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

The South San Francisco City Council held a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, addressing a wide range of topics including proclamations, the State of the City address, public comments on labor agreements and community issues, adoption of an anti-displacement roadmap, approval of a reimbursement agreement for a new traffic signal at El Camino Real and Southwood Drive, a budget amendment for emergency food assistance, and appointment of a new city manager.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent calendar (Items 5–14), which included: approval of minutes from meetings on October 18, 22, 28, 29, and November 3, 2025; cancellation of regular meetings on November 26 and December 24, 2025; acceptance of construction improvements for the Community Development Block Grant Ramps and Paths Project; acceptance of $5,263.11 from the South San Francisco Friends of the Library for library collections; a utility easement for broadband expansion at 201 West Orange Avenue; a grant application for the Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant; acceptance of a $10,000 grant from Genentech for the 2026 Lunar New Year Night Market; an amendment to the shuttle services agreement with Parking Company of America LLC increasing the contract to $4,887,705; a construction contract for sewer main line repair on Escanio Drive not to exceed $168,385; and a first amendment for fiber optic conduit installation with HP Communications Inc. and a second amendment with Kimley Horn and Associates Inc.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 16 members of the public spoke. Key positions included:
  • Multiple union representatives (carpenters, sheet metal workers, elevator constructors, sprinkler fitters, and building trades) urged the council to adopt a project labor agreement (PLA) or, alternatively, a carpenters’ pre-qualification language that covers all trades. They argued PLAs ensure safety, local hire, and apprenticeship opportunities, while pre-qualification covers 100% of workers versus 30% under a PLA.
  • Several carpenters and their representatives opposed the San Mateo County Community Workforce Agreement (CWA) because it excludes carpenter crafts, representing 70% of construction work. They advocated for pre-qualification language that ensures fair wages, health care, and apprenticeship.
  • One speaker (Patricia Althouse) urged proactive measures to protect immigrant residents from ICE, including ordinances requiring agents to show identification and barring ICE from public facilities.
  • A speaker (Rami A.) thanked the council for passing a ceasefire resolution for Gaza and noted the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
  • A speaker (Cynthia Markopolis) criticized the city’s handling of the Main Street Bridge (MSB) repairs and alleged misuse of FEMA funds.
  • Several speakers supported the anti-displacement roadmap and teacher workforce housing.
• Additionally, 1 e-comment was submitted.

Discussion Items

• Presentations and Proclamations:
  • Certificate of recognition for Physique Magnifique on its 28th anniversary and re-grand opening.
  • Proclamation declaring November 14, 2025, as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, presented to Martin Elementary School students. The movement originated from a fifth-grade class project in 2017–2018.
  • Proclamation recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, presented by Councilmember Nicholas. Statistics shared: lung cancer causes over 127,000 deaths annually in the U.S.; screening rates are as low as 18% nationally and 16% in California.
• State of the City Address:
  • Mayor Flores delivered the annual address, highlighting unity, resilience, and innovation. Key statistics included: crime down 27% (persons), 31% (property), and nearly 30% (society); over 8,000 meals served at the senior center; 277,000 visitors to the Library and Parks and Rec Center; $5 million invested in pavement management; two miles of protected bike lanes; 220 LED streetlights installed; free shuttle system carried over 80,000 passengers; 1,400 bicycles distributed since 2022; and a 40% reduction in Latino population in the Old Town district noted in the anti-displacement study.
• Council Comments and Requests:
  • Vice Mayor Adiego reported on the Italian Catholic Federation’s 100th anniversary and a police drone success story.
  • Councilmember Coleman reported on a BART station tour, new sheriff swearing-in, Boys & Girls Club groundbreaking, and praise for staff’s quick action on SNAP benefits.
  • Councilmember Nicolás acknowledged fire prevention poster winners, Filipino American History Month events, and adjourned in memory of several residents.
  • Councilmember Nogales thanked public works for cleaning King Drive, highlighted the Council of Cities event, and noted the success of Project Read Trivia.
  • Mayor Flores honored veterans and thanked staff for swift action on the federal shutdown.
• Anti-Displacement Roadmap (Item 16):
  • Staff and the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) presented the roadmap. Key findings: a 40% reduction in Latinos in the Old Town district; higher-income Asian households moving in while Latino and Black households leave; redevelopment of 6.2 million square feet of industrial space into life science. Recommendations included tenant-landlord education, rental inspections, small business anti-displacement fund, and workforce housing for teachers and essential workers. Councilmember Nogales proposed immediate partnership with Project Sentinel for workshops. Councilmember Nicolás requested rewriting language about ethnic groups to avoid stereotyping. The council accepted the report.
• In-N-Out Burger Reimbursement Agreement (Item 17):
  • City staff and In-N-Out representatives presented plans for a new restaurant at 932-972 El Camino Real. The project includes a 3,900 sq ft building with 39-car drive-through queue and a new traffic signal at El Camino Real and Southwood/First Street. The city will reimburse In-N-Out up to $600,000 from transportation impact fees for the signal, estimated at $1.2 million total. Caltrans approval is required, estimated 12–24 months. Vice Mayor Adiego expressed frustration over blight on the site, but the reimbursement agreement passed 5-0.
• Emergency Food Assistance Budget Amendment (Item 15):
  • Staff reported that $80,000 had been spent on gift cards for 269 SNAP-affected households after the federal shutdown. The original appropriation of $170,000 was reduced to $85,000 (including $5,000 administrative fee to YMCA). Several council members criticized the 18% administrative fee and the distribution timing (8 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays). The amended resolution passed 5-0.
• City Manager Employment Agreement (Item 18):
  • The council approved an employment agreement for Laura Snidman as the new city manager, effective January 5, 2026, at a base salary of $380,400, with benefits per the executive management compensation plan. Snidman previously served as city manager of Calistoga, Richmond, and Half Moon Bay. The council thanked outgoing City Manager Sharon Ranells for 45 years of service.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Anti-Displacement Roadmap: Accepted by council; staff directed to pursue tenant-landlord education and explore funding for recommendations.
• In-N-Out Traffic Signal Reimbursement Agreement: Approved 5-0. City commits up to $600,000 from transportation impact fees; In-N-Out responsible for design, construction, and cost overruns.
• Emergency Food Assistance Budget Amendment: Approved 5-0, reducing appropriation to $85,000 (including $5,000 for YMCA administrative costs).
• City Manager Employment Agreement: Approved 5-0. Laura Snidman to start January 5, 2026, for a one-year term, extendable to three years.
• The meeting adjourned to closed session at approximately 10:45 PM.