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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2014-10-22 @7:00 B SAN MINUTES CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO t1po REGULAR MEETING MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 33 ARROYO DRIVE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014 CALL TO ORDER TIME: 7:02 P.M. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Addiego, Gupta and Normandy, Vice Mayor Garbarino and Mayor Matsumoto. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Matsumoto. AGENDA REVIEW No changes. PRESENTATIONS 0 Presentation of new employees by Mich Mercado, Human Resources Manager. Human Resources Manager Mercado presented new employees that introduced themselves as follows: Judith Klikun, Library Program Manager Nicole Cuadra, Library Program Manager Steve Vallans, Building Maintenance Custodian Steve Massoni, Police Officer Marc Nuti, Police Officer. 0 Presentation by South San Francisco Scavengers regarding the Anaerobic Digester by Paul Formosa, CFO South San Francisco Scavenger Company, South San Francisco Scavenger CFO Paul Formosa thanked Council for the opportunity to make a presentation regarding the new Anaerobic Digester at the Company's facility. Mr. Formosa provided a PowerPoint presentation depicting the equipment and explaining the process by which residential and commercial compost would be converted to methane gas to run the Company's vehicle fleet. He advised that grant funding from the California Energy Commission helped make the program possible and thanked the Council for its support throughout the project's various stages. He also thanked local businesses and organizations for their help in testing the program, including Genentech, Bertolucci's Restaurant and the South San Francisco Conference Center. Mr. Formosa invited residents to consult the Company's website at wm7w.ssfseavenRencorn to view a video of the process and to call and request a tour of the facility if interested. Councilmembers congratulated the Company on their accomplishment and for bringing this innovative and sustainable science to South San Francisco. Presentation regarding receipt of the MISAC Award by the South San Francisco Information Technology Department. Detective Sgt. Mike Rudis, GIS Coordinator Anderson and Director of Information Technology Hollis presented a PowerPoint presentation announcing the City's receipt of the 2014 Municipal Information Systems Association of California ("MISAC") Innovation Award for Development of the Police Department Canvass Mapper Application, which was used to solve 1976 cold case murders commonly referred to as the Gypsy Hill Case. The new technology enables police officers in the field to report and track information using any smart phone device, updating the database in real time and enhancing internal communications within the Police Department. The team explained that the project began with a call to the Information Technology Department from the multi jurisdictional Task Force hosted by the South San Francisco Police Department investigating the Cold Case. The Task Force, which included the South San Francisco Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, San Mateo County Sheriffs Office, Daly City Police Department and Pacifica Police Department, needed an efficient method to record updates on canvassed areas while officers conducted investigations. In response, the Information Technology Department developed the Police Department Canvass Mapper, enabling the Task Force to electronically map out and -update canvassed locations on mobile devices and desktop computers. This collaboration amongst departments was instrumental to the resolution of the long unsolved Gypsy Hill Case. Mayor Matsumoto congratulated staff on receipt of the award and encouraged continued collaborative successes. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. COUNCIL COMMENTS/REQUESTS Vice Mayor Garbarino requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Vittorio Ottoboni, the father of Fire Captain Anthony Ottoboni. He also thanked Safety Inspector Carney for work to assist the homeless. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22,2014 MINUTES PAGE 2 Councilman Gupta reported on attendance at a meeting of the CCAG Resource Management and Climate Protection Committee. He noted that the County believes that with target reduction in water use, the drought's impacts can be managed. Councilwoman Norinandy requested that slow Wi-Fi in the MSB be investigated. Councilman Addiego commented on the successful exchange of ideas among the Sister City Delegation from Atotonilco El Alto, Mexico and City Officials. He thanked staff and the Sister Cities Committee for efforts to make the program a success. Vice Mayor Garbarino announced the delegation from Atotonilco El Alto presented a plaque posthumously in honor of former Mayor and City Councilman Joseph ("Joe") Fernekes. The plaque was presented to Mrs. Denise Fernekes in Joe's honor. Mayor Matsumoto announced the City's upcoming job fair that would be held on Friday, October 24, 2014 at the Municipal Services Building. The event would run from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M,, with early entrance permitted at 9:00 A.M. for South San Francisco residents. CONSENT CALENDAR I. Motion approving the minutes of meetings of October 6, 2014 and October 8, 2014. 2. Motion confirming payment registers for October 22, 2014. 3. Motion to accept the El Camino High School Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project as complete in accordance with the plans and specifications. (Brian McMinn, Director of Public Works/City Engineer) 4. Motion to waive reading and adopt an Ordinance 1491-2014 modifying the powers and duties of the Parking Place Commission and Planning Commission in accordance with South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter 20.550. ("Amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Map"). (Alex Greenwood, Director of Economic and Community Development) 5. Motion to waive reading and adopt an Ordinance No. 1492-2014 modifying regulations related to Banks and Financial Institution Uses, including check cashing businesses and other financial services, Citywide, in accordance with South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter 20.550 ("Amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Map"). (Alex Greenwood, Director of Economic and Comm-unity Development) 6. Motion to waive reading and adopt an Ordinance No. 1493-2014 clarifying regulations related to the location of Public Parking Uses in Employment-related Zoning Districts, in accordance with South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter 20.550 ("Amendments to Zoning Ordinance and Map"). (Alex Greenwood, Director of Economic and Community Development) REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22,2014 MINUTES PAGE 3 