South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - September 25, 2024

The South San Francisco City Council held a regular meeting on September 25, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included multiple proclamations, a presentation from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), public comments on a range of topics (including the future of the Municipal Services Building (MSB), allegations against the Chamber of Commerce, and support for the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center), and a consent calendar with 18 items. Key actions included approval of bond financing for the Grand and Linden Family Apartments, a five-year parking enforcement contract with LAZ Parking, and a broadband fiber-optic network project. The council also discussed and rejected extending an MTC seat to a termed-out councilmember from Millbrae.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of September 11, 2024.
• Canceled regular council meetings of November 27, 2024, and December 25, 2024.
• Adopted resolution amending the Conflict of Interest Code to update designated positions.
• Approved First Amendment to the 2024-2025 Wage and Salary Schedule establishing the wage range for a new Natural Resources Specialist classification (discussed due to structural deficit concerns; Councilmember Addiego expressed caution about new permanent positions but supported the item).
• Awarded construction contract to Graham Contractors, Inc. for crack seal, patch, and base repair project ($524,069.92).
• Authorized grant application to San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 2 Alternative Congestion Relief & Transportation Demand Management Program.
• Adopted ordinance (second reading) amending Chapter 8.27 on organic waste disposal to comply with SB 1383.
• Approved draft response to San Mateo County Grand Jury report on restaurant exteriors.
• Approved Fire Department annual inspections performance report.
• Accepted $118,000 from California Office of Traffic Safety for Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).
• Authorized letter committing $697,521 in matching funds for a U.S. Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge Grant.
• Approved Fifth Amendment to contracts with JobTrain ($387,613 increase) and Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center ($425,000 increase) for workforce and small business support at the Economic Advancement Center (items pulled for discussion; funding from existing grants, no new general fund appropriation).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael McHenry (recovery advocate) thanked the council for supporting reopening of West Bay Alano Club during COVID, noting over 10,000 people served in year one. Highlighted ongoing fentanyl crisis and closed detox in San Mateo County.
• Serena Shell (UCSF student pharmacist) spoke on the importance of mental health and destigmatization, especially for youth and Asian communities.
• Daniela Jongitud (small business owner, Chamber VP) defended the Chamber's work and invited community to the Business Excellence Awards on October 11.
• Mary Prem (Chamber CEO) refuted allegations made by a resident at the previous meeting: denied chamber involvement in political campaigns, clarified attendance at a San Bruno benefit (not a campaign for Mayor Coleman), and stated the awards date change was due to bylaw rewrites and venue cost increases ($15,000 to $38,000), not political reasons.
• Victoria Yan (UCSF student) advocated for equitable education funding, citing 24% of SSF students qualifying for free/reduced lunch and 35% lower college attendance rates in underfunded schools. Proposed an education equity fund and teacher incentives.
• Michael Harris requested code enforcement to clear bamboo behind his family's home; noted health issues.
• Cynthia Markopolis (SSF Citizens Coalition) criticized the city's handling of the MSB, stating the coalition grew to 600 members and remains neutral in elections. Accused city of suppressing opposition.
• Barbara Ehardt spoke in support of preserving the MSB, describing its past uses and potential as an intergenerational community center. Argued it is a public safety asset with emergency generators and commercial kitchens. Asked council to remove MSB from the housing element.
• Peggy DeRos complained about audio issues and questioned why the council hasn't taken steps to reopen the MSB.
• Corey David criticized the city's MSB FAQ as one-sided misinformation. Claimed Measure W funds were diverted from voter intent (seniors, police, potholes, youth) to capital projects. Asserted the city is in massive debt and that nearly 39% of residents are aged 50–80.
• Katherine Acosta (SSF Citizens Coalition) reiterated that the coalition grows and called for respectful discourse. Noted the coalition is researching a repeal of Measure W.
• Sailesh Mehra (not transcribed in detail; likely spoke on other items).
• Julio Garcia (Rise South City) announced events: San Mateo County Climate Summit (Oct 8), Indigenous People Day celebration (Oct 12, Oyster Point Park), and a free tree giveaway program with the city and Rotary. Addressed concerns about 616 Linden Avenue park and air quality efforts.
• Amanda (speaker in favor of proposals) expressed support for Linden Park, redeveloping the MSB into housing (including senior housing), and collaboration with the school district. Urged neighbors not to label schools as failing.
• Anthony (speaker) accused the council of weaponizing power, violating First Amendment rights, and engaging in cyberbullying. Requested police investigation.
• Leslie Bong defended the council, stating the MSB is just a building and the city provides many free events. Expressed frustration over division in the community.
• Dolores Piper supported preserving the MSB as an adjunct to the civic campus. Shared personal story of nephew killed by police in 2012. Noted the coalition is studying a repeal of Measure W.
• Montserrat Mata (Pantiwa Coffee Shop owner) spoke in favor of funding Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, crediting them for helping increase income and create jobs.
• Carla Ostorga (Stilo Beauty Salon owner, 8-year Renaissance client) reported a 30% income increase and creation of two jobs. Urged approval of Renaissance funding.
• Viviana Hurtado (Viviana Luxury Candles owner, 2-year Renaissance client) noted 50% year-over-year income increase, certification as minority-owned business, and placement in Whole Foods. Supported funding.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations (all unanimously approved):
