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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA Minutes 1999-09-22 MINUTES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR MEETING September 22, 1999 MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING COMMUNITY ROOM 33 ARROYO DRIVE CALL TO ORDER: 7:10 p.m. (Cassette Tape No. 1) ROLL CALL Present: Boardmembers Femekes, Mullin and Penna, Vice Chair Matsumoto and Chairman Datzman. Absent: None. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the September 8, 1999 Regular Meeting 2. Motion to Confirm Expense Claims of September 22, 1999 in the Amount of $198,912.31 3. Motion to Accept the Airport Boulevard Landscape Project as Complete 4. Resolution Authorizing Execution of Amendment to Repayment Agreement for E1 Camino Corridor Project Area Motion - Femekes/Second -Mullin: To approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Approved by voice vote. ABSTAIN: Boardmember Penna, Item No. 4. PUBLIC HEARING 5. PP-99-053, Bay West Cove Sign Program/Bay West Cove LTD, applicant-Precise Plan to Approve a Freeway Oriented Pylon Sign and Overall Master Sign Program for the Bay West Cove Item removed from agenda, to be continued off calendar. 6. PP-048 and EIR 97-027, Wal Mart, Bay West Cove LTD, applicant-Precise Plan to Construct a 136,000 Square Foot Retail Store Staff report and visual presentation by Assistant Director Van Duyn. Michael E. Gardner, 2001 S. E. l0th St., Bentonville, AK, representing Wal Mart Stores, Inc. stated that they have worked quite some time on this application, and are glad to get to this point where they are standing tonight. Their presence on the Peninsula has been non-existent. They are very pleased to be in this general area. They looked at our General Plan and Specific Plan and felt it was consistent with their needs. Their Company has always been able to commit and become part of the community. They know that being a good neighbor is part of being a successful neighbor. Wal Mart tends to become a focal point for all kinds of fund raising activities, so that they can become part of the community. This is good business. Judy Davidoff, Baker & Mc Kenzie, Two Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, representing Wal Mart Stores, Inc. stated that staff has recommended approval of the Wal Mart Precise Plan because it complies with all of the rules set out in the Specific Plan in the East of 101 General Plan Area and the zoning ordinance. They urge the Agency to support staff and approve the Precise Plan for the Wal Mart Store. This is not a decision on Wal Mart; it is a land use decision; this is not a decision on retail commercial uses. Wal Mart is appropriate for this site; that decision was made two years ago by this Agency. Wal Mart's goal is to come in and develop a project that complied with all the rules that were set out. There is only one relevant question before the Agency tonight, and that is whether the Precise Plan complies with all the rules. The Design Review Board has recommended approval of this project. Their supporters and people that work for Wal Mart will explain why Fortune picked Wal Mart as one of the top 10 companies to work for and why Wal Mart is one of top 10 companies in the United States. If the Wal Mart Precise Plan complies with the rules then this project should be approved.. William A. Parrish, Little & Associates Architects, 1000 Lakes Drive, Suite 410, West Covina, spoke briefly and a visual presentation was given. He explained that the architecture design presented is to promote a quality commercial project. It lends itself to the architecture of the bay front buildings and will be complimentary to future retail projects in the Bay West Specific Plan Area. The project meets all landscape ordinances for the City. George Morris, 400 Country Club Drive, Eugene, OR, attorney for the property owners of Bay West Cove, stated they have worked with staff for three and a half years on the progress of this project. There are a number of important dates and occurrences that are relevant. During the first period 2-96 to 6-96 there were preliminary negotiations with the City on what the City would desire this area to look like, the City wanted to bring big box retail to this site. Many other potential uses to this site were discussed, throughout the discussions the City's desire was to make a retail component for the Bay West Cove project. They agreed to do that during that time period. The second period was 8-96 to 12-98. In the Owner Participation Agreement that was approved in January 1998, the participant agreed to pay the Oyster Point fee within a limited period of time. Construction of the improvements would assist in the elimination of blight in the project area, provide additional jobs, improve safety, and substantially improve the economic and physical condition. The developer took on the tasks and accomplished the goals, many millions of dollars were spent doing the clean up on the site in conjunction with approvals. The City required that fees be paid in advance of the Precise Plan approval for each site, which they have done on a schedule. In June 1998 a check was written for REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 2 more than 1.7 million dollars. In June 1999 another check was written for more than 1.7 million dollars and in June 2000 the balance will be paid. There were commitments made to the City by the property owners, who in return were given commitments from the City, which is the entitlements, and the development approvals that are set forth in the Specific Plan, the