South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting – November 13, 2024

The City Council held its regular meeting on November 13, 2024, starting at 6:30 PM. The meeting included several proclamations, presentations, public comments, approval of the consent calendar, and introduction of an ordinance clarifying vacancy procedures for the Equity and Public Safety Commission. Council members also provided updates on community events, election results, and ongoing city issues.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6–10 were approved unanimously by a voice vote. Items included: approval of minutes for October 23, 2024; an informational report on the city’s investment portfolio as of September 30, 2024; a resolution accepting $5,073.37 from the South San Francisco Friends of the Library for collections, programs, and services (Budget Amendment No. 25.026); a resolution authorizing an agreement with Metro Mobile Communications for 145 portable and 65 mobile radios at a cost not to exceed $500,842.62; and a resolution accepting a donation of 125 boxes of chocolates (valued at $3,750) from See’s Candies for the League of California Cities conference held October 15–18, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Corey David, a 67-year resident, criticized the council for celebrating election victories and urged transparency from speakers regarding their residency. He expressed concern about financial mismanagement and the future of the Municipal Services Building (MSB), suggesting reopening it for community benefit.
• Jennifer Garstang, a West Winston Manor resident, proposed that the city partner with South City Scavengers to provide locking bins to all households to reduce litter. She offered her time and expertise in planning and design.
• Norm Torello, president of the Medical Equipment Loan Program (MELP), requested city assistance to open a North County branch, including a low- or no-rent warehouse space (about 2,600 sq ft) with a rolling door, public entry, and ADA-compliant bathroom.
• Cynthia Markopoulos opposed the potential conversion of the MSB for public housing, citing its current use by visitors and veterans. She urged council members to remove the MSB from the housing element and swap it with another city-owned parcel.
• Amanda Parker Govea, representing Parkway Heights Middle School PTSA, invited the council and community to a fundraiser on November 14 at StarBird restaurant, with proceeds supporting school programs.

Discussion Items

• Item 11 – Ordinance Amending Chapter 2.85 (Equity and Public Safety Commission Vacancies): City Attorney Sky Woodruff explained an ambiguity in the current code: when a council-appointed seat becomes vacant, the alternate automatically fills it, contrary to council intent. The proposed ordinance clarifies that the appointing council member fills their own seat’s vacancy, while the alternate fills an at-large vacancy, and council then recruits a new alternate. Councilmember Nagales noted preferences could differ, but supported giving each council member discretion. The ordinance was introduced (first reading) and passed unanimously (5-0).

• Council Comments & Announcements: Councilmembers discussed several topics:

  • A detailed update from Fire Chief Matt Samson on the September 11 PG&E electrical explosion on Galway Drive: the city has signed documents to release information from PG&E and will receive a formal presentation once analysis is complete.
  • Councilmember Nagales congratulated election winners, including himself and Mayor Coleman (who received 66% of the vote), School Board members Pat Murray (78%) and Amy Lamb (unopposed), and the passage of Measure W (80% approval). He also raised concerns about non-functional EV chargers and traffic delays on El Camino Real at Chestnut Avenue.
  • Councilmember Addiego reported on a green business mixer in Burlingame and expressed interest in implementing a similar program in South San Francisco. He also noted the grand opening of Nations burger restaurant on November 18.
  • Vice Mayor Flores (participating remotely via a National League of Cities conference) thanked voters and highlighted the opening of a NAMI San Mateo County North County mental health support office at the Roberta Teglia Center on November 18, starting with a Mental Health 101 session.
  • Mayor Coleman reported on the Sister City Committee meeting and announced that this was his last regular meeting as mayor; the reorganization ceremony is scheduled for December 10, 2024.

• Proclamations & Presentations:

  • Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (November 14, 2024) – presented with students from Martin Elementary.
  • Shop Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2024) – proclamation accepted by Mary Prem, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.
  • Native American Heritage Month (November 2024) – presented to Charlene Nijma, Chairwoman of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, who spoke about the tribe’s history and ongoing fight for federal recognition.
  • Certificate for Assistant City Clerk Jasmine Miranda for achieving Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation.
  • Planning Commission Chair Norm Faria provided an overview of the commission’s role, recent projects (e.g., 573 Forbes, 101 Terminal, Vanity Master Plan), and upcoming work.

Key Outcomes

• Approved consent calendar (Items 6–10) unanimously.
• Introduced and passed Ordinance 11A (vacancy procedures for Equity and Public Safety Commission) on first reading (5-0).
• Council directed staff to continue working with PG&E on the electrical explosion investigation and to provide memos on EV chargers and traffic signal timing.
• The closed session was announced for litigation (Marisol Arrez Cabrera v. Krishna Maharaj, et al., Case No. 23-CIV-04871).
• The meeting adjourned following the closed session.