2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 MINUTES
Thursday, November 13, 2003
6:00 P.M.
1800 Oakdale Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
I. Call to Order
Commission President Millard Larkin called the Thursday, November 13, 2003 meeting to order at
6:08 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 Ronald Person; Commissioner Kenneth Sampson
Absent: Commissioner Willie Kennedy
Staff Present: Robert Bryan, Deputy City Attorney; Toye Moses, Exec. Dir. SECFC;
Annette Price, SECF Commission Secretary.
Commissioner Larkin reminded members of the audience who wish to speak before the Commission
to limit their questions and/or comments to three (3) minutes in length.
IV. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Jones moved and Commissioner Brown seconded to accept the minutes of Wednesday, October 22, 2003. Motion passed to accept minutes as presented (5-0).
V. Public Comment
There was no public comment at this meeting.
VI. Communications
The Executive Director stated the following correspondence letters have been sent as directed:
· Correspondence from Public Defender’s Office announcing the grand opening of the Public
Defender’s satellite office at Southeast Community Facility.
· Correspondence to Ms. Cynthia Williams, WYCDC re: unauthorized re-keying.
In order to accommodate Ms. Patricia Martel’s schedule, Commissioner Larkin moved the order of
the agenda and asked that Mr. Robert Harris, Vice President of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) come forward to give update on the closure of the Hunters Point Power Plant.
VII. Presentation: Mr. Robert Harris, Vice President of Environmental Affairs of PG&E thanked the Commission for the opportunity to update the community on closure of the Hunters Point Power Plant.
Mr. Harris offered background that PG&E operates the Hunters Point Power Plant under contract with the California Independent Systems Operator (ISO) to ensure electric systems reliability. In 1998, PG&E entered into an agreement with the City & County of San Francisco to close Hunters Point Power Plant by 2005. However, until agreement is reached with the ISO that there is no longer a need for plant operation, PG&E cannot close the contract. Mr. Harris referenced a letter to Supervisor Maxwell from the ISO stating ISO’s position with regard to the plant closure.
Mr. Harris went on to report PG&E has taken several key steps toward their goal of plant closure:
§Transmission upgrades– Allows for electric reliability improvements.
§Capacity reductions– Closure of Unit II & III (reduced capacity by 40%).
§Emission reductions– Upgrades on Unit IV (decreased emission by 65%).
§Tank Removal– Fuel oil tank removal (8 out of 9).
§Air emits– EAAQMD renewal plant permit
Mr. Harris reported PG&E has been awarded Interchangeable Emission Reduction Credits (IERC) due to their reduction in emissions, which will be used to comply with upcoming stricter emission limits to avoid installation of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), the next stage of the capital improvement if the plant were not slated for closure.
Mr. Harris stated that in October, PUC approved PG&E’s Hunters Point Power Plant Decommissioning & Site Remediation, which includes PG&E’s request for cleanup of that site after plant closure to a residential standard. Also in final review process is the Education Response Plan (ERP), which will facilitate more direct communication with community residents in the event an emergency occurs at the facility while in operation. The Energy Efficient Power Project, approved by California PUC, is a 2-year project to reduce energy consumption in San Francisco by 16 megawatts. The program is designed specifically for residents/business owners and a large portion of those dollars will be spent in BVHP. PG&E is also in collaboration with several BVHP organizations to develop contracting opportunities through this project to create employment opportunities.
Mr. Harris concluded by saying that PG&E is committed to environmental justice noting that the company has adopted an environmental justice policy to ensure that compliance with environmental justice laws/regulations are adhered to and to develop creative ways to minimize adverse impacts.
Commissioner Brown stated she was at a loss during the presentation explaining that the acronyms used although familiar to Mr. Harris were unfamiliar to her and stated she is unclear as to how the community will be affected. She asked for clarification of the following: Residential standards; entities which had input on the ERP. Regarding dollars that will be spent in BVHP, she asked what will those dollars be used for and how will the community benefit? Regarding tank removal, what will the status and end result be with reference to health concerns? Regarding transmission upgrades, how will BVHP benefit? Regarding reduction, how will BVHP be affected?
