The San Francisco County government meeting held on June 14, 2023, focused on several key issues, including infrastructure for electric vehicles, illegal dumping cameras, staffing challenges within the Department of Public Works (DPW), and proposed changes to curbside shared space permit fees.

The meeting began with a discussion led by the interim director of DPW, who highlighted the challenges posed by new legislation, particularly the electric vehicle mandate. The director noted that while the county supports the mandate, the lack of adequate charging infrastructure has become a significant hurdle. The director also addressed inquiries regarding the timeline for deploying illegal dumping cameras, stating that the procurement process is underway but no definitive date could be provided.

Supervisor Walton raised concerns about the availability of space for charging stations, prompting a discussion about the need for additional infrastructure. The director confirmed that while there are areas within the operations yard for parking vehicles, further exploration for additional space is necessary.

The conversation shifted to staffing issues within DPW, with supervisors expressing concern over the department being over 300 positions short. The CFO of DPW provided updates on hiring efforts, indicating that the time to hire is trending down, with over 300 candidates in the vetting process and 145 new hires already made. However, the vacancy rate remains a challenge, particularly in street cleaning and gardening positions.

Another significant topic was the funding and management of sand removal along the Great Highway. The director explained that increased sand accumulation has necessitated a request for additional funding, with estimates ranging from $800,000 to $1.8 million. The unpredictability of weather patterns complicates budgeting for this service.

The meeting also addressed the condition of Sunset Boulevard, where supervisors expressed dissatisfaction with the maintenance of parkland. The director acknowledged that funding received was only half of what was needed to bring Sunset Boulevard to the same standard as Park Presidio. Efforts to hire additional gardeners and implement a recycled water project were discussed as potential solutions.

Finally, the meeting concluded with a proposal to eliminate permit fees for curbside shared spaces, aimed at supporting small businesses recovering from the pandemic. The proposal includes raising the gross receipts threshold for fee discounts. While some supervisors expressed support for the initiative, others raised concerns about the long-term implications of waiving fees and the potential impact on city revenue.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing challenges in infrastructure, staffing, and funding within San Francisco County, with a focus on finding solutions to support both the community and local businesses. The discussions will continue in future meetings as the county seeks to address these pressing issues.