President Yee called the meeting to order.
President Norman Yee called the special meeting to order at 2:07 p.m.
Special Meeting on Caltrain Sales Tax Measure
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting to discuss and approve a resolution to place a sales tax measure on the November 2020 ballot to support Caltrain. The meeting included a public hearing where members of the public and transportation officials provided testimony. The Board approved the resolution with an amendment and also discussed concerns regarding delivery services and public comment procedures. The meeting was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with provisions for remote public participation.
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The Clerk of the Board explained how the public could participate remotely.
Angela Calvillo, the Clerk of the Board, explained that Board Members would participate remotely due to the COVID-19 health emergency. She detailed how the public could contribute live comments via telephone or submit written comments through email or U.S. Postal Service. Instructions were provided for dialing in, adding to the queue, and ensuring clarity when speaking.
The Board excused Supervisor Mar from attending the meeting temporarily.
Supervisor Peskin, seconded by Supervisor Fewer, moved to excuse Supervisor Mar from attending until his arrival. The motion carried with 10 ayes and 1 excused.
The Board held a hearing regarding a sales tax measure to support Caltrain service.
The Board convened as a Committee of the Whole to hold a public hearing on a resolution approving the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board’s placement of a three-county measure to impose a one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) retail transactions and use tax for Caltrain's operating and capital purposes. This measure would be on the November 3, 2020, election ballot. Supervisor Walton provided opening remarks and background information. Michelle Beaulieu (San Francisco County Transportation Authority) presented information and answered questions. Peter Straus (San Francisco Transit Riders), Alita Dupree, Sean Lee, Adina Levin (Friends of Caltrain), Bruce Agid, and David Pilpel spoke in support of the resolution. The public hearing was then closed and filed, and the Board reconvened as the Board of Supervisors.
The Board approved a resolution to place a sales tax measure on the November ballot to support Caltrain, replacing a prior conditional approval.
Supervisor Walton, seconded by Supervisor Peskin, moved to amend the Resolution approving the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board’s placement of a three-county measure to impose a one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) retail transactions and use tax for Caltrain rail service on the November 3, 2020, ballot. The amendment added a 'WHEREAS' clause detailing the JPB's adoption of resolutions including commitments for resolving governance issues and providing for the imposition of the tax for 30 years. The motion to amend carried with 11 ayes, and the amended resolution (Resolution No. 352-20) was adopted with 11 ayes.
Members of the public shared comments on the Caltrain sales tax resolution and other city concerns.
Speakers voiced opinions on the resolution approving the Caltrain sales tax, suggested improvements to public comment procedures, expressed concerns about delivery services in the city, and supported the motion scheduling the Committee of the Whole to consider the resolution.
The Board approved the motion to sit as a Committee of the Whole to consider the Caltrain sales tax resolution.
A motion sponsored by Supervisor Walton was made scheduling the Board of Supervisors to sit as a Committee of the Whole at the Special Meeting on August 7, 2020, to hold a public hearing to consider the Resolution approving the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board’s placement of a three-county measure to impose a one-eighth of one percent (0.125%) retail transactions and use tax for Caltrain rail service on the November 3, 2020 ballot. The motion (Motion No. M20-099) was approved with 10 ayes and 1 excused.
The Board adjourned the meeting.
The Board adjourned at 3:01 p.m.