ADOPTED MINUTES
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
Wednesday, September 28, 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 Wednesday, September 28, 2011 meeting to order at 6:12 pm in the Alex Pitcher Community Room at 1800 Oakdale Avenue.
1.1 CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM PRESIDENT
Commission President Willie B. Kennedy announced the Sunshine Ordinance.
1.2 ROLL CALL
6:14 pm roll was called by Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary.
Commissioners Present: Willie B. Kennedy/ Armina Brown/ Karen Chung/ Brigette R. LeBlanc/ Theo Ellington
Excused: Bobbrie Brown/ Al Norman
Staff Present: Toye Moses, Executive Director/ Francis Starr, Senior Management Assistant/ Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary
1.3 CONSENT CALENDAR
Commission President Kennedy read the Consent Calendar.
1.4 PROPOSED ACTION
Commissioner LeBlanc moved to accept the August 11, 2011 and August 24, 2011 minutes with corrections. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ellington and passed.
2.0 PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENT OF TIME ALLOTMENT
Jacqueline Flint, Executive Director, A. Philip Randolph Institute extended an invitation to their annual fundraising dinner on October 7, 2011 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquee Hotel.
Dan Goldman, President, Sunborne Nursery, announced the nursery will be having a houseplant seminar inviting the community to learn about how to care for houseplants. Free houseplants will be given to all attendees.
3.0 COMMUNICATIONS
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary announced the following:
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces New Sunday Streets Walking Street In Chinatown And North Beach:
Statement: Mayor Lee On The Passing Of Eloise Westbrook
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces Superior Courts Decision On Hunter Point Shipyard Phase II Candlestick Point Legal Challenge
Statement: Mayor Lee On San Francisco’s Unemployment Rate
Press Release: Mayor Lee And Treasurer Jose Cisneros Announce San Francisco Financial Advice Line
Press Release: Mayor Edwin Lee Opening Of First Clean Tech Accelerator Green Start
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces San Francisco Was Awarded Gold Walk Friendly Community
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces Successful Completion Of Municipal Energy Efficiency Retrofits
Press Release: Mayor Lee And Americas Cup Authority Announce Plans To Boost Local Business Participation In Event
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces Bank Of Communication Opening West Coast Branch In San Francisco
3.1 CORRESPONDENCE
Invitation to Tim Mason Fresh & Easy
Invitation to Rich Tovat, District Manager of Food for Less/Foodco
Thank you letter to Ed Harrington and Ms. Francesca Vietor for participation in the joint commission meeting
Invitation to Edward D. Risckin Director of MTA
Invitation to Tempie Priestley CEO of Renaissance Parents of Success
Invitation to Regina Davis President and CEO of SF Housing Development Corp.
4.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commission President Kennedy announced the following:
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Southeast Community Facility Commission will be Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 6 pm, 1800 Oakdale Avenue in the Alex Pitcher Community Room.
5.0 PRESENTERS
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary read a letter of apology from Lena Miller, Executive Director, Hunters Point Family, excusing herself from her scheduled presentation date of September 28 (see secretary for complete correspondence).
Commission President Kennedy introduced Ben Chan, Public Relations Officer of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Ben Chan provided information regarding ongoing construction and the green energy goal. Mr. Chan introduced Sam Murray who provided additional information.
Sam Murray advised we are promoting Hetch Hetchy tap water. We want to let people know we are water, power and sewage. Our logo has changed we will still be using both logos until further notice. Voters approved remodeling of pipe system in 2002 $4.6 billion with 86 projects in 7 different counties that will be completed by 2015. University Mound reservoir upgrades have been completed. Bay tunnel project construction has started. Bayview Hunters Point reservoir that is being retrofitted at Whitney Young Circle is almost completed. We are using the power of gravity to create energy. We have 9 municipal solar installations that have been built and some of that money came from stimulus money. Solar incentives we took over 14,000 applications who were awarded $11.6 million in incentives because of the solar project. This is an ongoing program and information is available by Ben Chan. Clean power ideas we would like to have 100% renewable energy in the City and County of San Francisco. San Francisco has begun conversion to LED street lights making the street lights brighter at a cheaper cost. SF Sewer system there are 900 miles of combined sewer pipes, two 24 hour plants, one wet weather plant. In 2010 we treated 34.3 billion gallons of combined sewage and storm water. 99% of that came to our treatment facilities. When oil and other substances are dumped into the catch basin our facilities are cleaning this up too.
