department's web site and on the trips city a ministration database, we have sent this to bidders as well as all identified interested parties, met with the leaders of the boat house coalition, met with the leader of the sf nature organization, so all of that was done prior to the issuance of the rfq. upon announcement of the recommendation, we undertook subsequent community outreach. that includes on july 22, notifying that ortega family enterprises was selected as the respondent. that same day, we notify the

office of president chiu, supervisor chu, supervisor mar, and supervisor mirkarimi. that same day, we notified susan dumans of the selection panel's recommendations. busy day. we did a lot. again, on july 22, we issued press releases to all major sfpd outlets and then posted said press release as well at the selection panel competition. on august 6, we notify nancy destafanis of the selection, and on august 6, we posted a boathouse -- a poster at the boathouse. as well as staph's contact

information, should anyone have any questions regarding this project and process. again, on august 12, the revised poster with renderings to the proposed improvements at the boathouse, and then, additionally, we e-mailed all parties and notified the department said their interest in the concession of today's meeting, and we also throughout this process have phone calls and/or first person conversations with over 70 individuals not identified in this. i thought i will spare you that. in addition to the staff- conducted outreach of this project, i'm sure you have seen that it has received significant media coverage. it has been the subject of an august 17 column regarding the selection of family enterprises. there was a july 23 "san

francisco chronicle" selection as well as a july 22 article in the "san francisco examiner." there was a column in december of last year. the "sunset begin" featured it and the rfq process in their february, july, and august issues. there was a march 2010 article in the "marina times." as well as there have been posting on the sf citizen blog. as well on sfgate on their -- i think it is a "inside scoop," their dining blog. moving forward, staff is committed to continuing this community outreach process. we viewed today as an important but preliminary step in moving

forward with securing a long- term contract with ortega family enterprises. should the commission a full selection, we would immediately convene community meetings to present the proposal, as well as to receive feedback from the community that could be incorporated during the lease negotiations process. we would meet individually with all interested community associations and stakeholders, including particularly the zero house coalition and sf nature, who have been the most watchful community organizations following this project. then, upon successful negotiation of a lease, they would again convene community meetings and meet with the community leaders to discuss the proposed lease before taking

said least to the recreation and parks commission for your approval. next steps -- should the commission approve this, staff would convene the aforementioned outreach process and then began the lease negotiations upon successful negotiation of the lease. we would bring that back to -- bring said lease to the recreation and park commission. should this commission approves said lease, it would then require a hearing before the board of supervisors, budget and finance committee, and then the full approval of the board of supervisors. between now and contract approval excluding today, we have three more public hearings, and those will be opportunities for members of the public to attend a mandatory hearing to

express their pleasure or concern with the proposed contract. additionally, any proposed improvements would require approval of this commission and the historic preservation commission and would go through a separate entitlement process that would be linked and have a number of mandatory meetings as well. -- that would be lengthy. lastly, i wanted to share some of the support and opposition we have for the project. in opposition, we have the save salt lake boat house coalition, the san francisco chapter of the sierra club, the telegraph hill

dwellers, the haight-ashbury neighborhood council, and the neighborhood coalition, and it should be noted those entities have showed concerns with the process, but they have not necessarily expressed formal opposition to ortega family enterprises. their concerns have been with staff, the process, and retaining the historic building and historic operator. >> thank you. commissioner lee, you had a question period commissioner lee: first of all, i want to thank you for your work. i know this was a difficult process. we have announced four times now, and i should mention we should move forward and every time, we have been back here.

as a look at the proposal, i do have one concern, and this is something i see as a potential flaw in the process, which is the rent. i see that you have laid out the capital improvements of each vendor and the qualifications and so forth, but has there -- in the past, -- you know, it is after all a lease. was there any consideration for the rental fee? what can this department expect on each of the bidders in terms of rent? i do recall looking back to the rfq, that we had been financial projection, and what with the financial revenues before each bid? i just do not see this in the packet. i'm wondering, have you factor

that into consideration? obviously, this department is -- has financial needs and ultimately, we want the concessions not only to be a service to the community, but also to generate revenues for this department. can you address that question? >> absolutely, commissioner. as you alluded to, the rfq is intentionally silent on meant to be paid to the city. that was a policy decision made by staff to prioritize the needs at the building. you are right in saying that there were financial projections in the project, but the ortega family enterprises, for example, there has been 30%

to 40% growth in revenue, gross revenue at the site, and we would anticipate that the ultimate growth in revenue to the department would be the subject of negotiation upon approval of this selection panel -- or of the commission, the selection panel finding. >> in the package before us, we do not see any description in terms of financial terms, of what are the financial benefits, aside from capital investment. you have clearly laid out the capital investment, but in terms of the growth, can you put a number on it? what are we expecting to see from each of the bidders? and with that factored into your selection -- >> you are right that it was a component of the rfq and people were requested to submit that, but that was not a primary evaluation criteria for the selection panel, so respondents that submitted proposed rents to

the department, the selection panel was unable to consider those, the thinking being that, again, that we are prioritizing the capital improvements to the building and that any rent structure would be brought back to the commission for your approval upon successful negotiation of a lease with any selection-granted, commission- approved respondent. >> i do recall when this came up in december last year, the capital. as i look at the rfq, it does stress the need for capital improvement, but i recall that the rent was also an important factor in this in a decision. so, as i look at it, it seems like we are only getting half a picture.

