Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors approve waiver of competitive bid for interim Terminal 1 cafe after airport removes extension options
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved, on first reading as amended, a waiver of the city's competitive‑bid requirement for an interim employee café lease at San Francisco International Airport after the Airport Commission removed two one‑year extension options; vote 7–4 on the amended ordinance.
The Board of Supervisors voted on Oct. 4 to approve, on first reading as amended, an ordinance waiving the administrative code competitive‑bid requirement for an interim employee café lease between Amora International, Inc. and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at Terminal 1. The item drew debate about whether the city should waive a public competitive process for a business opportunity at the airport.
Supervisor Peskin moved an on‑the‑record amendment after SFO staff told the board the Airport Commission had unanimously removed two one‑year options to extend the lease; deputy city attorneys said the ordinance should be amended to reflect the revised lease term. Peskin thanked airport staff for the change; Supervisor Campos and Supervisor Cohen said they would nevertheless vote against waiving the competitive bidding requirement, arguing the airport should solicit bids and encourage local and small businesses.
After a successful amendment motion (seconded by Supervisor Yee), the board held a roll call on the ordinance as amended. The final vote on item 19 as amended was 7 ayes and 4 noes; Supervisors Breed, Campos, Cohen and Avalos voted no. The ordinance therefore passed the board on first reading as amended.
What the vote covered: the waiver pertained only to the competitive‑bid rule for a lease agreement; the lease itself had been before the Airport Commission. Airport staff said the commission removed the extra two one‑year extension options and provided the board with the adopted commission resolution and amended lease language for the record.
Why it matters: Supervisors who opposed the waiver said competitive bidding helps ensure the best value and gives local and small businesses a chance to compete; supporters noted the airport had already modified the lease and the waiver and the lease are separate instruments. The amendment required for accurate recordkeeping also reduced one area of concern by shortening the lease’s potential term.
Relevant quote: “I appreciate the amendment. I think it makes it better, but I still have a problem with waiving the competitive bid requirements,” Supervisor Campos said, explaining his no vote. Supervisor Peskin said he was comfortable after the airport commission removed the extension options.
Next steps: The ordinance now advances following first reading as amended; further required procedural steps (second reading/adoption) will follow city charter rules for ordinances and any departmental implementation will be handled by airport staff.
