Kevin W. Jensen

The Rate Board issued a resolution and order regarding the 2013 Rate Application from Recology Sunset Scavenger, Recology Golden Gate, and Recology San Francisco. The Board adopted the Department of Public Works Director's recommended orders with modifications. Key actions included approving a pilot basis for the Abandoned Materials Collection Program through June 2016, placing limits on annual cost-of-living adjustments for base rates, requesting a Special Reserve Fund report, and providing directives for outreach to ratepayers with limited English proficiency. The Board also addressed pass-through expenses for business license fees and made environmental findings regarding the rate setting process under CEQA.

The commission held closed sessions regarding pending litigation and the secretary's performance evaluation, deciding not to disclose the discussions from these sessions. The Director presented updates on the department's budget process, newly secured private funding for the Powell Street Improvement project, and the groundbreaking for the Portsmouth Square renovation. Additionally, the commission approved a consent calendar involving various engineering service contracts, construction contract awards for public facility improvements, and multiple contract modifications for ongoing infrastructure projects.

The hearing officer considered two appeals regarding tree removal permit denials. The first item concerned a request to remove two street trees at 256 Bemis Street to accommodate a new driveway for a residential project involving a new home and an ADU. The applicant argued the removal was necessary due to site constraints, while the hearing officer noted the department's denial of the request. The second item addressed a request to remove four street trees at 2139 Balboa Street, which the property owner claimed were causing damage and hazards. The department maintained that the trees were healthy, and the damage had already been mitigated, thus not meeting the criteria for removal.

The Commission's agenda includes a closed session to discuss a settlement in a litigation matter and a performance evaluation of the Commission Secretary. The regular session will address the adoption of meeting minutes, various professional services contract awards for curb ramp design, a renovation contract for a pedestrian plaza, an elevator modernization project, and several contract modifications covering surveying services, library renovations, building rehabilitation, and architectural and engineering work for a fire training facility. The meeting also includes a Director's report, commissioner business, and opportunities for public comment.

This document outlines the City and County of San Francisco's proposed $400 million Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response Bond (ESER 2014). The plan aims to fund critical repairs and improvements to enhance the city's preparedness and response capabilities for major earthquakes and disasters. Key focus areas include seismically upgrading neighborhood fire stations, improving the emergency firefighting water system, rehabilitating police district stations and infrastructure, and relocating the motorcycle police, crime lab, and medical examiner facilities from seismically deficient buildings. The initiative seeks to safeguard residents, expedite recovery, and ensure public safety infrastructure resilience as part of the broader 2014-2023 Capital Plan.