June 14, 2011 SECFC Health & Housing Ad-Hoc Committee
ADOPTED MINUTES
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
Thursday, July 14, 2011, 6:00 PM
1800 Oakdale Avenue, Alex Pitcher Community Room
San Francisco, CA 94124
1.0 CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND CONSENT CALENDAR
Commission President Willie B. Kennedy called the Thursday, July 14, 2011 meeting to order at 6:00 pm in the Alex Pitcher Community Room at 1800 Oakdale Avenue.
1.1 CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM PRESIDENT
Commission President Kennedy announced the Sunshine Ordinance.
1.2 ROLL CALL
6:11 pm roll was called by Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary.
Commissioners Present: Willie B. Kennedy/ Bobbrie Brown/ Brigette LeBlanc/ Al Norman
Commissioner Excused: Karen Chung/ Theo Ellington/ Armina Brown
Staff Present: Toye Moses, Executive Director/ Frances Starr, Senior Management Assistant/ Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary
1.3 CONSENT CALENDAR
Commission President Willie Kennedy read the Consent Calendar.
1.4 PROPOSED ACTION
Accept the Consent Calendar and move forward for adoption at the next meeting the Thursday, June 9, 2011, and Tuesday, June 28, 2011 minutes.
2.0 PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENT OF TIME ALLOTMENT
Espanola Jackson, Community Activist, thanked Commissioners LeBlanc and Ellington for the questions they raised at the joint meeting with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on June 28th.
3.0 COMMUNICATION
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary announced the following:
Press Release: The Mayor Celebrates 40 Years Of Ping Pong Diplomacy
Statement: Mayor Lee’s Statement On independence Day
Press Release: Mayor Lee Appoints three to Redistricting Task Force
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces Milestone in Planning for the 34th America’s Cup Events and Critical Related Port Project
Press Release: Mayor Lee Welcomes China Sunergy’s North American Headquarters To San Francisco
Press Release: Mayor Lee, Audi & Union Square Bid inaugurate Pedestrian Promenade on Powell Street
Announcement: Please join the Department of Elections in preparing voters for a successful November 8, 2011 Municipal Election
3.1 CORRESPONDENCE
Letter: Letter of support to Honorable David Chiu, President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors for Truancy Assessment and Resource Center (TARC) and Tacing Parker, MSW, Program Director.
Letter: Congratulations to Captain Chignell newly appointed to the Bayview Police Station.
4.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following agenda announcements were read by Commission Secretary, Carla Vaughn:
The next meeting of the Southeast Community Facility Commission is a Retreat scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2011, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the SFPUC/WWE Oceanside Water Pollution Plant at 3500 Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Southeast Community Facility Commission will be Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 6 pm, 1800 Oakdale Avenue in the Alex Pitcher Community Room.
The Southeast Community Facility Commission meets next on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 6 pm,
1800 Oakdale Avenue in the Alex Pitcher Community Room.
Mr. Torrance Bynum, newly appointed Coordinator of City College/Southeast Campus introduced himself to the Southeast Community Facility Commissioners and said he was honored to work with the Commissioners and the community. He thanked Director Moses for his support and advised that City College was here to stay. Mr. Bynum said the mission of City College is training and education and he plans to fulfill that mission.
Chair Kennedy thanked Mr. Bynum and welcomed him as a member of the Southeast family.
Ms. Espanola Jackson, community activist, had the following question and comments:
When will the senior sewing class be allowed to return to the Southeast campus? This is a teaching and learning building not a space for people to set up offices. Many groups have organized themselves within the last 2 or 3 years because money is coming through this community. Ms. Jackson requested the Commission scrutinize the agencies. Also, there was to be a data bank created by the city for the purpose of training individuals from this community to fill positions of those retiring from city service. In closing, Ms. Jackson said she hoped the Commission would find space for The Hunter’s Point Family who has provided services to this community for over ten years.
Mr. Bynum assured Ms. Jackson they had the same concerns. He said the job of City College was to deliver services to the community and to be of service to the community. This will be accomplished through training and education. Mr. Bynum assured Ms. Jackson of his compassion for the seniors and promised to push the issue with the Chancellor.
Ms. Jackson had a question regarding the shuttle service that had been promised.
Mr. Bynum said the shuttle service would begin in January and would provide access to each campus.
Mr. Jameel Patterson, community member, had questions regarding outreach programs and administration of justice classes.
Mr. Bynum reported several student ambassadors had been hired to help with outreach and he hoped the community would help as well. Outreach would include media and posted signs. There will also be verbal outreach. The entire program for City College is being redesigned and will offer as many classes as any other campus.
