City Council Regular Meeting – September 11, 2024

The City Council of South San Francisco convened at 6:30 PM on September 11, 2024, in the Council Chambers of the Library Parks & Recreation Building. The meeting included multiple proclamations, presentations from Cal Water and Caltrain, a consent calendar, and several administrative business items, notably the formation of an Eastern Neighborhoods Community Facilities District (CFD). Public comment was heard on various topics including the proposed Linden Park, the Municipal Services Building (MSB), and allegations of conflicts of interest. The meeting concluded with a closed session on property negotiation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes for August 27 and August 28, 2024.
• Accepted $4,069.14 in funding from San Mateo County for a 29-Day Vote Center at the Main Library for the November 5, 2024 Presidential General Election (Budget Amendment 25.013).
• Approved a second amendment with CSS Environmental Services, Inc. for environmental monitoring of the former Oyster Point Landfill (not to exceed $257,039; total budget $949,139).
• Authorized a services agreement with South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) for an extended learning program (not to exceed $635,378).
• Adopted an ordinance adding Chapter 8.78 (Mooring Regulations) to the Municipal Code.
• Adopted (second reading) an ordinance prohibiting the retail sale of polystyrene foam products.
• Approved a 15-year lease agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC for a wireless facility at 323 Miller Avenue.
• Approved the City Council’s response to the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury Report on compost compliance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dolores Piper requested an update on city-owned properties that could be swapped for the Municipal Services Building (MSB) and expressed concerns about mental health crisis interventions by law enforcement.
• Catherine Acosta opposed the proposed park at Linden and Pine (called “Sludge Park”) citing undisclosed soil contamination and inadequate community notification. She asserted that the city withheld critical information about the site being a former toxic waste location.
• Charlene (and others) criticized the city’s handling of the MSB and the Linden Park project, alleging deception and intimidation. She accused Mayor Coleman of using surrogates and placing campaign signs in front of MSB signs, and called for leadership change in the upcoming election.
• Corey David raised concerns about the MSB, the park project, and alleged conflicts of interest. He criticized the council for restricting applause during public comment and urged respect for constitutional freedoms.
• Carrie Lee noted that the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s political involvement may violate IRS rules regarding 501(c)6 organizations.
• Tom Carney spoke on consent items, criticizing the city for inadequate street maintenance, blight, and the use of tax dollars for developer cleanup costs at former toxic sites.
• Several other speakers echoed opposition to the Linden Park, alleging the city is endangering a disadvantaged community by building a park on contaminated land without full disclosure.
• One speaker during the CFD discussion accused Councilmembers Adiego and Nicolas of having a conflict of interest due to biotech stock holdings and demanded recusal.

Presentations

• Certificate of Recognition to Nelly Santana (Nelly’s Bridal Boutique) for donating a wedding dress to a bride in need.
• Certificate of Recognition to the Garden Club on its 60th anniversary.
• Proclamation recognizing September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; accepted by Bianca Coleman (Vice President of NAMI San Mateo). Stated over 48,000 suicide deaths annually in the U.S. and highlighted the 988 hotline and yellow benches in the city.
• Proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15); accepted by Alma Soto and Juanita Flores.
• Proclamation recognizing Constitution Week (Sept. 17–23); accepted by Library Director Valerie Sommer.
• Cal Water presented a residential water rate restructure proposal. Key points: 68 local employees, 160 miles of mains, 64,000 customers. Proposed increase of 1.4 cents per day in 2026. Tiered rate structure: first 6 CCFs (health/safety) at lower cost. Infrastructure plan includes 15 miles of main replacement. Council members questioned the adequacy of annual 1% replacement rate and fairness of multifamily rates.
• Caltrain presented on the launch of electrified service on September 21, 2024. Benefits: 20% more service, half-hourly weekend service, free Wi-Fi, faster trips (e.g., SF–San Jose express under 1 hour). South San Francisco will receive 104 trains per day (75% increase). Free rides and parking on launch weekend.

Discussion Items

Eastern Neighborhoods CFD (Community Facilities District)

• Presentation by staff: Proposed CFD covers 981 acres east of 101, with 479 parcels and 332 property owners. Would fund $118 million in transportation improvements (road rehab, protected bikeways, transit lanes, sidewalks) via special taxes on developed square footage.
• Proposed rates: Life science/office – $0.65/sq.ft.; residential – $0.25/sq.ft.; warehouse/industrial – progressive rate ($0.05–$0.15/sq.ft. based on building size).
• Outreach: 30% of property owners unresponsive. Concerns raised about fairness, financial burden, and potential for “Swiss cheese” exemptions.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Nagales questioned legal defensibility of excluding parcels. Councilmember Flores expressed worry about the 30% unknown and suggested scaling back the project list. Councilmember Addiego noted that a pilot project could build support. Public commenter accused two councilmembers of conflict of interest (biotech stocks). City Attorney stated FPPC regulations do not require recusal but offered to seek an opinion.
• Direction: Staff to continue outreach, particularly to the unresponsive 30%, and refine the project list. Council consensus to move forward with contiguous boundaries but consider a more modest initial phase.

Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.27 (Mandatory Organic Waste Disposal Reduction)

• Presented by Public Works analyst Marissa Garren. Proposed amendments to align with SB 1383: clarify definitions (self-hauler, designated facilities), adjust enrollment to allow generator discretion on container sizes, and remove the collection frequency waiver (requiring weekly collection of trash, organics, recyclables). Council approved unanimously.

Citywide School Traffic Safety Improvement Project

• Awarded construction contract to Bayside Stripe & Seal, Inc. (lowest responsible bidder at $677,930; total budget $745,723). Project includes installation of 15 mph school zones, upgraded crosswalks, and rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at 13 schools (33 roadways). The first low bidder was rejected for not meeting bid requirements. Council voted to award.

2024 Concrete and Base Repair Project

• Awarded construction contract to G. Bortolotto & Company, Inc. ($722,604; total budget $867,124.80). Project covers concrete and base repairs in the Avalon neighborhood (2024 area) in preparation for surface sealing in 2025. Funded by Measure A. Council approved.

Housing Trust Fund Application

• Authorized application for $5 million from the State’s Local Housing Trust Fund Program (matching grant). Pre-committed $2 million to Bridge Housing (1051 Mission Road) and $566,000 to Rotary Gardens (500 Linden Avenue) – funds already spent. Remaining ~$2.5 million uncommitted for future affordable rental housing (serving households at or below 80% AMI). Council approved both resolutions.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar – Approved unanimously (all items except those pulled for discussion were adopted without roll call).
• Cal Water & Caltrain Presentations – Received for information; no action taken.
• CFD Formation – Council directed staff to continue outreach and refine the project list; a petition to start the formal process may be signed by two councilmembers later.
• SB 1383 Ordinance – Approved (5-0).
• School Traffic Safety Contract – Awarded (5-0).
• Concrete and Base Repair Contract – Awarded (5-0).
• Housing Trust Fund Application – Both resolutions approved (5-0).
• Closed Session – Held regarding real property negotiation at 366 Grand Avenue (price and terms), no reportable action.
• Council Comments/Requests – Vice Mayor Flores announced a Scam Stopper Seminar (Sept. 13 at Rotary Terrace). Mayor Coleman reported on liaison committee meetings and progress on a potential park at Sunshine Gardens. Councilmember Nicholas requested improvements to public comment audio and street sweeping after paving.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM.