HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.11.2017 SP & PC Minutes @12:30MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE OF
�� THE CITY COUNCIL AND
°gLIF0 PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, California 94083
Meeting will be held at:
CITY MANAGER CONFERENCE ROOM
400 GRAND AVENUE
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017
12:30 p.m.
1. Call to Order. TIME: 12:31 p.m.
2. Roll Call. PRESENT: Councilmembers Addiego and Matsumoto,
and Planning Commissioners Faria and
Wong.
3. Public Comments.
None.
Matters for Consideration
1. Motion to approve the Minutes from the meetings of June 26, 2017, August 7, 2017 and
October 16, 2017.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked the status of the Serrano property. ECD Deputy
Director Selander stated Mr. Serrano had indicated they were moving to a new home and
there were no tenant evictions.
MOTION
Commissioner Wong moved and Commissioner Faria seconded a motion to approve the
minutes from the meetings of June 26, 2017, August 7, 2017 and October 16, 2017. The
motion carried unanimously.
2. Report regarding developer selection process for the proposed hotel development at Oyster
Point. (Ernesto Lucero, Economic Development Coordinator)
Economic Development Coordinator Lucero explained that three final development teams
would present their proposals. He introduced members of the team and provided an overview
of the development selection process.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked if legal would be present. Coordinator Lucero stated
legal would be on the phone at 4:00 p.m. when closed session began. He reviewed the hotel
site.
Councilmember Addiego asked how the ground lease affected the assessed valuation and
property tax. Coordinator Lucero stated they would pay property tax. Director Greenwood
stated Finance would prepare an analysis but the value of the land would not be incorporated.
Coordinator Lucero discussed the developer selection process.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked why OTO pulled out. Coordinator Lucero stated they
indicated construction labor costs and union labor requirements were obstacles.
Councilmember Addiego stated it was City controlled property, therefore, prevailing wages
were required.
Coordinator Lucero explained the process for negotiating and ground lease agreements.
Councilmember Addiego asked when the matter would be presented to the Council.
Coordinator Lucero stated it was anticipated to go to Council in the middle of February.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked why the process was moving so quickly.
Councilmember Addiego suggested not making a final decision at this meeting. Mayor Pro
Tempore Matsumoto stated she was prepared to make a determination based on the written
proposals. Commissioner Faria stated he had questions and was unsure if he would be able to
decide. Commissioner Wong stated he would like to see the presentations prior to deciding if
he was prepared to make a decision.
Coordinator Lucero discussed the components to be included in the presentations. He
summarized the three proposals.
Julie Purnell, CBRE Hotels, San Francisco, discussed her experience and provided a brief
background of hotels in the City. She explained the differences between full service, select
service, extended stay, boutique, branded and independent hotels.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked if Kimpton was boutique. Ms. Purnell confirmed that
they had been a boutique hotel.
Commissioner Faria asked if there would be banquet capabilities. Ms. Purnell stated JMA
was proposing a Westin, Le Meridian or Two Roads and suggested asking how well versed
the independent hotel was in servicing banquet facilities. She suggested asking each
developer how much was indoor versus outdoor space.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked if Le Meridian was the French company. Ms. Purnell
JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2017
MINUTES PAGE 2
stated they used to be but were now part of Marriott.
Commissioner Wong asked if there was a brand that would do better. Ms. Purnell stated it
was part of a larger mixed use destination, therefore a full- service option was important.
Commissioner Wong asked about stays in South San Francisco versus San Francisco. Ms.
Purnell discussed the closure of the convention center and impact on hotel stays. She
discussed occupancy rates in South San Francisco which demonstrated it was not dependent
on compression from San Francisco.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto discussed concerns regarding sales tax and a recession. Ms.
Purnell discussed forecasting and recession recovery. Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto
discussed her experience on the Conference Authority. She asked which brands were
considered lower price. Ms. Futrell provided examples of economy lodging hotels.
Shashi Group
Chaitanya Prakash provided an overview of the Shashi Group and explained the recent
change to take over management, rather than utilizing a third -party operator. He discussed
the focus on growth in the larger Bay area, corporate markets, and campus projects.
Jean DiMaria, Director of Development for Shashi, presented the dual branded Marriott
proposal for Oyster Point, including a Westin and Element. She discussed the restaurant,
meeting space, fitness amenities, and LEED silver standard. She displayed the conceptual
plan for the hotel. She discussed complications of the project due to multi - stakeholders,
collaboration, and easements and encroachments.
Councilmember Addiego asked complications on the prior uses. Ms. DiMaria discussed
geotechnical aspects of the property.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto questioned the impact of sea level rise. Senior Planner
Gross stated the habitable areas would have to be above the lowest level. Mayor Pro
Tempore Matsumoto stated she wanted the candidates to be aware of additional construction
costs.
Councilmember Addiego asked how construction cost escalation was built into the project.
