HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2001-10-30 .3o
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 30, 2001
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
(Cassette Tape No. 1)
CALL TO ORDER: Joint Meeting
6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Present:
Councilmembers Gonzalez, Matsumoto and Penna,
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin and Mayor Femekes
Conference Center Authority Members Cochran, da
Cunha, Dworetzky, Fernekes, Noftsger, Palmer,
Rosaia, and Wilson, Vice Chair Masetti, and
Chairman Penna
Absent:
None
Staff Present:
City Manager Wilson, City Attorney Mattas,
Assistant City Manager Moss, and Conference
Center Director O'Toole
Others Present:
Consultants: Mr. Mike Cahill, Hospital Real Estate
Counselors; Mr. Don Grinberg, HNTB, Architects,
Engineers, Planners; and Mr. John Kaatz, CSL
International
Public comments:
None
Study Session: Joint meeting with Conference Center Authority regarding Conference
Center Expansion Feasibility Study
Staff report presented by Conference Center Director O'Toole.
Messrs. Kaatz, Grinberg and Cahill reviewed their report "Analysis of South San Francisco
Convention Facility Development Options, Executive Summary" (attached to staff report).
Scenario 3 expansion options includes Oyster Point Marina, Bay West Cove, and Terrabay.
Advantages and disadvantages of each site were presented. Council was also informed that
the convention center must include a large four star hotel next door for it to work.
Councilman Penna stated that the Conference Authority reached a consensus on Scenario 3,
creating a 90,000 square foot ballroom and meeting space, and a 350-hotel room component.
Authority Member Dworetzky stated support for Scenario 3, and that the new convention
center be water oriented. He stated that the project will create over 500 jobs.
Councilwoman Matsumoto stated she did not currently support G.O. bonds for financing the
expansion, nor did she support Terrabay as an option due to its traffic impacts, or the Ramada
expansion option. She stated her preference is for the Oyster Point area. She questioned the
consultants regarding their findings, the number of related service industry jobs that will be
created, what the hotel will offer, competing with San Francisco, the inclusion of a
performing arts center/theater, and raising the TOT. In reference to a TOT increase, Director
O'Toole stated it needs further study, the numbers presented by the consultants are
hypothetical, and support from the hotel industry is necessary.
Councilman Gonzalez stated he would like to see the center stay in the El01 area; he stated
he preferred near the hotels and the Oyster Point area. In response to Councilman Gonzalez's
question regarding the future of current 255 South Airport site, Director O'Toole stated that it
will be maintained and will continue to operate because it serves a different market than the
convention center. Councilman Gonzalez suggested the center include a community art
theater.
Mayor Pro Tem Mullin, stating skepticism, discussed with the consultants his concerns,
including the current market for convention centers, the hurdles that the industry is facing,
the inability to track the number of conference center attendees staying at local hotels, taking
into consideration the inclement weather along the waterfront, the findings/disadvantages of
the Airborne Express building, and competing with San Francisco. Mr. Kaatz stated that the
proposal offers an unmet need in a market that is not being met by San Francisco and Santa
Clara County.
Councilman Penna stated he visited each of Scenario 3' s options and supports the Authority's
desire for a convention center that is water oriented. He and other Councilmembers
discussed the type of businesses that the convention center will draw and accommodate,
including the bio-science industry. Mr. Kaatz stated he is hesitant to divulge the prospective
clients who were surveyed because of confidentiality. Councilman Penna stated that the time
to build is while there is a lull in the economy and while there are still sites available. The
discussion continued regarding the types of trade shows, exhibitors, simultaneous events that
the convention center will be able to accommodate.
Mayor Fernekes stated support for looking in the Oyster Point area, and that the Terrabay site
is not feasible based on its location. He stated that among the possibilities, the convention
center will stimulate bio-science businesses to hold conference meetings here rather than in
other Bay Area locations.
City Manager Wilson advised Council that staff is looking for direction as to whether or not
the consultants are to continue with the feasibility study or stay with the current conference
center.
Each of the Authority members stated their support for the study to continue, support for
Scenario 3 (water oriented option) and a four star hotel as a component of the convention
center.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 2
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City Manager Wilson advised Council that the hotel industry's support is also needed and
members will be contacted. He further stated that the cost of the feasibility study is paid by
the Conference Center.
Councilmembers voiced their consensus for the study to proceed.
Director O'Toole advised Council that the next steps in the project will be discussed at the
next regular Conference Center Authority meeting, and will include associated costs and
timelines.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion-Masetti/Second-Dworetzky: To adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Unanimously
approved by voice vote.
Motion-Matsumoto/Second-Gonzalez: To adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. Unanimously
approved by voice vote.
Submitted by:
Payne, City Clt"rk
City of South San Francisco
Approved:
~~~es, Mayor
City of South San Francisco
The entries of this Council meeting show the action taken by the City Council to dispose of an item. Oral
communications, arguments, and comments are recorded on tape. The tape and documents related to the items are
on file in the Office of the City Clerk and are available for inspection, review and copying.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 30, 2001
MINUTES PAGE 3