7. Resolution No. 113-2014 of the City Council approving the transfer of real property and assignment of leases from the City of South San Francisco to the Successor Agency of the City of South San Francisco. (Alex Greenwood, Director of Economic and Community Development) 8. Resolution No. 114-2014 accepting $40,000 from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to support Project Read and amending the Library Department's Budget. (Valerie Sommer, Library Director) 9. Resolution No. 115-2014 amending an existing Consulting Services Agreement with Harris & Associates for the East of Highway 101 Ramp Improvement Projects to an amount not to exceed $951,497. (Brian McMinn, Director of Public Works/City Engineer) Item 3: Noting an e-mail comment submitted by a resident, Councilman Addiego queried the effectiveness of the pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures implemented around El Camino High School. Associate Civil Engineer Henriquez explained the traffic studies done prior to installation of the measures and noted that based on these studies improvements were expected. Chief of Police Azzopardi stated actual improvements were observed and it was expected that behavior would improve with time as drivers and pedestrians adjusted to the measures. Motion— Vice Mayor Garbarino/Second— Councilman Gupta: to approve Consent Calendar Items 1-4 and 6-9. Unanimously approved by roll call vote. Item 5: Due to the number of public comment cards related to Consent Calendar Item No. 5, the Mayor pulled the item and allotted each speaker two minutes to address Council. Raphael Morales, Program Officer for Economic Security at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and Eleanor Glass also of the Foundation commended Council for taking on the issue. They advocated for Council to consider including in the ordinance a 2000 square foot ("sf'') as opposed to 1000 sf distance requirement between the financial institutions at issue. Mr. Morales noted that nationally there are more than two predatory lending institutions for every Starbucks location. He opined that the ordinance would not serve as enough of a deterrent without the 2000 sf requirement. Ms. Glass spoke of the dangers of the cycle of debt caused by predatory lenders. The following members of the Youth Leadership Institute ("'ELI") addressed Council: Marcos Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Jessica Dobbit, Zakeya Hussein, Ahad Quiroshi, Gabrielle De La Cruz, Luz Gallardo, Stephanie Sosa, Monica Sosa, Alfonso Alfredo Guin, Anthony and Allondra. Comments were also made on behalf of Jose Picazzo. The youth advocates and YLI staff encouraged Council to consider a 2000 sf as opposed to 1000 sf distance requirement. They recounted successes in other cities, including Daly City, where a 2000 sf distance requirement was enacted. Several of the youth recounted their families' respective experiences with predatory lenders and encouraged Council to consider their stories when deciding this issue. The REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22,2014 MrNUTES PAGE 4 speakers stated that federal legislation aimed at curbing the impact of predatory lending did not go far enough to reduce interest rates, which were proposed for regulation at 36%. Speakers also opined that with possibly increasing rents in the Downtown area, residents might become more susceptible to the cycle of debt payday lenders encourage. Finally, they suggested that microfinance and nonprofit institutions that assist underserved populations be specifically excluded from the ordinance. Gyro Romero supported the youth of the YLI and commended their advocacy. Fernando Aguilar representing the For SSF Coalition opined that the redevelopment plan for the Downtown and anti-payday lending campaign are related. He opined that increased rates in the Downtown might cause residents to turn to predatory lenders for assistance. Accordingly, he believed stronger distance requirements were required. Tim Lorenz noted that hundreds of thousands of dollars are borrowed through predatory lending services every year in South San Francisco. He encouraged stronger distance requirements. Councilman Addiego thanked the youth and other representatives for coming forward and for their commitment to the people of South San Francisco, He noted a twofold concern: 1) not wanting to disappoint the youth and others expecting help from their government on this issue; and 2) getting legislation passed that could begin to address the issue based on the anticipated and studied effectiveness of the 1000 sf requirement in South San Francisco specifically. He observed the impact of the fact that certain predatory lending businesses were already established in the City, which affected staff's conclusion regarding the effectiveness of the 1000 sf distance requirement and requested that staff elaborate on this point. City Attorney Mattas advised the ordinance had two components. It prohibited payday lending and alternative financing in the Downtown area. It also allowed such businesses in other areas within 1000 sf distance of one another. In South San Francisco, the 2000 sf limit was not necessary to accomplish the goal of curbing such lenders. He noted however, that if Council wanted to pursue the 2000 sf option, the ordinance would have to be reintroduced and brought back at an upcoming meeting. Councilmembers decided to go forward with consideration of the present ordinance and monitor its effectiveness so that the issue could be addressed forthwith and revisited if necessary. Motion—Councilwoman Normandy/Second— Councilman Gupta: to approve Consent Calendar Item S. Unanimously approved by roll call vote. Councilman Addiego stated his yes vote was premised on the fact that the impact of Ordinance 1492-2014 could be monitored and reviewed by Council so that an amendment to the distance requirement could be pursued as needed, Councilman Garbarino concurred with Councilman Addiego's comments noting he saw passage of the Ordinance as a great first step. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22,2014 MINUTES PAGE 5 ITEMS FROM COUNCIL—COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Councilinernbers reported on attendance at community meetings and events, including a LAFCo Conference, a HEART of San Mateo County Meeting and an event of the Bioworkforce Education Taskforce. Specific items for further action and/or consideration were set forth as follows: Councilmembers requested a report to Council on the financial condition of County Special Districts. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, Mayor Matsumoto adjourned the meeting at 8:36 P.M. in honor of Vittorio Ottoboni. Submitted by. Approved b �JoM iI, elli City Clerk ZKaryt-Nlurs'unloto' Mayor City of Sout San Fjncisco City of South San Francisco REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 2 2,20 14 MINUTES PAGE 6