SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES
COMMISSION
City and County of San Francisco
London N. Breed
Mayor
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
Monday, October 24, 2022
1:30 PM
(Approved November 8, 2022)
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
City Hall, Room 416
San Francisco, CA 94102
Commissioners
Newsha Ajami, Vice President
Sophie Maxwell
Tim Paulson
Tony Rivera
Kate Stacy
Dennis J. Herrera
General Manager
Donna Hood
Secretary
1. Call to Order
Vice President (VP) Ajami called the meeting to order at 1:34 PM.
2. Roll Call
Present: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
VP Ajami welcomed Commissioner Kate Stacy to the Commission.
3. Annual Election of Officers: Discussion and possible action to elect a President and Vice President of the Commission, each to serve a one-year term, as per the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Rules of Order, Rule No. 6.
VP Ajami outlined the process for the election of officers and asked for public comment.
Public Comment
• Peter Drekmeier, Policy Director, Tuolumne River Trust, welcomed Commissioner Stacy. He asked that the Commission be more active and take action. He noted the importance of workshops.
• David Pilpel stated it is difficult to provide comment until nominations are made. He expressed his support for Commissioner Ajami as President and Commissioners Maxwell or Paulson as Vice President given their seniority and knowledge of the Commission.
Commissioner Maxwell nominated Commissioner Ajami for the position of Commission President. Commissioner Paulson seconded. Nomination accepted.
On Motion to approve the nomination of Commissioner Ajami as Commission President Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
President Ajami thanked the Commission for the honor and expressed her excitement for what lies ahead. She noted the important issues that will be faced.
President Ajami stated the process for the election of Vice President will be the same as that for President and requested public comment.
Public Comment
• Peter Drekmeier congratulated President Ajami. He recommended that Commissioner Maxwell serve as Vice President. He noted her attendance at a Board of Supervisors (BOS) committee meeting on algae and stated that engagement is important.
President Ajami nominated Commissioner Maxwell for the position of Commission Vice President. Commissioner Maxwell accepted the nomination. Commissioner Paulson expressed his interest in serving as Commission Vice President. Commissioner Stacy seconded the nomination.
On Motion to approve the nomination of Commissioner Maxwell as Commission Vice President
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Rivera, and Stacy
No: Paulson
4. Adopt renewed findings under State Urgency Legislation to allow hybrid in-person meetings during the COVID-19 Emergency and direct the Commission Secretary to agendize a similar resolution at a Commission Meeting within the next 30 days. (Resolution 22-0176)
No public comment.
On Motion to approve item 4:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
5. Approval of the Minutes of September 27, 2022 and October 11, 2022 Public Comment
• David Pilpel stated he will communicate non-substantive edits to the Commission Secretary.
On Motion to approve the Minutes of September 27, 2022 and October 11, 2022:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
6. General Public Comment
• Peter (inaudible), Potrero Hill, urged action to prevent algae blooms and discussed its effect on the Bay. He stated concrete action, not a Voluntary Agreement, needs to be taken.
• Eileen Boken welcomed Commissioner Stacy. She discussed the BOS website posting for the SFPUC’s Revenue Bond Oversight Committee tour of the Oceanside Treatment Facility and requested to be include in the tour. • Denis Louie, Center for Biological Diversity, discussed the San Francisco Bay Delta and the decline of Delta Smelt. She asked that the Commission act in favor of fish and ecosystems.
• Judy Irving, Documentary Filmmaker, discussed her film “Cold Refuge” about swimming in the San Francisco Bay and recounted her negative experiences swimming at Aquatic Park in the algae bloom.
• Nathan Rangel, Executive Director, California Outdoors, welcomed the new Commissioners. He discussed the Design Drought and stated it negatively affects the ecosystem and the Tuolumne River.
• Mary Butterwick discussed the flows and ecological state of the Tuolumne River.
She asked that the lawsuit against the State be dropped. She asked that the Design Drought be shortened by at least one year. She discussed recycling wastewater to reduce the nutrient load to the Bay.
• Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust, discussed former Commissioner Harrington’s request for updates on ecological data related to the Tuolumne River.
He discussed the FISHBIO report on salmon levels.
• John Rosapepe asked that the lawsuit against the state be dropped and stated there is stonewalling on the release of information. He welcomed Commissioner Stacy and asked that she make scientific decisions.
