Transcripts For SFGTV Government Access Programming 20171229

Of recovering as a result of that proceeding, but we learned that a lot of other debtors are owed money including the i. R. S. , which has priority. So were not higher priority than the i. R. S. , unfortunately. So well monitor that and appear at hearings for the city. Payit plans are up to date. And on pages 5 and 6, you can see our customary charts that list the caseload statistics in graphic form. I will take any questions. Commissioners . Commissioner chiu . Yes. In your write up, the new York City Campaign finance board, the director talked about using data to investigate and uncover wrongdoing. Is that something that we could do here . I think so, yes. We track and require disclosure of a lot of the same information and we dump it into a portal called s. F. Open data, where we can put in criteria and search. To some extent, my investigators are doing that already, but i did get ideas from that speaker of what to look for and the data and she gave a couple of examples to get at darkmoney usage and coordination among campaigns. I was excited about that presentation. Great. I hope we can also take advantage of those red flags and their experience and hopefully there wont be, but to use that to our advantage. Yep. Well take Public Comment on this matter. Sorry to be so talkative today. I wanted to thank staff for moving so forcefully on the Lynette Sweet matter. This was a 2010 Public Financing report that we extended to ms. Sweet for the board of supervisors. Its been in away abeyance far too long. Obviously now the matter is in bankruptcy court. I had a question since these were public funds that were absconded in part with, have we submitted to the court that fact and that as a result, has it put us closer to the i. R. S. Than not . Because otherwise, public funds may have been lost . [inaudible] secured creditor of highest priority. And were not. The municipalities are not in the Bankruptcy Code specifically. Were a general creditor, the same way as anyone else. This is a u. S. Court. U. S. Federal court for bankruptcy. At least well get due process, one way to view it. Thank you very much. Any further Public Comment . Okay. If not, well move on to item 9. Discussion of the executive directors report. Thank you, chair keane. I have a brief report summarizing some of what you heard from director bloom about our attendance at the conference. It was exciting to have a strong measure of staff that were not just passive participates, but shaping ideas. So we look fehr ward to the idea to send additional staff to additional sessions in the years ahead. I did want to highlight one note of a report that we were asked to submit to the acting Mayors Office after the executive directors report was complete, because it speaks to some victims under discussion today. I will be happy to make that available to those on the commission, but we were asked on wednesday to provide to chief of staffs office for the acting mayors briefing a continuity of work report. And this specifically asked for three things. One, what were the items where there were key deadlines or mile stoepz that were stones that were a priority in the next 30 days, next 6 months and then also 12 months. Just to highlight what we provided. In the next 30 days, we cited the focus on successfully implementing our new laws that are operational on january 1. This includes implementation of prop t, lobbyist measure that campaigns Campaign Contributions from lobbyisting bundling and giving gifts. And also super peskins payments reporting by board and commission members. Both of these are significant because they were requiring us to complete the Technological Innovations to enable the Disclosure Requirements to be in place. Steven massie and team have been working to make that happen in a digital format. We also know we need to provide those who are affected by these laws with information so they are aware of and know how to comply. For the next six months, we cited our core initiatives for enactment. In addition to providing electionrelated compliance guidance to those to the upcoming, under the legislative initiatives we cited two. One was anticorruption and accountability that the commission referred, and, secondly, whistleblower ordinance, that when were helping to move those along. Those were the two priority items we noted. And thirdly, election 2018 work, under the leadership of our new programs officer and her team. And for the coming year, we did cite they asked for issues or items that were going to require that they called potential threats and they other top priorities. And the election of the campaign fund, so it speaks to commissioner kopps point. We need to assess the fund and make sure that it has adequate funds to sustain levels for june, 2018, as well as 2019 mayoral election, as well as 2018, november election. Well be working with the City Attorneys Office and control r Controllers Office to make sure that we have the bases covered. And also the i. T. Development, the technologies in place, and moving along to help convert our paper files to an electronic environment. So we had