Regarding Mr. Patterson’s questions related to student-run-programs, Mr. Bynum invited Mr. Patterson to make an appointment to discuss this issue further.
Mr. Debray Carpenter had comments regarding the need for African language and music, dance and multimedia classes.
Lena Miller, Founder & Executive Director, Hunter’s Point Family, thanked Ms. Jackson for recognizing the work done by the agency. Ms. Miller expressed interest in moving into the facility and acknowledged the disappointment felt by the community with regard to the unfulfilled promises of the mitigation. The agency primarily serves public housing, high risk, youth and young adults. In conjunction with funding from the SFPUC an idea for a Green College was formed to help the youth that are not doing well, and a community that is in jeopardy.
Mr. Bynum said the college was looking very closely at the agencies that were interested in moving into the facility, and he hoped to provide answers soon.
Chair Kennedy announced the retreat was open to the public and invited all to attend.
Chair Kennedy introduced Brenda J. Jones, SFPUC External Affairs and welcomed her to the Commission.
5.0 PRESENTER
Commission President Kennedy introduced Ms. Nicole Wheaton, Policy Analyst & Commission Appointment Secretary from the Mayor’s Office.
Ms. Wheaton provided a brief orientation for the Commissioners regarding their responsibilities. Ms. Wheaton referenced the Good Government Guide, specifically with regard to attendance and noted a resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors in 2006 which states, “Excessive absenteeism by individual members of such bodies among many things deprive different communities of effective representation.” The Mayor takes this seriously. The Mayor has requested a fiscal year 10-11 attendance report from all Commissions. Ms. Wheaton encouraged the Commissioners to familiarize themselves with the Good Government Guide, inside and out. It provides good protocol for action with the department and fellow Commissioners. Administrative items go through the President and the Director. The guide contains Sunshine Ordinance and Ethics requirements. Ms.Wheaton invited the Commissioners to contact her directly whenever they had questions. Ms. Wheaton thanked the Commissioners on behalf of the Mayor for the work they are doing.
Commissioner LeBlanc thanked Ms. Wheaton and had a question regarding the ethics training.
Ms. Wheaton advised she would provide the name of someone at the Ethics Department to insure the training would be received.
Ms. Jackson noted the Southeast Community Facility Commission was left out of the listing of Commissions and Boards in the Good Government Guide.
Mr. Jameel Patterson asked where he could access the Good Government Guide.
Ms. Wheaton and John Roddy, deputy city attorney referred him to the City Attorney web-site.
Chair Kennedy introduced Mr. John Roddy, Deputy City Attorney who provided information regarding the legislation that created the Commission.
Mr. Roddy provided the following legal facts: This facility is part of the sewer enterprise under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission. Under the charter the SFPUC has exclusive authority to manage its utilities subject to the budgetary constraints and approval of the Board of Supervisors (Board) and the Mayor. Essentially, the Board cannot dictate to the SFPUC what it can and cannot do about matters under its exclusive jurisdiction.
This has been one of the problems we have had while discussing this over the last five years.
When the ordinance was written in 1987 this Commission was intended to provide review and guidance. This language is throughout this ordinance which has been in place for almost 25 years. It is in essence “advisory”; it cannot veto a PUC decision about a PUC facility. The status is not making anyone happy, but the way it is laid out between the charter and the ordinance the PUC and this Commission has a partnership dealing with the affairs of this facility. Based on the testimony the partnership needs improvement. The question we have before us is how can it be improved, and what means are available to do it?
Following are questions and comments by the Commissioners:
Commissioner LeBlanc – Please repeat what you said referencing “The Board cannot dictate”, are you meaning this Commission cannot dictate to SFPUC?
Attorney Roddy – One of the things that we have talked about in the past is whether the Board can change Article 54, the Administrative Code which established this Commission, to give it power and control over this facility to the exclusion of the PUC, or to give it power and authority over sewer service revenues, which are used to fund the budget of this facility. Because the affairs of the sewer enterprise are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the PUC the Board has no authority to do it directly. The only way to do it would be to amend the Charter to remove that power from the PUC and vest it elsewhere. An amendment to the Charter requires a vote of the people.
Commissioner LeBlanc – There was a memo that was written in 2006 regarding the proposed Charter change regarding Commission authority and that is when Commissioner Bobbrie Brown was the President of the Commission. The memo is from Attorney Roddy suggesting that one or two Commissioners, or members of the public, be asked to assist Dr. Moses in developing the Scope of Authority that the Commission wishes to present as a Charter amendment.
