MINUTES

Thursday, May 11, 2006

6:00 P.M.

1800 Oakdale Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94124

1. Commission President Bobbrie Brown called the Thursday, May 11, 2006 meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Alex L. Pitcher Community Room at 1800 Oakdale Avenue.
   
   Commissioner Brown read the Sunshine Ordinance aloud.
    

Commissioners Present: Brown; Fuentes; Kennedy, Parker, Person, Jones and Sampson

Staff Present: John Roddy, Deputy City Attorney; Toye Moses, Executive Director;
Annette Price, SECF Comm-Sect

Be it resolved that the minutes of the Southeast Community Facility Commission meeting of Thursday, May 11, 2006 were approved as submitted.

2.0               PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Dorris Vincent suggested coordinating PAC’s calendar with the Commission’s calendar to gain a larger audience attendance. Mr. Thor Kaslofsky, SF Redevelopment asked for clarification on the use of the SECF parking lot by the CAC and PAC. Mr. Ardis Graham, SFPUC reported that the 9910 pre-apprentice stationary engineers will test in July. Mr. Cedric Jackson, Career Center commented that there is an irregularity in the zoning regulations for the Facility.
 

3.0               COMMUNICATIONS:
Dir. Moses reported the following correspondence has been sent/received: Confidential correspondence to Deputy City Attorney John Roddy re: 100 Whitney Young Circle, city-owned building.
 
President Bobbrie Brown introduced Mr. Fred Abadi, Director of Department of Public Works (DPW) who thanked the Commission for the welcome and opportunity to give an overview on the Department. 

4.0               PRESENTATIONS:
Mr. Abadi began by distributing handouts, which lists the available services provided by DPW. DPW employs 1500 employees who are charged with: 1) maintaining public right-of-ways, 2) graffiti abatement, 3) reconstruction of city street systems, 4) maintenance of public buildings, and 4) construction of new buildings.

Mr. Abadi gave a brief overview of the 28-Clean program offered by DPW, which isa customer service line that allows the public to report trash accumulation, illegal dumping, graffiti or other maintenance issues.  Mr. Abadi reported that 35% of the total illegal dumping in the City of San Francisco is concentrated in District 10. Mr. Abadi stated DPW has engaged in numerous activities to mitigate this challenge.

Mr. Abadi asked that Mr. Mohammad Nuru, Deputy Director of Operations (DPW) step forward to discuss the new pilot program being implemented to mitigate illegal dumping. Mr. Nuru explained

challenges faced in the Southeast sector are the illegal dumping and graffiti “tagging”. New wireless technology has been developed which will enable DPW to help in the prosecution of illegal dumpers and “taggers”. The new technology will allow DPW to conduct live surveillance in real-time format. Mr. Nuru reported the department currently spends $2 million a year handling illegal dumping/graffiti.

Mr. Abadi concluded by discussing the different activities taking place in District 10, which include tree planting, median enhancements, and street-scaping. He gave update of several capital improvement projects, such as the renovation of Joseph Lee Recreation Center, the Bayview Transportation Improvement Project, Oakdale/Palou underground wiring project, and the street-paving project. Mr. Abadi stated he would like to return to update the Commission on the success of this pilot project once it has been in full operation.

Commissioner Brown thanked Messrs. Abadi/Nuru for their presentation. She asked what success has DPW had with regard to identifying and prosecuting illegal dumpers. Mr. Nuru explained it is a difficult process getting enough evidence to prosecute.

Regarding the underground wiring, President Brown asked why has the connection cost increased from $1500 to $2000.  Mr. Abadi stated he does not know why there has been an increase; however once he has made that determination he will send a written response to the Commission.

Commissioner Kennedy asked why do trees planted in the Bayview district look frail as compared to trees in other districts. Mr. Nuru explained the appearance of trees is dependent on the species, size, and character.

Commissioner Kennedy reported some residents have voiced concern to her that there are no Bayview residents working on the Joseph Lee Rec Center project. Mr. Nuru stated he was not aware of that but would look into it. He added City contracting does require first source hiring.

Mr. Nuru went on to report that DPW is one of the lead agencies having hired and enrolled 80 individuals from BVHP in a 2-year job-training program. It is a drug-free program that offers employment, family counseling, and support.

Commissioner Fuentes suggested the graffiti pilot project should somehow be connected to schools or youth centers to enlighten youth on the consequences of their actions and alternatives. Mr. Abadi stated DPW is currently proposing a cleaning/graffiti abatement program that consists of hiring contractors to work with DPW to abate graffiti on private properties.