that in the briefing of the new, acting mayor. And, lastly well, two other items. Weve made very Good Progress on the hiringrelated work. I will have some very good news to share with you and others about one of our Technology Positions and tomorrow and this week we have were focusing on moving the senior auditor and Senior Investigative position further along through the exam assessment and interview process. So well proceed on that front. Steven massie, who has been acting as our key on all things technology, was moved into our the principal position for that division. It had been reclassified as part of the budget, investigating the expanded Technology Work that we need to do thats fundamental it all of our work. And we had a competitive positionbased or exambased process for that. As a result of that, steven was the successful candidate and is today moved to an expanded position that recognizes the work and increased responsibility for supervising a broader number of people. The position he was in will be posted. But there is progress. We want to thank doris laura, who has been working with us under the work order for the past year. Shes been very much a good and strong and steady ally in moving the process as far as its come. Well rely on the department of Human Resources in the coming months to get them past the posts and get people in seats so we can do the job we know we have to do. Commissioner chiu . Director pelham, since were losing the services of ms ms. Lorio, will it negatively impact the ability to fill the seven positions . Since theres salary savings from the oppositioen positions, we engage her for another quarter . Thats a good suggestion. And we have a meeting to make sure that we identify the needs so we can identify how we need to fill them. We know we need to put resources on them, because when there are exambased positions, it requires a significant amount of work to accomplish that. Our goal is to not let it slip up in any way in terms of priority emphasis. One other note on the budget for the january meeting and now on to february, we would be preparing to submit at the end of february, the Mayors Office in early december gave us two targets, asking all departments to cut 2. 5 in fy, 19 and fy, 20. Because were 90 salaries, we have very little overhead it. Would require us to lose positions, in my view, were ramping up. We need to make sure that the people are in their seats, doing the work, paid to do the work and have the tools to do the work. That will be our budget request that we bring forward to you in january. Im hopeful with the continued support with the leadership from the board that has embraced this, well show that were a good investment for the work and resources that the city has been given us. As we approach the end of the calendar year, i want to convey deep thanks to our staff, who have been working hard to try to support your process and public information. We have some folks here around this table in the room with us, but i wanted to take a note to say how much we have a Terrific Team and were very, very pleased to see the work thats being done. We have a lot of work ahead in 2018. Im hopeful that you share the enthusiasm. And, lastly, obviously, with the mayors passing this week, the staff and i spent some time reflecting on publicer is vits and significant Lifetime Service and we share condolences with his family and staff and we want to make note what he give to the city and continue to be inspired by those that give a lifetime to public service. Wanted to end on that note. Thank you. Commissioners . Well take Public Comment. Im bob plantold. Some of us on this side of the podium are concerned about the possibility of reduction in budget when, as your director said, trying to ramp up. I think its still possible to pass the budget at the february meeting if you seek an extension and thats been done a couple of times before by ethics. A meeting on the 16th is close enough to the deadline thats been granted before. And i bring that up because i suggested it may be worth looking at how much progress theres been in the last 1 1 2 years towards reducing some of the backlog of complaints, reducing some of the analysis on pending legislation and enforcement proceedings and, therefore, saying we still have staff we need to hire to bring all these backlogs to zero to keep us current and timely, to put out a case that 2. 5 per year is inappropriate. It would put you going backwards. It would not keep you where you are. It would push you backwards, if you have a statistical report showing what you have gained and what you need to reduce and, therefore, find a way to impress the supervisors to not cut you by 2. 