• Ron (inaudible), Northern California Council of Flyfishers International, asked that the Commission look at water demand projections. He asked that the Commission adopt the Bay Delta Plan and increase flows on the Tuolumne River to 40%. He discussed worldwide examples of water recycling.
• David Pilpel discussed a news story on Anchor Brewing and their use of recycled water. He noted Paula Kehoe’s appearance in the story discussing water resources.
He mentioned the Upper Islais Creek Watershed Approach Alternative Proposal’s November 10 submission deadline and asked it requires commission approval prior to submission.
• Jo Coffey provided written comments which addressed the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and indicated the Act alone is not enough to save species.
She asked that the Commission consider other species when determining water policy.
• David Hooper, Solutions Not Sandbags, provided written comment requesting prioritization and funding to solve sewer-flooding of Marina Boulevard, noting the one-year flooding anniversary.
7. Communications
a) Advance Calendar
b) Contract Advertisement Report
c) Correspondence Log
d) Annual Report on the Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credit Sales Fund e) Annual Multi-Enterprise Climate Program Update
f) Green Infrastructure Grant Program: Board of Supervisors Update g) Quarterly Report to the Board of Supervisors on Connection to PG&E Grid and Related Disputes
h) Update on Lower Tuolumne River Pilot Habitat Restoration Projects Greg Norby, Assistant General Manager (AGM) Wastewater, responded to a question from VP Maxwell as to when the Green Infrastructure projects will be completed, stating that grants are awarded over time and are at various levels of completion. He noted there is approximately a one to three-year window from award to completion. VP Maxwell requested that future reports provide status information.
AGM Norby responded to a question from President Ajami as to system performance tracking, indicating there are ideas for technology-based system monitoring, but there is currently nothing project-specific. He stated post construction monitoring has been completed on eight projects, which met-or-exceeded projected performance.
Steve Ritchie, AGM Water, responded to a question from President Ajami regarding item 7h, Lower Tuolumne River Pilot Habitat Restoration Projects, and provided additional detail on the monitoring program and noted work has just begun and that the project is in the CEQA process.
AGM Ritchie responded to a question from VP Maxwell regarding the Bobcat project, stating it is on hold and that staff are looking to see if other projects can advance. Brief discussion ensued.
Public Comment
• David Pilpel stated there is a technical problem with the phone audio feed and stated he had difficulty hearing podium speakers.
• Eileen Boken expressed difficulty hearing podium speakers via the phone. • Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust, indicated he was having trouble with the phone audio. He commented on item 7h and noted that the Tuolumne River Trust’s habitat restoration project is focused in the Upland area in collaboration with some water agencies.
In an attempt to address the technical issue with the podium microphone, podium speakers switched to another microphone when speaking.
8. Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) Update Nicole Sandkulla, BAWSCA CEO, stated that BAWSCA is a special district formed in 2003 to represent the interests of 26 water suppliers in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Alameda Counties, and serves 1.8 million residents and more than 40,000 business and community organizations, all of whom rely on the San Francisco Regional Water System. She indicated the BAWSCA Board of Directors is comprised of an elected or appointed representative from each member agency.
CEO Sandkulla reviewed BAWSCA’s goal, which is to provide a reliable supply of high-quality water at a fair price. She made reference to the 1912 Freeman Report to the San Francisco Mayor and City Attorney, and the Raker Act. She stated the current relationship between San Francisco and its Wholesale Customers is governed by the Water Supply Agreement.
CEO Sandkulla indicated (1) BAWSCA agencies rely on the Regional Water System for two-thirds of their total supply; (2) BAWSCA’s 26 agencies are diverse; (3) That 24% less water is used today in the BAWSCA region compared to FY 1986-87 despite a 32% population increase; (4) Residential per capita has decreased by 37% in the BAWSCA region since FY 1986-87; and (5) BAWSCA’s August 2022 total potable water use was 27% less than August 2013, and 6.5% less than August 2021.
She discussed their conservation programs messaging and greywater programs and indicated they are working with member agencies to achieve water savings.
Public Comment
• David Pilpel stated he was still unable to hear podium speakers. He read citations from California Government Code Section 54593, and from the City Attorney memo dated September 28, 2021. He asked that the meeting be recessed to address the technical issue.
• Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust, commended BAWSCA and San Francisco for strides on water use efficiency. He stated the Hetch Hetchy system has four years of storage and should be used to help the environment.
President Ajami recessed the meeting at 2:49 PM to address technical issues. The meeting reconvened at 3:08 PM.
9. Report of the General Manager (GM)
a) Drought Conditions Update
AGM Ritchie noted the water year started October 1st and that the data reflects information for the new water year. He reviewed (1) October 17, 2022 Reservoir Storage: Water Bank at 98% of maximum storage; (2) Other California Reservoirs: Shasta, Oroville and Don Pedro Reservoirs are at 32%, 33%, and 50% of capacity, respectively; (3) California Drought Monitor: Depending on location the states is in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought; (4) Hetch Hetchy Precipitation; (5) Upcountry 6-Station Precipitation Index (as of October 16, 2022); (6) Bay Area 7-Station Precipitation Index (as of October 16, 2022): (7) Upcountry Snowpack WY 2022; (8) Water Available to the City; (9) National Precipitation Forecast; and (10) Total Deliveries.
In response to a question from VP Maxwell, AGM Ritchie stated BAWSCA customers will be surveyed regarding their conservation efforts to determine further conservation recommendations. He responded to a follow-up comment from President Ajami that there should be efforts to work with landscapers on best practices to ensure reduction of customer water use.
Public Comment
• Nicole Sandkulla, BAWSCA, stated their website has a qualified water efficient landscapers training for their service area and that on-line classes are schedule for December. Information can be found on their website. • Francisco DaCosta stated there needs to be focus on the Raker Act. He stated there needs to be consideration of San Franciscans that are conserving water. He stated there is reservoir storage for three-to-four years and that the concerns of the salmon are not being addressed. b) Drought Public Outreach Summary
Betsy Lauppe Rhodes, Senior Communications Manager, Water, discussed drought outreach efforts, indicating there are “14 Calls to Action” in rotation in four languages. She reviewed (1) Advertising conducted from January to June 2022; (2) Direct outreach to retail customers (ongoing); (3) Earned media outreach (ongoing); (4) Advertising from July to November 2022; and (5) Partnership with the San Francisco Giants. She concluded with a review of advertising metrics as of October 14, 2022.
Commissioner Paulson thanked Manager Lauppe Rhodes for the presentation and indicated he has seen the ads and finds them effective.
President Ajami noted that some customers use autopay and might not see the ads on the SFPUC bill payment page. She indicated that outreach should also focus on those who are not as interactive on the online payment system.
Public Comment
• David Pilpel congratulated staff for their work on comprehensive water conservation communication efforts. He discussed the “edgy” Sewer System Improvement Program messaging and suggested that similar messaging be used.
• Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust, thanked staff for the presentation. He discussed the salmon counts on the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers. c) Annual Policy and Government Affairs Update
Megan Scott, Acting Director, Policy and Government Affairs, recognized the Government Affairs team for their work. She highlighted important work being conducted at the local, state, and federal levels, and noted the $20 million in funding that has been secured for ratepayer relief. She discussed the federal infrastructure bills that were passed, the work being done to explore funding opportunities, and the advocacy for SFPUC’s priorities and projects as those bills are implemented. She indicated SFPUC’s priorities continue to be infrastructure funding and ratepayer assistance.
Acting Director Scott responded to a question from VP Maxwell regarding decoupling water rates from revenue, which she indicated will help enable conservation; and to a question from Commissioner Paulson regarding the SFPUC’s lobbying firms.
President Ajami provided comments on the challenges that are faced and thanked staff for their work to address those challenges.
GM Herrera thanked staff for their work to arrange the recent trip to Washington, D.C. for staff to meet with the Congressional Delegation and federal agencies that the SFPUC works closely with.
Public Comment
• Francisco DaCosta spoke to the infrastructure bill and discussed leaching of water. He stated a needs assessment should be conducted. • David Pilpel stated the letterhead should be updated.
d) Report on Recent San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Activities, Events and Announcements
None.