For the record, the suggestion was made back in January 12, 2006. We have had several comments and concerns from the community regarding the Commission authority. It has come up time and time again so for the record that document was written.
Attorney Roddy – The offer still stands. I am happy to help.
President Kennedy – I did not understand that last statement.
Attorney Roddy – The memo Commissioner LeBlanc is referring to was written by me five years ago, saying the process we had ceased to work because the two people invited to participate were no longer available and it was suggested that we sit down with a very small group, like two Commissioners, and discuss how we could address this issue. The amendment and the fundamental piece of discussing that issue is what authority the amendment would encompass. In essence, what is it the Commission would like to be able to do? That is a conversation we never really followed through with.
President Kennedy – I realize the Charter is a much stronger document than the San Francisco Administrative Code, because that is where this Ordinance is located now. At the time the legislation was done, on October 15, 1987 by Supervisor Ward and me. We thought we were doing something that was going to be a much stronger Commission and established as a Commission the same as the other Commissions located within the Charter. The interpretation of it has been varied and law can be interpreted many ways. It depends on who is interpreting it and for what reason. Previously you said “In order to move forward with this project I respectfully suggest that one or two Commissioners, or members of the public, be asked to assist Dr. Moses and myself in developing the Scope of Authority that the Commission wishes to present as a Charter amendment”. We are going to look forward to doing that and will be appointing two members from this Board and asking a couple of people from the Community to join us in setting up that Charter amendment. That will be our next goal.
Commissioner Norman – I thought I heard Attorney Roddy say this was all tied to the funding of the sewer work, sewer funds, and sewer improvement. Therefore PUC has the final word on everything. We are just an advisory to them and any change other than a Charter amendment will have to go to the voters.
Attorney Roddy – Only a Charter amendment would have to go to the voters. Coming up with a Charter amendment that figured out a way for two departments to deal with one fund source will be a problem, but we should talk about it and figure out if we can do it.
Commissioner Norman – Regarding the co-relation between SECFC, the SFPUC, and the funds, which are available through sewer tax, the ultimate control will be the SFPUC. We are trying to change the Charter now and we are trying to get a committee together to do the same thing and after we do all that do we still have to go to the voters?
Attorney Roddy – Yes.
Dr. Moses asked Attorney Roddy to explain to the Commission the two ways that might make the change possible. Does the Board of Supervisors have the authority to make the Commission a Chartered one? We were told there were two ways: #1) either you go to the voters or #2) the Board of Supervisors will co-sponsor in conjunction with the Mayor. Can you clarify that?
Attorney Roddy – I do not know where that came from. The Board of Supervisors cannot act and divest the SFPUC of the authority it has under the Charter.
Director Moses said that is the reason why the Commission met with former Supervisor Maxwell a couple of years ago. She was supposed to work in conjunction with the Mayor to make it possible without having to go to the voters.
Attorney Roddy – I was not a part of that so I do not know where that went and the fact that it did not go anywhere does not surprise me because it needs a Charter amendment if this facility is not going to be under the control of the SFPUC.
Commissioner Norman – Isn’t the vote that we are talking about, and the reason that it has to go back to the voters because voters voted some bond issues concerning the bonds that started this whole sewer facility financial situation?
Attorney Roddy – If there were no exclusive jurisdictions on the part of the SFPUC that might be an issue. But it really is not because the voters approved a Charter amendment that gives the SFPUC this sort of authority. The former bond issues are not relevant any more.
Director Moses referred Attorney Roddy to the 2006 memo where Attorney Roddy stated “In order to move forward with this project I respectfully suggest that one or two Commissioners, or members of the public, work with Toye and me to develop the Scope of Authority so that this Commission will be able to present a Charter amendment.” Please provide clarification of that.
Attorney Roddy – At the time my understanding of the Commissions desire was to have control over its budget, but its budget is part of SFPUC’s budget made up of civil service revenues.
So in order to have that kind of control either over the building or the budget, it would require a Charter amendment to divest SFPUC of it’s authority over the building and some portion of sewer service revenues, or another fund source. Those are two Charter related issues. The Board cannot make it happen.
Dr. Moses asked if the statement was misleading.
Attorney Roddy – Yes, and I think it came out of one of those original CAG meetings and was wrong.
Commissioner LeBlanc – I’m looking at Section 2.105 of the 1996 Charter requires the Board of Supervisors to act only by written Ordinance or Resolution. The process is further outlined in the Rules of Order indicating that resolutions are generally prepared by Supervisors or by requesting department; however, it also states that members of the public may submit drafts of proposed resolutions to individual Supervisors for their review and introduction.