EIR, and the OPA. September 22, 1999 is a significant day for the developer. The developers have done their work, they have fulfilled their commitments, and it is time for the City to fulfill theirs. Katherine Beebe, 1301 Shoreway Boulevard, (city unknown), Business Agent for American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, stated she would like to exchange her time with Shelly Kessler. Hal Bredwell, 4326 Shelter Creek, San Bruno, speaking in favor of the project, stated he joined Wal Mart one and a half weeks ago as a management trainee. He first learned about Wal Mart in school and was very impressed with its success, which is attributed to their wonderful culture. In the Union City store they currently employee over 500 people, and believe that they can provide many wonderful jobs in South San Francisco. He looks forward to one day soon to work as a manager in the South San Francisco store. Donald Britton, 22650 Alice St, speaking in favor of the project, stated he is from the Union City Wal Mart. He is a single parent and his family joined the Wal Mart family. Wal Mart gave him stability. During his orientation the woman giving the class made him and the others feel at home. He held many positions and is now a department manager. Wal Mart is the best company to work for. Tom Cornelsen, 301 Ranch Drive, Milpitas, speaking in favor of the project, stated he has worked for Wal Mart for twenty-three years and is the District Manager. He said that they might be a big company but that each store is run separately as an independent. They try very hard to be part of the community. All stores do have fundraisers through out the course of the year and raise various amounts of money. He feels that it is important to give back to the community. He feels it is a very good company to work for and opportunity is available to everyone who wants to work for them. He hopes that the project will be approved here in South San Francisco. Russell Champlin, 6105 Maree Court, San Jose, speaking in favor of the project, stated he works out of the Mt. View store. He started three years ago and is now Assistant Manager. He also works with the community involvement area where they do matching grants in the community. They have a stock purchase program fully benefited for full and part-time employees. Wal Mart would be a great asset to the community and the jobs that are provided would be great for the community. Julie Durden, Antioch, speaking in favor of the project, stated that she is an Assistant Manager. She feels Wal Mart is a good place to work, they give people chances and the opportunity to make a career for themselves. She said it would help the community. Dan Earls, 208 Miller Ave., South San Francisco, President of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 101, speaking against the project, stated Wal Mart is a terrible company. It is a bad neighbor, a bad corporation and should not be allowed to REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 3 spread its plight into our community. People in this community are depending on the Agency to make the right decision to protect and serve them. They have watched Wal Mart spread their plight throughout small town America and across this country, and close down Downtowns. Grand Avenue will become a ghost town if Wal Mart is allowed to build in Oyster Point. They know that those small town businesses are going to die and the Agency will be subjecting them to that death because they can not compete with this monster. They have acted as a toxic waste dump by killing these businesses. The people in this community deserve better than that from the Agency. They deserve to have the sincerity of this community preserved, to be allowed to protect their businesses and not be given poor jobs. There are Union members in this community who have benefits and could afford to live here in this community. What the Agency will be doing is subjecting them to bad wages, benefits, and a bad employer if they allow them to move in and kill the businesses that are here. Communities all over the country are fighting Wal Mart. People elected the Agency to protect and serve them. He felt the Agency should say no to Wal Mart. Vote "no" on this measure. Billie Figge, 3542 Gibson, Santa Clara, speaking in favor of the project, stated she is a co-manager and works out of the Gilroy store. She has been with them for ten years and has been transferred throughout the country. The medical benefits are very good. They have been very good to her and they also will be good to the community. Richard Hedges, 208 Miller Ave., South San Francisco, an employee of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 101, speaking against the project. He spoke about the Shils Report, by the Wharton School of Business. It refers to Wal Mart and it is titled Measuring the Economic and Social Impact of the Mega Retail Discount Chain on Small Enterprises in Urban, Suburban and Rural Communities. This report and study indicates the City will have major disadvantages bringing in a Wal Mart Store. As David Glass, CEO of Wal Mart said, "We are going to dominate North America." They intend to dominate South San Francisco and they will. This study shows that within the first three years, local jobs begin to shrink. They will bring the city one new part-time job and for that the city will loose one and one half full time jobs. There are a lot of hidden costs. When it opens, Wal Mart will be paying people who can't afford to live here. The majority of employees do not have health insurance. They will make one dollar or two