Imperium

The Board approved an ordinance amending the Business and Tax Regulations Code to broaden the exemption from increased transfer tax rates for transfers of certain rent-restricted affordable housing, applying it retroactively to January 1, 2017, and extending it through December 31, 2030. They also authorized settlements for lawsuits including: Yvonne Detert, et al. ($137,785.78 plus interest related to hotel taxes); International Business Machines Corporation ($1,361,454.60 for tax refunds); Mohammad Habib ($455,000 for an employment dispute); Frederick Schiff et al. ($380,000 for an employment dispute); and Madison Cullinane ($40,000 for a motor vehicle accident claim). Finally, the Board approved an ordinance amending the Police Code to extend the Cannabis Event Pilot Program to December 31, 2026.

The Board discussed and amended an ordinance (File No. 230446) related to Planning and Subdivision Codes and Zoning Map changes to encourage housing production. Supervisor Melgar moved to amend the ordinance to incorporate proposed amendments from File No. 231142. Supervisor Mandelman proposed an additional amendment regarding historic buildings. The motion to amend passed, and the amended ordinance, bearing a new title, was passed on the first reading with 9 ayes and 2 noes (Supervisors Chan and Peskin).

The Board discussed and amended an ordinance (File No. 230861) related to fees, applications, and conditions for certain entertainment permits in the Police Code. Supervisor Chan requested the ordinance be duplicated on the first reading (resulting in File No. 231259). Supervisor Chan moved to amend the ordinance by restoring sections related to the application form for Place of Entertainment Permits and reporting requirements for Permittees. The motion carried, and the amended ordinance was passed on the first reading. Then, Chan moved to refer 231259 to the Budget and Finance Committee, which was approved. The Board also approved de-appropriations and re-appropriations for District 10 projects and increased overtime expenditures for the Department of Public Health. Furthermore, they approved an agreement with the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure for funding the operation and maintenance of Mission Bay Parks, accepted and expended grants for the Automobile Insurance Fraud Program and SFDPH consulting, and authorized a contract amendment for renewable diesel purchases.

The board approved motions to call file numbers relating to India Basin Waterfront Park, and Affordable housing. This led to resolutions authorizing the Recreation and Park Department to accept and expend a $50,000,000 grant from the San Francisco Foundation for the India Basin Waterfront Park Initiative, accepted in-kind grants from the Trust for Public Land ($2,794,638), A. Philip Randolph Institute ($1,000,000), and the San Francisco Parks Alliance ($2,000,000) for the same project, and authorized a behested payment waiver for the India Basin Waterfront Park. The board also approved loan agreements, they approved loan agreements for 1234 Great Highway LLC ($24,000,000 for affordable senior housing) and Grove Street Development, L.P. ($15,000,000 for affordable housing at 650 Divisadero Street).

The board acted on new zoning guidelines. They approved an ordinance to create the Wawona Street and 45th Avenue Cultural Center Special Use District. Regarding administrative code changes, Supervisor Stefani moved to re-refer an ordinance regarding monitoring of nonprofits to the Rules Committee, which passed. Finally, they approved Surveillance Technology Policy for Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and for multiple other City departments, as well as a policy for the Police Department's use of Automatic License Plate Readers. The board then acted to approve motions relating to Supervisor Rafael Mandelman's Reappointment California State Association of Counties. The motion carried after excusing Supervisor Rafael Mandelman from voting on File Nos. 231209 and 231210. The board motioned to reappoint Supervisor Rafael Mandelman California State Association of Counties and Association of Bay Area Governments, Executive Board.

Supervisor Mandelman introduced and presented a Certificate of Honor to Elsa Krummel, a senior at the Bay School, recognizing her victory as the Division V California State Cross Country Champion.

The board hears committee recommendations. The Board approved an ordinance amending the Planning Code to permit additional commercial, retail, and restaurant uses on the ground floor in certain neighborhood commercial districts and residential districts. The Board approved an ordinance amending the Public Works Code to streamline and authorize the approval of certain neighborhood amenities, also known as Love Our Neighborhoods Projects, in sidewalks and other public right-of-ways.

The board acted on a recommendation that Supervisor Melgar, seconded by Supervisor Mandelman, moved that this Ordinance be TABLED which carried by the following vote. The board recommends a delay on an action on the report on The Fire Code and the Ordinance amending the Fire Code to provide fire protection standards for the charging and storage of lithium-ion batteries used in powered mobility devices. Additionally the board is in favor of Commemorative Street Name Designation for “Panos Place” for the 100-200 Block of Corbett Avenue, and Initiating Landmark Designation for Gregangelo & Velocity Art & Entertainment at 225 San Leandro Way.

The board is encouraging the City Attorney and the Mayor to ensure and request revisions for Housing. The Board of Supervisors is requesting that the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the following reasons, 1) extend the deadlines for Required Actions in HCD’s Policy and Practice Review to ensure that all of San Francisco’s extensive, collaborative work to further housing development does not lead to de-certification of San Francisco’s adopted Housing Element, 2) revise and correct HCD’s Policy and Practice Review to be consistent with all policies in San Francisco’s adopted Housing Element, including its policies and actions related to affordable housing and equity, as well as the City’s legal obligations to affirmatively further fair housing, and to be consistent with San Francisco’s status as a Charter City imbued with the power of local action over municipal affairs.

A significant portion of the public comment period was dedicated to individuals expressing their support for newly introduced legislation calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. Many speakers shared personal stories, concerns about the humanitarian crisis, and urged the Board to take a stand. One speaker read a statement from Dr. Batnigi, who lost 59 family members in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. A lone public commenter expressed various concerns regarding the newly introduced legislation calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.

The board approved the 2024 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting Schedule, cancelling meetings on specific dates and suspending portions of Board Rule 4.2. They also authorized the preparation of written Proponent and Opponent ballot arguments and rebuttal ballot arguments for the March 5, 2024, election. Supervisor Ronen moved to amend the motion to designate specific supervisors and the Mayor to write the arguments for various measures, which was approved.

Supervisor Preston introduced an ordinance to waive banner and inspection fees for nonprofit organizations in certain Neighborhood Commercial Districts. Supervisors Ronen and Walton introduced an ordinance amending the Planning Code and Zoning Map to create the Potrero Yard Special Use District. Supervisor Ronen introduced an ordinance designating the Grand Theater as a Landmark. Supervisor Dorsey introduced a resolution receiving and approving an annual report for The East Cut Community Benefit District. Supervisor Melgar introduced a resolution authorizing an agreement for the conditional exchange of vacant land on Edgehill Mountain.

Supervisor Peskin introduced a resolution consolidating elections for March 5, 2024. Supervisors Preston and Ronen introduced a resolution calling for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza. Supervisor Walton, along with several co-sponsors, introduced a resolution apologizing to African Americans and their descendants. The Mayor and Supervisor Melgar introduced a motion approving Final Map Nos. 10699 and 10700 for the Parkmerced Development Project. Finally, a motion was introduced regarding the Mayoral appointment of Janet Tarlov to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors.

The City Administrator proposed an ordinance approving a modified Surveillance Technology Policy for the City Administrator’s Office’s acquisition and use of security camera systems.