SFPUC approves Lake Merced memorandum of understanding with reporting and apprenticeship amendments after extended debate

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on a voice vote approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Recreation and Park Department to clarify management of the Lake Merced tract, adding provisions for annual reporting and limited five‑year renewals while preserving Rec and Park’s responsibility for recreation programming.

The measure, introduced by the SFPUC’s assistant general manager for water, Steve Ritchie, incorporates two amendments commissioners proposed in the meeting: a requirement that the general managers of both agencies provide an annual report by Nov. 15 covering work program completion, sources and uses of funds, lease and concession management, facilities condition, and capital needs; and language directing evaluation of apprenticeship, pre‑apprenticeship and community workforce training opportunities under joint responsibilities.

The MOU clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is the property owner and that the Recreation and Park Department will handle recreational programming and day‑to‑day public access operations, while the PUC retains an interest in water levels, water quality and watershed maintenance. Phil Ginsberg, general manager of the Recreation and Park Department, told commissioners his agency "is very comfortable with all the amendments as proposed" and said the departments have worked months with community feedback to reach the agreement.

The session included extended public testimony. A longtime Lake Merced critic urged the commission to reject the MOU, saying it "extends the failed policies of the past" and pointing to a $566,000 watershed report the speaker said had not been acted on. Mary Allen of the San Francisco Rowing Club described a 2011 accident involving a boat-storage door mechanism and said inspections and repairs need clearer follow‑up. Ritchie and Ginsberg responded that maintenance processes and capital plans are being coordinated, that a new staff gauge tied to city datum will clarify lake levels, and that the departments have secured grants and bond planning, including $2,000,000 proposed in a parks bond and a $500,000 grant for North Lake access.

Commissioners debated where responsibility for concessions and long‑term planning should sit, and some residents and advocates called for more direct PUC control over habitat decisions. Commissioner Moran said the MOU "makes clear that Rec and Park is responsible for recreation decisions," while also noting amendments aimed at accountability and public reporting.

After public comment and amendment motions, the commission called the roll and approved the amended resolution by unanimous voice vote. The resolution authorizes the SFPUC general manager to execute the MOU incorporating the approved changes and to require annual reports to both commissions.

Next steps: the departments will develop the joint annual work program and the PUC will receive the first joint report in the November reporting window required by the MOU.