Ms. DiMaria discussed budget escalation through 2022. Councilmember Addiego discussed
escalation for the new Civic Center project. Ms. DiMaria acknowledged the potential for
environmental issues and increased costs.
Ms. DiMaria discussed parking requirements for the project and proposed 0.7 spaces per
room.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked about conference space. Mr. Prakash stated there was
9,500 square feet of event space. Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto discussed the need for
event space. Ms. DiMaria discussed the five meeting rooms proposed and associated parking.
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Director Greenwood stated self - sufficient parking was necessary. Mayor Pro Tempore
Matsumoto stated ballroom space was important to her. Mr. Prakash explained the parking
studies to be performed and referenced Loft Cupertino.
Commissioner Wong asked which brand would be on which side. Ms. DiMaria explained the
Westin and Element sides. She stated the entire project would be built at one time.
Commissioner Wong asked about the impact of the recession on the JW in Cupertino. Mr.
Prakash stated a full- service hotel was appropriate and hoped there would not be a recession
like 2008. Commissioner Wong asked how risk against biotech downturn would be handled.
Mr. Prakash stated other sources of business would be captured.
Councilmember Addiego asked for information on weekend guests. Ms. DiMaria stated
compression from San Francisco would be an opportunity. She discussed efforts to obtain
customers. Mr. Prakash stated it was necessary to create the right product for leisure
customers as well. He discussed outsourcing for food products.
Ms. DiMaria discussed redevelopment, tax revenues to the City, employment, and
community benefits.
In response to Councilmember Addiego, Ms. DiMaria stated the hotels would not operate
with union contracts.
Commissioner Faria asked how occupancy was retained in both hotels. Ms. DiMaria
discussed the demand for extended stays. Mr. Prakash explained that the Westin and Element
were part of the same hotel and would flow seamlessly. Commissioner Faria asked the
meaning of retail. Ms. DiMaria stated it was flexible and could be a cafe or sundries.
Commissioner Wong asked if the design would be similar to other Westins. Ms. DiMaria
stated they had not done elevations but understood the City wanted iconic, high quality
design.
Mr. Prakash discussed possibilities for retail, including fitness.
Ms. DiMaria expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be interviewed. Mr. Prakash stated
Shashi focused its locations on corporate campuses and would manage its own hotels.
In response to Councilmember Addiego, Mr. Prakash stated they had five hotels and two
under development.
Ensemble
Brian Ehrlich expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to develop a hotel project. He
summarized development goals. He introduced the team and its experience, Ensemble's
portfolio, and comparable experience. He explained the process and brand selection. He
stated they were focused on Canopy and Curio — Hilton Hotels.
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Michael Moskowitz explained the difference between brand standards and guidelines.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked the star value. Mr. Moskowitz stated it would be four
star.
Mr. Ehrlich discussed the option of a curio hotel.
Mr. Moskowitz discussed program, design, cost, and site constraints. He stated the design
needed to take advantage of the waterfront, create a destination and importance of the design.
He summarized the design and programming.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked how many people could fit. Mr. Moskowitz stated
6,000 square feet would accommodate 500 sit down.
Commissioner Faria asked the square foot cost for curio to canopy. Mr. Ehrlich stated it
would be studied. Mr. Moskowitz anticipated curio would be more expensive. Mr. Ehrlich
stated there was one canopy in Washington D.C.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto stated she appreciated that the hotel would be Ensemble's
number one priority. She discussed their request for 50% of TOT over 10 years.
Councilmember Addiego asked about the proposed number of rooms. Mr. Moskowitz
reviewed the site plan and stated more rooms required more parking. He stated the proposed
project could be delivered sooner than a high rise. Mr. Ehrlich stated they could provide data
the numbers on rooms, parking and rates. Mr. Moskowitz highlighted important variables
including solar, winds and views. He discussed the architectural homage to reclaim the bay.
Mr. Ehrlich discussed the benefits to the City. Mr. Moskowitz explained why not dual
brands. He discussed Ensemble's expertise, commitment, and collaboration.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto stated she liked the concept. She asked why extended stay
was not included. Mr. Ehrlich stated they asked the biotechs and their focus was for meeting
space. Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto requested the design from Menlo Park not be utilized.
Mr. Ehrlich stated they did not do cookie cutter.
Commissioner Wong asked what would determine canopy versus curio. He suggested curio
design for that area. Mr. Moskowitz explained the advantage to curio and canopy.
Councilmember Addiego asked total properties. Mr. Moskowitz stated they had 13 properties
and utilized an operating partner. Councilmember Addiego discussed use of top 20 operators.
Mr. Moskowitz discussed the properties under labor agreements.
Commissioner Faria asked about general contractors. Mr. Moskowitz stated the contractors
depended on the job and had not yet been selected. Mr. Ehrlich stated they had considered
JOINT HOUSING STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2017
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modular.