5 to 5 . Thank you. Thank you. There being no further oh, im sorry. Mr. Bush. Pardon me. We also want to know on behalf of friends of ethics that we posted on facebook our work we had done with mayor lee going back many years. That he had supported all the ballot members or didnt oppose the ethics ballot measures. My first time of coming to ethics was about 1992, when he was the chief Administrative Officer to give a tutorial to the ethics staff about how to monitor city contracts in coordination with the Ethics Commission. He is a man that did understand and support the work we were doing. In terms of the budget, and looking ahead, as i recall, budgets are ordinances and you would have the ability to put full funding for next year on the ballot in june to take effect on july 1. And so, might want to have that as a fallback position in the event that it appears that you would reduce the staff or ability to get things done. I certainly support and i think the public will support full funding for ethics. Thank you. Good observation, mr. Bush. Any further Public Comment . If not, well then move to item 10, discussion possible action regarding status of complaints received or initiated by the Ethics Commission. Commissioner kopp . I request a closed session. Is there a second for that request . I will second it. Motion has been made and seconded. We dont need Public Comment on that, do we . I dont think so. All those in favor of the motion . Well get it anyway. F. O. E. Wants to wish you a happy holiday season. Thank you for your amazing work this year and how as a unit you have come together so well. And i think the public is aware of what it is youre doing for the city and i think by in large seeing us on tv is sometimes hard, but they appreciate what it is were doing. So thank you. Thank you, charlie. And have a good holiday season. And while youre in executive session, i hope somebody brings in a box of cookies or something. You were going to bring pizza, remember . Yes, we discussed pizza. And im sure the chair will deep that germane to item 10 on the calendar. Yes. Christmas cookies back in open session for the Ethics Commission, decemb december session. Is there a motion pursuing to what we did in our closed session . I would move that we keep the closed session in confidence. Second . Second. All those in favor of the motion . Aye. Motion passes unanimously. So we then go to item 11. Discussion of possible action of items for future meetings. I think some of the things that have come up tonight indicate things that well be doing at future meetings in record to putting matters on the ballot and just listening to what has been said. I would anticipate that in february we would have agendaized putting on the ballot the whistleblower item and also our ordinance that we passed the last time in so that we get it on the ballot, both of them on the ballot in june, and have them effective as soon as possible. The third thing, which did come up tonight and i think it would be important, unless we get an indication from the city, the danger of the pudge the of the Ethics Commission being cut at this point when weve been able to protect it so fiercely the last few years, i think, is fairly substantial. We used to be not protected at all under the former executive director. Weve done it with the executive director and also indicating from the commission that we would go forward with an ordinance relating to the budget, if they didnt pass our budget. So i think we ought to think about it, but also adding what was recommended by charlie marsteader, in that we put a measure on the ballot in june that the commission be fully funded, because we are now up and running. Were starting to get going, and to have a hole in the budget at this point, would be, i think, very sad thing to happen and destructive thing to happen. Im just ruminating out loud regarding things that i would like to see perhaps agendaized for february. Commissioner kopp . Commissioner kopp i never asked the executive director or you, mr. Chairman, about a member requesting an item on the agenda. Can that be done outside of our Public Meeting . Commissioner keane yeah. A member can request it and then there would be a discussion between director pelham and me as chair and the likelihood i cant see that i would not exceed to that request. Commissioner kopp all right. I will defer until the new year. Commissioner keane okay. Any other discussion on matters for future meetings . Any Public Comment on that . I have one. Commissioner chiu wee reflecting on the budget, if we were to explore a Ballot Initiative related to the Ethics Commission, i would suggest that we explore more broadly. Thats not just for this upcoming fiscal year, but that we look at independent funding for the budget, so we wont necessarily always be subject to 5 , 2. 5 increase over time, but thats the budgeting process so that the commission could be i dont know how it would work and that would be the work to be done, would be to have it it on the standalone basis and have approval be whether its through a voting mechanism through the public or a mayor, but some alternative mechanism that could preserve the integrity of our budget. As i think back to where we started from when i joined the commission, we were sorely understaffed and have been chroniclely understaffed over the last 12 months. We were able to get increased funding, but with the decrease in fiscal year and subsequent year, it would gut completely the strides weve made in building up the team to do the work. And i take mr. Planteads suggestion to use the data to show the backlog of