Mr. Harris responded that the residential standard cleanup could be of a commercial, industrial, or residential standard. In this instance, the soil will be cleaned to tolerate residential use, which COBRA has agreed to fund cleanup. With regard to dollars spent in BVHP community, California PUC has agreed to give grant monies to PG&E to reduce the load in San Francisco by 16 megawatts throughout the City and a substantial portion will be directed to BVHP, which will fund contracts to do energy efficiency work. Regarding tank removal, PG&E is in the process of testing the soil underneath those tanks to determine whether contamination exists. If there is contamination, PG&E will clean it up. Interchangeable Emission Reduction Credits (IERC) are credits given when one goes beyond what is necessary by law in order to not release emissions into the air. Those credits can be used to offset future emissions to keep the plant operational until ultimate closure so as not to increase capital in that plant.
Commissioner Jones asked what would be involved in the cleanup efforts to residential standards and the timeline? She also requested that a summarization of Mr. Harris’ presentation be provided. Mr. Harris responded he would be glad to provide that summarization. Cleanup to residential standards refers to cleaning up the soil to those standards held by the California Environmental Protection Agency as well as the State of California.
Commissioner Sampson asked whether any contracts were awarded to this community for tank removal? Mr. Harris deferred to PG&E staff. Mr. Martin, PG&E consultant, responded PG&E worked closely with YCD for the removal project. Out of a crew of eight, 2 to 3 of those were from the BVHP community. Commissioner Sampson questioned the length of time it takes to test for soil contamination? Mr. Harris deferred to PG&E staff. Mr. Doss, PG&E Chief Environmental Engineer explained that after tank removal, a work plan was filed specifying certain requirements. The plan was approved two months ago and testing is almost complete. Mr. Doss noted the test performed showed no contamination and that a full report will be provided to the Regional Board very shortly.
Commissioner Larkin remarked many questions would need to be put on hold pending test results; however he asked whether PG&E has provided health testing for BVHP residents who live in close proximity to the power plant? Mr. Harris responded there had been no health studies/tests sponsored by PG&E. Commissioner Larkin explained that in order to get true test results of contamination, possibly BVHP residents should be tested to determine whether they have been affected. Mr. Harris noted the difficulty to isolate a particular segment of air emission versus segments of auto emissions.
Commissioner Larkin opened questions to the public.
Mr. Brown, BVHP environmental advocate, voiced concern with regard to the dust that rises from the rocks during maintenance. Commissioner Richardson commended Mr. Harris as well as others on the Commission for their hard work and contributions toward the closure of the plant. Mr. DeCosta, community activist, proposed that a change in electrical equipment of small business and replacement of transmission lines be instituted to save money. Mr. Rodney Hampton, YCD representative commended Mr. Harris and the PUC for their efforts regarding diversity in local hiring programs.
Commissioner Larkin asked whether PG&E has worked with other programs other than YCD and the total number of YCD staff that have actually participated on the project. Mr. Harris deferred to Ms. Weller, PG&E representative who responded that three individuals as well as a trucking company were hired for the removal project. She further stated that PG&E does send HR staff out to help individuals through the hiring process. Commissioner Larkin question how many people in San Francisco are served by the plant? Mr. Harris responded 163 megawatts are being generated which would serve approximately 160,000 people.
Commissioner Larkin thanked Mr. Harris for his presentation and stated he looked forward to having him back again noting that in future, staff should be provided with materials in advance so as the Commissioner can be better prepared to ask relevant questions.
Commissioner Larkin asked that Patricia Martel, PUC General Manager come forward and give an update on PUC issues affecting the BVHP community.
Ms. Martel thanked the Commission for the opportunity to present and provide the community with an update on a variety of activities that PUC is engaged in. She reminded that the PUC is responsible for the water, sewer, storm water, street light systems and municipal power operations in San Francisco, all of which she will speak to tonight.
