REVISED 5/22/2025 10:20 AM
City of Capitola
City Council Meeting Agenda
Thursday, May 22, 2025 – 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Mayor: Joe Clarke
Vice Mayor: Vacant
Council Members: Gerry Jensen, Margaux Morgan, Melinda Orbach Regular Meeting of the Capitola City Council – 6 PM
1. Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance
Council Members Gerry Jensen, Margaux Morgan, Melinda Orbach, and Mayor Joe Clarke
2. Additions and Deletions to the Agenda
3. Presentations
Presentations are limited to eight minutes.
A. Proclamation Honoring May 18-24, 2025, as National Public Works Week B. Presentation of the Officer of the Year Award to Officer Armando Ferro C. Proclamation Honoring May as Older Americans Month
4. Additional Materials
Additional information related to an agenda item on this agenda and submitted to the City after distribution of the agenda packet pursuant to Government Code §54957.5. All correspondence received prior to 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding a Council Meeting will be distributed to Councilmembers to review prior to the meeting. Information submitted after 5 p.m. on that Wednesday may not have time to reach Councilmembers, nor be read by them prior to consideration of an item.
A. Item 8A - Correspondence Received
5. Oral Communications by Members of the Public
Oral Communications allows time for members of the Public to address the City Council on any “Consent Item” on tonight’s agenda, or on any topic within the jurisdiction of the City that is not on the “General Government/Public Hearings” section of the Agenda. Members of the public may speak for up to three minutes, unless otherwise specified by the Mayor. Individuals may not speak more than once during Oral Communications. All speakers must address the entire legislative body and will not be permitted to engage in dialogue. A maximum of 30 minutes is set aside for Oral Communications.
6. Staff / City Council Comments
Comments are limited to three minutes.
7. Consent Items
1 City Council Meeting Agenda – May 22, 2025
City of Capitola Page 2
All items listed as “Consent Items” will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion on these items prior to the time the Council votes on the action unless members of the City Council request specific items to be discussed for separate review. Items pulled for separate discussion will be considered following General Government. Note that all Ordinances which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
A. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve minutes from the regular meeting on May 8, 2025, and the special meeting on May 15, 2025.
8. General Government / Public Hearings
All items listed in “General Government / Public Hearings” are intended to provide an opportunity for public discussion of each item listed. The following procedure pertains to each General Government item: 1) Staff explanation; 2) Council questions; 3) Public comment; 4) Council deliberation; 5) Decision.
A. Process to Fill Vacant Council Seat
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the City Council discuss the options to fill the vacant City Council position left by Vice Mayor Alexander Pedersen, and either 1) direct staff to prepare documentation to call for a special election or 2) outline an appointment process to fill the vacancy.
B. Central Fire District and Police Department Unified Command Recommended Action: Receive a report about the enhanced collaboration between Central Fire District, Capitola Police Department, the American Red Cross, and the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience during emergency responses.
9. Adjournment - The City Council will hold a special meeting on May 29, 2025, at 6:00 PM. _____________________________________________________
How to View the Meeting
Meetings are open to the public for in-person attendance at the Capitola City Council Chambers located at 420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, California, 95010.
Other ways to Watch:
Spectrum Cable Television channel 8
City of Capitola, California YouTube Channel
To Join Zoom Application or Call in to Zoom:
Meeting
link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83328173113?pwd=aVRwcWN3RU03Zzc2dkNpQzRWVXAydz09 Or dial one of these phone numbers: 1 (669) 900 6833, 1 (408) 638 0968, 1 (346) 248 7799 Meeting ID: 833 2817 3113
Meeting Passcode: 678550
How to Provide Comments to the City Council
Members of the public may provide public comments to the City Council in-person during the meeting.
If you are unable to attend in-person, please email your comments to [email protected] and they will be included as a part of the record for the meeting. Please be aware that the City Council will not accept comments via Zoom.
2 City Council Meeting Agenda – May 22, 2025
City of Capitola Page 3
Notice regarding City Council: The City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola.
Agenda and Agenda Packet Materials: The City Council Agenda and the complete Agenda Packet are available for review on the City’s website and at Capitola City Hall prior to the meeting. Need more information? Contact the City Clerk’s office at 831-475-7300.
