Imperium

San Francisco County

Meeting on Housing, Settlements, and COVID-19 Response

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on December 8, 2020. Key agenda items included addressing Mayor Breed's address related to the PUC charges, approving lawsuit settlements, and passing ordinances related to housing inventory and contractor selection processes. There was discussion and a re-referral of an ordinance concerning smoking in multi-unit housing. Resolutions were adopted regarding funding for homeless services, support for healthcare workers during the pandemic, and acknowledgement of the Ramaytush Ohlone community. Public comments covered various topics including city transparency, voting rights for non-citizens and digital inclusion. Additionally, a hearing on a community plan was heard and filed, with another hearing being continued to December 15, 2020. The board ended the meeting by introducing new ordinances related to COVID-19 business assistance, new business loans and grants and resolutions honoring outgoing Supervisors Yee and Fewer.

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Remarks

The meeting was called to order and remote access information was provided due to COVID-19 restrictions.

President Yee called the meeting to order, acknowledging the remote access measures in place due to COVID-19. Angela Calvillo, Clerk of the Board, detailed how the public could participate remotely via videoconference and teleconference, including instructions for providing live comments and submitting written statements. Information on accessing live streams and meeting documents online was also provided. Instructions included dialing *3 to be added to the queue to speak, calling from a quiet place, and turning down televisions.

Communications

The Clerk of the Board explained the remote meeting procedures and public comment process.

Angela Calvillo reiterated how Board Members would participate remotely via videoconference. She explained the process for the public to contribute live comments by dialing a specified telephone number and dialing *3 to join the speaker queue. She stressed the importance of calling from a quiet location and speaking clearly. She also noted that written comments could be submitted via email or U.S. Postal Service.

Approval

The board approved the minutes from the November 3, 2020, regular meeting.

President Yee asked if there were corrections to the minutes from November 3, 2020. Supervisor Peskin, seconded by Supervisor Fewer, moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion passed with a vote of 11-0, following general public comment.

Remarks

Mayor Breed addressed the Board regarding public corruption charges and commended outgoing supervisors.

Mayor London N. Breed addressed the Board, discussing the recent public corruption charges against the General Manager of the Public Utilities Commission. She also acknowledged and commended President Norman Yee and Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer for their service to the City and County of San Francisco. No further action was taken after public comment.

Consent Agenda

The board passed a series of ordinances related to housing inventory, and settlements of lawsuits.

The Board addressed several ordinances under the consent agenda, including one amending the Administrative Code to require owners of residential dwelling units to report certain information to the Rent Board. This involved authorizing the Rent Board to issue licenses and requiring a license to impose certain rent increases. Additionally, several ordinances were passed authorizing settlements in lawsuits filed against the City and County of San Francisco, including cases involving employment disputes, civil rights violations, alleged illegal search, excessive force, personal injury, medical negligence, and a vehicle accident. All consent agenda items passed with a vote of 11-0.

Unfinished Business

The board adopted a resolution authorizing funds for the Granada Hotel acquisition for permanent supportive housing and designated Jasmine Blue Media as a neighborhood outreach periodical.

The Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) to execute a revised Standard Agreement for Homekey grant funds up to $49,000,000 to Episcopal Community Services for the acquisition of the Granada Hotel at 1000 Sutter Street for Permanent Supportive Housing. It also approved committing up to $33,000,000 for project expenses and additional operational subsidies over five years. A second resolution designated Jasmine Blue Media LLC (dba Marina Times) as the neighborhood outreach periodical for specified neighborhoods for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. Both resolutions passed with a vote of 11-0.

Unfinished Business

The board passed an ordinance regarding contractor selection from pre-qualified lists and for as-needed Public Works professional services contracts.

The Board passed an ordinance amending the Administrative Code to require notification to prequalified contractors, written documentation of contractor selection from pre-qualified lists, and written documentation of contractor selection for work assigned under as-needed Public Works professional services contracts. The Controller is required to audit such selection documentation. The ordinance passed with a vote of 11-0.

Unfinished Business

The board re-referred an ordinance regarding smoking in multi-unit housing complexes to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee.

The board discussed an ordinance amending the Health Code to prohibit smoking inside private dwelling units in multi-unit housing complexes containing three or more units and all common areas. Following a series of motions, including one to terminate debate and call the question, the Board voted to re-refer the ordinance to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee. The final vote to re-refer was 6-5.

New Business

The board adopted resolutions supporting the hiring of healthcare workers, approving a master lease amendment for Treasure Island, approving a lease agreement for Andre-Boudin Bakeries, and fixing prevailing wage rates.