dollars an hour above minimum wage. Shelly Kessler, 1153 Chess Dr., Foster City, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the San Mateo County Labor Council, speaking against the project, stated she had just learned of the proposal for the land use. Most of the people who spoke in favor of Wal Mart are from management. They will have better benefits and health care than the others. Those in the labor community want everyone to have those. Wal Mart is not a good corporate citizen. They have in fact had very bad impacts. According to the Shils Report, the impact of these giant competitors begins to reduce employment on the old Main Street. Lost job opportunities lead to social instability, crime, violence, and creates a broad negative impact upon the sociology of the community. As these big box retailers locate near the traditional business areas, commercial activities tend to drain away from the Main Street and transfer from downtown, causing the hollowing of the City. There is documentation that Wal Mart does not create jobs; it destroys them by pushing other businesses out of the community. The Labor Council wants high quality jobs for the REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 4 people in our community. Low paying jobs mean people can not afford to live in the communities where they work. The Labor Council wants to have good jobs and a good environment in which people work, however, we feel that Wal Mart is not the appropriate answer. Cynthia Lin, (address unknown), representing Wal Mart Community Affairs, in favor of the project, stated they are committed to our community. They are the largest private employers in the country. Seventy percent of the employees are full time and they offer benefits to both full and part time employees. In 1999 they were named one of the 100 best companies to work for in the country based on things like their compensation and benefit package. The 401K plan has the largest number of participants than any other plan in the country. The company has paid 1.5 billion dollars toward the retirement of their employees. Wal Mart is one of the leading employers of seniors, people of color, and people with disabilities. They have an overall positive impact on many communities. Lou Malmborg, San Ramon, speaking in favor of the project, stated he has been an employee for twelve years. Wal Mart is helping the community in Pleasanton. If you speak to the employees of Wal Mart, they will tell you that they are a family. You will find that other retailers like having them around because it draws business to them. It does not dry up communities. It's a great company. Tiffany Margetti, 2617 Central Ave., Alameda, Community Coordinator, speaking in favor of the project, stated that what she does is give out money all day. They assist many agencies in Alameda County as well as San Francisco County. They offer numerous grants to the community. She feels it would be a good idea to have a store on the peninsula. Maureen Mc Manus, 208 Miller Ave. South San Francisco, reading a letter from Eva Wright, speaking against the project, stated she participated in the 1998 Community Planning Charrette, where citizens helped decide how they would like to see their City develop. In long range planning, citizens have said they wanted to keep the small town atmosphere where small business can thrive along Grand Ave. and people could stroll from a theatre production to dinner or go to shopping. She felt that Wal Mart should be stopped from coming in and destroying any chance that the community has to revitalize our city with vibrant small businesses. Wal Mart will destroy the quality of our long- range vision for our City. The layoffs will have an impact on all the communities in the County. We have an obligation to maintain our long-range plan to maintain a business environment that promotes small business and healthy business competition. Ms. Wright urges the Agency to vote no on Wal Mart. Bill Nack, 1153 Chess Dr., Foster City, representing San Mateo Building Trades Council speaking against the project, urged the Agency not to allow Wal Mart to come to South San Francisco. They will not support a company that destroys families, lowers the standards of living, drives small businesses to bankruptcy, exploits those that can not fight back, such as, women, minorities, and the elderly. They practice unethical price cutting, add nothing to the community and after all that, if the profits are not high enough, they will close up their big box and leave the city in ruin. This is exactly what happened in Hem, Texas. This is known as the town that Wal Mart killed twice. The REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 5 first time when they moved in, the second when they left. He believes South San Francisco does not want this to happen. Has South San Francisco done an analysis of the economic impact that Wal Mart will have on the community? He hopes the Agency does require such an analysis. Wal Mart is no friend to the building trade industries across the nation. They are bottom line driven and give no consideration to quality of life issues for construction workers. Their only concern is to get the job done as cheap as possible. They have promises of big money for the City. If denied, Wal Mart will threaten legal and financial annihilation. With this much pressure, The Redevelopment Agency will not listen to the community. He happens to believe the Agency will listen to the workers and the small business owners who are the citizens and after thorough deliberations the Agency will say no to Wal Mart and