ADOPTED MINUTES
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY FACILITY COMMISSION
Thursday, December 8, 2011, 6:00 PM
1800 Oakdale Avenue, Alex Pitcher Community Room
San Francisco, CA 94124
1.0 CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCEMENT
Commission President Kennedy called the Thursday, December 8, 2011 meeting to order at 6:11 pm and announced the Sunshine Ordinance.
2.0 ROLL CALL
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary announced the audio recording of the meeting and called roll at 6:12 pm.
Commissioners Present: Willie B. Kennedy/ Bobbrie Brown/ Armina Brown (lv 7:03 pm)/ Karen A. Chung/ Brigette R. LeBlanc (lv 8:12 pm)
Excused: Theo Ellington
Absent: Al Norman
Staff Present: Toye Moses, Executive Director/ Brenda Jones, Community Development Specialist, External Affairs/ Francis Starr, Senior Management Assistant/ Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary
3.0 CONSENT CALENDAR
Commission President Kennedy read the Consent Calendar.
3.1 PROPOSED ACTION
Commission Secretary Carla Vaughn announced the minutes from the November 22, 2011 Commission meeting were on-going and would be available at the December 28, 2011 Commission meeting.
4.0 PUBLIC COMMENT & ANNOUNCEMENT OF TIME ALLOTMENT
Commissioner LeBlanc requested items 8.0, 8.1 and 9.0 precede item 7.0.
President Kennedy said the Commission would consider changing the items in the future but for now would proceed with the current format.
5.0 COMMUNICATION
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary announced the following:
Press Release: Mayor Lee Issues Executive Directive & Signs Legislation To Increase Access To Health Care & Protect Jobs
Press Release: Mayor Lee Rolls out Economic Strategy To Transform Central Market
Press Release: Mayor Lee Salutes Completion Of Environmental Review Document For 34th America’s Cup Events & Key Port Infrastructure Project
Press Release: Mayor Lee Launches SF Film Spots Mobile App Highlighting SF Movie Locations
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces Increase To San Francisco’s Minimum Wage
Press Release: Mayor Lee Announces New Homes For Key Pier 27/29 Tenants In Relocation For New Cruise Terminal & 34th America’s Cup
Statement: Mayor Lee’s Statement On Occupy San Francisco Protest
5.1 CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence is on-going:
Letter to Maria Su, Psy.D. Director, Department of Children, Youth and Families in support of The Hunters Point Family.
Letter to Ruby Harris, Contract Coordinator, Mayor’s Office of Housing in support of the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation.
6.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commissioner Kennedy announced the next meeting of the Southeast Community Facility Commission would be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 6pm in the Alex Pitcher, Jr. Community room.
Carla Vaughn, Commission Secretary, read a memorandum dated December 8, 2011 addressed to Anson Moran, President, SF Public Utilities Commission and Ed Harrington, General Manager, SF Public Utilities Commission from Toye Moses, Executive Director, Southeast Community Facilities Commission. The memorandum is regarding scheduling of a joint meeting. (For a copy of the entire correspondence contact the Commission Secretary).
Antonio Mims, community member, had questions regarding the letter to Maria Su, Director, Department of Children, Youth And Families.
Commissioner Kennedy advised the letter was in support of a community based organization, The Hunters Point Family.
There was discussion regarding Roberts Rules of Order.
7.0 PRESENTERS
Commissioner Kennedy introduced Jacqueline Flin, Executive Director, A. Philip Randolph Institute/SF (APRISF).
Ms. Flin provided an overview of the Bayview-Hunters Point Community based organization that offers enrichment programs and activities. The APRISF team develops innovative strategies to engage community members through education, career training, employment, and outreach programs. James A. Bryant, former APRISF President and current West Coast Regional Director offers advice throughout the year regarding the development of programs. The Board of Directors is diverse in ethnicity and labor union affiliation. The A. Philip Randolph Institute was founded as a result of the efforts of the first black union, The Pullman Porters Union created by A. Philip Randolph. The APRISF staff and volunteers put in time over and above the call of duty to fulfill the organizations goals.
The Oscar De La Torre Learning Center houses most of the training and enrichment activities. APRISF works to build communities through education, career training, employment, community outreach and advocacy. There is currently a contract with San Francisco City College to provide GED courses at an APRISF location. A pilot program ran during the summer and provided algebra tutoring geared toward individuals interested in taking union entrance exams. The IBEW Local 6 Electrical Workers union is difficult to join and over the summer two of our participants received 2nd interviews.
The Bayview Hunters Point community has changed over the last 20 years. The 1990 census said the community was comprised of 62.5% African-Americans. As of now this community is half of that population and there has been a huge increase in the Asian population. The APRISF is providing culturally relevant programs. The youth in the community need programs to not only support their education but to prepare them for the world. This summer the APRISF partnered with San Francisco Housing Authority along with the Bayview YMCA to offer a summer camp. APRISF encourages civic engagement and participation through voter registration and has supported YES on B, a measure to fix the declining roads in the Southeast sector. A turkey give away was sponsored through a partnership with PG&E as well as a mass door to door effort providing full turkey dinners to needy households.