The Board adopted a resolution supporting the hiring of healthcare or other essential workers amidst the pandemic, indicating a non-binding intent to appropriate revenue generated by a November 2020 overpaid executive tax ballot measure. They approved Amendment No. 45 to the Treasure Island Land and Structures Master Lease between the Treasure Island Development Authority and the United States Navy to extend the term for one year. A lease agreement was also approved between the Port Commission and Andre-Boudin Bakeries, Inc. for the Chowder Hut. Finally, the Board adopted a resolution fixing prevailing wage rates for various workers under City contracts. All resolutions passed with a vote of 11-0.

New Business

The board approved a contract amendment for behavioral health services and accepted grants for pedestrian safety and seismic upgrades.

The Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the agreement between Hyde Street Community Services and the Department of Public Health for behavioral health services, increasing the agreement amount and extending the term. They retroactively authorized the Department of Public Health to accept and expend grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a pedestrian and bicycle safety program, and from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for seismic upgrades at the Castro Mission Health Center. The Board also approved supplemental resolutions regarding special tax bonds for City and County of San Francisco Special Tax District No. 2020-1 (Mission Rock Facilities and Services). All resolutions passed with a vote of 11-0.

New Business

The board accepted grants for violence prevention and boating safety, and passed on first reading an ordinance designating the Royal Baking Company Building as a Landmark.

The Board retroactively authorized the Department of Emergency Management to accept and expend a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Program. They also retroactively authorized the San Francisco Police Department to accept and expend a grant from the State of California for boating safety equipment. The Board then considered an ordinance to designate 4767-4773 Mission Street (Royal Baking Company) as a Landmark, which passed on first reading with a vote of 11-0.

New Business

The board approved mayoral reappointments to the Successor Agency Commission, amended rules to acknowledge the Ramaytush Ohlone community, and approved a presidential appointment to the Board of Appeals.

The Board approved the Mayor’s reappointment of Bivett Brackett, Carolyn Ransom-Scott, and Miguel Bustos to the Successor Agency Commission. They also approved a motion amending the Rules of Order to require the President to read a statement acknowledging the Ramaytush Ohlone community. Finally, the Board approved President Yee's nomination of Tina Chang for appointment to the Board of Appeals. All motions were approved with a vote of 11-0.

Hearing

The board heard and filed an appeal regarding a Community Plan Evaluation for a project at 350-352 San Jose Avenue after it was settled.

The Board held a hearing regarding an appeal of a Community Plan Evaluation for a proposed project at 350-352 San Jose Avenue. Supervisor Mandelman provided background information on the project and the subsequent settled appeal. After hearing public comment, President Yee closed the public hearing and declared it heard and filed. A motion to affirm the determination by the Planning Department that the proposed project is exempt from further environmental review was approved. Motions to reverse the determination and prepare findings were tabled.

Hearing

The board continued a hearing regarding an exemption from environmental review for a Department of Public Health project at 1776 Green Street to a later date.

The Board addressed a hearing regarding an appeal of a determination of exemption from environmental review for a Department of Public Health project at 1776 Green Street. Supervisor Stefani moved to continue the hearing and related motions to the Board of Supervisors meeting of December 15, 2020. Following a motion to rescind the vote to continue so that public comment could be taken, it was voted to continue the hearing. All votes were 11-0.

Committee Reports

The board passed on first reading an ordinance regarding housing needs assessment for seniors and people with disabilities, and initiated landmark designation for the Ingleside Terraces Sundial.

The Board passed on first reading an ordinance amending the Administrative Code to direct the Department of Disability and Aging Services to report on housing needs and housing production for seniors and people with disabilities. They also adopted a resolution initiating a landmark designation for the Ingleside Terraces Sundial and Sundial Park. Both measures received a vote of 11-0.

Committee Reports

The board passed on first reading ordinances amending the Administrative Code regarding the American Indian Cultural District, the Guaranteed Income Advisory Group, and the Early Education Economic Recovery Program.

The Board passed on first reading an ordinance to expand the boundaries of the American Indian Cultural District and provide additional details regarding its significance. They also passed on first reading an ordinance to establish the Guaranteed Income Advisory Group to advise on the establishment of a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program. An ordinance to establish the Early Education Economic Recovery Program to provide grants and interest-free loans to early care and education providers to help cover costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic also passed on first reading. All motions were 11-0.

Public Testimony

Members of the public provided comments on various topics, including transparency, public corruption, digital inclusion, and support for non-citizen voting rights.

Members of the public expressed concerns regarding Sunshine Ordinance Task Force rulings against City officials, public corruption, lack of City services, assistance for those with drug addictions and homelessness, the plight of taxi medallion holders, and the need to expand public transportation services. Several speakers voiced support for legislation urging the California Democratic Party to expand eligibility for non-citizens to participate in Assembly District Elections. One speaker expressed concern regarding the need to expand access on matters that are considered by the Board.