10. New Commission Business
None.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Authorize the General Manager to extend the duration of the Cooperative Agreement between the SFPUC and The Energy Council for CleanPowerSF’s participation in the Bay Area Regional Heat Pump Water Heater Contractor Incentive Program by 27 months, for a total duration of three years and one month, with no change to the previously approved not-to-exceed budget of $450,000. (Resolution 22-0177)
b) Approve a $410,000 increase to the contract cost contingency, and a 100 calendar-day increase to the contract duration contingency, for Contract No. WD-2811, 8- Inch and 16-Inch Ductile Iron Water Main Replacement on 17th Street from Clayton Street to Douglass Street and Various Side Streets to perform additional curb ramp and pavement restoration work, increase the number of water service screw taps and air valves, remove and dispose of roadbase thicker than standard, assist City crews with night work, and repair a leaking water main; and authorize the General Manager to approve future modifications to the contract for a total contract amount of up to $7,340,345 and a total contract duration of up to 952 consecutive calendar days. (Resolution 22-0178)
c) Approve the plans and specifications, and award Contract No. WD-2845, Cathodic Protection for Transmission Pipelines at Various Locations, Phase 2, in the amount of $3,274,441, and with a duration of 730 consecutive calendar days (two years), to the responsible bidder that submitted the lowest responsive bid, EXARO Technologies Corporation, to install cathodic protection to protect pipes from corrosion at various locations within the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission water transmission system. This action constitutes the Approval Action for the Project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 31.04(h) of the San Francisco Administrative Code. The Planning Department has determined that this action is exempt from the CEQA. If the item is approved, the Commission will rely on that determination to make its decision. (Resolution 22-0179)
d) Accept work performed by Precision Engineering, Inc., for Contract No. WW-655, As-Needed Main Sewer Replacement No. 7; Approve Modification No. 4 (Final), decreasing the contract by $425,808, for a total contract amount of $6,949,307, with no change to the contract duration; and authorize final payment to the contractor. (Resolution 22-0180)
e) Accept work performed by J. Flores Construction Company, Inc., for Contract No.
WW-686, As-Needed Spot Sewer Replacement No. 38, for a total contract amount of $13,808,733, and with a total contract duration of 535 consecutive calendar days; and authorize final payment to the Contractor. (Resolution 22-0181) f) Accept work performed by JMB Construction Inc., for Contract No. WW-696, Cargo Way Flush Line, for a total contract amount of $4,671,834, and with a total contract duration of 652 consecutive calendar days; and authorize final payment to the Contractor. (Resolution 22-0182)
Public Comment
• David Pilpel suggested minor edits to items 11a (resolution certification line), 11b (fifth whereas clause), and 11c (resolved clause). He discussed contract modification language.
On Motion to approve Item 11, Consent Calendar:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
12. Authorize the SFPUC’s Social Impact Partnership (SIP) program, and request that the General Manager (a) seek formal authorization of the SIP program from the Board of Supervisors by ordinance with the proposed program parameters in Attachment A; (b) develop formal rules and regulations for the SIP program to ensure the transparent and accountable implementation and enforcement of the SIP program; and (c) staff the SIP program to effectively implement the Program. (Resolution 22-0183) GM Herrera introduced the item and conveyed his pride in the staff for their important work on the SIP.
Ronnie Versher, Director of Community Benefits, recognized staff for their work. He reviewed SFPUC’s guiding policies: Environmental Justice Policy, Community Benefits Policy, and the Racial Justice Resolution. He provided an overview of the SIP Program stating the SFPUC invites firms, through the contracting process, to make meaningful, positive impacts in local communities. Under the SIP program, firms voluntary make commitments that deliver during the term of their contract. The SIP program began in 2011 and more than 90 contracts have included SIP, which program areas include (1) education, (2) environmental and community health, (3) job exposure, awareness, and internships, and (4) small businesses.
Chelsea Boilard, Interim Director Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, discussed the decade of social impact which include support for emerging local business, supporting the next generation of environmental stewards, providing paid internships for young people in the STEM fields and on the SFPUC’s utility projects.
Acting Director Boilard provided SIP program updates during the last year which include the implementation of administrative and system improvements, launching of a public interactive website dashboard, building a public registry for interested organizations or public schools, and drafting of program rules and regulations. She indicated authorization of the item will ensure the delivery of commitments directly to the community through enforcement mechanisms. She then outlined the parameters that guide the program, including contract type and thresholds, legal remedies for accountability, and tools and processes to maximize transparency.
Commissioner Rivera expressed appreciation for the presentation and stated that it is outstanding for a government entity to reach out and have a social impact and positive effect on the children and their future.
