[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6281784,"mediaKeyId","2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585","parentId",2602418,"title","Small business owner urges city procurement transparency, says local vendors are being overlooked","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3059000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585&start=3059&end=3059","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585/thumbnail_3059000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281784/Daly-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Small-business-owner-urges-city-procurement-transparency-says-local-vendors-are-being-overlooked","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281784-9261ea532e9324a0672e8823a49e4e86/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218533&Signature=CBZaQdFN6YqkyI6-ORdxYd4p2LDjbwMwV4Ha091O81vfGeE56tlLYQH~vmW0f-jvgLY9UHEWa5LYAxSGKG6PtLjgW7hwZdJ33ZRYq~KdoCh5B7Iep1~DGXdqF44mD8SoMv1ak9bFqo95v7M6XCrIJrwHTWEY7nB~ocSXBfWQrL6KA0wiEBA4ZhyNrp-WGanF99k02NkhzC~g4WGItnsJ3AH5zUIObUspW3Rky4i10LQ2cl-QSjYRV3Wx7ZKhrlF63Jp-knJH~ba8pV9pqe7WsQqhXQRtoEenKLO0iwC1VkHVse175HO8MsC4cbQi4IeGqzgVqQWw3NArW0cxAFR79w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Daly City","date","2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","article","In public comment the commission heard from Andrew Siri, owner of AutoSound Performance on Mission Street, who asked the Small Business Commission to examine Daly City contracting and procurement practices so more municipal spending flows to local businesses.

Siri said he traced public‑sector purchases in 2024 and found roughly $11 million spent by departments on services, supplies and materials in categories that, he argued, could be supplied by local vendors. He also said he personally supplied roughly $708,000 of municipal work for several Bay Area agencies and that Daly City could benefit from similar in‑house sourcing.

“There's definitely a major flaw in the bidding, spending, and procurement,” Siri told commissioners, urging an oversight audit or reform that would increase transparency about who receives contracts and why. Siri criticized an apparent absence of published bid opportunities and asked the commission to press for clearer procurement postings and competition that would allow Daly City businesses to compete.

Commissioners acknowledged the concern and discussed the potential for a local preference or scoring matrix that would give extra weight to Daly City‑based or small businesses in procurement evaluations, while noting legal and policy constraints. One commissioner said the goal would be to strike a balance so local firms have a fair shot without violating procurement rules.

Why it matters: If valid, Siri’s concerns touch city purchasing, local economic development and whether municipal spending benefits Daly City businesses.

What’s next: Commissioners said they could examine the issue and consider recommending to council and city staff that procurement transparency and local preference mechanisms be evaluated; Siri offered to share his municipal procurement materials with the commission.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Daly City Small Business Commission Regular Meeting - 02/13/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Auto repair business owner Andrew Siri urged the commission to examine Daly City procurement practices and increase opportunities for local vendors after reporting substantial municipal spending that he said largely leaves the city.","taxTitle","Daly City, San Mateo County, California","taxId",3853,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6281787,"Commission approves Dec. 12 minutes and re‑elects chair and vice chair",2378,141000,2519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585&start=141&end=2519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585/thumbnail_141000.jpg","/articles/6281787/Daly-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Commission-approves-Dec-12-minutes-and-reelects-chair-and-vice-chair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281787-5adef3b0da27eb3db7777c6f4920e5aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218533&Signature=RlcctwWnfkdTLHPIoTH0jqZXfoYQEL8fP4AlGUX9C81i-1vapv3bqoi9uU-u7~KdSoSJEKc6Ss57T07bsK67XKQXA86w0oyDu7oezQs~spfgQTRVntqVGV4CxSpsqsSU-h6TEz70rHYkg8SMT9YayZES5tb7OuMpwRK7COJAsT~oJdGhsPxLW71bAy5GAppAwxra3kp65NSOMNcxrrLPs1NzokrqP4NNtLGDvxhPcwJKtwzKcWMBCJyH-~b46cZMQaxYPEggOurVEfAt2lKRigGF~cdQX1HZVKfAAFEZfAWNEt706ExhdZ56lihhG3uUYfpRWdA9k0WrN8ya8tRv6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Small Business Commission approved the Dec. 12 meeting minutes and completed its reorganization on Feb. 13, reaffirming the sitting chair and vice chair.

A motion to approve the Dec. 12 minutes was made, seconded and the commission voted in favor. The minutes were approved by voice vote.