Agenda Materials Distributed after Distribution of the Agenda Packet: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5, materials related to an agenda item submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at the Reception Office at City Hall, 420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, California, during normal business hours.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Disability-related aids or services are available to enable persons with a disability to participate in this meeting consistent with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Assisted listening devices are available for individuals with hearing impairments at the meeting in the City Council Chambers. Should you require special accommodations to participate in the meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk’s office at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 831-475-7300. In an effort to accommodate individuals with environmental sensitivities, attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfumes and other scented products.
Si desea asistir a esta reunión pública y necesita ayuda - como un intérprete de lenguaje de señas americano, español u otro equipo especial - favor de llamar al Departamento de la Secretaría de la Ciudad al 831-475-7300 al menos tres días antes para que podamos coordinar dicha asistencia especial o envié un correo electrónico a [email protected].
Televised Meetings: City Council meetings are cablecast “Live” on Charter Communications Cable TV Channel 8 and are recorded to be rebroadcasted at 8:00 a.m. on the Wednesday following the meetings and at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday following the first rebroadcast on Community Television of Santa Cruz County (Charter Channel 71 and Comcast Channel 25). Meetings are streamed “Live” on the City’s website by clicking on the Home Page link “Meeting Agendas/Videos.” Archived meetings can be viewed from the website at any time. 3 4
Item 3 A.
5 Item 3 A.
6 Item 3 A.
What Public
Works Does • Maintain parks,
roads, and facilities • Plan and build longterm infrastructure • Support community events and
emergencies
7 Item 3 A.
8 Item 3 A.
9 Item 3 A.
we make real
improvements people
use every day
10 Item 3 A.
1 Gautho, Julia
From: John <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2025 5:32 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Appointment city council meeting
Melinda and Alex’s argument that Joe agreed with and determined Margaux as the last appointment needs to be applied again. The next highest vote geƩer in the last elecƟon.
We can’t apply one process to the white candidate and a few months later not apply it to the black/brown candidate.
One has to be realisƟc.
Warmly JM
11 Item 4 A.
1 Gautho, Julia
From: John <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2025 8:59 AM
To: City Council; Goldstein, Jamie ([email protected]) Subject: City council meeting May 22 2005 item comment & Volkswagen car show and advertising
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
The car show adverƟsing from us and the provider leaves a lot to be desired. Same goes for our upcoming car show. We lost money on the car show last year as a city. Everything is dying here. I live in a cemetery.
Do beƩer. If we had listened to me there wouldn’t have been two car shows back to back to begin with. So don’t just do beƩer. Know one’s beƩers. Listen to them. Meh.
Please appoint the next highest vote geƩer to the open city council posiƟon.
I hear the police are now sending emails inquiring about the sexual harassment offenses allegedly commiƩed by Melinda. We know she is willing to aƩack harmless private ciƟzens (from the dais even) so that the police are taking this seriously does not surprise me.
Warmly JM
12 Item 4 A.
1 Gautho, Julia
From: michael routh <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2025 2:41 PM
To: City Council
Subject: 5/22 CITY COUNCIL meeting Item 8A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Mayor and Council members,
As its only been slightly less than 4 months since the last Council vacancy was filled, please use the same process that was used to fill the vacancy created by YveƩe Brooks resignaƟon and make your selecƟon from the previous applicants. I would recommend Susan Westman be appointed to fill the vacancy. No other current applicants come close to her experience and knowledge of Capitola and it's unlikely any new applicants can equal or exceed her knowledge of the city.
Some may recommend Enrique Dolmo, but he has come in dead last in each of his two elecƟon aƩempts. It's obvious he is not a choice of the residents. When interviewed for the last vacancy, he was asked what commiƩees he would be interested in serving on if appointed to the Council. He responding saying the Planning Commission. That indicates a complete lack of knowledge about the simple organizaƟon and role of the city legislaƟve bodies.
The Council needs a knowledgeable person ready to hit the road running on day 1. Susan is that person. She would bring historical knowledge of past city acƟons and a wealth of experience that could truly benefit future decisions facing the council.