Attorney Roddy – Is this the memo written to Michael Harris?
Commissioner LeBlanc – It is to Michael Harris from Jennifer Vega regarding Southeast Community Facility Commission.
Attorney Roddy – To really sum it up quickly it was written by an intern who had a pretty faulty understanding of municipal authority.
Commissioner Kennedy – We can bring the idea or something to a member of the Board of Supervisors and if they choose to follow through they can.
Attorney Roddy – They can follow through by sponsoring a Charter amendment?
Commissioner Kennedy – Yes, by introducing it on the floor of the Board and then it goes into the City Attorney’s office to be set up, and then it comes back and it goes through the process. It can be done. We can try it.
Attorney Roddy – It can be done. We can try it.
Commissioner Kennedy – I think that is all we need to know. I think we can get the community behind us.
Ms. Espanola Jackson, community activist, stated she brought history to the issue. She noted the SFPUC was not involved in the establishment of the Southeast Community Facility Commission (SECFC). Ms. Jackson said she was not aware of the Commission ever being informed that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) would be taking over the role initiated by the Department of Public Works (DPW). She said not informing the Commission was dishonest because in 1972 many promises were made to the community through the mitigation. The Commission and the SECFC building were created through the mitigation process, not the DPW, Water Department (formerly Water Pollution), or the SFPUC. When you speak of the SFPUC building you are speaking of 750 Phelps not 1800 Oakdale. Initially the community was told the Southeast sector would receive 80% of the City’s sewage. In 1997 Ms. Jackson learned the Southeast plant was receiving 100% of the sewage from Brisbane, Colman, and Daly City. At the time the Commissioners could have said if SFPUC is taking over we would like 20% of the SFPUC budget for the Bayview. This is an issue that warrants discussion by the SECF Commission. The Southeast community is not interested in business as usual. In 1997/98 while driving near AT&T Park Ms. Jackson noticed crews with large pipes digging from the direction of the Presidio sending more sewage to the Bayview. All of the sewage is coming into this community with no benefits.
Ms. Jackson discussed discrepancies between the SFPUC and the SECFC, such as; # of staff, salaries, staff residence location, # of employees from the Bayview in administrative positions, # of employees from the Bayview working at the plant. Ms. Jackson requested the Commissioners hold the SFPUC accountable.
Ms. Jackson said the main purpose the Commission was created was to allow employees to access civil service job status.
In closing, Ms. Jackson said the SFPUC had no employment authority over Director Moses because he was hired by the community.
Greg Doxey, Osiris Coalition, stated receiving 80% of the sewage and 17 – 50 jobs was an insult to the community. He noted the community is waking up and it is time for the Commission to ask the hard questions. He thanked Commissioner LeBlanc for the questions she had raised and offered support from the Osiris Coalition.
Dr. Harrison Parker, community activist and former Commissioner, had questions/ comments as follows:
1. If this Commission is advisory then who or what is this Commission advisory to? Please be specific, not general. This Commission has the duty to foster community projects, yet no funds are being provided for that purpose. Fostering without funding is a failure. This is basic commonsense.
2. What is this Commission’s relationship with SFPUC? According to the SFPUC organizational information chart the SECFC is a component under SFPUC.
3. Is it constitutionally proper for one Commission to be subservient to another Commission? Each Commission should have its own independence and tasks to perform, which is not the same as another Commission. The primary function of duties that the SECFC has been performing all these years has been a real estate management position managing this building and several other satellite facilities in this community. I would like to know why this organization and this community are still being treated as second class citizens.
City Attorney John Roddy said these were great questions and yes, the Commission is advisory. That is the way the ordinance has been for the last 20 years and the words do not lie. “Provide review and guidance” is advisory.
Mr. Roddy noted the other questions suggest issues to consider going forward. While listening to the questions he was reminded of Ms. Ellis’ presentation at the last meeting. He advised it seemed to be a good opportunity to deal with the rest of the questions going forward. Mr. Roddy interpreted the comments of Mr. Harrington and Ms. Ellis to be an invitation to address those questions.
Commissioner Norman addressed the statements made by Ms. Espanola Jackson concerning DPW and SFPUC. Specifically, he wanted to know the language used during the changeover with regard to the Commission and the facility.
Mr. Roddy said there was no change in language for this Commission or facility. It started out as part of the Sewer Enterprise and it remains part of the Sewer Enterprise. All that happened when Mayor Brown transferred under the Charter that function from DPW to the SFPUC is that the people responsible having jurisdiction over the Sewer Enterprise changed. Nothing else changed.