complaints. When we began this work, there were complaints stretching back to 2014 and now were on the cusp of 2018 and now we dont have things pending from two months ago or two years ago and so thats very powerful evidence to show the resources that the city has committed to us and mayor lee was instrumental in that. When cuts were being asked for across the board, you know, he didnt mandate that we had to go along with those cuts. And i think thats part of his legacy, is the support for the commission and i would like to explore ways in the upcoming couple of months to see whether or not that support can be institutionalized in some legislative fashion that would help to preserve the independence and integrity and resources to do the work. Commissioner keane you made a very important point about mayor lee. Ever since we started to emphasize it to him, hes been responsive to that. Now we have a new day and everything starts from zero in San Francisco when you get a shakeup like this. And so the new mayor, whatever the board of supervisorss views are, theyre not necessarily going to or at all going to reflect what mayor lees been doing. So these are things, i think, we should definitely do in order to instituti institutionalize what weve done so far. Any other thoughts on that . Okay. So additional opportunity for Public Comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda pursuant to Ethics Commissions bylaws article 7, section 2. I see no Public Comment. And i suggest, commissioners, that someone make a motion to adjourn and adjourn in the memory of mayored lee. And the significant loss of his passing. I knew him since the 1980s and he headed the asian law caucus and i was involved with him in a number of matters over the years. And hes someone who made a big difference in record to our community and i would entertain such a motion. Commissioner lee made the motion. Second. Commissioner keane all those in favor, aye. Passes unanimously. Best wishes to everybody. Working for the city and county of San Francisco will immerse you in a vibrant and dynamic city thats on the forefront of economic growth, the arts, and social change. Our city has always been on the edge of progress and innovation. After all, were at the meeting of land and sea. Our city is famous for its iconic scenery, historic designs, and world class style. Its the birthplace of blue jeans, and where the rock holds court over the largest natural harbor on the west coast. The citys Information Technology professionals work on revolutionary projects, like providing free wifi to residents and visitors, developing new programs to keep sfo humming, and ensuring Patient Safety at San Francisco general. Our it professionals make government accessible through awardwinning mobile apps, and support vital Infrastructure Projects like the hetch hetchy Regional Water system. Our employees enjoy competitive salaries, as well as generous benefits programs. But most importantly, working for the city and county of San Francisco gives employees an opportunity to contribute their ideas, energy, and commitment to shape the citys future. Thank you for considering a career with the city and county of San Francisco. I would like to say good morning, but its really not a very good morning. Welcome to the San Francisco county Transportation Authority for today. It seems like its been a long day already, tuesday december the 12th. I just want to start the meeting by offering our condolences to the family of edwin lee, the 43rd mayor of the city and county of San Francisco and share all of our condolences with people of the city and county of San Francisco. I want to thank all of my colleagues on the board, many of whom gathered in the wee hours of this morning at zuckerberg general hospital. With that, our clerk is Alberto Quintanilla and mr. Clerk, if you could please call the roll, were going to have a very brief meeting and then we are going to adjourn to go have a press conference with our acting mayor london breed on the mayors balcony. Clerk item one, commissioner breed, breed absent. Commissioner cohen, present. Commissioner farrell, present. Commissioner fewer, fewer absent. Commissioner kim, kim present. Commissioner peskin. Present. Commissioner ronen, present. Commissioner safai present, commissioner sheehy, absent. Commissioner tang, present commissioner yee. Commissioner sheehy should be named present. Commissioner fewer, i spoke to a few hours ago, well take that without objection. Im going to forego the chair support, madam secretary director, are there any items you want to share . Any comment on the chairs report or executive directors report. Public comment is closed on items 2 and 3. Could you read the Consent Agenda. Clerk four to nine consent, items being considered for approval. Staff is not planning to present on the items. Is there any Public Comment on item four, the minutes of the december 5th meeting . Seeing none, Public Comment is closed. Would any member or members like an item severed, if not, a roll call on the Consent Agenda please. Motion to move the Consent Agenda made by commissioner yee, seconded by commissioner farrell and on that item, a roll call please. Clerk commissioner farrell. Aye. Commissioner cohen, aye. Commissioner ronen, aye. Commissioner safai, aye. Commissioner sheehy, aye. Commissioner tang, aye. Commissioner yee, aye. Could you please read the next item . Which seemed very important a week ago. Programming of 6. 