Commissioner Stacy complemented staff for the interactive dashboard and its transparency and accessibility. She suggested an addition to the dashboard to include feedback received regarding the effectiveness of specific programs.
Commissioner Paulson stated he was impressed with the SIP and that metrics should be available as to who is getting training and receiving quality jobs. He thanked staff for their work.
VP Maxwell thanked staff for their work. She noted the opening of 1550 Evans and stated that was part of the SIP work and noted the interaction with the community on the project.
President Ajami expressed appreciation to staff for taking feedback that was received to make the program stronger.
Public Comment
• Tinisch Hollins, Co-Founder, San Francisco Black Wallstreet, thanked the SFPUC for their work on the SIP and stressed the importance of supporting racial equity programs in San Francisco to ensure equity for marginalized communities. • Rebecca (inaudible), Project Engineer, Panko Builders, stated Panko was the general contractor for the Southeast Community Center project and that they enjoyed their participation in the SIP and giving back to the Bayview Hunters Point community.
• Francisco DaCosta stated the community embraces the SIP. He discussed his work in the community and on the Sewer System Improvement Program Task Force. He requested quarterly digital reports.
• Nicole (inaudible),Young Community Developers, discussed support they have received from the SFPUC and noted student success.
• Adriana Ayala, Executive Director, Chicana Latina Foundation, expressed support for the SIP. She discussed their mission and the students they serve. She indicated SIP partners have assisted with scholarships, training, and leadership skills. • Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust, discussed the SFPUC’s Environmental Justice Policy and stated it addresses the needs of communities in the SFPUC service area only and that there are communities outside of the service area that are impacted by SFPUC policies. He offered recommendations. • Dave Taney, Executive Director, The Mother Lode Workforce Development Board, discussed their positive experience with the SIP program and stated it is the only opportunity for multi-craft core curriculum and construction trade crafts to locals to receive training, which often result in local jobs.
• Nathaniel, graduate of the Tuolumne County cohort, thanked the SFPUC for the program and noted the positive impacts of the program on his life. • Lisa Butler, Senior Principal, Stantec Consulting, noted their commitment to giving back to the communities and expressed their excitement to work with the SIP program, specifically in Tuolumne County. She noted their work with sister firms to visit local schools and spending time with students disusing STEM. • Jason Wood, Field Representative, Laborers Local 1130 – Modesto, discussed his involvement with the Tuolumne County cohort and discussed the changes he has seen in the lives of program participants. He stated there are currently 15 apprentice laborers at Local 1130 that came out of the SIP program. He discussed the benefit to the unions, community and cohort participants.
• (Inaudible) Monroe, Director of Workforce, Mission Neighborhood Center, discussed their mission and goals and stated their programs have benefited from the SIP program, have removed barriers, and has allowed access to resources and employment opportunities which result in meaningful job placement for participants. • (Inaudible) discussed his organizations work with the SIP program in San Francisco, Tuolumne, and Mariposa Counties. He noted the benefits received and impacts to the communities served. He indicated they provided scholarships to Columbia Community College students interested in entering the water industry. He discussed their adoption of John O’Connell High School and hands-on projects with students. • Michelle Leonard-Bell , Executive Director, Mission Hiring Hall, thanked the SFPUC for the SIP program and for supporting the community. She discussed their mission and training programs and stated the SIP program is important to the enhancement of those programs.
• David Pilpel expressed opposition to the SIP program and stated that all aspects of the program are ripe for abuse. He stated the program is not needed and that there are other ways to achieve benefits from contractors. He stated bids should be evaluated on cost and all else should be included in the work scope.
On Motion to approve Item 12:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
13. Approve Modification No. 5 to Contract No. WW-628 Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant New Headworks Facility, with Sundt-Walsh Joint Venture, a Construction Manager/General Contractor agreement, increasing the contract amount by $58,572,067, for a total contract amount of $548,823,816; Approve a decrease to the contract cost contingency for a total contract cost contingency amount of $6,556,359, to reflect recent bids and ongoing changes to market conditions; and authorize the General Manager to approve future modifications to the contract for a total contract amount of up to $555,380,175, with no change to contract duration, in alignment with the current New Headworks approved budget. (Resolution 22-0184) Jignesh Desai, Senior Project Manager, reviewed the Southeast Plant (SEP) New Headworks Facilities Project objectives, scope of work, and project status. He reviewed the proposed modification indicating the $58.5M request is aligned with the Commission-adopted SFPUC 10-year Capital Plan, which increased the project budget to address design developments related to the rehabilitation of the existing Southeast Lift Station, changes to market conditions, and COVID-19 impacts. The modification reflects the latest bids received, design progression, revised package estimates, and current market conditions.