Commissioner Norman – So whoever controls the sewer controls this facility and this Commission.
Mr. Roddy – That’s right.
Commissioner Norman – But no written language in the transfer.
Mr. Roddy – No.
Commissioner Norman – No community input when they did the transfer.
Mr. Roddy – I do not remember any. There was a letter Mayor Brown wrote and that was it.
Director Moses – Dr. Parker asked what the relationship is between the SECFC and SFPUC.
Mr. Roddy – The SFPUC has jurisdiction over the funds, budget, and the facility. It also has a responsibility to provide funds to maintain and operate the facility and this Commission. That responsibility is a part of the State Board order that issued grants for this facility and as long as it is alive and standing the SFPUC has that responsibility. Under the Ordinance, once again, this Commission is advisory and it advises the SFPUC on how to deal with this facility.
What Mr. Roddy liked about Dr. Parker’s question is that it invites considering what that relationship should be, and even if no Charter Amendment is done it seems there is a lot of room to create a different kind of partnership between the two Commissions.
Greg Doxey – What does the vision of a new Charter look like to the City Attorney moving forward? Is receiving 80% of sewage in the Bayview community a win-win scenario?
Mr. Roddy said he could come up with ideas but his job is implementation, and it was the responsibility of the Commission to come up with ideas.
Ms. Jackson requested the SECFC be added to the Good Government Guide. She noted Mr. Roddy also attends the SFPUC meetings and wondered if that was a conflict of interest.
Mr. Roddy stated there was no conflict because he works for one City Attorney.
Ms. Jackson asked if he represented the SFPUC.
Mr. Roddy replied yes.
Ms. Jackson said that means he may be more favorable to the SFPUC than to the community/Commission.
Mr. Roddy said the community/Commission gets the same legal advice as the SFPUC and that is all he does. He does not make decisions and he does not have a preference.
Ms. Jackson said going forward with the Amendment she wanted to know what Mr. Roddy saw as an equitable response to the 100% of sewage being received by the Bayview community from Brisbane, Daly City and other areas.
Ms. Jackson advised she was on the digester task force and opposed the idea of having the digester on the Southeast sector pier because it would require digging up the streets. During an earthquake everything going around the pier was landfill and the digester would go into the bay.
Ms. Jackson noted no other community had to put up with the smell for the last 60 years and the Commission was created to make sure the community was compensated. Ms. Jackson felt the SFPUC was backing down from what had been discussed with Roger Boaz for the past 8 years. Ms. Jackson added it was Frank Jordan that set up the SFPUC not Willie Brown.
Ms. Jackson asked why the SFPUC did not come to the SECFC and let them know there was going to be a change. She expressed her disappointment in the continuance of promises being made and not being kept.
Commissioner LeBlanc shared a brief history of growing up in the Bayview with the sewer smell. She expressed appreciation for the history and thanked the current Commissioners and Director Moses for providing their support. She told the public the Commissioners are aware of the issues that plague the community and they realize they have a responsibility to provide true information that will allow them to do their job.
President Kennedy read the original Ordinance for those who were not familiar with it. The Ordinance amended the San Francisco Administrative Code by adding Chapter 54 to establish the Southeast Community Facility Commission and prescribing its powers and duties.
“The Board of Supervisors finds and declares that it is necessary and essential to the well-being of the City to establish a Commission to review and provide guidance for the operations of the Southeast Community Facility. The Commission shall foster the following public purposes and municipal affairs of the City: The full and gainful employment of residents of chronically economically depressed areas of the City; The progressivedevelopment of marketable job skills for untrained and undertrained city residents; The creation and expansion of opportunities for residents to participate in day and evening education classes; The creation and expansion of opportunities for providing daycare services at a low and reasonable cost to parents; The expansion of opportunities for special community services for senior citizens; The overall improvement of the general economic prosperity, health, safety and welfare of residents of chronically economically deprived areas of the City.
There is established a Commission to be known as the Southeast Community Facility Commission consisting of seven members. Commission members shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Chief administrative officers shall nominate persons for two positions on the Commission unless the Mayor determines that it is otherwise impractical. Persons appointed to serve as members of the Commission shall either reside or work in the Bayview Hunter's Point community as defined in section 54.2B of this Chapter.
Chair Kennedy said this was the basis of the Amendment at the time. This was what everyone wanted but now we've grown and we need to revisit these expectations. Jobs have changed because of technology and that is what the Commission needs to address for training young people and anyone else who is looking for a career. Yes, there has been a lot of training out here but not for the jobs that are available today.