APRISF sponsors a youth program that introduces youth to construction as a possible industry they may like to enter.
Ms. Flin introduced Kirk Bryon, Program Manager, Creative Arts Projects. She said Tim Henderson, an award winning Youth Speaks participant recruited from Chicago instructed the others in spoken word and the creation of a mural along with Delvon Leek, a San Francisco State University art student.
The APRISF has various employment programs and currently has a contract with City Build to place construction workers at the Hunters View John Stewart Project.
There is also a program placing construction workers at the new hospitals being built at Mission Bay UCSF.
Commissioner Kennedy opened the floor for questions.
Commissioner LeBlanc and Director Moses thanked APRISF for their presentation and continual support of the community.
There was discussion regarding employment, collaborations with other CBO’s, Youth Summer Programs, and Statistics of Out-Mitigation. There were questions from the community regarding the national base of APRISF.
Ms. Flin introduced James Bryant, West Coast Regional Director.
Mr. Bryant elaborated on the national base of APRISF.
Commissioner Kennedy thanked Ms. Flin for her presentation and introduced Sharon Miller, CEO, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center (REC).
Ms. Miller introduced James Moore (3rd Street Corridor Manager) and Malik Looper (Renaissance Director of Programs). This program has 27 years’ nonprofit experience helping women and men start businesses. REC has helped over 5,000 individuals to start their own businesses. All training is provided by small business experts. Renaissance Bayview was started 10 years ago with its initial office at the Bayview Plaza. Since that time the program has grown.
Services offered are Introduction to Business Classes and Business Planning Classes. Individuals are encouraged to research their field to see if it is a viable one. Personal budgeting and financial planning begins before the start of classes. The Individual Development Accounts (IDA) is not limited to small business owners. They are available to any individual who meets the income qualifications and follows the requirements of the IDA program. An individual can save $2000 a year that is matched 2 to 1. REC is partnered with US Bank to hold the accounts.
Other programs are available such as SF Shines Facade Improvement Program helping to create better exterior storefronts and Small Business Renovations Program helping to improve store interiors. There is a business assistance center where 17 businesses are able to use the REC office, share office space, equipment and meeting rooms. Business consultation is provided to help get the businesses going. Another resource provided is the Technology Training Center which may be used for all aspects of business.
The Mentorship Protégé Program is specifically geared toward contractors who want to start their own business and is partnered with Lennar. Workshops are also offered every quarter at the Bayview Opera House.
Mr. Moore said the 3rd Street Corridor Project is aimed at helping the community beautify Third Street. There is a Corridor Safety Program in collaboration with the SFPD and merchants to help make the neighborhood safer. The Leasing Assistance Program helps facilitate more chain businesses to open stores in the Bayview. There is a Commercial Clean-up Program for property owners to help clean storefronts. Up to $2,000 in funding is available to property owners. The National Night Out Event hosted by REC is open to the community. There are special events in collaboration with Sunday Streets to focus on the positive aspects of Third Street. A new program has been implemented called Halloween Treat and Eat incorporating the local food eateries and events for families at the Bayview Opera House. SEFA and other nonprofits are working hard to bring back The Farmers Market to Bayview. There are beautification projects in the works to help paint electrical boxes and plant flowers.
Commissioner Chung had a question regarding how many Bayview Hunters Point residents were helped by the REC program.
Ms. Miller stated the 5,000 individuals receiving services included all Bay Area programs such as the SOMA, East Palo Alto and Hunters Point offices.
Commissioner Chung requested the specific number of Bayview Hunters Point businesses that had been helped through the program.
Ms. Miller stated approximately 15 businesses had been helped and throughout the years 150-200 Bayview/Hunters Point residents had been served. Sixty businesses were opened from the 150-200 individuals who graduated from the program.
Commissioner Chung had questions regarding the types of businesses that were being opened by graduates.
Ms. Miller stated the business varied however, most of those businesses were catering, construction, music, or personal services such as graphic arts and public relations.
Commissioner Chung had questions regarding the length of time it takes to complete the program.
Ms. Miller stated the number of programs, trainings, and workshops are endless. An individual could continue to use services even after they opened a business.
Commissioner LeBlanc had suggestions to improve the program and questions regarding the number of Bayview Hunters Point businesses benefiting from the program and if these businesses were listed on the REC website. Commissioner LeBlanc requested a list of said businesses and expressed concern regarding the REC SOMA office not being in the BVHP zip code and not accurately serving BVHP residents. Commissioner LeBlanc applauded the REC for their plans to utilizing more space in the BVHP and had questions regarding the plans to move the Bayview REC office to a larger facility to ensure better service to the community.
She applauded the REC for their successful office opening in Palo Alto and had questions regarding the opening of the new Marin office.
Ms. Miller confirmed that the Marin office was scheduled to open soon and 100% of the funding was from the Marin Community Foundation. She stated funding from the SF Redevelopment Agency had been cut by 2/3 and BVHP facilities were being rented to help with the revenue. She stated that the lease on the BVHP office ended September 2012 and that during the summer of 2012 REC would be actively looking for a new space with more visibility.