Water System One year ago the voters approved a $1.6 billion water bond measure, which will fund 77 projects to rehabilitate the Hetch Hetchy water delivery system (40 locally/37 regionally). Repairs, rebuilds and new construction on major facilities will occur in and outside of San Francisco. Additional transmission lines as well as improvements to water treatment facilities and local pump stations will occur to allow PUC to continue to meet changing water quality regulations and comply with future regulations. Major seismic improvements will occur to some of the existing reservoirs and new construction of a new reservoir in downtown San Francisco area. Reconstruction of the Lombard reservoir is now in progress and PUC’s design plan for construction of the new LeBrown water tank is presently being reviewed by San Francisco Beautiful. PUC is also moving forward with the public process for consideration of the recycled water projects that will be constructed as part of a system wide improvement, which will provide recycled water for landscaping purposes at locations currently using portable drinking water ($100 million).
Ms. Martel explained in order to complete the work, PUC will enter into project labor agreements with local building trades, local labor councils which will include a social justice component to ensure that local business, particularly minority-owned and women-owned businesses who have historically not benefited from public works efforts will have an opportunity to benefit. Ms. Martel also explained that PUC would expand their efforts to identify individuals from the local community who can be assisted with training programs and skill development as part of that program.
Sewer Systems Ms. Martel reminded that a little over a year ago during her first visit to SECF Commission, the community voiced anger and resentment regarding sewer system improvements and enhancements that had been developed by PUC staff without any direct public involvement, no concern for environmental issues, no attention to social justice issues. As a result of community input, Ms. Martel recommended to PUC removal of the sewer project from the capital program and proceed only with water system improvements. Further recommendation was made to have a legitimate public process to develop a new sewer system master plan. Ms. Martel reported that with the passing of Prop E reform measure, it empowered PUC to execute PUC responsibility as a public utility without many constraints as in the past. Prop E also included a mandate that PUC would create in conjunction with the Board of Supervisors a Citizens Advisory Committee to oversee public utility efforts. CAC would also have subcommittees that deal with wastewater and power issues. Those subcommittees could include any interested member of the public who wanted to participate in creating the super system master plan. The thrust of the master plan process will be to develop a long-term mission/strategy for wastewater and storm water management efforts at PUC. It will also be intended to address system deficiencies, community impacts, environmental/social justice issues, etc. The goals that PUC would like to see implemented are protecting public health/safety, integrating community interest and maximizing public input and public’s acceptance of whatever improvements are identified. The master plan process would involve 3 separate programs: Planning/engineering program; public participation program and environmental review program.
Ms. Martel noted that she understands and sympathizes with the community regarding all the promises made by PUC that were not fulfilled and stated she is trying to address that. One half million dollars will be slated for a technical review committee and to expand the membership of that particular committee who will advocate for community environmental issues, social justice issues, public health issues. PUC will work with the community to identify a series of potential candidates to be added to the technical review committee and serve as community advocates
Municipal Power Ms. Martel stated the goal of the PUC is to assist in shutting down the Power Plant and to find a more reliable energy source for the City. The Board of Supervisors approved the Electricity Resource Plan, which was developed in conjunction with the community, in 2002. The plan will address air quality issues preventing blackouts, ensuring electric reliability, and replacement an aging infrastructure. In January 2003 the State of California made an offer of 4 power generators to the City, which resulted from a settlement of the Williams Company. PUC has been working in conjunction with the state, ISO, and community in the development of potential peaker plants in San Francisco. PUC’s goal is to acquire land for these plants by yearend. Ms. Martel concluded by saying PUC would like to move ahead as quickly as possible because the timeframe 2005 is fast approaching and there is a need to ensure that PUC is able to mobile local resources and identify opportunity for people to be employed in these projects and ensure electricity reliability.
Commissioner Brown commended Ms. Martel on her plan of action and stated she has every confidence in her ability to execute those plans.
Commission Person remarked that many others have come to this community stating they would bring job opportunities to BVHP, which did not happen and questioned whether Ms. Martel could guarantee that these projects would bring employment opportunities to the BVHP. Ms. Martel stated she is well aware of the broken promises but that she intends to find every conceivable way to make good on her commitments. To ensure progress is made, she has assigned specific staff to work with the community, CEOs on a variety of efforts, noting that PUC staff will be held accountable to deliver results.
Commissioner Larkin opened the floor to question from the public.