Ms. Kitty Morgan voiced her disappointment in the unfulfilled promises made to the community. She recounted being a part of a task force that visited a water treatment facility in San Jose to get an idea of what the community might expect by having a sewer treatment plant in the Bayview. When the issue of smell arose the task force was advised there would be a special treatment to minimize the smell. In closing, Ms. Morgan noted there has been no change within the last 30 years with regard to the promises that were made and she noted the disparity between the City College Southeast and Mission campus.
Chair Kennedy said the Commission had a lot to work on and would address these issues at their upcoming retreat.
Ms. Morgan added the community wanted to be compensated for the smell.
Greg Doxey, Osiris Coalition, noted the community's use of social media companies such as Twitter and Zinga. He asked if there was a possibility the SFPUC would partner with these companies to access training opportunities and jobs for the community.
Jameel Patterson asked when does someone give you something and still own it. Also, he asked if any other campuses were owned by the sewage plant. He advised the Dean of the Southeast campus to visit the student union at the Phelan campus and look at some of their programs and get some ideas on how to enhance the Southeast campus. He also suggested visiting the Mission campus.
Alma Robinson, California Lawyers for the Arts, commented regarding the controversy between the SFPUC and the SECFC. She noted that moving forward as suggested by Attorney Roddy, requires some sort of memorandum of understanding between the two Commissions. She said if it is felt that the SECFC is losing authority over this building it should be put on the table very clearly.
What are the functions this Commission needs to continue? No one has abolished this Commission, but it is about making sure the essential functions which are caretaking for our community do not get lost in the bigger bureaucracy of the Public Utilities Commission. Ms. Robinson said it is time for everyone that lives in the community to make their position known and to talk about the important things that the Commission has done and will continue to do on behalf of Bayview Hunter's Point, because the community needs a place for a voice for the community. The community needs a say in who the tenants are and how they operate. The community needs to have forums on healthcare, healthcare disparities, employment issues, education issues, literacy issues, senior issues, etc. The community has been counting on this Commission to provide a forum for the issues that are important to the community. That will not happen at the SFPUC. They are city-wide and whatever they feel about this community and the assumption is that it is well intentioned, but they have not considered the essential qualities of this body. This is what needs to be brought to their attention along with a memorandum that spells out what the functions of the Commission are and how it will continue to go forward on behalf of the community.
Commissioner Kennedy thanked Ms. Robinson and said these issues would be discussed at the retreat.
Debray Carpenter, representing the youth of the community requested the following: A bookstore, library, gym, swimming pool, such as the other campuses have.
Jameel Patterson added the bookstore generates a lot of money for the Phelan campus. The prices are governed by the student council. Mr. Patterson noted the college stimulates the economy of the community in which it is housed, such as the Mission campus.
Chair Kennedy shared comments regarding the era she came from and the fact that the current President of the United States does not receive the respect he deserves. Chair Kennedy said the Commission understands the frustration of the community.
Omar Khalif, community member, said the community needs to focus on closing the equity and opportunity gap.
Chair Kennedy said the action item is to make the appointment of two people that will work with the City attorney to offer changes to the Charter. The two people from the Commission will be Commissioner LeBlanc and Chair Kennedy. From the community Chair Kennedy appointed Ms. Alma Robinson and Ms. Kitty Morgan. Dr. Harrison Parker and Mr. Greg Doxey will be alternates.
Dr. Harrison Parker asked Torrance Bynum if there were any specific goals, timelines, or specific outcomes expected that would allow them to measure the success of programs.
Mr. Bynum responded there was a 5 year transitional plan. In August there will be an increase in classes offered.
There will be 5 additional classes and 5 different studies. There is a two year plan to have the building renovated and a six month plan to have shuttle services. There is a plan for computer programs, nursing classes, culinary school, and fire sciences which will include community recruitment and will provide an internship with local fire departments. UCSF has agreed to allow our bio-tech program students to have summer classes and internships after they have completed a certain number of courses. The hope is that most of these goals will be completed within the next two years. The Chancellor has given a deadline. In five years he wants this campus to be different. There is an agreement with local merchants and businesses to provide internships. Mr. Bynum said his background was in law enforcement where he served as a probation officer for 23years. He advised he was supportive of bringing students into the administration of justice program and allowing them to be placed in the local police department for the needed training.
Mr. Bynum will spearhead a program to expunge convictions with the public defender. In closing, Mr. Bynum advised Chancellor Bell is adamant about achieving a positive outcome at Southeast.
