South San Francisco City Council & Planning Commission Combined Meeting – November 7, 2024

The meeting began with the Planning Commission session, followed by the City Council session. Both bodies addressed routine approvals, public hearings, and policy discussions. Key actions included approval of a conditional use permit for a secondhand electronics reseller, a $14.2 million surplus announcement, and updates on the Linden Avenue Park project.

Consent Calendar (Planning Commission)

• Approved the minutes from the September 19, 2024 Planning Commission meeting by a 5-0 vote.

Public Hearing (Planning Commission)

• Conditional Use Permit for PayMore Stores: The commission approved a conditional use permit (UP24-0002) to allow a secondhand electronics reseller at 951 El Camino Real in the Fairway Plaza shopping center. The project involves interior tenant improvements only, no exterior changes. The commission also approved a CEQA categorical exemption (Class 1, Section 15301). The vote was 5-0. The applicant, Andrew, described the franchise's business model: buying, selling, trading, and recycling electronics, with data security and e-waste reduction. Commissioners asked about e-waste storage, security checks for stolen goods, and business margins. The applicant noted the store will create 3-5 jobs and dispense about $700,000 annually in cash payments to local customers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (City Council): Several residents spoke on various topics. Tom Carney criticized the city's transparency on the Linden Park project and budget deficits. Denny Harp urged spending on police services due to understaffing. Cynthia Markopoulis called for a forensic audit of Measure W funds. Others expressed concerns about traffic, park contamination, and domestic violence awareness. A resident named Vivian Ramos provided financial analysis, noting the 2024-2025 budget still faces an $8 million deficit after $6 million in cuts and deferred hiring.

Discussion Items

1. Linden Avenue Park Project Update (City Council)

• Staff presented an update on the new park at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue. The project has a $5.5 million budget, with $3.2 million from state grants. Environmental consultant Aubrey Cool (Nino and Moore) confirmed soil conditions meet residential standards, with voluntary removal of lead-impacted soil from a buried concrete structure. Traffic consultant Trisha Dudelove (Hexagon) stated that closing Pine Avenue would divert traffic to Aspen and California, but current levels of service (LOS A or B) can accommodate the additional cars. Community engagement via surveys (400+ participants) showed 47% preference for Concept B (hammerhead turnaround) and 44% for Concept A (alley connection). The council discussed restroom inclusion, lighting, and the need for continued community input. Chief Sampson confirmed no significant impact on emergency response times.

2. Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Preliminary Year-End Results & Q1 2024-2025 Report (City Council)

• Finance Director Karen Chang reported a $14.2 million surplus for FY 2023-2024, driven by stronger property tax revenues ($7 million above budget) and investment earnings. The general fund balance increased to $77 million combined reserve and surplus. Staff recommended using the surplus to: set aside $8 million for a budget stabilization fund, $3 million to replenish Measure W funds, and possibly $2 million for pension stabilization, $1 million for workers' compensation, and $1.6 million for vehicle replacement. Council members expressed support for replenishing Measure W and deferring other allocations to the mid-year review.

3. Intersection Daylighting Plan (City Council)

• Associate Engineer John Wilson presented options to comply with Assembly Bill 413, which prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks starting January 2025. The council considered three options: no action, focusing on high-injury areas, or citywide implementation. Police Chief Campbell reported 32 pedestrian collisions in 2023, 17 at intersections. The council favored a phased approach starting with high-traffic zones and downtown, with social media education before enforcement begins. The cost of citywide curb painting was estimated at $1.1 million.

4. Purchase of Below Market Rate Unit (City Council)

• Staff recommended purchasing a BMR unit at 2230 Gellert Blvd for $676,781 using commercial linkage fees (Fund 823) to preserve affordability. The unit had been unsuccessfully marketed for 21 days. The council approved the purchase unanimously (5-0).

5. Purchase of Advanced Life Support Ambulance (City Council)

• The council approved a resolution to purchase a 2026 Braun Northwest ambulance for $423,403.18 plus $55,000 for equipment, total $478,403.18, using vehicle replacement funds. The ambulance will replace aging units from 2010. Delivery expected in April-May 2026. Motion passed unanimously.

6. Acquisition of Trail at 701 Spruce Avenue (City Council)

• The council approved a $600,000 acquisition of a portion of 701 Spruce Avenue to preserve a public access trail to Sign Hill Park. The price exceeded the city's appraisal ($250,000) but was deemed necessary to secure the trail and avoid condemnation costs. The purchase will use parkland acquisition fees. The vote was 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Planning Commission approved the PayMore Stores conditional use permit and CEQA exemption (5-0).
• City Council approved the purchase of a BMR unit, an ambulance, and the Spruce Avenue trail parcel (all 5-0).
• The council directed staff to focus daylighting efforts on high-injury areas and launch a public education campaign before January 2025 enforcement.
• The council will revisit the use of the $14.2 million surplus at the mid-year budget review, with initial support for replenishing Measure W and creating a budget stabilization fund.
• The Linden Avenue Park design will proceed to final concept, incorporating community feedback on restrooms and traffic calming.