Commissioner LeBlanc said the SOMA office layout was ideal and a setup of that nature would benefit the BVHP community. She asked if the instructor’s were ever rotated or more relevant ones brought in to expand and grow with the times. Commissioner LeBlanc asked if qualified members of the community would be considered. .
Ms. Miller stated that she would be happy to discuss the matter further with Ms. LeBlanc and advised the current instructors are efficient at their jobs.
There was discussion regarding the Facade program and Ms. Miller confirmed the program was run by Vivienne Hopkins.
Commissioner LeBlanc asked how many businesses in the BVHP community actually received funding through this program.
Ms. Miller stated that approximately 4 businesses have received funding through the SF Shine and the City and County of San Francisco. REC helps to facilitate the businesses in the process. She stated that there would be funding in 2012 for this program to continue.
Commissioner LeBlanc asked how many BVHP businesses have utilized the Small Business Renovation funds.
Ms. Miller stated that Simply Fabulous, Las Isleta’s, Peking Wok, Web-Spot, and Yvonne’s have all benefited.
Commissioner LeBlanc asked if this information could be provided to the Commission Secretary.
Ms. Miller stated this program would also be starting again. REC would help businesses submit the applications to Wells Fargo who would then choose businesses. After these steps and Wells Fargo would then provide pro-bono interior design assistance and would help with up to $3,000 in interior improvements.
Commissioner LeBlanc requested that all events and information for BVHP be provided to the Commission Secretary for the community to be made aware of the opportunities available.
Commissioner LeBlanc applauded the REC for the hiring of a local resident to be their receptionist. She asked whether Cathy Murphy was employed with REC or the Bayview Merchants Association.
Ms. Miller stated that Cathy Murphy was an independent consultant.
Commissioner LeBlanc questioned and expressed concerned with the hiring process for the Program Director not including the community. She asked how much of the Director of Programs time was being spent on the development of the new Marin office.
Ms. Miller stated that the Director of Programs was only 15% responsible for development for the BVHP office. She explained she was not part of the hiring process and was not sure how the job announcement was posted.
Commissioner LeBlanc stated that when the 3rd Street Corridor Manager position was listed everyone in the community knew and many qualified community members applied. When the Director of Programs position was listed no one knew.
Ms. Miller stated that she believes the position was listed on Craigslist, Moore’s Standard, and Ideas list. But does not believe it was ever listed for the community.
Commissioner LeBlanc asked that going forward the BVHP office be given the same consideration and accommodation as the other offices that are currently open.
Ms. Miller clarified that all funds received for BVHP is spent on the BVHP community.
There was discussion with Antonio Mims community member regarding the funding, budgets and programing with regard to BVHP REC.
Commissioner Kennedy thanked REC for their service to the community and for the presentation.
8.0 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Commissioner Kennedy announced Commissioner LeBlanc’s report of the 9910 Stationary Engineer Apprentice program.
8.1 SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 9910 STATIONARY ENGINEER INTERN PROGRAM
Commissioner LeBlanc reported that she observed the interview process of 14 persons who were finalist. Of those 14 people 7 have been selected and will be presented to the Commission early 2012. She stated that she did have a set of questions from the community to present to Mr. Tommy Moala regarding the program.
9.0 ADVISORY COMMITTEES REPORTS & UPDATES
Governance Ad-Hoc Committee (Chair, Willie B. Kennedy, Co-Chair, Brigette R. LeBlanc, Community Members: Alma Robinson, Kitty Morgan, Alternates: Dr. Harrison Parker, Greg Doxey)
Commissioner Kennedy provided a report on the meeting held 12/7/11
The Governance Ad-Hoc Committee directed staff to send a letter of invite to Public Utilities Commissioner Vince Courtney to attend a meeting either 1/11/12 or 1/18/12. The next meeting would be set to accommodate Commissioner Courtney.
Joint PUC/SECFC Ad-Hoc Committee, (Chair Theo Ellington, Co-Chair Bobbrie Brown, PUC Representative, and Alternate: Commissioner Willie B. Kennedy)
The next meeting is tentatively set for January 24th, 2012.
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 report.
Economic Development Advisory Committee (Chair Karen Chung, Co-Chair Al Norman, and Alternate: Commissioner Willie B. Kennedy)
Commissioner Chung provided a report on the meeting held 12/5/11
There Economic Committee directed staff to send letters to:
- President of the Chamber of Commerce
- Director of the Small Business Association
- President of the Small Business Commission
Commissioner Bobbrie Brown moved that the Economic Development Advisory Committee report be approved (Chung Seconded).
Facility Advisory Committee, (Chair Willie B. Kennedy, Co-Chair Brigette R. LeBlanc, and Member: Commissioner Al Norman, Alternate: Commissioner Armina Brown)
Commissioner Kennedy provided a report on the meeting held 12/7/11.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm due to loss of quorum.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________
Carla Vaughn
Southeast Community Facility
Commission Secretary
(Full audio recording available through sfgov.org/southeast community facility commission/agenda & minutes/)
