HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1999-05-19MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
SPECIAL MEETING
May 19, 1999
CITY HALL, CONFERENCE ROOM
400 GRAND AVENUE
Call to Order:
6:15 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present:
Absent:
Councilmembers Femekes, Mullin and Penna, and
Mayor Datzman
Mayor Pro Tem Matsumoto
Others Present:
City Manager Wilson, Assistant City Manager Moss, Assistant
City Attorney Truxaw, Public Works Director Gibbs, Economic
and Community Development Director Van Duyn, Finance
Director Brooks, Chief Planner Harnish, City Engineer Kianpour,
and Assistant Finance Director Freeman; TRUX Freight
Forwarders President, Mr. Robert Simms;
AES Representatives: Glenn Davis, Scott Gardiner, Eric Worrell, Perry Fontana, Joe
Patch, John Ward
Study Session:
AES Power Generation Plant at WQCP
City Manager Wilson explained the objective of AES's presentation. He briefed Council
on the mutual benefits the proposed project and partnership will bring to the City.
Mr. Gardiner presented the slide presentation and discussed the project's location, size,
function, environmental issues, visual impact, health and safety issues, and potential
revenue for the City. There was a discussion of other locations that have plants and Mr.
Gardiner noted that 17 plants are currently being proposed in California--one in a
residential neighborhood in Crockett. Computer enhanced photos were presented that
showed a completed power plant from different angles, comparing its size to other nearby
facilities, and architectural drawings of the stack disguised as a clock tower.
Council discussed at length with staff the estimated revenue the project would bring to
the City, the electrical savings the WQCP would enjoy, the formation of a municipal
utility district, the potential to reduce sewer rates and how that would be accomplished,
and sharing the benefits with the other users of the treatment plant, e.g., San Francisco
Airport and City of San Bruno. Councilman Mullin stated that South San Francisco will
do its best for San Bruno.
Mr. Fontana addressed the environmental issues and reviewed the Califomia Energy
Commission permitting process. He stated that the pre-filing phase is lengthy and
everything must be in place before the application is filed for certification. The
certification process takes one year. He discussed the environmental review areas,
including air quality, public health and safety, and stated that there is no odor from the
plant, no visible plume from the stack, and the plant generates minimal vehicle traffic.
He encouraged Council to contact the California Energy Commission if there were any
concern about its process. A timeline was reviewed that slated the project for completion
in Spring 2003 if the CEC permit was issued in Fall 2000.
In response to Councilman Penna, Mr. Gardiner stated the life of a plant is generally 30
or more years.
Mr. Simms was invited to comment and stated the power plant was a concem because he
had envisioned more commercial uses in the area and had a plan for its development. He
stated that he would like to consider the other side of the issues, including the
environmental issues, the visual impact, and health and safety issues.
Councilman Penna stated he approved of the concept, but he had concerns that needed
further review. He felt that South San Francisco was on the move away from
smokestacks and this was a concern that he needed to consider.
Mayor Datzman discussed with AES representatives the community input that they so far
have received. Mr. Patch stated that a presentation was made to the Chamber, which was
receptive, and a discussion was held with Mr. Randy Delena, property owner on East
Jamie Court. Mayor Datzman urged the representatives to contact more people in the
immediate area, talk with them, and gain their support.
Councilman Mullin stated his first impression was favorable of the project, but would
like to also hear the other side of the issues. He did agree that the project would have
benefits for the community.
Councilman Fernekes stated his concern regarding the project and the stack and would
also like to hear the other side of the issues. He also wanted to hear more about other
alternatives for the site and Mr. Simms' proposal. He felt there were positive benefits at
the WQCP, but there must be community input.
Mayor Datzman also encouraged the AES representatives to work with the media.
Council thanked the representatives for their presentation.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 19, 1999
MINUTES PAGE 2
ADJOURNMENT
Motion-Mullin/Second-Fernekes: To adjourn the City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
Syl~i~M. Payne, City Cl~k
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
MINUTES
MAY 19, 1999
PAGE 3