Mr. DeCosta, community activist, explained that the Raker Act was passed so that constituents from San Francisco would receive both electricity and clean water and asked that the price charged to San Franciscans be evaluated to ensure they are being charge at a fair rate. He also spoke in opposition to the siting of the four combustible turbines, explaining that the generators are run on natural gas, which is very expensive. Mr. Mason, community activist suggested that with regard to the CAC subcommittees, that the Economic Employment Committee, which is a committee that would monitor employment progress of potential employees form the community be considered as one of CAC’s subcommittees. He also asked the General Manager to consider a set aside for the truckers association. Ms. Martel responded that she would certainly bring those suggestions back to staff. Mr. Brown, Community activist spoke in opposition to the siting of the peaker plants noting the the ISO has stated combustible turbines alone will not shut down the peaker plant. Ms. Martel responded that combustible turbines run much cleaner and will assist with improving air quality immensely. Ms. Martel acknowledge that the peaker plants are not the single solution to San Francisco’s energy reliability problem, but one of a number of different sustainable energy approaches PUC hopes to develop. She stated there are a series of projects that have to occur in conjunction with the proposed peaker plants to ensure long-term reliability. Ms. Patton voiced concern regarding training opportunities that would be provided to BVHP residents and asked whether there was a timeline established for training. Ms. Martel responded a plan is being developed over the next several months in partnership with San Francisco Works that will provide a two-fold benefit: Generation of project labor agreements on employment; and establishment of a program to determine what kind of job skills will be necessary. She also noted there would be time to develop skill-based training/development programs to assist with workforce development in conjunction with City College as well as other since the water system rebuild would span over a 13-years period. Dr. Parker voiced concern about economics and suggested that goals be set regarding the number and type of jobs that will be provided. Emphasis should be placed on job development as well as the technical issue.
Commissioner Larkin thanked Ms. Martel for the presentation and explained that the SECF is a result of mitigation for the expansion of the treatment plants in BVHP community. He noted during the mitigation process, the sewage from Peninsula cities was not included in that agreement and requested that the Commission renegotiate or come up with a way to address some mitigation for the added amount of sewage/waste that comes to this community. Commissioner Larking concluded by explaining BVHP community is not a community that just attacks but is concerned because they have been overlooked for many years. He thanked and acknowledged Ms. Martel for the plan presented noting it addressed some of the concerns and hoped the community and Commission would continue to have a good working relationship with PUC.
(Whereupon, a 5-minute recess was called by President Larkin).
VIII. Old & Ongoing Business
As Ms. Shirley Jones has been unable to chair the SECF/CAG meetings due to a family emergency, Commissioner Larkin has appointed Mr. Damone Hale as Vice President of the SECF/CAG, who will chair future meetings in Ms. Jones’ absence. He also reminded that before any action by the group could be taken, they must first bring it the full Commission.
Director Moses announced that Mr. Juan Fuentes, new SECF Commissioner, will be sworn in November 20, 2003 @ 4:00 p.m. and encouraged all Commissioners to attend if their schedules permit.
IX. Directors Report
a) Exe. Dir. Moses reported: Southeast will have two (2) projects going on, installation of an electric gate and installation of a public address system. Budgets have been approved for both.
b) Earl P. Mills facility was recently re-keyed and Southeast will have to bear the cost.
c) Both Clean Water & General Fund baseline budgets for FY 04/05 have been completed.
Commission Brown movedand Commissioners Person secondedto accept the Director’s
Report. Motion passed unanimously to accept report as presented (5-0).
X. Introduction of New Business
Commissioner Brown requested that Director George Smith from Mayor’s Office of Homelessness be invited to give update on homelessness. She also would request that a letter be sent to Dean Hunnicut relating Ms. Martel’s plan to partner with CCSF in an effort to implement training programs at Southeast.
Commissioner Larkin requested that District Attorney Terrance Hallinan be invited to present in conjunction with the Chief of Police to give update on recent killings in the BVHP.
XI. Announcement
Director Moses announced the Taxi Commission would hold a meeting tomorrow at Southeast to address the issue of cab drivers refusing to come to the Bayview. Dr. Moses will also be a presenter at that meeting.
Commissioner Larkin announced that Commissioner Kim Nguyen will be leaving the Commission to pursue other interest and suggested that a date of December 12, 2003 be scheduled to invite her to dinner and wish her well in her future endeavors.
XII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________
Commission Secretary
