Imperium

San Francisco County

Meeting on Settlements, Budget, and Public Safety

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors convened on November 29, 2022, addressing a range of issues from approving settlements for multiple lawsuits to finalizing the suspension of cannabis business taxes. The board also tackled new business items, including approving funding for a Communication Based Train Control System, accepting retroactive grant funding for the District Attorney's Office and the Department of Public Health, and extending the Transit Shelter Advertising Agreement. Additionally, the Board discussed and partially passed amendments to the Administrative Code regarding the funding, acquisition, and use of certain police equipment. Public testimony touched on concerns related to election oversight, community issues, and ongoing civic issues. The board closed by introducing new ordinances and resolutions related to redevelopment, code enforcement, and autonomous vehicles and also took a vote to support the people of Iran.

Search for Specific Moments

Consent Agenda

Approval of settlements for lawsuits and claims, and a landmark designation.

The Board approved several items on the consent agenda, including the settlement of a lawsuit with Phi Associates L.P. where the company will provide $2,500,000 for affordable veterans housing in exchange for releasing 16 residential hotel rooms from regulation. Lawsuits from John LaSalle ($489,000), Crystal and Martha Gomez ($60,000), and Linda Gebroe ($40,000) were also settled. An unlitigated claim from Onjanette Hudson for $275,000, and another from Visa U.S.A. Inc. for $28,771.32 were approved. Finally, the Turk and Taylor Streets Intersection, known as the "Site of the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot," was designated as a Landmark.

Unfinished Business

The Board finalized the suspension of the Cannabis Business Tax.

The Board finalized an ordinance to suspend the imposition of the Cannabis Business Tax through December 31, 2025. Supervisor Chan dissented in committee and Supervisor Peskin dissented in the final vote.

New Business

Approval for a Communication Based Train Control System and Treasure Island lease amendment.

The Board approved the Municipal Transportation Agency to issue a Request for Proposals for a Communication Based Train Control System. Additionally, they approved Amendment No. 47 to the Treasure Island Land and Structures Master Lease with the United States Navy, extending the term for one year, and authorizing the Treasure Island Director to execute further amendments. They also approved a lease renewal for the Transit Management Center at 1455 Market Street.

New Business

Approval of retroactive grant funding for the District Attorney's Office and the Department of Public Health.

The Board retroactively authorized the Office of the District Attorney to accept and expend grants from the California Department of Insurance for the Automobile Insurance Fraud Program ($314,180) and the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Program ($1,008,768). They also authorized the Department of Public Health to accept and expend a $6,000,000 grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections for the Proposition 47 STARR program.

New Business

Approval for a Transit Shelter Advertising Agreement extension.

The Board approved the Second Amendment to the Transit Shelter Advertising Agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC, extending the agreement for five years. Nicolas Menard and Jonathan Rewers were granted the privilege of the floor to answer questions.

New Business

Approval of annual reports for various Community Benefit Districts.

The Board approved annual reports for the Tourism Improvement District and Moscone Expansion District, Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, East Cut Community Benefit District, Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, Ocean Avenue Community Benefit District, Discover Polk Community Benefit District, and Lower Polk Community Benefit District.

New Business

Approval of a historical property contract and a Transportation Memorandum of Understanding.

The Board approved a historical property contract for 942-944 Fell Street, with Supervisor Preston excused from the vote due to a possible conflict of interest. They also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Bay Area transit operators for the Next Generation Clipper® System.

New Business

Approval of amending the Budget and Legislative Analyst Services Audit Plan.

The Board approved a motion directing the Budget and Legislative Analyst to conduct performance audits on departments' delegated authority for public works contracts and how conflicts of interest are managed citywide. Supervisor Mar was added as a co-sponsor.

New Business

Approval of amending the Planning Code regarding temporary safe overnight parking and cannabis retail.

The Board approved an ordinance amending the Planning Code to allow long-term parking and overnight camping in vehicles at Vehicle Triage Centers or Safe Parking Program sites, and extending the expiration date for temporary cannabis retail uses to January 1, 2024.

New Business

Approval of the Mental Health Services Act Annual Update.

