South San Francisco City Council Regular Meeting - February 12, 2025

The South San Francisco City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, beginning at 6:35 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 901 Civic Campus Way. Mayor Eddie Flores presided, with Vice Mayor Mark Addiego, Councilmembers James Coleman, Mark Nagales, and Buenaflor Nicolas present. The meeting included presentations and proclamations, public comments on senior center conditions and a county ballot measure, unanimous approval of the consent calendar, and discussion and votes on several administrative items including a vacant retail activation pilot program, a Caltrain grade separation project, mid-year budget adjustments, and new design standards. Council members also shared community event announcements, reflections on the annual council retreat, and adjourned in memory of several individuals.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of January 22, 2025.
• Library Donation: Accepted $4,777.91 from the South San Francisco Friends of the Library to support library collections, programs, and services; amended the Library Department’s FY 2024-25 operating budget accordingly (Budget Amendment 25.036).
• Library Grant: Accepted $40,000 from the Woodlawn Foundation for Project Read’s “Learning Wheels Family Literacy Program”; amended the Library Department’s budget (Budget Amendment 25.039).
• Florist Sublease: Approved a sublease agreement with Panagiota Papadopoulos (d.b.a. El Camino Florist) for commercial space at 632 El Camino Real.
• Housing Committee Representative: Designated the Economic and Community Development Director as the city’s authorized representative on the San Mateo County Housing and Community Development Committee.
• Domestic Violence Seminar Donations: Accepted donations totaling $9,650 from multiple businesses to support the Business Leaders Against Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking seminar held January 30, 2025; amended the City Manager’s Office budget (Budget Amendment 25.035).
• Investment Portfolio: Received an informational report on the city’s investment portfolio as of December 31, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

Senior Center Conditions:

• Meredith Vetter (homeowner) described inadequate conditions at the Magnolia/Taglia Senior Center, including limited parking, crowded classes, lack of heat (temperatures reported at 56°F), and relocation of classes to unsuitable spaces. She argued South San Francisco is not an age-friendly city.
• Margaret Baxter complained about the heating being off for six days (February 5-11, 2025) and parking difficulties, particularly with the AARP tax assistance program occupying spaces.
• Cynthia Markopoulos criticized the city’s treatment of seniors, noting the senior center’s deficiencies and urged the council to focus on local issues rather than Measure A.

Measure A – Sheriff Removal:

• Elliot Storch (Detective, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office; Secretary, Deputy Sheriff’s Association) urged support for Measure A, alleging Sheriff Corpus used racist and homophobic language, engaged in retaliation, and created a culture of fear.
• Julie Lind (San Mateo Labor Council) described a crisis in the sheriff’s office under Corpus, with over 100 staff departures and numerous HR complaints, and argued the measure is needed for accountability.
• Sheila Domdoma (San Mateo resident) supported Measure A, citing abuse of power and misconduct and the need to restore public trust.
• Vanessa Limos Stapia (former Corpus supporter) stated the sheriff failed to deliver on promises of transparency, highlighting labor violations and retaliation.
• Sean Harper (Sergeant, Sheriff’s Office) called for a stand against corruption, recounting findings of racial remarks, a questionable relationship with a chief of staff, and an attempted arrest of the DSA president.
• Dan Stegenk (ballot opponent) argued against Measure A, labeling it a “power grab” and stating that the independent investigation report contained errors; he noted the DA and FBI had ended investigations and emphasized that voters should retain the right to recall.
• Fionola (resident) opposed the measure, asserting that criminal charges, not ballot measures, should address alleged misconduct.

Discussion Items

Item 17: Position on San Mateo County Measure A

• City Manager Sharon Ranals presented the item, noting that the council may express its view on the ballot measure. Staff prepared a resolution supporting Measure A. Council members discussed the investigation findings against Sheriff Christina Corpus and the implications of giving the Board of Supervisors removal power until 2028.
• Vice Mayor Addiego expressed discomfort, stating he found the independent report “lacking” and preferring a recall process rather than granting the board extraordinary power.
• Councilmember Nicolas initially voiced ambivalence but expressed disappointment with the sheriff.
• Councilmember Coleman supported Measure A, arguing the sheriff’s actions constituted corruption and misuse of funds, and that the measure is a form of voter power.
• Councilmember Nagales supported the measure, citing the arrest of the DSA president and the need for accountability.
• Mayor Flores strongly supported the resolution, stating his personal disappointment in Sheriff Corpus, whom he had endorsed, and emphasizing the need for integrity and the measure’s importance for county partnerships.
• Vote: The resolution passed 4-1, with Vice Mayor Addiego voting no.