For reorganization, a commissioner nominated Commissioner Amro (full name not specified in transcript) to continue as chair; a second was recorded and the motion passed unanimously. The commission also re‑nominated Commissioner John (last name not specified in the transcript) to continue as vice chair; that nomination was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: Reorganization establishes the commission’s leadership for subsequent meetings and ensures continuity for agenda and policy work.

What’s next: The commission returned to its agenda items following reorganization and adjourned at approximately 7:57 p.m.","The Daly City Small Business Commission approved the Dec. 12 meeting minutes and re‑nominated and confirmed the existing chair and vice chair in a unanimous reorganization vote.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6281792,"Small Business Commission reviews proposed cannabis retail zones, seeks equity and school‑buffer clarity",1462,1363000,2825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585&start=1363&end=2825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585/thumbnail_1363000.jpg","/articles/6281792/Daly-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Small-Business-Commission-reviews-proposed-cannabis-retail-zones-seeks-equity-and-schoolbuffer-clarity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281792-447fcb12e472611da8462a43fc07e387/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218533&Signature=AORJmb0P7LmlByC3t42AscshSGkSbvKDzSqn1k0F3SMWAHFfDzUU5LFWiNu1-rfYkwPO30nDyBA228Tc2UEWg-G4CdaonjI~6Gpwj-80c~oV~5BhpxWNLZ-Q3rIAXKUh1pvR10v54cSIyUTtNLXrClcXv6V0HEIpdisnTpCBc1dRDgLEutj0JPrmE4b6V6MHB4TFvGSTHVdZCn-2VJ4ugVXTZWWOfQDQaH~9gPwouRMhmb3E3c50z2C-7UNobsajs0TPuDCMYyGC5S4SAqmxdioXICDBjEnnmj3oxeDDmf7YmdCy6cn8ZZYoyxOQQsCy2VqWrMNr~C9k-g4gMhlVLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Daly City staff presented proposed new retail cannabis overlay areas to the Small Business Commission on Feb. 13 and asked commissioners to advise which locations should move forward to the city’s cannabis subcommittee and later the planning commission and full council.

Staff described the proposal as part of an equity strategy intended to increase geographic distribution of retail permits and create opportunities in neighborhoods that historically experienced disproportionate cannabis enforcement. “We feel like expanding areas would provide additional opportunities,” staff said, while noting only two zones were currently operating and others either had permit holders who had not opened or permits where operations had ceased.

Commissioners asked about proximity to schools. Staff said the city follows state regulation requiring 600 feet of separation from a school or organizations that primarily serve children (daycare, preschools and after‑school programs). One commissioner said that proximity was their primary concern when weighing new zones.

Public comment included John Heredia, a Daly City native, cannabis industry attorney and law professor. Heredia said local operators have repeatedly failed to secure leases within current zones because many landlords will not rent to cannabis businesses and because the city’s zoning limits the number of retailers per zone. “Time and time again, we've tried leasing locations in the current green zones, and time and time again, we've been unsuccessful,” Heredia said. He asked the commission to recommend increasing the number of zones, permitting more than one dispensary per zone and considering “shot clock” deadlines for permit holders who have not opened to either secure state and local approvals or forfeit opportunities to other local operators.

Commissioners discussed neighborhood character and noted that some suggested areas (Bayshore and Mission Street corridors) are commercial corridors with active businesses, while acknowledging some neighborhoods have struggled historically. Staff reiterated the equity rationale, saying the neighborhoods under consideration had higher cannabis arrest rates in prior decades and the equity program is intended, in part, to address that history.

No formal vote was taken. Staff said the commission’s recommendation would be forwarded to the cannabis subcommittee (comprised of two council members, including the mayor and Council member Teresa Perano), then the planning commission and ultimately the City Council for final action.

Why it matters: Changes to the retail overlay and the equity program will affect who can open cannabis retailers in Daly City, which properties are eligible and how tax revenues and economic opportunities are distributed.

