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Votes at a glance: Board approves surveillance policy, authorizes contract changes and makes multiple appointments
Summary
At its Sept. 27 meeting the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a police surveillance policy, authorized a wastewater contract increase, confirmed multiple mayoral appointments and scheduled several committee hearings; several contested votes and a tie-breaking pattern appeared during roll calls.
San Francisco ' The Board of Supervisors took a series of votes Sept. 27 on ordinances, resolutions and appointments during a meeting that included two extended committee hearings. Key actions included adoption of a police surveillance technology policy, approval of a major wastewater contract amendment and confirmations of several mayoral appointees.
Votes at a glance (selected items recorded on the public record):
- Item 15: Surveillance technology policy (Police Department) ' Adopted 7-4. The ordinance established rules on police use of non-city surveillance cameras and a 15-month sunset on some provisions. Supervisors Preston, Ronan, Walton and Chan voted no; the motion passed.
- Item 17: Wastewater contract amendment (Public Utilities Commission) ' Approved unanimously. The board authorized a second amendment to increase a Brown & Caldwell contract for Southeast plant biosolids/digester planning and engineering by $55,000,000 to a new total not to exceed $208,500,000 and extended the contract term.
- Item 16: Reestablish committee on city workforce alignment ' Approved unanimously.
- Item 19: Continuance motion ' Motion to continue a Port Commission lease item to Oct. 18 passed unanimously (11-0).
- Items 33 and 34: Planning Commission appointments (Rachel Tanner and Derek Braun) ' Approved 8-3 on roll call.
- Items 35-37: Public Utilities Commission appointments ' Approved 10-1.
- Item 38: Public hearing on DOJ policing reforms ' Continued to Feb. 14, 2023 (motion carried 10 ayes; one absence recorded).
- Item 47: Motion to convene a committee of the whole for an SFO concessions hearing ' Carried 10-0 (one absence recorded); the committee was convened and the SFO hearing occurred the same afternoon.
Other consent and routine items
The board passed a broad consent calendar of ordinances and resolutions on first reading or final passage, including budget and grant approvals, settlement authorizations, and standard leases. Multiple consent items were adopted unanimously by voice or roll call.
Why this matters
Several of the recorded roll-call votes involved contested policy choices (notably the surveillance policy) or significant financial commitments (the wastewater contract increase). Appointments to commissions may affect future decisions on planning, utilities and other matters the board oversees. The SFO committee action signaled heightened board attention to ongoing labor disputes at the airport.
What comes next
Supervisors asked for follow-up and additional reporting on items requiring continued oversight, including the police department's implementation timelines for DOJ recommendations and the airport concession leasing process in light of the recent strikes. Several appointments will shortly begin their terms as scheduled.
Ending
The board completed a lengthy meeting that combined routine votes with two policy hearings. Several supervisors signaled they will use the board's landlord role over concession leases and its oversight role on policing and public health to follow up on the issues raised at the hearing.