For Adoption Without Committee Reference

The board adopted a resolution renouncing nuclear weapons proliferation and declared the results of the November 3, 2020, election.

The board adopted resolutions urging renunciation of nuclear weapons proliferation and embracing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. They also declared the results of the November 3, 2020, Consolidated General Election. They scheduled a Committee of the Whole meeting for January 26, 2021, to consider amendments to the Redevelopment Plan for the Mission Bay South Redevelopment Project. All items passed with a vote of 11-0.

For Adoption Without Committee Reference

The board approved an amended 2021 Board of Supervisors meeting schedule.

The Board considered and amended the 2021 Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting Schedule, which included cancelling certain meetings and establishing break periods. They also approved suspending a portion of Board Rule 4.2 that requires the Board to meet during the week of Thanksgiving and prohibits the Board from meeting the week after Thanksgiving. The final schedule was approved by a vote of 11-0.

Legislation Introduced

New ordinances were introduced regarding fee and tax relief for businesses and appropriations for rent relief and social housing.

Mayor and several Supervisors introduced an ordinance waiving certain license fees, business registration fees, and payroll expense taxes for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supervisor Preston and Mar introduced an ordinance appropriating funds from the General Reserve to the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development for rent relief and affordable, social housing. The ordinances were assigned to the Budget and Finance Committee.

Legislation Introduced

New resolutions were introduced regarding loans for the Potrero HOPE SF Development and grants for mental health services and infection surveillance.

Mayor and Walton introduced a resolution approving an amended loan agreement for the BRIDGE-Potrero Community Associates LLC for the Potrero HOPE SF Development. The Mayor introduced resolutions retroactively authorizing the Department of Public Health to accept and expend grants from the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for early psychosis intervention and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recent infection surveillance. The resolutions were assigned to the Budget and Finance Committee.

Legislation Introduced

Resolutions were introduced urging a return to in-person learning, reconsideration of playground closures, interim zoning controls, expanded voting eligibility, and a policy regarding private contributions and surveillance technology.

Supervisor Fewer and others introduced a resolution urging the San Francisco Unified School District to develop a comprehensive plan for the safe return to in-person learning. Supervisor Haney and others introduced a resolution urging state officials to reconsider the closure of outdoor public playgrounds. Supervisor Peskin introduced a resolution imposing interim zoning controls for certain residential projects. Supervisor Peskin and others introduced a resolution urging the California Democratic Party to expand eligibility for non-citizens to participate in Assembly District Elections. Supervisor Peskin also introduced a resolution urging OEWD and Public Works to adopt a policy regarding CBDs, BIDs, and GBDs with respect to private contributions and surveillance technology.

Legislation Introduced

Resolutions were introduced urging the adoption of sections in the Economic Recovery Task Force Report and commending Supervisors Yee and Fewer.

Supervisor Safai introduced a resolution urging the adoption of certain sections in the Economic Recovery Task Force Report related to bridging the digital divide. The Board of Supervisors introduced resolutions commending Supervisors Norman Yee and Sandra Lee Fewer for their service to the City and County of San Francisco. These actions were followed by setting a hearing on this matter.

Requests for Hearing

A hearing was requested on the digital divide and on protections for occupants of residential hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supervisor Safai requested a hearing to determine the extent of the digital divide in San Francisco and its impact on students and families. The hearing will request the various city organizations to describe what they have done on this matter. A hearing was scheduled before the Board of Supervisors as a Committee of the Whole to consider the proposed emergency Ordinance (File No. 201285) to consider protections for occupants of residential hotels (“SRO Residents”) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legislation Introduced

The Public Utilities Commission requested a new ordinance regarding a contract with Brookfield Properties for electric facilities at Pier 70 and the Airport Commission requested approval of a new Lease Amendment for the Air Sun J.V.

The Public Utilities Commission requested a new ordinance regarding a contract with Brookfield Properties to install certain electrical facilities in substructures installed by Brookfield Properties on Pier 70, for an amount not to exceed $1,700,000 and for a term of three years from March 1, 2021, through February 28, 2024 and the Airport Commission requested approval of a new Lease Amendment for the Air Sun J.V.

Legislation Introduced

The Airport Commission requested approval of a new Lease Agreement with ALD Development Corporation dba Airport Dimensions

The Airport Commission requested approval of a new Lease Agreement with ALD Development Corporation dba Airport Dimensions regarding Harvey Milk Terminal 1 Airport Lounge Lease

In Memoriam

A moment of silence was observed for Mary Elaine Botts.

Supervisor Mandelman requested for the moment of silence to honor the death of Mary Elaine Botts.