Mick Routh
Sent from my iPad
13 Item 4 A.
1 Gautho, Julia
From: Heidy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 5:04 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Public Comment
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Capitola City Council Members,
Pertaining to Item 8A on your May 22, 2025 agenda and in keeping with my January, 2025 advocacy regarding appointments to replace councilmembers, I respectfully offer the following suggestions for your consideration:
This appointment is for a short term not even lasting two years, with another election cycle occurring in 2026. Typically, anyone considering running in 2026 would begin preparing in six months. Given the short-term nature of this appointment, it’s important to avoid granting political leverage through this decision. For this reason, I believe the appointee should commit to serving the full remainder of the term and refrain from running in the 2026 election. A pledge not to campaign would ensure their undivided focus on serving Capitola during this critical time.
Because this is a limited appointment, it would be prudent to select someone who not only has deep prior experience regarding city governance but also demonstrates a track record of accomplishments and the ability to deliver meaningful results for Capitola. The appointee should bring more than just familiarity with the role—they should bring evidence of effective civic leadership, measurable contributions, and adequate time to commit to the role.
Thank you for your consideration and your dedication to Capitola’s future. I trust your careful deliberations will lead to a choice that best serves our community.
Best Regards,
Heidy Kellison, Capitola
14 Item 4 A.
1 Gautho, Julia
From: Paula Bradley
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 4:13 PM
To: City Council
Subject: [PDF] City Council Meeting 5/22/25 - Public Comment Attachments: Capitola pub comment 5-22-25.pdf
See attached public comments letter. Please acknowledge tat you have received it, thank you Paula Bradley (she/her)
15 Item 4 A.
16 Item 4 A.
Capitola City Council
Agenda Report
Meeting: May 22, 2025
From: City Manager Department
Subject: City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve minutes from the regular meeting on May 8, 2025, and the special meeting on May 15, 2025.
Background: Attached for City Council review and approval are the draft minutes from the regular meeting on May 8, 2025, and the special meeting on May 15, 2025.
Attachments:
1. Regular Meeting 5/8/2025
2. Special Meeting 5/15/2025
Report Prepared By: Julia Gautho, City Clerk
Approved By: Jamie Goldstein, City Manager
17 Item 7 A.
City of Capitola
City Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 08, 2025 – 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Mayor: Joe Clarke
Vice Mayor: Alexander Pedersen
Council Members: Gerry Jensen, Margaux Morgan, Melinda Orbach Closed Session – 5:30 PM
i. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (Govt. Code § 54956.8) Property: A portion of the easterly terminus of Escalona Drive, spanning approximately 60 feet wide, bounded by 620 El Salto Drive (APN 036-143-31) to the west and bounded by 722 Escalona Drive (APN 036-141-28) to the east.
City Negotiator: Jamie Goldstein, City Manager
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Before adjourning to Closed Session, Vice Mayor Pedersen provided comments and announced his resignation from the City Council. The City Council provided comments to Vice Mayor Pedersen. Following Council comments, Vice Mayor Pedersen excused himself from the dais.
Regular Meeting of the Capitola City Council – 6 PM
1. Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. In attendance: Council Members Jensen, Morgan, Orbach, and Mayor Clarke.
2. Additions and Deletions to the Agenda – None
3. Presentations
A. Mayor Clarke presented a proclamation in recognition of National Beach Safety Week to Community Services and Recreation Department Director Bryant.
B. Rhiannon Crain provided a presentation from the Children's Museum of Discovery on use of Capitola Community Grant Funding.
4. Report on Closed Session – The City Council met and discussed one item on the Closed Session agenda. No reportable action was taken.
5. Additional Materials
A. Item 6 – Four emails received after publication of the agenda packet.
7. Staff / City Council Comments (Mayor Clarke reordered items 6 and 7) City Manager Goldstein advised the Council that this week is Professional Municipal Clerks week.
Community Development Director Herlihy reminded the Council that the Capitola Wharf Master Plan survey is currently open and that she will be hosting a community meeting on May 20 at 6 PM to discuss the options proposed.
18 Item 7 A.
City Council Meeting Minutes – May 08, 2025
City of Capitola Page 2
6. Oral Communications by Members of the Public
Gary Richard Arnold
Clark Cochran
Heidy Kellison
Speaker
Speaker
Meghan Morrissey
James Ewing Whitman
Leslie Nielsen
7. City Council Comments
Council Member Jensen requested additional time for comments after Oral Communications. He shared that this month is Older Americans Month and the 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging” and requested a proclamation be presented at an upcoming meeting. He also provided updates about ribbon cutting ceremonies he has attended recently. He requested that staff acknowledge new businesses opening in the City’s newsletter. He thanked Community Development Director Herlihy and Fuse Architects on their efforts on the Wharf Master Plan survey. He requested an agenda item to discuss the City’s Code of Conduct Policy. Council Member Orbach shared updates about the leasing activity within the Capitola Mall and echoed Council Member Jensen’s request to highlight new businesses in the newsletter. Council Member Morgan reminded the public that the Village will host a new special event this weekend, the Vdublicious Car Show.
