Sandy Alvarez

The meeting segment focused on Public Comment, where procedures were outlined regarding speaking time limits and the policy to refer matters to staff for investigation. Public comments addressed several issues, including the financial state of the City Services department, noting significant budget shortfalls and suggesting necessary fixes or divestment. Another topic concerned city cleanliness and maintenance, specifically requesting collaboration with Caltrans to clean and potentially fence the US-380 underpass to prevent illegal dumping. A resident also raised concerns about the lack of current regulation for short-term rentals (like Airbnbs), referencing outdated 1980s policies and describing nuisances experienced due to a nearby Airbnb operation. Furthermore, a request was made for the City Council to adopt a City Charter resolution in early 2021 to prepare for the November 2022 district elections deadline, and to form an Environmental Sustainability Commission to draft a Climate Action Plan.

The meeting included discussions and directives related to several key items. The Council directed staff to prepare an item reflecting the decision to delay or defer the 50-year rate increase for water and sewer services. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the request to agendize a discussion regarding a joint session between the full City Council and the San Bernardino Park School District Board to improve collaboration and communication, particularly concerning land sales and facility usage agreements. Additionally, a proposal was brought forward to expand the Citizens Revenue Oversight Committee (Measure G Committee) from five to seven members to increase diversity among committee representation, suggesting selection from existing qualified candidates to minimize staff time.

Council comments included an update on the second annual badge versus badge blood drive, where the police department secured a victory over the fire department, thanking community members and Red Cross donors. The Interim Police Chief was congratulated. The council planned to adjourn to a closed session to discuss two items: conference with labor negotiations and conferring with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. A significant portion of the comments was dedicated to honoring the memory of Dennis Amat, the third-generation owner of Artichoke Joe's, who recently passed away. Dennis Amat was recognized as an innovator with patents, a forward-thinker regarding earthquake preparedness, and a significant philanthropist who supported various local causes in San Bruno, particularly focusing on youth and education. The council offered condolences to his family.

The primary focus was the Consent Calendar, which included routine items enacted by a single motion. Discussions centered on Item E, receiving a report and confirming appointments of City Council members to various subcommittees, advisory commission boards, committees, and regional capacities. Detailed clarification was sought regarding the locations, frequency, and specific months of these meetings. Furthermore, there was discussion regarding the management of litter and e-waste, including planning for a larger clean-up day in April, exploring maintenance agreements with agencies, and implementing public education campaigns, similar to a past successful graffiti abatement program. The council also addressed the annual report on development impact fees for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, specifically seeking confirmation that projects mitigated 100 percent of additional stormwater runoff, though the City Manager noted nuances exist per project. Finally, there was discussion ensuring adequate representation with alternates for regional bodies like Peninsula Clean Energy.

This segment of the meeting involved questioning Chief Haig regarding past utility work near a gas line, coordination between the Public Works and Fire Departments, and the Fire Department's attendance at safety trainings in 2009 and 2010. Discussions also covered the time taken to restore water supply to hydrants after an explosion and the impact of a potential one-hour delay in shutting off the gas supply. Further discussion centered on improving public awareness and behavioral change regarding pipeline safety, including the use of the Pipeline Emergencies Program and the development of electronic resources by PG&E. Representatives from PG&E detailed their Public Liaison Meetings and Gas and Electric Emergency Seminar offerings, noting the positive feedback and the inclusion of infrastructure details and evacuation distances. The meeting also touched upon the National Pipeline Mapping System and PG&E's localized mapping feature available to customers, as well as the evaluation of PG&E's public awareness program relative to API regulation 1162.