Commissioner Person questioned why a third of the illegal dumping takes place in the Bayview. Mr. Nuru stated in residential areas, illegal dumping happens primarily when people are moving, or when many people live in a residence where there is insufficient garbage service. Mr. Nuru reminded that residents who have garbage service are entitled to two (2) free garbage pickups annually (28-CLEAN).

Commissioner Parker commended DPW on their new policy to employ residents.

Commissioner Jones asked how aggressive will DPW be in addressing potholes throughout the city with additional funds that have been allocated. Mr. Abadi stated a major rehabilitation program must be implemented to address the street system as well as a long-term improvement plan.

Commissioner Sampson asked does the graffiti abatement/illegal dumping program give incentives to informers. Mr. Nuru stated legislation has been passed that gives an incentive when reporting “taggers”. However in order to obtain the reward, prosecution must take place.

Dir. Moses voiced concern regarding the condition of the sidewalks outside the SECFacility building and asked who would be responsible for maintaining those sidewalks, since the Facility is city owned. Mr. Abadi stated it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the sidewalk in a safe condition.

Additionally, DPW is currently looking to implement a sidewalk program where the city would hire a contractor to inspect a certain section of the city annually and identify areas needing repair then notify property owners of their responsibility.

Commissioner Brown thanked Messrs. Abadi and Nuru for coming and asked that they let the Commission know in what ways it can be of support.

 5.0            OLD & ONGOING: AMENDMENT of Legislative Ordinance:
Dir. Moses reminded that a small committee had been created to pursue Commission eligibility for health service system plan benefits.

Commissioner Parker reported he had been told it would be too costly for the city to support the Commission’s request, as it would cost the City $367 per commissioner per month.

Dir. Moses stated until the issue of autonomy has been resolved, it will be a continuing problem.

Attorney Roddy stated the critical part would be whether or not the Commission has jurisdiction of authority over something or whether it is predominantly advisory. Roddy added that he would be happy to get a list of all Commissions/Boards who are and are not covered.

Commissioner Parker moved that the Commission pursue the health benefits issue by writing a letter to Mayor Newsom requesting his support/guidance.

MOTION: Moved by Parker, seconded by Kennedy to write a letter to Mayor Newsom requesting his support/guidance re: Commission health benefits. Motion passed unanimously (7-0).

 6.0            Introduction of New Business By Commissioners:
The Commission listed the following long- and short-term goals they would like to consider for discussion at a future meeting: 1) retention of BVHP residents; 2) community attendance; 3) adequate community services; 4) student scholarships; 5) to pursue or not to pursue Commission autonomy; 6) newsletter; 7) outreach to BVHP churches; 8) Facility name change; 9) Power of Commission to reject agencies who are not supportive of BVHP residents; 10) provide refreshments after meetings; 11) door prizes/gift certificates; 12) annual community event; 13) workshop; 14) publication of Commission profiles in local paper; 15) collaborate with community activists/agencies to increase meeting attendance; 16) invite all the City departments (table/booth set-up) re: community outreach; 17) one stop center to inquire about information/service available within the city limits.

 7.0            Director’s Report:
Dir. Mosesbriefly updated the Commission that the budget is with the Board of Supervisors. The Hunters Point Power Plant is scheduled for closure on May 23^rd. Mayor Newsom and Maria Shriver have a Wi-Fi kick-off on May 15h at the Alice Griffith Community Center. The Interim Superintendent Gwen Chan will present at the next commission meeting. Dir. Moses will be on vacation from May 22^nd through May 26.
 
MOTION: Moved by Parker, seconded by Kennedy to accept the Director’s Report. Motion passed unanimously to accept report as presented (7-0).

8.0               Introduction of New Business By Commissioners:
Commissioner Sampson suggested that an invitation be sent to Chief of Police Heather Fong re: staff reduction for Operation Dream.
 
Commissioner Parker suggested that a letter be sent to Mayor Newsom requesting assistance in obtaining health care benefits for members of the SECF Commission.
 

9.0               Public Comment:
Mr. Herb Dang, SFPUC suggested that a newsletter be sent out to increase attendance at commission meetings.

10.0            Announcements:
Commissioner Brown reminded all commissioners to be conscious of having quorum at the upcoming commission meeting. Commissioner Jones requested to be excused from the May 24^th meeting.

11.0            Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
         _____________________

Commission Secretary