), and promote the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) $30/month benefit. Councilmembers noted Westborough's poor internet, the need for competition, and the importance of free public Wi-Fi. No formal action; staff to incorporate feedback and return in February.
• Item 13 - Anti-Displacement Roadmap: Staff recommended HR&A Advisors for a 2-year project to develop a roadmap addressing residential and commercial displacement. The contract amount is not to exceed $387,600 ($200,000 from FY 2023-24 general plan maintenance reserve; $187,600 from FY 2024-25 commercial linkage fees). Council discussed the need for inclusive community engagement, and Councilmember Nicholas requested the community advisory committee charter be reviewed by the full council rather than just the mayor. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Item 14 - Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): The council approved a budget amendment appropriating $147,500 from the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Fund (Fund 241) for FY 2023-24. The program has served 233 households to date (average rental assistance $3,300; maximum $4,500). 80% of clients are BIPOC, with 50% in District 5. The YMCA administers the program, and an increased administration fee (15% to 18%) was approved.
• Item 15 - BMR Unit Acquisition: The council approved purchasing the BMR unit at 2230 Gellert Boulevard, Unit 3105 (listed at $122,234) using commercial linkage fee funds (Fund 823, balance $18.1 million) to prevent loss of the affordable unit. The resale price may be adjusted (e.g., to be affordable to 120% AMI or as rental) with staff to bring recommendations back.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0) by roll call, including items 5, 7, and 12.
• Emergency Rental Assistance Funding: Approved unanimously (5-0), including budget amendment 24.027 for $147,500.
• Anti-Displacement Roadmap Agreement: Approved unanimously (5-0) to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with HR&A Advisors, Inc. for up to $387,600.
• BMR Unit Acquisition: Approved unanimously (5-0) to acquire the unit at 2230 Gellert Blvd, Unit 3105.
• Broadband Master Plan: No action required; staff to revise plan and return in February.

Closed Session

• The council moved to closed session to discuss real property negotiation for properties at 226-230, 232-238, and 240-246 Grand Ave with negotiating party Giffra Enterprises (price and terms). No reportable action was announced.