189 and 4. 1 for the prop k. Good morning commissioners, policy and programming director. Last week, at the december 5th Board Meeting the motion to approve the item did not pass after considerable discussion at the board. The commission generally agrees with the programming of the funds to the street resurfacing but the commissioners couldnt agree on the second part of the recommendation to transfer on the 4 million in prop k funds programmed to street resurfacing to manage lanes environmental phase. The board requested to see more evidence that the managed lanes would improve congestion without negatively impacting freeway corridors or local streets and a more holistic approach to congestion and other areas of concern. In light of the robust discussion, we have advised staff recommendation to only approve the proposed programming of the state funds to street resurfacing projects and this is a request to approve on first read to meet the states timeline of december 15th of when we need to submit the applications to the California Transportation Commission and we would defer action on the Fund Exchange to provide more time for staff to complete planning studies and address commissioners concerns. Theres a list of street resurfacing projects funded by the state funds and a map that you cant see particularly well yes, you can see it. If we were to approve this as revised given the december 15th date, this would be the final approval, not the first read, is that correct . Thats correct. It would be approval on first read. Is there a motion . Made by commissioner farrell, seconded by commissioner tang. Colleagues are there any members of the public who would like to testify on this item . Seeing none, Public Comment is closed. And on the item as revised, same house, same call, the item is finally approved. Next item, please. Clerk item 11, programming 2. 813. 264 to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency non infrastructure project, this is an action item. I want to start by briefly thanking colleague commissioner tang and her staff and my staff who listened to i think very sophisticated discussion we had here a number of months ago. I want to thank tilley chang and the ta staff and miss lafour but particularly commissioner tang, she did a lot of the heavy lifting. With that, commissioner tang . Thank you. I echo my thanks to the ta staff and as well amber crab as well. I just encourage our colleagues to look through the packet. There is a revised Organization Chart where you can see the new structure for the program. So we have decided to move everything to fall under the sfcta because i think it will work more well with the schools and needs brought to our attention and so i think all schools will benefit from this change. We have found a way to address this without reducing any of the funding to the nonprofit partner agencies. I think overall the out come was great and i look forward to continuing the discussion another day. Thank you commissioner tang. I neglected to thank the mta and department of Public Health and San Francisco Unified School District for really coming to quite a number of meetings and being willing albeit with a little reluctance at first, to restructure this. And thank you commissioner tang. Is there a motion to approve item 11 made by commissioner tang. Seconded by commissioner yee. Any Public Comment on that item . Thank you. Thank you to all of the nonprofit participants for your understanding, i know you all got a little nervous at the beginning, but i think youll see a program that not only allows you and your staff to continue the good work theyre doing but will make it a much more efficient program. With that, seeing no Public Comment. Public comment is closed and on the motion, same house, same call, item 11 is approved. Mr. Logan, would you upset if we continued item 12 . All right. Is there any Public Comment on would you read item 12 alberto. Clerk update on the Transportation Network Company Landscape and regulation in california and across the country. Is there Public Comment on item 12 . Seeing none, Public Comment is closed. Is there a motion to move to the first meeting in january. Well take it without objection. Is there introduction of new items . Seeing none, any public item on said item. No. Is there any general Public Comment . Seeing none, Public Comment is closed and well adjourn the meeting in the memory of edwin lee, the 43rd mayor of the city and county of San Francisco, were adjourned. Before we start, may i ask for a moment of silence in honor of our mayor who passed away yesterday . Thank you. Clerk thank you. This is the december 13, 2017, meeting of the san franl board of appeals. Presiding officer at the moment will be our Vice President , frank fung. Were expecting board president darryl honda to join us shortly. Were joined by ann lazarus,