Commissioner Wong asked about TOT proposal. Mr. Moskowitz explained hotel
performance, construction cost, and share of TOT. Commissioner Wong asked what
happened if performance was not as projected. Mr. Moskowitz stated it was an associated
risk but they prepared for downturns. Mr. Ehrlich stated open communication was necessary
with all constituent groups.
Mr. Moskowitz expressed enthusiasm at the opportunity.
JMA Ventures
Kevin Morgan introduced JMA and its investment portfolio. He discussed applicable projects
and overall goals.
Jamie Robertson stated they had gathered community desires and done technical due
diligence.
Mr. Morgan stated they envisioned a public private partnership. He explained their proposal
for a boutique hotel or Marriot. Mr. Robertson introduced the proposed team. Mr. Morgan
discussed underwriting assumptions. Mr. Chapman stated assumptions were very informed.
He discussed their involvement in the community and experienced, local team.
Mr. Robertson explained the approach, process overview and contact. Mr. Morgan discussed
efforts to obtain feedback from the community and need to generate weekend business. He
discussed JMA's experience in hotel and mixed use development. Mr. Chapman discussed
the Rincon Restaurant project. Mr. Robertson highlighted out of the box nature and
complexity of each project. He explained the geotechnical approach. Mr. Morgan presented
the programming and design concept.
Mr. Robertson presented conceptual renderings of the project
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked which portion was extended stay. Mr. Robertson
explained the shared components and stated it had not yet been determined.
Councilmember Addiego asked if it created one destination. Mr. Morgan stated there would
be one door, one lobby. Mr. Chapman described the extended stay clients.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto questioned why additional extended stays were necessary.
Mr. Morgan stated the current extended stay was not appropriately serving the market. He
stated a higher end project would be more appealing.
Mr. Robertson discussed the experience with tenants on the HPC Campus. Mr. Chapman
stated full service would engage extended stay guests. Mr. Morgan stated the boutique brand
allowed more flexibility in extended stay rooms.
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Mr. Morgan continued the presentation outlining brand consideration, number of rooms, and
Westin/Element or Le Meridian,
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked about extended stay. Mr. Morgan explained that there
was additional room and colleagues could be invited. He explained it was similar to a
corporate apartment.
Mr. Robertson discussed the economic benefit package and informed numbers.
Commissioner Faria asked about parking and 6,000 squre feet of meeting space. Mr. Morgan
explained the proposed design for ballrooms. Mr. Robertson stated meeting space flexibility
would be built in. He discussed possible overflow parking and the goal to adequately park the
facility.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked about the public private partnership. Mr. Robertson
explained the proposal to structure the project in a way that would work within the City's
budget, including scoping and sharing TOT rebates. Mr. Chapman stated the new sources of
revenue could help finance the project. Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto asked if they would
sell the property. Mr. Chapman discussed long term ground lease and interest in purchasing
the site in the future. He stated the first priority was to create a great project.
Commissioner Wong asked what would determine the hotel brand. Mr. Morgan stated design
would determine the brand. He discussed the opportunity to engage and embrace the bay.
Commissioner Wong stated he liked the Americana in Downtown.
Commissioner Faria asked the cost for extended stay. Mr. Robertson estimated extended
stays at $250 and boutique $210. Mr. Morgan stated extended stay had higher occupancy.
Mayor Pro Tempore Matsumoto estimated Genesis would exceed AC.
Councilmember Addiego stated Oyster Point tied into San Fransicso.
Jose Luis Martinez discussed extended stays, allowing a more customized solution.
Cynthia Gomez, representing existing hospitality workers, discussed her job to improve
wages and working conditions and requested the City consider the quality of the jobs and a
union contract. She discussed sexual harassment from guests and assistance from unions. She
encouraged priority to those committing to good jobs.
Councilmember Addiego asked if JMA had contracts. Ms. Gomez stated JMA did both build
and staff union. Councilmember Addiego encouraged his colleagues to meet with Ms.
Gomez.
CLOSED SESSION
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3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: the 4.7 -acre portion of APN 015- 010 -600, dedicated for a proposed hotel.
Agency negotiator: Alex Greenwood
Negotiating parties: Ensemble Real Estate Investments, Shashi Group, JMA Ventures, and
City of South San Francisco
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of payment
The Subcommittee adjourned to Closed Session at 4:25 p.m.
The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 4:45 p.m.
Matters for Consideration (Continued)
3. Report regarding developer selection process for the proposed hotel development at Oyster
Point (Ernesto Lucero, Economic Development Coordinator)
Councilmember Addiego announced that the Subcommittee directed staff to enter into an
ENRA with the Ensemble Group.
Adjournment
Being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:46 p.m.
Submitted by: Approved by:
s.
Gabrie odriguez, Deputy City Clerk p , Councilmember
City of South San Francisco City of Sou San Francisco
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