your constituents will support you in that action. John Scantlan, 2220 Newton Dr., (city unknown), District Manager for Wal Mart, speaking in favor of the project, stated Wal Mart is a great place to work. Wal Mart should be allowed to come to South San Francisco. Wal Mart is not a monster like it is being portrayed; it is a family and within each store it is a family. It not only takes care of its management but all of its employees. It's a great store and will bring people into the city. People in South San Francisco are going to other Wal Marts because they are the low price leaders. They are known as the place to shop. It would be a disservice to keep Wal Mart out of your city. Elizabeth Qunitanilla, 1861 Girard Dr., Milpitas, speaking in favor of the project, stated she represents the Milpitas Store and has been employed for three years. In her store they employee seniors, and disabled people, who all have benefits. Wal Mart has so much to offer to everyone. They create jobs for people that might not get a job in a small business. (Cassette Tape No. 2) Gary Saunders, 1519 Rollins Rd., Burlingame, Business Manager, Plumbers Union Local 467, speaking against the project, stated that Wal Mart is anti-union. They do not use union construction workers to build their projects and urges the Agency not to approve the project. (Recess 8:45 p.m.- 11:17 p.m.) Cliff Williams, 311 Keith Ave., Pacifica, speaking against the project, stated that Wal Mart is full of false promises. The city doesn't need low income jobs. Get another candidate and do what is right for the city of South San Francisco. The hardware and drug stores on Grand Avenue will be history if Wal Mart is approved. They are not needed in South San Francisco. Bob Re, Belmont, speaking against the project, stated that he has seen the effects when they move into a small community. The citizens of Eureka turned Wal Mart down. The people won't shop on Grand Avenue. This is not a land issue, but a people issue. He '-'- encouraged the Agency to reject Wal Mart. REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 6 Rocky Daza, 456 Miller Ave., South San Francisco, speaking against the project, stated Wal Mart will take away jobs and businesses. The small businesses do not have the money to compete with Wal Mart. The Agency owes it to the people not to let this pass. Mike Borstel, 1716 Dale Ave. San Mateo, speaking against the project, stated he doesn't know what Wal Mart would offer the community. The items that are purchased at Wal Mart can be purchased elsewhere in the city from retailers who pay a living wage and good benefits. Wal Mart would offer nothing positive to our city. Listen to your constitutes and vote against Wal Mart. Mary Huber, 734 Larch Ave., South San Francisco, speaking against the project, wanted to know why the people in the city were not notified about Wal Mart. There is a Costco and Price Club within a mile of this project. Traffic is bad in that intersection; it would add more congestion. Let the people know about it before the Agency votes on Wal Mart. David Connor, 656 Blue Spruce, Danville, part owner of Bay West Cove, speaking in favor of the project, stated that he has been doing business in South San Francisco since 1982. If there is a concern from the people of South San Francisco why aren't they here? This project has been in the making for two and a half years. Is the question about Wai Mart or big box? The Downtown Business Association is organized and strong, yet they are not here speaking against the project. He has paid millions of dollars to South San Francisco. He feels this is good for South San Francisco. They have done exactly what the Redevelopment Agency has asked them to do and he hopes the Agency will do what they said they would do. Nick Tentes, South San Francisco, owner of Grand Avenue Hardware, speaking against the project, stated that South San Francisco does not need to bring in big box retail. The business people were not aware that Wal Mart wanted to come into the city. He hopes the Agency makes the right decision. Jackie Williams, 242 Longford Dr., South San Francisco, speaking against the project, stated that the residents did not know about Wal Mart and that there should be a better way of communication. Chairman Datzman conferred with Counsel Mattas to allow the applicants to speak again regarding the public comments. Judy Davidoff commented on the questions of the audience. Two years ago, amidst a lot of controversy, Wal Mart was able to move into San Leandro. The people had the same concerns that were voiced here tonight. Their Council decided that it was a land issue decision. This is not a contest, there is room for everyone. Limiting consumer choice is not appropriate. Fear of competition is not the way to make decisions; you should go back to the real issue, which is the land use issue and pass it. No approval shall be unreasonably withheld by the Agency if the Precise Plan meets the standards set forth in -' the Specific Plan. Staff has found that it does meet the standards set forth in the Precise Plan. She urge the Agency to support the City your staff. REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 7 Chairman Datzman closed the Public Hearing Boardmember Mullin stated that, he was surprised that this project came forward as rapidly as it did. His first indication was when the project came up for review at the Design Review Board. He also assumed that the project would be going from the Design Review Board to the Planning Commission and then on to the Agency. He was projecting that the project was three to