South San Francisco City Council Meeting - August 13, 2025

The South San Francisco City Council met on August 13, 2025, covering proclamations, announcements, council comments, public testimony, consent calendar items, and detailed discussions on a major housing development, city investments, and labor agreements. Key decisions included approvals for the Gateway project and employee contracts, with council members expressing positions on local issues such as healthcare access, immigration rights, and affordable housing.

Proclamations and Announcements

• Mayor Flores presented a proclamation designating August as National Water Quality Month, recognizing city water quality professionals.
• Staff announcements promoted Citizens Academy applications, Cultura Fest on August 23rd, a Know Your Rights workshop for businesses on immigration, and a temporary traffic demonstration near Martin Elementary School starting August 24th.

Council Comments

• Councilmember Nicholas congratulated the firefighters union on a successful diaper donation event and discussed disaster preparedness and community events.
• Councilmember Coleman expressed disappointment over the closure of Planned Parenthood clinics, emphasizing the need for affordable healthcare access. She also supported immigration rights workshops and discussed affordable housing models from Montgomery County.
• Councilmember Nogales reported on a sister city trip to Japan, anti-displacement committee work, and ribbon cuttings for local businesses, highlighting community engagement and economic development.
• Mayor Flores adjourned the meeting in memory of residents Shakuntla Dutt and Gina Ramos Bello.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Corey David criticized the city's handling of the Municipal Services Building condition and opposed proposed parcel taxes, citing concerns over fiscal responsibility.
• Margaret Baxter complained about ongoing bathroom repairs at the Magnolia Center.
• Mary Prem, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, invited businesses to participate in Cultura Fest and announced award nominations.
• Gladys Reyes expressed support for the child care MOU with 4Cs of San Mateo County, stating it would benefit families and providers.
• Annie criticized the women of the year award process, alleging that public nominations were ignored and calling it a "fake democracy facade."

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved routine items, including minutes for July meetings, construction improvements for crack seal and base repair projects, a roofing contract, grants for library programs, and transportation demand management grant applications.
• Councilmember Nogales highlighted the street repair project to inform the community about ongoing infrastructure work.

Discussion Items

• Gateway Development Project: The council held a public hearing on zoning and entitlements for 70 single-family townhouse units at 500 Railroad Avenue. Staff and the developer presented the project, noting alignment with the Lindenville specific plan, community benefits such as a public plaza and $4.6 million in affordable housing fees, and sustainability features like all-electric buildings. Council members expressed support for for-sale housing, but raised concerns about traffic impacts and construction mitigation. The project was approved.
• Investment Portfolio Update: City Treasurer Frank Cariso and investment advisor Carlos Oblitas provided an informational report on the city's investment portfolio, emphasizing safety, liquidity, and returns amid economic uncertainties. No action was required.
• Labor Agreements: Human Resources Director Leah Lockhart presented tentative agreements with employee unions (AFSCME, Teamsters, firefighters, police) and executive management compensation plan amendments. The agreements include 4% wage increases retroactive to July 2025, equity adjustments, and new benefits like night shift differentials for police and a residency stipend for firefighters. The council approved the resolutions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the Gateway development project with zoning changes and entitlements via unanimous votes (Nogales: Yes, Nicholas: Aye, Coleman: Yes, Flores: Yes).
• Approved labor agreements and budget amendments for employee compensation with unanimous votes.
• Appointed Mayor Flores as the voting delegate for the League of California Cities annual conference.
• Directed staff to consider sending a letter of support for SB 79, a transit-oriented development bill, with Councilmember Coleman recusing due to potential conflicts.