Public Comment
• Francisco DaCosta commended leadership on the Headworks Project and discussed his monitoring of the project. He stated the Precautionary Principle should be included.
• David Pilpel expressed support for the project. He indicated he is unclear if there are changes to the scope and stated there was no reference to environmental documents.
At the request of President Ajami, Project Manager Desai confirmed that modifications occurred 1.5 years ago and that there is no additional scope that requires additional CEQA documentation.
On Motion to approve Item 13:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
14. Approve CleanPowerSF’s 2022 Integrated Resource Plan Compliance Filing and authorize the General Manager to submit the final IRP Compliance Filing to the California Public Utilities Commission by the November 1, 2022 deadline. (Resolution 22-0185)
Cheryl Taylor, CPSF Operations Manager, thanked communications staff for their stakeholder engagement program work. She stated the IRP is an energy planning tool used to support achieving policy goals and meeting regulatory requirements and that every two years CleanPowerSF is required by law to submit an IRP which evaluates electricity supply and demand and identifies energy resource options that can deliver reliable and cost-effective energy to customers.
Manager Taylor reviewed two IRP portfolios that can be considered: (1) Conforming Portfolio: uses inputs and assumptions provide by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC); accounts for statewide goals and targets; and has minimal flexibility to incorporate local electrification goals and targets; and (2) Alternative Portfolio: uses inputs and assumptions determined by CPSF; accounts for local goals and targets (transportation electrification, and building decarbonization); and provides flexibility to incorporate community preferences. She stated that staff requests approval of the Conforming Portfolio as the preferred portfolio and stated both will be used to inform power supply procurement needs.
She reviewed four CPSF IRP modeling portfolios: (1) Base Case: Meets CPSF Goals by 2025; (2) CPSF Goals and Time Coincidence by 2030; (3) CPSF Goals and Mayors EV and Building Decarbonization Targets; (4) CPSF Goals and Local Resource Procurement. She discussed local investment and indicated all portfolios include 85.6 MW of local solar, 150 MW of local battery storage, and 50MW of local geothermal, representing $600-$700 million commitment to local projects.
Ms. Taylor provided comparison of Conforming Portfolio – Total Portfolio Capacity by Technology (2035): (1) Base Case 2035; (2) 95% Time Coincident 2035; and (3) 90% Time Coincident 2035; and provided comparison of Conforming Portfolio – Energy Generated by Resource Type (2035): (1) Base Case 2035; (2) 95% Time Coincident 2035; and (3) 90% Time Coincident 2035.
She presented a comparison of Conforming Portfolios: Average Portfolio Cost (2023- 2035) stating the Base Case is has the lowest cost.
She indicated that comprehensive modeling results are available at the following website: www.cleanpowersf.org/resourceplan.
Manager Taylor reviewed the two-phased community engagement and feedback process, stating that comments received expressed a range of perspectives. She reviewed the CleanPowerSF portfolio evaluation and discussed preferred portfolio ranking. She stated that staff recommends the Commission adopt the 90% Time Coincident Portfolio because it best balances CleanPowerSF goals of affordable, reliable, cleaner, supports local investment, and supports rate and financial stability.
Commissioner Paulson thanked staff for their work on this important matter.
Commissioner Stacy thanked staff for the incredible information which as a new member she found useful.
President Ajami thanked staff for their work. She re-emphasized her previous comments that there shouldn’t be overbuild for demand that might not exist, and that there should be a demand-level analysis for people to install renewables.
Public Comment
• David Pilpel thanked staff for their work.
• Jeremy Pollock, Executive Officer, Local Agency Formation Commission, thanked staff for their work and for the community engagement process. He discussed challenges of the 95% Time Coincident Portfolio.
On Motion to approve Item 14:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
15. Approve the Water Supply Assessment (WSA) for the proposed 3251 20th Avenue (Stonestown) Project, pursuant to California Water Code Section 10910 et seq., California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 21151.9, and CEQA Guidelines Section 15155. (Resolution 22-0186)
AGM Ritchie introduced the item and noted that WSA’s are required by state law. He stated the item does request project approval but does request approval of the assessment of the water supply available for the project, which if approved is conveyed to the Planning Department for their environmental review process.