Item 13: Vacant Retail Activation Pilot Program (Study Session)

• Management Analyst Katie Donner presented a proposal to address an 8.6% citywide commercial vacancy rate. The pilot program would lease three city-owned vacant storefronts at $1 per square foot under triple net terms, offering up to $10,000 in tenant improvement allowances through rent credits. Eligible businesses must be for-profit seeking their first physical storefront, with priority for graduates of the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and Economic Advancement Center programs. The three proposed locations are 634 El Camino Real (1,600 sq ft), 244 Grand Avenue (345 sq ft), and 246 Grand Avenue (720 sq ft). The program would have minimal general fund impact and follow a phased rollout.
• Council members expressed strong support, with suggestions to consider longer lease terms or extensions to help businesses transition to market-rate locations, and to prioritize South San Francisco residents. Staff will return on March 26, 2025 for approval of program guidelines and an RFI.

Item 14: Caltrain Grade Separation Project Update

• Angel Torres (Senior Engineer) and Rob Bernard (Caltrain Chief of Rail Design) presented an optimized alternative for the South Linden Avenue and Scott Street grade separation. The original plan (elevated tracks, mile-long retaining walls) was estimated at $450 million and a long construction duration. The optimized alternative uses “box jacking” to lower the roadway, reducing construction duration by four years and costs to approximately $320 million, but with a larger funding gap. Caltrain endorsed the optimized alternative.
• Council members unanimously supported proceeding with the optimized alternative for preliminary engineering and environmental review, noting the need to address funding gaps and mitigate construction impacts on adjacent businesses.

Item 15: Mid-Year Financial Report and Budget Amendments

• Finance Director Karen Chang presented the FY 2024-25 mid-year update. Revenue projections were increased by $5.7 million due to higher property tax receipts and one-time payments, offset by a $2 million reduction in sales tax projections. Expenditure adjustments totaled $4.2 million, including increased utility costs and department-specific needs. The projected deficit for the year is $6.9 million, reducing the unassigned general fund balance from $34.8 million to $27.9 million. A five-year forecast was also reviewed. The council discussed impacts of economic trends and competition from other jurisdictions.
• The council unanimously approved the resolution, including Budget Amendment 25.035.

Item 16: Objective Design Standards and Streetscape Standards Consultant

• Principal Planner Megan Wooley-Ousdahl recommended approving a $374,500 contract with Urban Field El Cerrito LLC to update the city’s objective design standards (mandated by state law for housing) and create new streetscape and public realm standards for mixed-use and commercial areas. The project is funded through the General Plan Maintenance Fee ($249,500 in new appropriation) and previously budgeted $125,000. Consultants Ryan Call and John Bella addressed the council, emphasizing a holistic approach to design quality.
• Council members voiced strong support, noting the importance of architectural ornamentation and high-quality design to improve public perception of new development.
• The resolution was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Measure A Resolution: Approved 4-1 (Vice Mayor Addiego opposed).
• Grade Separation Direction: Council directed staff to advance the optimized alternative.
• Mid-Year Budget Amendment (Item 15A): Approved unanimously.
• Design Standards Contract (Item 16A): Approved unanimously.
• Vacant Retail Pilot Program: Council provided feedback; final guidelines to be presented March 26, 2025.
• Proclamations and Certificates: Recognitions were presented to James Burrell (Burrell’s Hair Cutting Place), Constantino Anezinos (Zorba’s Pizza), Antigua Coffee Shop (Best Decorated Window), and proclamations for Black History Month and National Youth Leadership Month.
• Closed Session: The council adjourned to closed session for labor negotiations and anticipated litigation.