South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - February 14, 2024

The South San Francisco City Council held its regular meeting on February 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Library Parks & Recreation Building, Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations on Black History Month, a proposed downtown Property Based Improvement District (PBID), and annual crime statistics. Public comments focused heavily on preserving the Municipal Services Building (MSB) and concerns about the city's purchase of properties at 226-246 Grand Avenue. The council approved a consent calendar with amendments, ratified a local emergency proclamation for the February 4 storm, and authorized the acquisition of Grand Avenue properties for $7.16 million using Commercial Linkage Fee funds.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of January 24 and January 27, 2024, with an administrative correction to reflect that discussion of a potential sales tax increase was specifically about exceeding 10% sales tax, not a general 10% tax increase.
• Removed item 14 (Every Kid Deserves a Bike Program) and 14A from the agenda at the request of the city manager.
• Approved all other consent items en bloc, including:
  • Acceptance of donations totaling $32,820 for Parks and Recreation.
  • Adoption of the multi-year Broadband Master Plan.
  • Write-off of $267,493.60 in uncollectible ambulance billing accounts receivable.
  • Amendments to plan check service agreements with CSG Consultants, West Coast Code Consultants, Coastland Civil Engineering, and 4Leaf, Inc.
  • Award of $326,799.98 contract for LenelS2 Access Control System installation to DEA Security Systems.
  • Acceptance of $5,229 from Friends of the Library and $40,000 from Woodlawn Foundation for library programs.
  • Acceptance of 22 specialty puppets from Folkmanis Puppets.
  • Approval of parcel maps and easement agreements for the 120 East Grand Avenue R&D Project.
  • Authorization to submit application for Lifeline Transportation Program Cycle 7 with a $20,000 match from Local Measure A funds.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bonnie Morgan (West Winston Manor resident) opposed the demolition of the Municipal Services Building (MSB), advocating for its continued use for senior activities and community classes. She noted that the new location (Library Parks & Rec Building) is a deterrent due to parking and safety issues crossing the street. She also expressed concern about the purchase of 226-246 Grand Avenue, calling the MSB demolition "ill-conceived" and "non-transparent."
• Denny Harp (downtown resident) clarified that he had emailed the police chief about increased patrols and was told insufficient officers were available, leading him to suggest the police force was understaffed. He opposed the MSB demolition and the debt from purchasing Grand Avenue properties, noting the buildings are in disrepair. He supported the PBID concept.
• Tom Carney advocated for preserving the MSB for community uses such as basketball, senior center, arts, after-school programs, and daycare. He criticized the abandoned Safeway site on El Camino/Spruce, promising a full-service grocery store, and urged the city to engage the community.
• Wendy Sinclair Smith reported a dog attack incident and requested leash enforcement. She also fell due to inadequate street lighting and highlighted loneliness as a public health issue, reiterating support for the MSB and suggesting a senior club.
• Cynthia Markopolis criticized the Taglia Senior Center as insufficient for the senior population (15,074 seniors, only 11 classes with 30 participants each). She argued the MSB (83,853 sq ft) should be retained and the fire station could expand into it, saving construction costs. She claimed the council ignored pleas and noted a BAE report referenced potential development of the MSB site.
• Peggy de Ross demanded the council listen to seniors, stating they would physically protest demolition of the MSB, and requested a dedicated council meeting on the MSB.
• Additional speakers (unidentified senior citizens) echoed support for the MSB, noting it is already paid for, and questioned the need for a new fire station. Another speaker criticized the lack of a grocery store downtown and urged the council to "do better."

Discussion Items

• Presentation: Black History Month Proclamation – Mayor Coleman presented a proclamation celebrating February as Black History Month. Tanisha Hughes (resident and member of child care committee) accepted on behalf of the community, speaking about resilience and contributions of Black Americans.
• Presentation: Downtown Property Based Improvement District (PBID) – Community Strong Strategies presented a feasibility study for a PBID in downtown South San Francisco. The proposed district would provide enhanced services (maintenance, security, beautification, economic development, events) funded by an assessment on property owners. The process includes extensive outreach (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese), a steering committee, and a two-phase approach: feasibility (through summer/fall 2024) and legal formation (2025). The contract for consultants is $127,150, within the city manager's authority of $150,000. Councilmember Addiego expressed concern about not having council approval prior to contract signing. Mayor Coleman emphasized the goal of preserving local businesses and preventing commercial displacement. Councilmembers expressed support and noted successful PBIDs in Burlingame and Redwood City.
• Presentation: Annual Crime Statistics – Police Chief Scott Campbell reported 2023 crime data compared to 2022. Highlights: 12% reduction in stolen vehicles, 43% reduction in commercial burglaries, 24% increase in residential burglaries (mostly storage/garage), 12% reduction in vehicle burglaries, 62% reduction in catalytic converter thefts, 12% increase in robberies (mostly convenience store thefts), 29% reduction in sexual assaults, one homicide (domestic violence). Fentanyl-related deaths increased from 6 to 7; officers administered Narcan 10 times. Mental health commitments decreased 23.4% due to the clinician program. Vehicle collisions involving pedestrians/bicyclists decreased 25% (driver at fault 55.5% of time). Councilmembers thanked the chief, praised detective work, and noted the department has 10 vacancies but is actively hiring. The chief credited ALPR technology and partnerships.
• Administrative Business: Ratification of Local Emergency Proclamation – Assistant City Manager Rich Lee presented a resolution ratifying the city manager's emergency proclamation for the February 4 storm. The storm caused winds over 40 mph, about 14,000 PG&E customers lost power (24-72 hours), police responded to over 200 calls (85 storm-related), fire department to 100 calls. The city activated a community resource center. The council unanimously approved the resolution.
• Administrative Business: Acquisition of 226-246 Grand Avenue – Housing Manager Danielle Thoe presented a resolution to appropriate $7.16 million from the Commercial Linkage Fee Fund to purchase three properties (APNs 012-315-130, 012-315-140, 012-315-150) from Giffra Enterprises, LLC. The properties include 25,000 sq ft of buildings on half an acre, with commercial tenants (Cafe Bun Me, Oasis Adult Daycare, Solo Soccer Shop, Country Cottage, Bitters & Bottles, Mr. Burrell's Barber Shop) and vacant residential units upstairs. The city plans to preserve the buildings, protect existing businesses, and potentially develop affordable housing in the future through a public process. An additional $60,000 is for initial security and property management. The purchase is funded by the Commercial Linkage Fee fund (current balance $19.3 million). Councilmembers expressed support, noting preservation of downtown character and prevention of displacement. Economic Development Director Kristen O'Rear confirmed that no immediate affordable housing projects are unfunded and that the fund will be replenished by upcoming payments (e.g., $10.5 million from Trammell Crow project at 120 East Grand). The council unanimously approved the resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes with administrative correction.
• Removed item 14 from agenda.
• Ratified local emergency proclamation for February 4 storm (unanimous vote: 5-0).
• Authorized purchase of 226-246 Grand Avenue for $7.16 million plus $60,000 for management, with direction to negotiate purchase and sale agreement (unanimous vote: 5-0).
• All consent calendar items approved unanimously (excluding item 14).
• Council comments included reports on storm response, attendance at various community events, and memorial adjournments for Michael Newell, Dr. Domina Dorhinas, Pat Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth "Betty" Letty, and Shane Looper.
• The meeting then proceeded to closed session for labor negotiations, existing litigation, anticipated litigation, and appointment of city attorney.