The Board approved a resolution authorizing adoption of the San Francisco Mental Health Services Act Annual Update for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

New Business

The Board debated amendments to the Administrative Code regarding the funding, acquisition, and use of certain Police Department Equipment.

The Board debated amendments to the Administrative Code regarding the funding, acquisition, and use of certain law enforcement equipment. Supervisor Ronen's motion to add modifications to the Use of Equipment Policy failed. An amendment by Supervisor Peskin regarding the use of robots as a deadly force option was divided into two parts, with both parts passing. The ordinance was then passed on first reading as amended.

New Business

Approval of amendments to the Administrative Code regarding definitions of prohibited discrimination in contracting.

The Board approved an ordinance amending the Administrative Code to revise the definitions of gender identity, sex, and sexual orientation, and add the definition of gender expression in Chapters 12B and 12C. They also revised the definition of age in Chapters 12A and 12B, and the definition of disability in Chapters 12A, 12B, and 12C. Supervisor Mar requested to be added as a co-sponsor.

New Business

Approval of amending the Administrative Code to establish the 706 Mission Fund.

The Board approved an ordinance amending the Administrative Code to establish the 706 Mission Fund, authorizing the Recreation and Park Department and the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development to expend monies from the Fund for specified purposes.

Committee Reports

Approval of updating the proposed designation of agencies qualified to participate in the 2022 Annual Joint Fundraising Drive.

The Board approved a resolution updating the proposed designation of agencies qualified to participate in the 2022 Annual Joint Fundraising Drive for officers and employees of the City and County of San Francisco.

Public Testimony

Members of the public shared concerns regarding various issues.

Members of the public expressed concerns regarding media stories, the search for a new Elections Director, slanderous attacks, quality of life issues, the placement of public comment on the agenda, the loss of seats at the Castro Theatre, technology, a recent mass shooting, and lewd comments made by another public commenter.

Remarks

The board voted in favor of supporting the human rights of the Iranian people

The board voted in favor of supporting the human rights of the Iranian people

Legislation Introduced

Introduction of new ordinances and resolutions at roll call.

Supervisor Dorsey introduced an ordinance approving an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the Transbay Redevelopment Project Area. Supervisor Ronen introduced an ordinance amending the Planning and Building Codes to increase fines and penalties for code enforcement. The Mayor introduced resolutions regarding grant acceptance and expenditure for HIV prevention, residential mortgage revenue bonds, and transitional housing programs. Supervisor Chan introduced a resolution urging the creation of programming and resources for victims of gun violence. Supervisor Dorsey introduced a resolution authorizing the San Francisco Police Department to enter into a Use Agreement with Topspin Content for a documentary series. Supervisor Mandelman introduced a resolution declaring "Josè Sarria Day." Supervisor Mar introduced a resolution urging the inclusion of Climate Action Plan funding priorities in the General Obligation Bond schedule. Supervisor Melgar introduced a resolution urging the City Administrator’s Office to conduct a disparity study of the LBE Program. Supervisor Peskin introduced resolutions regarding the Board's intent to not appropriate funding for executive recruitment services for a new Director of Elections, urging the Ethics Commission to timely complete backlog of audits, and declaring the City's policy regarding Autonomous Vehicle services. Supervisor Stefani introduced a resolution commemorating the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Supervisor Dorsey introduced a motion scheduling a Committee of the Whole meeting regarding the Transbay Redevelopment Project Area amendment. The Clerk of the Board introduced a motion establishing the 2023 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting Schedule. The Clerk of the Board introduced a motion appointing Supervisor Ahsha Safai to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District Board of Directors. Supervisor Stefani introduced requests for hearings regarding the 2022 Aging and Disability Affordable Housing Needs Assessment Report, the implementation of the Recovery Summit Working Group recommendations, and the Sheriff's Department staffing levels. The City Attorney introduced a resolution approving the settlement of an unlitigated claim filed by Service Employees International Union, Local 1021. The City Attorney introduced a resolution authorizing the second amendment to a contract between the Office of the City Attorney and Jefferies LLC for litigation consulting services. The Department of Public Health introduced resolutions regarding a contract amendment with Special Service for Groups, Inc. for therapeutic and specialty mental health services, a retroactive contract amendment with Progress Foundation for behavioral health services, and prevailing wage rates for various workers.