Top South San Francisco official staying on board: City Manager Mike Futrell agrees to extension

Mayor Rich Garbarino said the agreement was easy to reach, as officials have been impressed by Futrell’s work since he was hired over a year ago, after being appointed to replace former City Manager Barry Nagel, who retired in 2013.

“He’s done just a heck of a job for us,” said Garbarino. “He’s got some bright ideas, and he’s a really dynamic individual.”

Garbarino cited Futrell’s vision in hiring new personnel such as Police Chief Jeff Azzopardi, further establishing the city as a hub of biotechnology and working to improve the quality of life in South San Francisco among his successes as the city’s top official.

“He’s been very good about forward thinking and thinking out of the box,” said Garbarino. “He’s like a breath of fresh air.”

Futrell, in a prepared statement, expressed appreciation for the new deal.

“South San Francisco is a terrific city full of engaged and friendly people,” he said. “I am honored to serve as city manager and appreciate the faith the council has shown in me through this contract extension. I will do my utmost every day to serve the people of South San Francisco, keeping our city a great place to live, work, shop and play.”

Feedback from residents indicate they are pleased with the direction South San Francisco is headed, said Garbarino, which Futrell has said is a priority during his tenure.

“I’m a true believer in South San Francisco,” Futrell told the Daily Journal.

A slogan proclaiming the South San Francisco’s role as an industrial city still stands on Sign Hill but, as the presence of Genentech and other biotechnology companies continue to grow, balancing the shifting culture and demographics is one of Futrell’s greatest challenges, he said.

The council recently passed a plan aiming to add thousands of more housing units and spaces for businesses downtown over the next couple decades, which will transform the areas on and around Grand Avenue.

Moving the Caltrain station from its current site to a more central location is an integral portion of the downtown plan, as officials look to increase the city’s accessibility through public transportation.

Despite the ambitious nature of the vision, Futrell said residents have expressed to him the importance of preserve as much of the city’s natural character as possible.

“We are trying to keep that small-town feel,” he said.

Futrell said as part of that effort, he would like the city to build more workforce housing to increase the options for residents who work in South San Francisco.

Garbarino said one of the tallest hurdles facing South San Francisco, under Futrell’s guidance, is negotiating how to manage a variety of city-owned properties near the current Municipal Services Building which are potentially targeted to be the home of a new Civic Center.

Officials have discussed interest in floating a tax measure to voters, which would generate revenue for the construction of a new police and fire station, as well as a recreation center and library.

As officials consider a variety of projects that could significantly alter the character of South San Francisco, Garbarino said he emphasizes the value of Futrell staying focused and not being too ambitious.

“He’s got a full plate for the moment,” said Garbarino. “He’s a go-getter. Maybe he could slow it down a notch. He’s going 100 miles per hour, and the rest of us are going 80.”

But all things considered, Garbarino said he was very pleased with Futrell’s leadership, and the direction the city is headed.

“We believe we have the right individual to guide us to the new South City that is coming around,” he said. “We’ve got a good guy at the helm here.”

austin@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 105