What’s next: The commission may postpone further action to allow more time for deliberation; staff said an equity assessment and proposed ordinance language would be available the following week for additional review.","Commissioners discussed proposed expansions to Daly City's cannabis retail overlay and the equity program designed to broaden participation; staff noted state rules require a 600‑foot buffer from schools. An attorney and prospective operator urged more zones, time limits on unused permits and permitting flexibility.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6281797,"Benefits consultant outlines payroll-tax-funded supplemental benefits for Daly City small businesses",928,248000,1176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585&start=248&end=1176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2602418-a56b88b178380337230abdb56a0db585/thumbnail_248000.jpg","/articles/6281797/Daly-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Benefits-consultant-outlines-payroll-tax-funded-supplemental-benefits-for-Daly-City-small-businesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281797-9e4807576afb8cd6460c7d950ea90e80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771218533&Signature=Kf0qpa6FJOVvCYPYhpnl20LWJscvHP-HiDudNaOPC~rVI1oe4NFcarM3Dtrz0O0Bey3p88RReVu2Zf~VT8~VMSdm3IvWG5ngYafnVB5ViwuHbvWbr-Kqj~sk2lyhVUGVqwd5dacBAcG4cCs7dFzYfGmQVxkERgK5JDljv~Kc1LKp~FDzE5e~nth1NqQ34kG4oGYaB3EInJxrCYf6V-aB2ZeNGt3kf5h5W-jprUC4qkVl5gRLQh4tzmmqQdaG5IgwAOIWASS05mGmT8xMLtHqI7YmEIGJ5phdieADmD~l9BJfVGuBJc1fc5BwU6KA76mD2nPCrbN~sJCnqLGfGz9CYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Will Schaub, a benefits consultant, told the Daly City Small Business Commission on Feb. 13 that a self‑insured medical expense reimbursement plan (an ACA-authorized payroll-tax architecture) can let small employers offer supplemental benefits such as vision, dental, disability and lump-sum cancer or accident payments with no health underwriting.

Schub said the program uses tax deductions that normally flow through payroll to redirect pre‑tax dollars into employee benefits while keeping existing health plans and brokers in place. “You can take taxes that normally run through payroll, carve out some of those taxes, and then redirect or re‑pivot those towards very valuable benefits,” Schaub said.

The program, Schaub said, relies on IRS, HIPAA and ERISA compliance and runs through payroll; employers would remain responsible for required ERISA documentation but the presenter said his firm provides that work. He described two employer savings channels: lower FICA payroll taxes for participating employees and a reduced workers’ compensation exposure because payroll subject to work‑comp calculations is lowered when part of wages are treated as pre‑tax benefits. “They save money, so it actually is employer centric,” Schaub said.

Schub gave numerical examples to illustrate scale: for a hypothetical 10‑employee firm, he said the program could free roughly $6,300 a year in payroll tax savings that otherwise would be paid for employees who opt in, and he estimated average employee tax savings of about $100 per month that could be applied to supplemental products. He added the approach can be used across states for companies with W‑2 employees who work the required hours (generally 30 hours, with some exceptions noted below).

Commissioners asked questions about coverage scope, eligibility and portability. Schaub said the plan is supplemental and does not replace primary health insurance. He said virtual primary‑care and mental‑health navigation services are commonly included in the product set he described and that the supplemental cash benefits are portable if employees leave an employer. On eligibility, Schaub said employees may not be enrolled if they are on Medicaid/Medi‑Cal or on an ACA plan receiving a subsidy; Medicare beneficiaries may participate. He also said employers must enroll W‑2 employees (owners of sole proprietorships without W‑2 payroll generally cannot participate).

Schaub emphasized that enrollment is typically annual because the program uses pre‑tax Section 125 mechanics. “Once you're in, you're in for a year,” he said, noting employees can change only with qualifying events (for example, birth, death or termination). The presenter also said the program is voluntary for employees and that carriers used for supplemental benefits are chosen on a “best‑of‑breed” basis rather than using a single vendor.

Commissioners expressed interest and follow‑up questions about administrative details; Schaub offered no formal resolution or motion. The commission did not take formal action on the presentation.

Why it matters: The proposal, if adopted by local employers, could shift how small employers in Daly City structure benefits and payroll costs, potentially affecting employee take‑home pay and employer expenses. The commission received the presentation for information and asked clarifying questions about eligibility, compliance and implementation.

What’s next: Schaub offered to run no‑cost, no‑obligation payroll analyses for interested businesses, and commissioners invited him to supply more detailed compliance documentation for review.","Presenter Will Schaub described a self-insured medical expense reimbursement program that uses federal payroll-tax mechanics created under the Affordable Care Act to fund supplemental benefits for employees and reduce employer payroll costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Small business owner urges city procurement transparency, says local vendors are being overlooked

Commission approves Dec. 12 minutes and re‑elects chair and vice chair

Small Business Commission reviews proposed cannabis retail zones, seeks equity and school‑buffer clarity

Benefits consultant outlines payroll-tax-funded supplemental benefits for Daly City small businesses