>> i think you are right if you are referring to the 2009 rfp -- >> rfq. >> no, rfp. the commission rejected all responses from a previous process and also authorized staff to issue the current rfq after meeting certain obligations. the previous rfp did have financial terms in it, and that was a primary evaluation criteria, and in this instance, while there was language that people responded to submit financial projections, it was not a primary evaluation criteria for the selection panel to consider. that has been legally binding to only evaluate proposals on the proposed evaluation criteria other than if someone were to propose something unforeseen,

the selection panel would not be able to say that we like that. we did not include criteria to consider that, but we like it anyway, so that all the bidders know what game they are playing, know what the rules of the game are, so we are actually fairly legally binding to only consider the proposals on those strict terms set forth in the rfq. >> we can go to public comment. >> [reading names] we can start with those please. >> good afternoon, commissioners. i'm here today to read a letter on behalf of the program manager of audubon international, and i would like to submit it to the official record. "i recently learned of ortega

family enterprises in procuring the concessions at still lake and golden gate park. i would like to take a moment to provide some insight regarding the environmental irresponsible management practices this organization has implemented through their commitment and involvement in the audubon as cooperative program. as both a formal and national park ranger, i have been impressed by the type of dedication to environmental stewardship shown by ortega family enterprises in the opposition of the band earlier trading company and bandoleer national monument in new mexico. as i stressed national and by mid being instilled in services at golden gate park. ortega family enterprises has undertaken a wide variety of environmentally friendly management practices that have helped conserve energy and national resources while providing an exceptional model for kitchens and guests -- patrons and guests to follow in their lives.

a strong focus on recycling and waste reduction has resulted in the designation of the ban earlier trading company as the first of on-cooperative sanctuary in the -- in new mexico. 95% recycled office products and 100% use of recycle food service material, water use reduction efforts and decreased energy consumption all speak to the conservation of resourcess. i would be happy to discuss the impressive track record at any time. it is also worth mentioning that our audubon-cooperative sanctuary program has been adopted by a variety of state and municipal park departments ranging from fort collins to los angeles county parks to south carolina and tennessee. i would also be happy to discuss these programs and opportunities within the city of san francisco recreation and parks department at your convenience. thank you very much for your

time. i sincerely feel ortega family enterprises would be a good fit at golden gate park." >> thank you. >> this is a letter i wrote to mr. buell. i'm a member of the stowe lake boat coalition. i was born and grew up in san francisco and and a current resident, and i'm here to express opposition to the commission's plan to offer the contract to operate the boat house to a new mexico company. with the disaster changes the plan entails. by that, i mean turning this place into a corporate tourist trap and providing food from somewhere like how grow

creamery, which is wonderful, but it also stilled the ferry building. stowe lake as it stands is one of the city's last remaining peaceful places, one that neighbors have treasured for years. it draws neighbors from all ethnic and socioeconomic groups from throughout the world. why destroy that serenity? the area not far already attracts tourists to its restaurant and sculpture garden. another site to see in proximity to the museum would be a disaster for the thousands who visit the lake annually for a touch of quiet beauty, let alone for the already mobbed park. and what about parking? where will you put the cars for the people your new plan is supposed to attract? as you probably already know, parking in the park is impossible already.

you can barely parked there as it is, which has never happened in my lifetime. why hire an out-of-state company when a local company has operated it more than 60 years, wants to continue, and has established relationships with the visitors? local jobs are being treated for yet another tourist trap. and what about the community of locals who knew this place before it was turned into a combination disneyland/north corporate playground? i have lived in other cities and countries and i know that san francisco does not need another trendy cafe attraction. thank you. [applause] >> thank you. i'm going to ask everybody -- i appreciate that some of you will support various statements, but i would appreciate if you would keep it to yourself. thank you. >> [reading names] >> good afternoon,

commissioners. i have been the manager at stwoe lake -- stowe lake for 15 years, and we take it real serious. safety is our number one objective. we take the serenity as our objective as well. we like to keep a peaceful place where people can retreat, and we are very proud of that. we're very proud of what we do out there. we cannot understand why someone would want to turn a boat house that is billed as a boat house into a cafe where we have hundreds of cafes within a two- mile radius, probably. the shop itself is something where i find -- something as a father, when little kids come and see boats being worked on right there. there is nothing that can