Greg Doxey said he was frustrated as a banker for ten years because he could not get people who looked like him into housing. He addressed the issue of there not being enough space for the current tenant programs, and he asked about help in dealing with the gnats that had become an issue.
Mr. Bynum said he was aware of the problems in the building and that the agency (Renaissance) needed more space.
Mr. Doxey invited Mr. Bynum to tour Renaissance.
Mr. Bynum said he had an open door policy and looked forward to meeting with Mr. Doxey.
Mr. Debray Carpenter said there was a need for housing and a community radio station on campus.
Mr. Bynum stated none of the campuses provide housing, however, the main campus has aligned itself with San Francisco residents that offer reduced rates to international students.
Chair Kennedy asked Mr. Bynum to return to the Commission in October to provide an update to the Commission.
Ms. Morgan asked if the college would be tapping into any of the medical facilities down the road such as UCSF.
Mr. Bynum advised City College Outreach Coordinator, Marlene Walker would be returning to the Southeast campus to focus on students in the City College Biotech Program and placing them into internships at UCSF.
Mr. Jameel Patterson had comments regarding community organizing.
Mr. Bynum advised Mr. James Santos, Dean of Student Affairs, would be spending more time at the Southeast campus.
6.0 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
None.
7.0 AD-HOC COMMITTEES REPORTS & UPDATES
Facility Committee, (Chair, Willie Kennedy, Members Al Norman & Bobbrie Brown, Alternate Armina Brown)
Community Advisory Group, (Chair Bobbrie Brown, Co-Chair Shirley Jones former Commissioner, Members Al Norman & Willie Kennedy)
Health & Housing Committee, (Chair Bobbrie Brown, Co-Chair Harrison Parker, former Commissioner, Member Theo Ellington, Alternate Willie Kennedy)
Commissioner Brown provided a report from the Tuesday, July 12, 2011 Health & Housing Ad-Hoc Committee meeting. The issues discussed were related to the unhealthy environment within the community and the fact that so many individuals suffer with asthma. A grant was given by an environmental group to study the toxins dumped in the area. Information was provided regarding radiation in the area. Ms. Espanola Jackson advised the ad-hoc committee that True Hope Church has a cell tower and will be paid $2500 a month for placement. The committee will look into this.
During the meeting there was discussion of the young man who was removed from the plane because of his sagging pants, and also the committee is looking into the amount of sewage coming into the community and the fact that there is no compensation.
Commissioner Norman is working on outreach and Commission Chan is working on the economic committee.
Director Moses advised the Health Fair planning committee would meet every Tuesday, until the Health Fair.
Chair Kennedy asked if PG&E and the Red Cross had been contacted.
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary, advised they had been contacted.
The Health & Housing Ad-hoc Committee will meet on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 1 pm in the SECFC conference room.
Community Outreach & Public Safety Committee (Chair Al Norman, Co-Chair Brigette LeBlanc, Member Karen Chung, Alternate Theo Ellington)
The Community Outreach & Public Safety Committee participated in a joint meeting with the Economic Development Committee on Monday, June 20, 2011 at 1 pm in the SECFC conference room.
Economic Development Committee, (Chair Karen Chung, Co-Chair Theo Ellington, Member Brigette LeBlanc, Alternate Al Norman)
Ms. Espanola Jackson requested the Commission invite Ms. Marsha Pendergast to provide a report on the health issues facing the community due to their exposure to toxins.
8.0 STAFF/DIRECTOR REPORT
Director Moses thanked Attorney Roddy for his help and guidance. He advised the Commission was working closely with SFPUC employees B.J. Jones, John Powell, and Sam Murray who was helping put the Health Fair together. He suggested the Commissioners reference their packets, which would answer any questions they might have regarding the Commission.
Regarding the retreat, Director Moses asked the Commission secretary to distribute the retreat agenda.
There was discussion regarding the time the retreat would begin. It was determined the retreat would begin at 10:00 a.m. per the public notice which was previously posted.
Commissioner Norman requested maps to the retreat location.
Director Moses asked the Commissioners to bring the recently provided packets to the retreat.
Chair Kennedy advised the packets provided much needed information.
9.0 SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT AND UPDATES
Sam Murray, SFPUC Director of Outreach, reported a lot of time was being spent planning the Health Fair. He announced Recology would prepare the food for the day, and The Rotary Club will be a part of the Health Fair. Dr. Gray, Assistant Superintendant of Schools SFUSD, has advised a 40 member marching band will perform.