Mayor Clarke requested an agenda item to update the City’s Code of Conduct Policy.
8. Consent Items
A. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve minutes from the regular meeting on April 10, 2025, the special meeting on April 17, 2025. the special meeting on April 22, 2025, and the regular meeting on April 24, 2025.
B. City Check Registers
Recommended Action: Approve check registers dated March 14, 2025, March 21, 2025, March 28, 2025, April 4, 2025, April 11, 2025, and April 18, 2025.
C. Clean California Community Designation
Recommended Action: Authorize staff to sign the Clean California Community Designation pledge on behalf of the City of Capitola.
D. Contract for Arbitration Services
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with California Hearing Officers, LLP to provide arbitration services for mobile home rent increase petitions pursuant to Capitola Municipal Code Chapter
2.18 and amending the FY 24-25 budget in an amount not to exceed $120,000. (Resolution No. 4427)
E. GreenWaste Annual Rate Adjustment
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving the contractual rate increase for collection and disposal of residential and commercial garbage, recycling, organics, food waste, yard waste, and construction and demolition debris, effective July 1, 2025, according to the Service Rate Schedule formula of the Franchise Agreement with GreenWaste Recovery, Inc. (Resolution No. 4428)
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar: Council Member Orbach 19 Item 7 A.
City Council Meeting Minutes – May 08, 2025
City of Capitola Page 3
Second: Council Member Jensen
Voting Yea: Council Members Jensen, Morgan, Orbach, and Mayor Clarke
9. General Government / Public Hearings
A. Award of Contract for 2025 Capitola Summer Shuttle Service Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year contract, with an option to extend for one additional season, with Community Bridges for operation of the 2025 Summer Shuttle in an amount not to exceed $89,100.
Public Works Director Kahn presented the staff report.
Public Comments:
Speaker
The City Council requested that staff notify the Art and Wine Festival organizers of cost increases related to the shuttle service provider change.
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with Community Bridges:
Council Member Morgan
Second: Council Member Orbach
Voting Yea: Council Members Jensen, Morgan, Orbach, and Mayor Clarke B. Park at Rispin Mansion Construction Update and Proposal for Additional Site Work Recommended Action: Authorize staff to approve Change Order No. 2 to the construction contract with Betz Works for the Park at Rispin Mansion Project in the amount of $50,000 for additional site work utilizing available Measure Q funds.
Public Works Director Kahn presented the staff report.
Public Comments:
Speaker
The Council expressed appreciation for the Measure Q funding to assist in infrastructure improvements.
Motion to authorize staff to approve Change Order No. 2: Council Member Morgan Second: Council Member Orbach
Voting Yea: Council Members Jensen, Morgan, Orbach, and Mayor Clarke
10. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 7:02. The City Council will hold a special meeting on May 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
____________________________
ATTEST: Joe Clarke, Mayor
____________________________
Julia Gautho, City Clerk
20 Item 7 A.
City of Capitola
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 15, 2025 – 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Mayor: Joe Clarke
Vice Mayor: Vacant
Council Members: Gerry Jensen, Margaux Morgan, Melinda Orbach Special Meeting of the Capitola City Council – 6 PM
1. Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance – The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM. In attendance: Council Members Jensen, Morgan, Orbach, and Mayor Joe Clarke
2. Additions and Deletions to the Agenda – None
3. Additional Materials
Item 6A - One email received after publication of the agenda.
4. Oral Communications by Members of the Public
Goran Klepic
5. Staff / City Council Comments
City Manager Goldstein reminded the public to apply to the Historical Museum Board before the June 13th deadline.
Council Member Morgan reminded the public of the VDublicious event on May 17th and that the Soquel Creek Lagoon would be getting opened up soon. Council Member Jensen reminded the public of the first Food Truck Friday event on May 16th.
Council Member Orbach congratulated staff on the Operating Budget Excellence in Finance Award.
