Building Inspection Commission rejects two deputy appointments, names Vivian Day acting director

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Building Inspection Commission on Aug. 13 held a closed-session meeting on public employee appointments and announced it would not approve two deputy director appointments recommended by the department director. The commission said it would appoint Vivian Day as acting director, effective upon the current director’s departure the next morning.

The commission convened the closed session under Government Code section 54957(b) and San Francisco Administrative Code section 67.1(b). Upon reconvening in open session, President Lee announced the outcome: "The commission decided to not approve the appointment of the 2 deputy directors that was recommended by the director. We decided however to appoint Vivian Day as the acting director to be effective upon departure of the current director, which we understand will take effect tomorrow morning." He said the votes on both actions were unanimous.

Vivian Day, who the commission named acting director, addressed the panel and said she was "honored to have been appointed to this position" and was "fully committed to moving the department forward with the help of everyone here including our staff, the commission, the mayor and everyone else." The commission and at least one public commenter praised her prior involvement in departmental process work: John O'Connor, RPA, told commissioners Day "has been a part of the BPR process and all the reforms in the building department for the past 14 or 15 months," and congratulated the commission on its selection.

The appointment followed a continuation of an item from a special meeting held Aug. 7 about whether to convene a closed session on public employee appointments. Commissioners moved to go into closed session, cited the statutory authority for doing so, and later voted in open session on what, if anything, to disclose from that closed deliberation.

The commission confirmed it will hold its regular meeting next Wednesday. The special meeting adjourned after the appointment announcements and public comment.

Authorities referenced during the meeting included Government Code section 54957(b) and San Francisco Administrative Code section 67.1(b). No deputy director appointees recommended by the director were approved; the commission said the votes on those items and the Vivian Day appointment were unanimous.