four months out from anything coming to the Redevelopment Agency. He takes responsibility for not knowing that the project did not need to go to the Planning Commission. The reason being was that it already had a Specific Plan on the property. The comments made by people in the audience not knowing is, to a degree shared by him. Whenever there is a new project, he goes and visits the location to see what kind of project is coming into our community. So, when he has to make a decision, he has a better idea as to what he is voting on. He has never been in a Wal Mart, nor in a shopping center that has a Wal Mart. He was unaware of the ones in the Bay Area. He doesn't know what kind of effect Wal Marts have on communities. He felt he was at a disadvantage, and not sure if this particular use is appropriate for our community. He suggested a Wal Mart be visited. He felt this was a land use issue, and wants to see what the land use connection to these kinds of big box developments is like. Boardmember Fernekes concurs that it was a surprise that it was on the Agenda for this meeting. He also thought the time frame would have been longer than it was. He also has never been in a Wal Mart, nor has he spoken to communities or to the city officials to see how they feel. This is a huge project that has an impact on a community. Prior to making a decision on the project, he would like to see an economic impact analysis done for the City. Included would be what effects will Wal Mart have on retail businesses, what would the fiscal impact be, and also employment practices. The City should select the consultant to do the analysis and request that Wal Mart pay for it. Another item that is not on the agenda, but it is an integral part of the project is the sign; they both go together. Boardmember Penna stated that Grand Avenue is changing and is a great place to shop. He was also surprised that the item was on the agenda. The merchants on Grand Avenue have always contributed to charitable organizations. There was a statement saying that there was a unanimous decision by the Agency to approve the EIR and that is not true. The vote was 4-0, at the time he was not allowed to vote because of FPPC regulations. He was never able to participate in the discussions on the EIR, so at this time he is requesting the opportunity to participate in the discussion and review the EIR. He is requesting a thirty day period to review it and have time to do studies that he needs to do to make an intelligent decision. He questioned whether he had 30 days to do these things. Vice Chair Matsumoto stated that, like the rest of the Agency, she became aware of the project on Friday. She would like to volunteer her fellow Boardmembers to do a site visit. This is a land issue and it has to do with economics and what is best for the city. Boardmember Penna would also like to make some studies on the effects that a Wal Mart has economically on the community. REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 8 (Cassette Tape No. 4) '" Chairman Datzman felt that there are two people thinking in the same direction, but they haven't gotten there yet. On the Proposed Findings of Approval there are four things that are non controversial: 1) the proposed project is consistent with the East of 101 Area Plan, 2) the project proposed in the Precise Plan application is compatible with the intent and the purpose of the Bay West Cove Specific Plan, 3) The proposed project is consistent with the Redevelopment Plan and with the Owner Participation Agreement, and 4) an EIR was certified for the Bay West Cove Specific Plan in December 1997. When reading this he wonders how that translates into what has happened within 48 to 72 hours. He is troubled as to why the people were not here a few weeks ago to support the union members who were losing their jobs. One day there is nothing going and you can't stir interest, but next day it tums around. He has seen the Wal Marts in Windsor, Union City and Vacaville and hasn't seen communities that were crumbling. He does not want to do something to promote a business activity and in exchange for that, have another portion of the community fall apart. He knows of no elected official that would like to do that. He doesn't feel prepared to make a decision. He would also like an economic study completed to see what the impact would be on the City. Boardmember Penna stated he would like to study the EIR for thirty days. Executive Director Wilson based on what he's heard said it sounds like the Agency is requesting an Economic Study. The City will hire someone to do the study; it will take at least thirty days. If anyone needs to see the old EIR, it will be available. It will take at least a few days before the study starts. Judy Davidoff requested a brief recess. They have issues with a continuance. Chairman Datzman agreed and granted ten minutes. (Recess 12:10 a.m. - 12:25 a.m.) Counsel Mattas advised that the Agency continue with items Nos. 7 and 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 7. Resolution Receiving the Proposed Second Amendment to the E1 Camino Corridor Redevelopment Plan Authorizing Transmittal to Affected Taxing Agencies, Planning Commission and Project Area Committee. Staff report given by Redevelopment Project Manager Beyer Boardmember Mullin questioned whether the project area was staffed and Project Manager Beyer indicated that after the finalization of the committee, there will be enough members to move forward. Boardmember Penna questioned the new zoning of the proposed General Plan and staff explained that it is consistent with the existing General Plan. REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 9 Motion-Mullin/Second Fernekes: To approve Resolution No. 15-99, receiving the Proposed Second Amendment to the E1 Camino Corridor Redevelopment Plan and authorizing transmittal to affected taxing agencies, Planning Commission and Project Area Committee. Unanimously approved by voice vote. 8. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of 905 Linden Avenue for an amount not to exceed $475,000. Staff report given by Assistant Director Van Duyn Motion-Matsumoto/Second-Fernekes: To approve Resolution No. 16-99 authorizing the execution of a purchase and sale agreement for the acquisition of 905 Linden Avenue for an amount not to exceed $475,000. Unanimously approved by voice vote. (Recess 12:39 a.m.- 12:41 a.m.) 6. PP-048 and EIR 97-027, Wal Mart, Bay West Cove LTD: item previously continued Counsel Mattas requests that the Agency listen to the applicant once again. Judy Davidoff expressed that the applicant is very reluctant to agree to a continuance. They feel that all the information to make the decision is before the Agency tonight. They appreciate the Agency's desire to visit a Wal Mart and if needed, they will furnish a van. On the economic, report that is not something that they are willing to fund. They don't feel it is necessary that was covered in the prior analysis in Bay West Cove. They also ask that the continuance be for just thirty days, further delay is substantially detrimental to them. They understand that the Public Hearing is closed, and are asking that the Agency deliberation be continued. Counsel Mattas confirmed that the Public Hearing was closed. Chairman Datzman confirmed that thirty days were needed for an economic study, Wal Mart felt that had already been accomplished. Judy Davidoff stated Wal Mart would be happy to furnish any information that is needed. Boardmember Penna stated he needs time to review the EIR and he is not going to commit to thirty days. He'll commit to as long as it takes him to review it. It might take sixty days or ninety days. George Morris objected to the request that Wal Mart pay for the Economic Study. The developer has already paid $180,000 to the City for studies, which were approved by the Agency. When a request was made for the site, it came from City staff. When they decided to do the project Wal Mart was always the example. They have been working with them for two and a half years. It's incomprehensible to him that the Agency learned about the project last week. REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 10 Chairman Datzman stated that Mr. Morris' point was well taken. He is not sure if he has enough information to make a decision. George Morris asked, where the community was tonight and he was also surprised the Agency was not aware of the project. He is urging the Agency not to close the Public Hearing as it would be a disservice to the people. Counsel Mattas stated that the Specific Plan for the Bay West Cove development does indicate that the Agency act in a reasonable time to take action in a Precise Plan application. Also, the Agency did close the Public Hearing, but if they desire, they may re-open it. Executive Director Wilson commented on the days for a continuance. They would be looking at November 10, 1999; they will be checking with Boardmember Penna on his status. Chairman Datzman understands that the Agency would like an Economic Study done before they proceed to make a decision. Executive Director Wilson stated that the Agency would get the necessary information so that a decision could be made. Boardmember Mullin stated that he was very unhappy with the comments that George ... Morris finds it incomprehensible that the Agency did not know about Wal Mart. He is on record that the first time he heard about this was August 17, 1999. He feels Mr. Morris' comments were directed towards him and he resents it. George Morris commented that the City has a very good staff and that is what he based his comments on. Boardmember Mullin concurred with him on the staff. He also, stated that the Agency has to review a multitude of projects. While this project is the highest priority to Mr. Morris, it is one of many that the Agency has to review. Mr. Morris stated that he does not envy Boardmember Mullin's position. Judy Davidoff asked for a clarification on the continuance date. She would like a status report on October 27th not November l0th. Director Wilson said, that was the intent. Boardmember Fernekes commented that whatever time is needed to do a good report that satisfies this Agency, then that's how long it should take. He would like an accurate report and he would also like copies of the reports that the applicant has been talking about. Vice Chair Matsumoto stated she would also like to see the reports that were published prior to December of 1997. Executive Director Wilson stated that they are two separate reports, the original EIR and --- the Economic Impact report. REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 11 Boardmember Fernekes commented that these are reasonable requests before they make an important decision. Chairman Datzman concurred with staff that the continuance would be on November 10, 1999. ADJOURNMENT Motion-Mullin/Second-Femekes: To adjourn the meeting at 1:00 a.m. Unanimously approved by voice vote. Respectfully Submitted: Approved: Linda Patrick, Deputy Clerk ]/'a~es L. Datzman, Ch~an City of South San Francisco ~]ty of South San Fra/t_C.~o REDEVELOPMENT MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1999 MINUTES PAGE 12