  • World Alzheimer's Day (Sept 21, 2024) – presented by Councilmember Nicolas. Casey Joe Kelly (Senior Program Supervisor) accepted and outlined senior services including adult daycare (since 1986), drop-in programs, and upcoming workshops.
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) – presented by Councilmember Addiego. Representatives from CORA (Lynn Schwett and Celeste Mercado) spoke on services (24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal services). Statistics: over 8,275 requests for service last year in San Mateo County; 94 adults/children received shelter; 76 households received rental assistance; 485 received therapy.
  • National Italian-American Heritage Month – presented by Councilmember Nagales. Leo Perini (Italian American Citizens Club president) accepted, inviting community to Festa Italiana at Orange Park on Sept 29.
  • Fire Prevention Week (Oct 6-12) – presented by Mayor Coleman. Fire Marshal Ian Hardage noted theme: “Smoke alarms: make them work for you.” Fire department will reach 1,200 sophomores/juniors at high schools with education and hands-only CPR.
  • National Recovery Month – presented by Councilmember Flores. Michael McHenry accepted.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Presentation – Chair Daryl Yip presented BPAC priorities: funding for bicycle/pedestrian/transit improvements, Vision Zero implementation, Safe Routes to Schools, freeway crossings (101, 280), trail connections, and tracking Active South City plan. Noted a vacancy on BPAC.
• Council Comments/Requests: Councilmembers reported on community events (Carol Matsumoto Plaza opening, concert in the park, Genentech historical presentation, Scam Stopper event with 60 attendees, Hangar restaurant opening, U.S. Fiji Chamber event). Vice Mayor Flores requested update on anti-displacement advisory committee. Tony Rozzi (ECD) reported 13 applicants interviewed, committee composition being finalized, with Vice Mayor as chair. Mayor Coleman reminded of decorum and respect in council chambers after reporting two residents called him in tears about how they were treated.
• Item 22 – LAZ Parking Contract: Presentation by Capt. Ken Chetcuti and Mohammed Mansoor (LAZ VP). Contract: 5-year, $3,450,267.20 total, 3% annual COLA. Scope: 4 full-time parking enforcement officers + 1 supervisor, abandoned vehicle assessments, traffic control. Two-week grace period with warnings for non-egregious violations. LPR technology considered for future only. Police Chief Campbell confirmed discussions with San Bruno and San Mateo police; both satisfied. Council discussion focused on fairness, consistent enforcement citywide, community outreach, and ensuring data for future policy. Councilmember Addiego expressed concern about 5-year term but accepted 30-day opt-out. Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 21 – Broadband Fiber-Optic Network: Presented by Tony Barrera (IT Director). Contract to HP Communications, Inc. for $998,581.40 (total budget $1,148,368.61) using ARPA funds. Project will install 288-strand fiber cable from West Orange to Westboro Preschool and Fire Station 64, improving internet speeds (currently below 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload in Westboro). Will allow leasing fiber to carriers, promoting competition. Councilmember Nagales noted this addresses digital divide in Westboro. Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 19 – Public Hearing on Bond Financing for Grand and Linden Family Apartments: Nell Selander presented. TEFRA hearing required for conversion from construction to permanent financing. 84 affordable housing units at two sites. No fiscal responsibility for city. Resolution approving bond issuance up to $45 million by California Statewide Communities Development Authority. Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 20 – CDBG CAPER: Alvina Condon presented. Program Year 2023-2024: 449 individuals/families served; $281,791.31 CDBG spending; 420 individuals through public services (youth development, mentoring, sexual abuse services, senior resources); 13 households through rehab programs; 16 people received fair housing services; 30 consultations/referrals; 52 outreach contacts. Councilmember Nicolas asked for more outcome data in future. Motion passed unanimously.
• Items 10, 17, 18 (pulled from Consent Calendar): Councilmember Addiego raised structural deficit concerns. Staff confirmed no new general fund money required; funded by existing grants (Gobis, DOL, EDA) and in-kind staff time. Discussion on lease extension for Economic Advancement Center (currently through April 2025; contract extends to June 2025). Staff working on lease extension or month-to-month. Motion to approve entire consent calendar passed unanimously.
• Item 23 – City Selection Committee Vacancy: Discussion on extending Gina Pappen’s (Millbrae) term on MTC beyond her council term. Councilmember Nagales noted MTC’s role in regional transit measure. Council decided not to support extension, allowing seat to open for elected officials. No vote taken; consensus to not proceed.
• Item 24 – League of California Cities Board Election: Vice Mayor Flores is running for Peninsula Division president. Council expressed support for Ellen Kamei (Mountain View) for statewide board over another candidate. Consensus to support Kamei.
• Closed Session: Item 25 (conference with legal counsel on existing litigation – two workers’ compensation cases) convened. Item 26 (property negotiation at 400 Miller Avenue) postponed.

Key Outcomes

• All proclamations and presentations received and filed.
• Consent Calendar (Items 7-18) approved unanimously after pulling Items 10, 17, and 18 for discussion.
• Item 19 (Grand and Linden Family Apartments bond resolution) approved unanimously.
• Item 20 (CDBG CAPER resolution) approved unanimously.
• Item 21 (Broadband Fiber-Optic Network contract) awarded to HP Communications, Inc. unanimously.
• Item 22 (LAZ Parking five-year contract) approved unanimously with understanding that implementation will include a public education period and community outreach, with quarterly performance updates to council.
• Council declined to support extension of MTC seat for termed-out councilmember. No formal vote; consensus not to proceed.
• Council supported Ellen Kamei for League of California Cities statewide board.
• Closed session on litigation held; property negotiation continued to future meeting.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 PM.