Commissioner LeBlanc will help developing Facebook and other social media. Bobby Webb will air the event on his show on Tuesday mornings on KPOO radio station. In closing, Mr. Murray advised the Commissioners would be expected to play a significant role in the Health Fair.
Commissioner LeBlanc had comments regarding the gnats.
John Powell, SFPUC, reported there was a contract with a gnat remover and he would contact them.
Director Moses invited B.J. Jones to provide comments.
B.J. Jones advised she was looking forward to working with the Commission and was committed to getting results.
Mr. Murray announced the Bayview Police Station along with Cathrine Sneed of the Garden Project would be active participants in the Health Fair.
The Health Fair will be Saturday, September 24th, 2011.
10.0 ONGOING BUSINESS
The Southeast Community Facility Commission 2011 retreat will be held at the Oceanside Plant on July 23, 2011.
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary announced the upcoming presenters:
Captain Chignell in July/ Chief Suhr in August/ Ben Chan, SFPUC Communications, in August/ Dr. Patricia Gray, Assistant Superintendant of Schools, in September/ Mr. Torrance Bynum, City College Coordinator, October.
11.0 NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS
Commissioner LeBlanc requested inviting the following businesses to address the Commission in September: Lowe's, Fresh & Easy, Walgreen's, Foods Co, Dr. Gray, and Hunter’s Point Family to specifically talk about Green College.
Commissioner LeBlanc requested the SECFC support Hunter's Point Family and the work they are doing in the community. Also, Commissioner LeBlanc mentioned Wells Fargo gave Hunter’s Point Family a Community Based Organization Award through the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce on June 16th.
Ms. Espanola Jackson suggested inviting the YCD Director because YCD did the training and hiring and they would know the retention. Commissioner LeBlanc said she wanted to hold the companies accountable.
Director Moses explained the process of inviting presenters.
Commissioner Norman announced in August the Bayview Merchants and Potrero Hill Merchants will sponsor a Mayoral candidate’s night at the UC Mission Bay campus.
They have invited the Southeast Community Facility Commission to participate. Attorney Roddy will advise of the appropriateness of this request.
Director Moses announced the Mayor would be available in September. There will be a follow up with the Mayor’s office, PAC and CAC regarding this visit.
Chair Kennedy requested forwarding an invitation to the SFPUC to discuss the percentage amounts of sewage and smell being distributed into the Bayview.
Chair Kennedy commented on the Fresh and Easy hiring being done through the Bayview Opera House. She advised she was familiar with Fresh and Easy in Southern California and was glad they were coming to the Bay Area.
Commissioner LeBlanc requested a letter of support to Hunter’s Point Families.
Chair Kennedy suggested waiting until they had an opportunity to provide a presentation to the Commission.
Ms. Espanola Jackson suggested discussing the SFPUC items at the retreat on the 23rd.
12.0 PUBLIC COMMENT
Dr. Harrison Parker, former Commissioner and community activist, congratulated the Commission on the standing room only joint meeting with the SFPUC. He noted that on January 11, 2011 the SFPUC passed a resolution to develop and fund a city-wide community benefit program for community organizations to develop innovative programs to address community disparities. Since we are family with SFPUC, Dr. Parker suggested the Commission sponsor some community organizations to develop and submit innovative programs to SFPUC for funds so there will be money available for job training, scholarships, etc. Mr. Parker said this may be an avenue to direct some money to some organizations without changing the Charter.
Chair Kennedy asked staff to get the resolution and provide copies to the Commissioners.
Ms Jackson said members of the Commission appointed several individuals to serve on the task force that came out of the benefits package. At the meeting Ms. Jackson asked what happened to the 10% that was requested for Bayview Hunter’s Point? She asked if it had been knocked down to 5%. Ms. Jackson asked why her statements were not written down. Her request was that the funds come to the community college. Also, Ms. Jackson requested a two-year moratorium on the college paying rent to the City.
She noted 2% was being given to the Art Commission. She said the Commission should request at least 30% of the SFPUC income.
Director Moses said the SFPUC requested two individuals from the SECFC work with their group.
Chair Kennedy said the SECFC representatives would be Commissioner Bobbrie Brown and Commissioner Theo Ellington.
Attorney Roddy said he would locate the resolution with Dr. Moses.
Chair Kennedy read the letter of support for the Truancy Assessment and Resource Center/T.A.R.C.
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Commission President Kennedy adjourned the meeting at 9:08 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
________________
Carla Vaughn
Southeast Community Facility
Commission Secretary
