South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - March 13, 2024

The South San Francisco City Council held a regular meeting on March 13, 2024, starting at 6:30 PM. The meeting included proclamations, a presentation on the Promotores Program, a consent calendar, a public hearing on a digital billboard, administrative business items, and extensive public comment on a Gaza ceasefire resolution and the future of the MSB building. The meeting also featured a public comment period that drew over 100 speaker cards and numerous e-comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes for February 21 and February 28, 2024.
• Extended the local emergency declaration related to major storm and flooding events.
• Authorized an agreement with California Water Service for new water services to the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center, not to exceed $643,466.
• Approved a second amendment to a purchase agreement with One Workplace for furniture and equipment for the Civic Campus Phase 2 project, not to exceed $174,708.38.
• Authorized grant applications for the South San Francisco Shoreline Protection and Connectivity Project feasibility study.
• Accepted a $256,347 grant from the California State Library for the Gene Mullin Community Learning Center’s ESL Program (FY2024-25 and FY2025-26) – council requested a brief presentation on the Learning Center before voting.
• Accepted $31,955 in Measure K funds from the Peninsula Library System for the Summer Learning Challenge 2024.
• Accepted $35,733.57 in donations and proceeds from the 30th Annual Trivia Challenge for the Library’s Project Read program, with a budget amendment of $21,500. All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comment was taken in two sessions (beginning and end of meeting) due to the large number of speakers. Comments focused primarily on two issues:

• Gaza Ceasefire Resolution: A majority of speakers urged the council to agendize and pass a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Speakers highlighted the humanitarian crisis, the number of civilian deaths (citing over 30,000, including 12,000+ children), and the use of U.S. tax dollars. Counter-speakers argued the issue is outside the council’s jurisdiction, that a resolution would be divisive and increase anti-Semitism, and that Hamas broke the ceasefire on October 7, 2023. Many identified as residents, students, healthcare workers, and members of affected communities.
• MSB Building (33 Arroyo): Several speakers criticized the council for not holding a community meeting about the future of the Multiple Services Building (MSB), which serves seniors and youth. They stated the building is well-maintained and passed all inspections, and urged the council to preserve it for community use.

Discussion Items

Item 13: Digital Billboard at 140 Beacon Avenue (Public Hearing)

• Proposal: A 65-foot tall, double-faced digital billboard adjacent to US 101 and I-380 in a PG&E easement. Required a zoning text amendment to allow a fourth digital billboard (current limit is three), a development agreement, design review, and a sign permit.
• Financial Terms: $140,000 upfront fee, $1.1 million in-lieu fee, and annual payments starting at $102,000 with a 3% annual increase (total ~$4.9 million over 30 years). The city also receives 8 weeks of free advertising annually.
• Debate: Councilmember Nagales opposed, citing past controversial content (e.g., a JK Rowling ad perceived as anti-trans) and aesthetic concerns. He argued the city should stick with three billboards. Councilmember Addiego also opposed, prioritizing principle over revenue. Vice Mayor Flores supported, noting the location is appropriate and the revenue could fund projects like district lighting. Councilmember Nicolas supported, stating the billboard would not diminish the city’s skyline. Mayor Coleman supported, emphasizing the financial benefits.
• Votes: Each of the four actions was voted separately, all with the same 3-2 split (Coleman, Flores, Nicolas in favor; Nagales, Addiego against). All four resolutions (13A, 13B, 13C, 13D) passed.

Item 14: Support for BRIDGE Housing AHSC Grant Application

• Summary: Resolution affirming support for BRIDGE Housing’s application to the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program for 158 affordable units at 1051 Mission Road (part of the PUC site). If awarded, the city would receive $5.2 million for bike lanes, bus shelters, electric shuttle expansion, and rental assistance. Staff noted BART withdrew from a partnership, so the city pivoted to a shuttle electrification scope.
• Discussion: Councilmembers praised the creative funding approach and the benefits to affordable housing and transportation. Unanimous support.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Item 15: El Camino Real Complete Streets Demonstration Project and Corridor Study

• Summary: Resolution accepting $161,922 in grant funding from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority to continue the El Camino Real corridor study. The demonstration project (July-December 2023) tested protected bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, and bus boarding islands. Key findings: bus dwell time reduced from 80-90 seconds to 15-30 seconds; protected bike lanes are feasible; some community concerns about parking loss and debris accumulation.
• Discussion: Councilmembers noted lessons learned, including the need for better debris management and multilingual outreach. They emphasized that the study does not commit to construction.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Item 16: Technical Assistance Grant for SRO and Mobile Home Park Preservation Ordinance

• Summary: Resolution accepting up to $15,000 from Partnership for the Bay’s Future to fund consultant support for a single room occupancy (SRO) and mobile home park preservation ordinance.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Digital Billboard (4 total actions): Approved 3-2. Councilmembers Coleman, Flores, and Nicolas voted in favor; Nagales and Addiego against.
• BRIDGE Housing AHSC Support: Approved unanimously.
• El Camino Real Corridor Study Grant: Approved unanimously.
• SRO/Mobile Home Park Preservation Grant: Approved unanimously.
• MSB Building: Mayor Coleman acknowledged the requests and stated he will agendize a future discussion on the MSB’s future, possibly via a town hall or study session.
• Gaza Ceasefire Resolution: The council did not take action or commit to agendizing a resolution. The city attorney reminded the council under the Brown Act they cannot act on items not on the agenda, but can briefly discuss placing items on a future agenda. No such discussion occurred.
• Closed Session: Conference with legal counsel regarding Clark Stewart vs. City of South San Francisco (workers’ compensation case ADJ14902031). Item 18 (real property negotiation for 366 Grand Avenue) was deferred to a future meeting.