Ben Chan reported that The SFPUC is working towards a water system improvement program. Between now and 2040 we plan to invest $6 billion to overhaul the whole sewer system. Many of the sewer lines are brick that break down daily. During winter and summer months the smell is almost unbearable to residents. Urban Watershed framework is ongoing. Because we are doing so many improvements we are working on beautifying as we go along. We are investing in newer technologies and landscaping that works with the systems; like absorbent materials to absorb the rain water instead of it flowing into the catch basins. The water rate system for residents since July 1, 2011 is between $1.45-$3.24. Every two months the rate is higher than previously. Water is charged by unit. One unit is 748 gallons. Each person generally uses about 5 units. Apartment owners and commercial units pay more. Social networking sites are being utilized to keep customers and residents up to date with our company’s happenings. Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are being monitored by our company. People are being encouraged to also take advantage of the city wide informational number 3-1-1 for water quality, street lights, and other services as well. 10 blocks in the tenderloin have already been converted to LED street lighting. Website: www.sfwater.org twitter:@sfwater, Facebook: www.facebook.com/sfwater
Commissioner Ellington said he is interested in learning more about the LED streetlights. What’s the process these lights are being installed and is SFPUC prioritizing based on need by neighborhood? Can you tell us about general maintenance of these street lights? Can you give us a short break down of 3-1-1.
Ben Chan advised at the present time we are looking for a contractor. Once one has been found the process will move quickly. Construction will be minimal; streets will not be blocked off, only the parking spaces around the street light. This process will take hours versus days. There will be almost no maintenance once the light has been installed; they will then be controlled by computers. If there is a problem we will be able to see on our computer system faster than manually checking lights. The lights have a 15-20 year life. PG&E possibly has a similar program in the works. Currently we have 3-1-1 television in Spanish and Chinese to promote 3-1-1 and encourage people to call in if they have water quality problems. 3-1-1 is an agency for the public to be able to call for city information as well as city agencies. San Francisco residents can call this number for any city related questions.
Commissioner LeBlanc asked if there is there a proposal or RFP or RFQ process for contractors regarding the LED streetlights? Has this been listed on your website? If someone has already been certified by the PUC do they need to call to be given this service? What districts does PUC cover? Is district 10 covered? Can you give an example of what beautifying projects are happening in this district under the Urban Watershed framework? Of the many improvement projects how many employment opportunities have been created for residents of the district? Is the budget available to the public?
Ben Chan reported that just like with other contracting processes it is on the website. Mary Tilken is in charge of this process.
Sam Murray noted that everywhere that the PUC owns lights will be replaced with the LED lights. District 10 is included in this plan. An example of the beautifying project would be the landscaping around the reservoir at Whitney Young Circle. The City and County of San Francisco has a new policy stating that 50% of all work will be done by San Francisco residents. Most information is available on the website City/PUC.
Commissioner Chung asked what are some of the things being done to check how safe the tap water we drink is? How much would solar paneling cost to install on homes and how much money would be saved in doing this?
Sam Murray responded that there are state and federal guidelines that are required for tap water that exceed standards for bottled water. We also do have a lab that checks water on a regular basis. San Francisco residents have the luxury of calling 3-1-1 to let the correct agencies know of the problem so that a worker can come and inspect the water and the pipes. It is the responsibility of the SF PUC to make sure the water is safe from the source to the piping at the street level in front of your dwelling. It is the consumers responsibility to make sure that the piping to the house is safe not the PUC.
This information is not available at present but a specialist could be brought to discuss this if need be.
Jean Walsh of SFPUC announced that the San Francisco Solar map is a website that you can calculate savings of solar energy for homeowners.
Director Moses asks what happens to the other percentage of water that comes from Hetch Hetchy if we only receive 85%.
Sam Murray explained that some of the water may get lost along the approximate 180 mile journey from Hetch Hetchy also the fact that we sell water wholesale to other cities may be a contributing factor.
6.0 PRESIDENTS REPORT
A published copy of the Southeast Community Facility Commission’s calendar is available at the Southeast Community Facility Commission at 1800 Oakdale. During our Commission Retreat we revised the committees that we have to include Governance Advisory Committee, Joint PUC/SECFC Advisory Committee, Health, Housing and Public Safety Advisory Committee, Economic Development Advisory Committee, and the Facility Advisory Committee. Dr. Moses and Commissioner Kennedy met with the committees and full report will be available at a later date. Commissioner Kennedy asked that the committees secure dates of meetings and to have them on the same day each month.
