The San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened for a special meeting on July 15, 2016, presided over by Presiding Officer Pro Tempore David Campos. Key agenda items included addressing concerns from public commenters on issues ranging from the District Attorney to library access. The main action was the consideration of a motion calling for special meetings to address a proposed Charter Amendment for a Housing and Community Development Commission and a resolution supporting the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. An amendment was made to the original motion and passed. A moment of silence was observed for the victims of the Nice terrorist attack.
Following the appointment of Supervisor Campos as the Presiding Officer Pro Tempore, the Board of Supervisors paused for a moment of silence to acknowledge and honor those who were murdered during the terrorist attack in Nice, France. The request for the moment of silence was made by Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Campos, and there were no objections from the other Supervisors present.
During the General Public Comment portion of the meeting, several individuals addressed the Board of Supervisors regarding a range of concerns. Ace Washington spoke about concerns related to the Special Board Meeting. Michael Petrillis raised concerns specifically regarding District Attorney George Gascon. Peter Warfield shared his concerns about the San Francisco Public Library and what he perceived as restrictions on access. Adrian Simi voiced concerns regarding the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement. Don Dewsnup expressed general concerns regarding government. Lastly, Bradley Weir stated his support for the creation of a Public Advocate position.
Supervisor Avalos introduced a motion concerning the scheduling of special Board of Supervisors meetings for July 19, 2016, and July 29, 2016. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss the proposed Charter Amendment creating the office of Public Advocate (File No. 160583) and the proposed Charter Amendment creating the Housing and Community Development Commission (File No. 160588) as well as the proposed Resolution affirming support for the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (File No. 160758). The Board intended to sit as a Committee of the Whole on July 19 to hold public hearings on these items. The motion also sought to modify the standard timeline for submitting charter amendments to the electorate for the November 8, 2016, election, as specified under Rule 2.22.7. During the discussion, Jon Givner from the Office of the City Attorney provided legal counsel and responded to questions from the Supervisors. Subsequently, an amendment was proposed by Supervisor Avalos and seconded by Supervisor Mar. The amendment revised the original motion by focusing specifically on calling from the Rules Committee the proposed Charter Amendment (File No. 160588) creating the Housing and Community Development Commission and from the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee the proposed Resolution (File No. 160758) affirming support for the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. It removed explicit mention of the Public Advocate Charter Amendment (File No. 160583) in certain sections. The Supervisors present approved the amended motion.