Meeting Information

MINUTES

Wednesday, August 27, 2003
6:00 P.M.

1800 Oakdale Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124

I. Call to Order

Commission President Millard Larkin called the Wednesday, August 27, 2003 meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. in the Alex L. Pitcher Community Room at 1800 Oakdale Avenue.

II. Announcement

Commissioner Larkin read the Sunshine Ordinance aloud and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

III. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Millard Larkin, Commissioner Bobbrie Brown,
Commissioner Louise Jones, Commissioner Kim Nguyen,
Commissioner Ronald Person

Excused: Commissioner Willie Kennedy

Staff Present: Robert Bryan, Deputy City Attorney; Toye Moses, Exec. Dir. SECFC;
Annette Price, SECF Commission Secretary

IX. Old & Ongoing Business

_ Commissioner Larkin took IX Approval of Director's Report of 8/14/03 out of order in order that it be the first item heard, as it was tabled at the last meeting due to the lateness in the hour. Director Moses reported that:

The budget has been approved by the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors and is now being implemented. Both Clean Water and the General Fund are experiencing some budget cuts, but adjustments are gradually being made.

The resurfacing of the parking lot at the Earl P. Mills Auditorium has been completed. The cost to the City was $46,000. Kris Kilgore of Water Pollution Control was the project manager for this job. She and staff did excellent work and we would like to personally thank Kris for all her hard work and commitment.

Commissioner Larkin called for the vote. The Commission unanimously approved the Director's Report. Motion passed to accept Director's Report as presented.

IV. Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Jones moved and Commissioner Person seconded to accept the minutes of Thursday, August 14, 2003. Motion passed to accept minutes as presented with minor corrections.

V. Communications

_ Letter of Invitation to Marshall Lot, Director of College Track re: Overview of College Track programs.

VI. Presentations

Commissioner Larkin asked that the presentation of Ms. Lea Loizos and Mr. Sy Allen-Browning be rescheduled at their request due to a malfunction of their computer equipment.

Commissioner Larkin introduced and welcomed Mr. Edward Rathbun, President of Decorative Plants Services to give an update on Greenhouse Operations.

Mr. Rathbun, President of Decorative Plants distributed handouts of Decorative's second quarter 2003 "New Hire" report to the Commission and gave a brief overview of the history of Decorative Plants Services. He informed the Commission that the operation of the Greenhouse is twofold: The hiring program and the actual operations. Mr. Rathbun stated there has been confusion concerning the hiring process and clarified that the Greenhouse under their lease agreement is obligated to hire 50% of all new hires from the 94124 community, which shall occur by nutrition or expansion of the business. These would be nursery jobs in the greenhouse portion only. Mr. Rathbun stated over the past four quarters, 36% of all new hires have been from the 94124 community. Mr. Rathbun reminded the Commission that the turnover rate of employment is very slow, but assured the Commission they are working diligently to meet that 50% quota.

Mr. Rathbun stated the second portion involves the actual operation of the facility. Decorative is on a month-to-month tenancy, as the new lease has not been signed. The old lease required the City to be responsible for the basic structure of the facility. The new lease now puts that burden on Decorative for maintenance and upkeep of the premises. Decorative Plants agreed to the conditions with one requirement, that the City bring the facility up to date. Mr. Rathbun reported the cost to bring the facility up to date totaled $711,000. Negotiations have been underway with PUC and Decorative and that cost has been reduced to $460,000 through concessions by Decorative. In conclusion, Mr. Rathbun stated the lease has not been finalized. Decorative is waiting on the City to find the money to bring the facility up to date. Once that happens, hopefully the lease will be signed.

Commissioner Person asked the following questions: Has Decorative ever met the 50% quota; what recruitment efforts for employment have been made by Decorative; and what other employment opportunities are there in your operation besides basic entry level positions? Mr. Rathbun stated Decorative has never attained the 50% hiring quota because when Decorative took over, the company had zero vacancies. As time passed, few vacancies occurred. However when those vacancies arose, they were filled with residents from the 94124 area. As far as advancement, Decorative has several programs run by the human resources department that allow employees to take several courses that are offered twice a week. The employees are excused from their shift and are fully paid for their time off. The courses are in plant identification, computers, and customer relations.

Commissioner Larkin stated Southeast has had a very good working relationship with Mr. Caruso and staff over the past few years. We believe Decorative is serious about reaching the goals set for the community and also reminded Decorative that this building as well as the greenhouse is part of mitigation for this community. In these rough economic times, it is only fair that economic opportunities that come about should go to the citizens and residents in the southeast sector. We look forward to a continued working relationship with Decorative and we thank you for coming.

VII. Public Comment: There was no public comment at this meeting.

VIII. Director's Report

a. Director Moses reported: Staff was directed to follow-up with the following future guest speakers: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Arlene Ackerman who is unable to present on October 9^th but will instead send Eloise Brooks, CAO to present on some of the academic programs that will be available in SFUSD. Mr. Rick Tovatt, District Manager of Foods Co will present on October 22, 2003 speaking on customer service. Mr. Robert Harris, Vice President of PG&E will present on November 13, 2003 speaking on the closure of the BVHP plant. We are still hoping to hear from Mayor Brown before he leaves office.


b. Dr. Moses continued that the budget has been approved and is now being implemented. He also reported on a slight accident that occurred at Southeast this week, a slip-and-fall. It was reported to the City Attorney who referred staff to the appropriate claims adjuster who will follow-up with an onsite investigation.


c. As directed, staff attempt to follow-up with Mr. Gomwalk regarding SF League of Urban Gardeners' closure and to obtain certain information but was unsuccessful. Mr. Gomwalk did not return any calls and staff could not get in contact with SLUG staff. Staff will keep you updated.

Commissioner Larkin called for the vote. The Commission unanimously approved the Director's Report. Motion passed to accept Director's Report as presented.

X. Introduction of New Business:

Commissioner Brown reminded that the holiday calendar should be set soon. Commissioner Larkin requested that it be calendared for the next Commission meeting.

XI. Announcements:

Commissioner Larkin announced that Mayor Willie Brown will appoint Commissioner Brown to the PUC Water Rate Regulation Task Force on 8/28/03 at the Public Utilities Commission. All Commissioners are encouraged to attend if their schedules permit. Congratulations on your appointment.

XII. Adjournment

Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Person seconded to adjourn the SECF Commission meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________
Commission Secretary