Mayor Clarke recognized this week as National Police Week, thanked officers for their service, and took a moment to remember fallen officers and their families.
6. General Government / Public Hearings
A. Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget
Recommended Action: Receive the proposed budget, provide staff direction, and continue budget deliberations to the next budget meeting scheduled for May 29, 2025.
City Manager Goldstein and Finance Director Malberg presented the staff report.
Department Directors provided an overview of FY 2024-25 accomplishments and goals for FY 2025-26.
Public Comments: None
The City Council had an opportunity to provide feedback and questions on each department’s presentation. Staff will return with additional information at the next budget meeting on May 29th.
21 Item 7 A.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes – May 15, 2025
City of Capitola Page 2
7. Adjournment – The meeting adjourned at 8:57 PM. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on May 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
____________________________
ATTEST: Joe Clarke, Mayor
____________________________
Julia Gautho, City Clerk
22 Item 7 A.
Capitola City Council
Agenda Report
Meeting: May 22, 2025
From: City Manager’s Department
Subject: Process to Fill Vacant Council Seat
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the City Council discuss the options to fill the vacant City Council position left by Vice Mayor Alexander Pedersen, and either 1) direct staff to prepare documentation to call for a special election or 2) outline an appointment process to fill the vacancy.
Background: On May 8, 2025, Vice Mayor Pedersen announced his resignation from the City Council.
The requirements to fill a vacancy on the City Council are defined by Government Code Section 36512; this staff report is intended to outline these options for the Council's consideration.
Section 36512(b) states if a vacancy occurs in an elective office, the Council shall, within 60 days from the commencement of the vacancy, either call a special election to fill the vacancy or fill the vacancy by appointment on or before July 7,2025.
If the Council should choose to hold a special election, the special election is required to be held at the next regularly established election date not less than 114 days from the call of the special election. If a regularly established election date is not within 114 days from the call of the special election, the Council may hold a special election at any time. The person elected to fill a vacancy holds the office for the unexpired term of the former incumbent.
If the Council fills the vacancy by appointment, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve out the unexpired term of Vice Mayor Pedersen’s seat, until December 2026, pursuant to Section 36512(b)(2)(B). In order to be appointed to fill the vacancy under State law, the person being appointed must be a Capitola resident, a registered voter within the City of Capitola, and at least 18 years of age.
Discussion: The two options available to fill the vacancy are to hold a special election or for the City Council to make an appointment to fill the vacancy and serve the remainder of the term (December 2026).
If directed, staff will determine estimated election costs and return to Council with a budget amendment and documentation to call for the special election.
There are no statutory requirements that define a specific process for how the Council may decide to appoint the successor.
Following the resignation of Mayor Yvette Brooks in January 2025, the City Council ultimately opted to allow interested members of the public to apply during a two-week application period, then selected a new Council Member at the January 30th Council meeting.
The following are a few of the processes that could be used for this vacancy:
Using the same or similar process as the January vacancy; accept applications from the public for a week or two: utilize the same questions and form as from the prior vacancy; and review and select a successor at the June 12th meeting. If the Council opts for an application period, staff recommends a deadline on or before June 4
th
. If this option is selected, staff will reach out to
applicants from the prior recruitment.
Review applications from the prior vacancy in January 2025. Staff would need to contact applicants to determine if they are still interested. Council could hold a public interview process 23 Item 8 A.
for those applicants at a special meeting or select a new member at a regular meeting. Select the individual who received the next highest number of votes below the candidates most recently elected to the Council in the November 2024 election. Designate an alternative selection process.
The Council must either appoint a successor to the vacant seat or call a special election no later than 60 days from the commencement of the vacancy, pursuant to Government Code Section 36512 (b). This appointment deadline is July 7, 2025, following the commencement of the vacancy on May 8, 2025.
Fiscal Impact: There would be no fiscal impact to appoint a replacement Councilmember to fill the vacancy. The current adopted budget does not include funding for a special election. Should Council direct staff to prepare documentation for such an election, staff would work with the County Clerk to determine estimated election costs and prepare a budget amendment. In January, staff determined the likely cost of a special election at that time to be between $49,364 and $54,416.
Report Prepared By: Julia Gautho, City Clerk
Reviewed By: Samantha Zutler, City Attorney
Approved By: Jamie Goldstein, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Correspondence Received from the Public 5/8/2025 – 5/16/2025 24 Item 8 A.