explain the feeling to see that in a child's eye because it is all about boats. and also, too, having the bookshop right there at the lake is one of the best things about keeping safety primary objective -- having the boat shop. if you run out of supplies like we did yesterday when is a beautiful day, the first in two months, we ran out of life jackets, so we had to go right in and grab some life jackets and rush right back out because there were people waiting. to have that gap where you have to walk behind the building to get something and lose your eyes from the dock is a great concern. i do not think anybody realizes this. it is a recreational place, not a restaurant, not a cafe. a lot of people are thankful when they come up here that it is so approachable on all

levels. not just upper-middle-class folks, but just plain folks. i hoped maybe you can revise this plan and look at it again. >> i have to say, i was there last week with my daughter, and i got stung by a bee, and you will very wonderful to me -- you were very wonderful to me. >> i did not know that was you. >> it was me. you were great. thank you. thanks a lot. >> [reading names} >> good afternoon. stoe lake is a special part of golden gate park, and for many years, the family has provided recreation, and we thank them for that. we hope the commission keeps these factors in mind when you

make this decision. respect for the boating tradition, preservation for the park structures, provision of health the staff, and a selection process that values community input. we think that does encourage a good visitor experience. some of the comments we have heard from the public indicate that this decision has been rushed and we must respectfully disagree with that. there was community outreach in january about the rfq process. i actually attended the evening session. the concerns i heard expressed or that the facility must be reasonably priced and not a fancy restaurant and should be open to the public without having to buy something. then then designed the rfq to incorporate community requests. pink popcorn is personally lost on me, but if people want it, i think that is great. they also stipulate that the boat house is a landmark and a assisting footprint would not be

offered. all these have been part of the rfq. the decision is to proceed to negotiating contracts. that still gives an opportunity to incorporate additional feedback as details are finalized. sfbt has great confidence in the panel. as a community representative, i know her be thoughtful, there, and practical. we have gone to work with jim wheeler on the safety concerns of hamilton. i think highly of him. i think he is an excellent person to help you make this decision. based on the detailed proposals, they have the necessary information to analyze this on a qualitative and quantitative basis. >> thank you very much. >> [reading names] >> my company is we'll on bundles, and we operate the bike

rentals there at stowe lake -- wheel fund rentals. it seems like the focus seems to be all about a new cafe and gift shop, without taking notice of the fact stowe lake stowe is about recreation, and it is one of the tools in the u.s. -- one of the jewels in the u.s. stowe lake should remain very special, and the way it is run currently keeps that all in focus. i do not think it should be a gift shop and a cafe. there is plenty of those around in the area. the reduction of the boat fleet and the service area will only increase lines and frustration for the families trying to enjoy a nice day at the stowe lake location. it is not something that

everyone needs. when you have a reduction in fleets and still have the same demand, you need to facilitate the man, so you really need to have more votes. the current operator has tried for over four years to improve the building. as you know, they are a month- to-month tenant. it is difficult to make the improvements that have been suggested when you do not have a contract long term. they have tried for four years, responding to all of the rfp's and to my knowledge have been quite competitive during that process. for unknown reasons, the recreation and park has not delivered a leased to them during that term. i think that's if the rec and park had negotiated with stowe lake at some point, i think the planning -- >> thank you.

>> first of all, we were never informed about stowe lake adn teh rfq, and i think a lot of people were not -- and the rfq, and i think a lot of people were not. i agree with what bryan said. that is where i hide when i do not want to talk to anyone. i think to keep the food normal, when i hear of a branch that has what they are presented to the public is not the public, a kind of disturbs me. we have some very good purveyors made in the city, but i think we should look at san francisco products as much as we possibly can. 3, a gift shop -- i do not much

need it. i think we should go into the recreation hangout, have a good time. something needs to be done with this building, and i think with the process, we could probably come up with some better compromises than what is here as far as the facility itself. i would like to ask the department to include all the groups because we are not always -, even though we have that reputation. we do compromises, and i think there is something that is desperately needed for this facility, but with the wonderful part of it is is that everyone in san francisco that i know says this is a great place to hang out. i don't have to do anything but just have a good time. the marina green is the same way. i have actually a movie on that.

people go over there just to hang out, so things like this [inaudible] thank you. >> good afternoon, commissioners. i am one of those ordinary citizens who lives in the richmond -- my family has lived in richmond for 15 years. we have raised two small kids there. one of my kids is still 10, and i would guess over the course of the years, i have already written to hawaii and back on stowe lake -- ridden to hawaii and back. i'm here to urge the commission to vote in support of the committee's recommendations. the families that use the park and lake believe that we want and deserve an operated facility. everyone i have looked at as far

as the proposed facility seems to be an improvement, not only to the boats -- they are going to be new. the facility is going to be new. it is going to be a nicer place to hang out. i think the families of san francisco want and deserve that. it also seems to me the plan preserves the integrity of the current building. it does not seem to be a radical change. it looks nice. the current facility is pretty dilapidated. i would urge the commission not to be blinded by rose colored glasses of some misplaced nostalgic and not see that the facility is run down. thank you very much. >> thank you. i often spend time in golden gate park, particularly on stowe lake