7.0 ADVISORY COMMITTEES REPORTS & UPDATES
Governance Advisory Committee, (Chair, Willie B. Kennedy, Co-Chair Brigette R. LeBlanc, , Community members: Alma Robinson, Kitty Morgan, Alternates: Dr Harrison Parker and Greg Doxey, Staff: Deputy City Attorney John Roddy) No updates.
Joint PUC/SECFC Advisory Committee, (Chair Theo Ellington, Co-Chair Bobbrie Brown, PUC Representative, Alternative: Commissioner Willie B. Kennedy) No updates.
Health, Housing and Public Safety Advisory Committee, (Chair Bobbrie Brown, Co-Chair Theo Ellington, Community Members <see Commission Secretary for List> Alternate: Commissioner Willie B. Kennedy) No updates.
Economic Development Advisory Committee, (Chair Karen Chung, Co-Chair Al Norman, Alternate: Commissioner Willie B. Kennedy) No updates.
Facility Advisory Committee, (Chair Willie B. Kennedy, Co-Chair Bridgette R. LeBlanc, Member: Commissioner Al Norman, Alternate: Commissioner Armina Brown)
Commissioner Ellington provided a summary that the Committee met on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, to evaluate the 2011 event and make plans for the 2012 Health Fair.
8.0 STAFF/DIRECTORS REPORT
Director Moses reported that he will be out of the office for a couple of weeks due to a medical emergency. The long awaited senior sewing program is back at City College.
9.0 SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION STAFF REPORT & UPDATES
Espanola Jackson and Mr. Carpenter BVHP residents had a discussion regarding the discrepancies in the classes at City College locations and regarding the LED light conversion process.
Sam Murray reported that he did not know the answer to the question but he would look in to the issue. He noted some of the lights are not owned by San Francisco but by PG&E. 3-1-1 can be accessed to report light outages.
Commission Secretary Carla Vaughn read a letter from Louise C. Jones commending everyone on a successful health fair (for complete letter please see commission secretary).
Sam Murray gave a special thank you to everyone for their participation in this year’s successful health fair. He reported that City College has been approached regarding their culinary program and invited to participate at the next Health Fair by providing culinary demonstrations.
City College reported that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission donated and bought brand new sewing machines for the new sewing class in rooms 420 and 421 on Fridays from 10-3. The Chancellor will be at the Southeast campus every Friday from 8-5 to answer the questions of the community.
Mr. Patterson and Mr. Carpenter had a discussion regarding the consolidation of City College campus at Southeast. They feel that the community needs more classes that are relevant to today’s society.
City College reported that they are here to expand classes and to listen to the community. Everyone is invited to come and discuss these needs and worries. An advisory committee is in the process. The community has many questions regarding City College and its consolidation.
Keith Perry commented regarding whether or not the community voices are being heard.
Commission President Kennedy announced that any member of the community can contact the Commission Secretary to place issues of concern on the agenda.
Commissioner LeBlanc discussed a recent job fair that was held on September 21, 2011. She mentioned the Career Link Center located here at Southeast on the 3rd floor, hosted the event and may have resources for the community.
10.0 ONGOING BUSINESS
The Commission moved and voted unanimously to change the regularly scheduled commission meeting of Wednesday, November 23rd to Tuesday, November 22nd .
Brenda Jones, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Community Development Specialist reported she and Cathrine Sneed would like to have a vegetable giveaway for the holidays. The vegetable giveaway will be on November 22nd in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
11.0 NEW BUSINESS REQUESTS
Commissioner Leblanc requested invitations be extended to:
La Shon Walker of Bayview Renaissance Center to introduce the organization.
Edwin Florentino of the Career Link center to introduce the organization.
Juliet Ellis, Assistant General Manager/Wastewater Enterprises to provide an update on the Community Benefits program.
Jacqueline Flint, Executive Director of the A. Philip Randolph Institute to introduce the organization.
The Commission Secretary announced the following presenters for upcoming meetings:
Frances Matthew on October 13
Barbara Garcia on October 26
Torrance Bynum on October 26
The Bayview Rotary Club will host “The Bayview Bayou” in February 2012. Flyers are available.
Commissioner Karen Chung announced she would be out of town for the October 13 Commission meeting.
12.0 PUBLIC COMMENT
Espanola Jackson BVHP resident provided original mitigation information regarding the Southeast Community Facility Commission.
Commission President Kennedy asked if staff had copies on file (see Commission Secretary for copy).
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Commission President Kennedy requested the meeting be adjourned in the memory of Mother Eloise Westbrook.
Commission President Kennedy adjourned the meeting in the memory of Mother Eloise Westbrook at 8:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________
Carla Vaughn
Southeast Community Facility
Commission Secretary