AGM Ritchie responded to a question from President Ajami as to whether new developments can provide the chance to explore net zero water development opportunities, indicating it would be considered as a separate policy consideration and regulatory or CEQA process.
Public Comment
• Eileen Boken asked that the item be continued to provide for analysis. She stated the WSA does not address desalination, the Bay Delta Plan, or the Voluntary Agreement.
• David Pilpel reinforced that the WSA does not indicate project approval but only the availability of water to serve the project.
• Francisco DaCosta stated that the project must be considered with the housing element in mind. He stated clean water should not be used to flush toilets. • Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust, discussed previous WSA’s that were brought before the Commission. He discussed Planning Commission meeting discussions and suggested a joint meeting to discuss WSA’s. He discussed his thought on appealing WSA’s.
On Motion to approve Item 15:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
16. Approve the terms and conditions and recommend to the Board of Supervisors the approval of a five-year Site Use Agreement (Agreement), including four, five-year extension options between VB Nimbus, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as owner and the City and County of San Francisco, through its San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, as tenant, to use (i) approximately 345 square feet of ground space and (ii) certain space on an existing radio tower at 32322 S Corral Hollow Road in Tracy, California, for the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of radio equipment for the SFPUC Water Enterprise Radio Replacement Project, at an initial monthly use fee of $2,500 ($30,000 per year) with three-percent annual increases; and authorize the General Manager to execute the Site Use Agreement, upon approval from the Board of Supervisors and Mayor. This action constitutes the Approval Action for the Project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 31.04(h) of the San Francisco Administrative Code. The Planning Department has determined that this action is exempt from the CEQA. If the item is approved, the Commission will rely on that determination to make its decision. (Resolution 22-0187) AGM Ritchie stated this is one important component of the Radio Replacement Project which is necessary to upgrade the radio system throughout the water system. He stated it is located at a critical juncture at Corral Hollow Road.
No public comment.
On Motion to approve Item 16:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
17. Approve and adopt the General Manager’s finding that Lenel OnGuard® and Milestone XProtect® security system products are sole source products available from single sources that are necessary to match existing products used in SFPUC facilities; and authorize the General Manager to designate Lenel OnGuard® and Milestone XProtect® security systems and equipment in contract specifications as sole source products in public works contract specifications for public works project procurements in conformance with San Francisco Administrative Code Section 6.73(e)(1) and Public Contract Code Section 3400(c). (Resolution 22-0188)
Ron Flynn, Deputy General Manager (DGM), introduced the item and discussed the two system components of badging, and security video technology systems. He discussed the need to utilize the specified systems.
In response to a question from VP Maxwell, DGM Flynn discussed the need for the sole source for these systems and discussed what would happen if these systems are no longer available. He stated that uniformity and strategic thinking is necessary. He indicated the security team conducts reviews and assessments to ensure there are no vendor or system issues.
Commissioner Paulson noted the need for the system and stated that diligence has been taken.
No public comment.
On Motion to approve Item 17:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
18. Approve the plans and specifications, and award Contract No. DB-132, New Treasure Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, in the amount of $165,032,269, and with a duration of 1,095 consecutive calendar days (approximately three years), to the sole, qualified, responsible, and responsive bidder, PCL Construction & Stantec Consulting Services Joint Venture, in accordance with San Francisco Administrative Code Section
6.23(c)(3), to design and construct the new Treasure Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Resolution 22-0189)
Jignesh Desai, Senior Project Manager, reviewed the New Treasure Island Wastewater Treatment Plan objectives and background, procurement overview, and two-phased negotiation approach. He stated that three workshops were provided between the project team, proposer and other major SFPUC stakeholders.
In response to a question from VP Maxwell as to whether there is anything in the project that will help reduce nutrients, he indicated the project includes biological nutrient removal. He responded to a follow-up question from President Ajami regarding the effluent process and what happens to the wetlands during extreme events and discussed the collection system.
No public comment.
On Motion to approve Item 18:
Ayes: Ajami, Maxwell, Paulson, Rivera, and Stacy
19. Adjournment
President Ajami adjourned the meeting at 5:46 PM.