1 Gautho, Julia
From: Mick <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2025 7:11 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Council vacancy
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Pedersen is gone! Please follow the same procedure used to fill the vacant council seat when YveƩe resigned. Make your selecƟon from the previous applicaƟons to fill the seat faster.
Remove Pedersen from the RTC if not automaƟc with his council resignaƟon and appoint Joe or Gerry to fill the RTC posiƟon.
Mick Routh
Sent from my iPhone
25 Item 8 A.
1 Gautho, Julia
From: John <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 8, 2025 6:28 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Don’t deny the Afro Latino the same process you just gave the white a couple months ago.
My advice. Or do. Same outcome for me. Design rules us ain’t it grand.
Warmly JM
26 Item 8 A.
CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
May 22, 2025 27
Item 8 A.
Background
Government Code 36512 defines options about how
to fill a vacancy on City Council
Special Election; or
Appointment
Council must either appoint a successor to vacant
seat or call a special election no later than 60 days
from commencement of vacancy, pursuant to
Government Code Section 36512 (b).
July 7th deadline
28 Item 8 A.
Background
Person who fills vacancy will serve through December
2026
Under State law, must meet requirements of regularly
elected officials
Resident of Capitola
Registered voter
18 years of age
29 Item 8 A.
Special Election
Special Election can be held at any time
(<114 days from regular election)
Cost: $49,189 to $56,216
$7 to $8/voter (7,027 voters)
If Council wishes to call Special Election, staff
will return with required resolutions and a
budget amendment
30 Item 8 A.
Appointment
No statutory requirements define a specific process for how to appoint a successor. Does require majority vote of Council Examples:
Use same or similar process as January vacancy; accept applications from public for a week or two: utilize same questions and form as prior vacancy; and review and select successor at June 12th meeting.
Use applications from prior vacancy in January 2025. Staff would need to contact applicants to determine if still interested. Select individual who received next highest number of votes from November 2024 election.
Designate an alternative selection process
31 Item 8 A.
Recommended Action
1. Direct staff to prepare documentation to
call for special election, or
2. Outline an appointment process to fill
vacancy
32 Item 8 A.
Capitola City Council
Agenda Report
Meeting: May 22, 2025
From: Police Department
Subject: Central Fire District and Police Department Unified Command Recommended Action: Receive a report about the enhanced collaboration between Central Fire District, Capitola Police Department, the American Red Cross, and the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience during emergency responses.
Background: In recent years, the City of Capitola has experienced a significant increase in emergency service calls related to natural disasters and public safety incidents. As the frequency of these events grow, coordinated emergency preparedness and response among multiple agencies is essential for protecting lives and property. The Capitola Police Department, Central Fire District and the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience (OR3) have collaborated on flood, tsunami, coastal storms and other emergency events in the recent past.
To address these challenges, this report outlines the collaborative framework between Central Fire, Capitola Police, Red Cross, and OR3 to ensure integrated emergency preparedness and response, efficient resource deployment, and robust community recovery and resilience planning.
Discussion: Currently, the Capitola Police Department and Central Fire District typically respond independently to incidents, but will shift to a unified command structure when an Emergency Operations Center is activated. Emergency Operations Centers are activated as a response to different types of emergencies, with levels of reactiveness dependent on the type of situation at hand. The approach outlined below formalizes multi-agency cooperation and resources provided in key operational areas.
Staff from each of the partner aligned agencies outlined have committed to joint training programs focusing on coordination during multi-agency response operations, joint incident command procedures, and understanding each agency’s roles and resources. Examples of past collaborative trainings held include: active shooter training and preventative trainings for special events like the Wharf to Wharf Race and the Capitola Art and Wine Festival.
Staff plans to establish annual, scenario-based training sessions that includes staff from Central Fire District, Capitola Police Department, American Red Cross, and Santa Cruz County OR3. The training sessions will go over the themes outlined below.
1. Unified Command and Communication:
Utilize shared systems for real-time coordination:
o Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Operational Area Coordination o CruzAware Alert and Warning Platform (Netcom, OR3, Capitola PD) o Genasys Protect (formerly known as Zone Haven)
o Veoci (Countywide Incident Management Platform)
Incorporate OR3 representatives into unified command operations to align preparedness and response with countywide recovery planning.
Deploy Red Cross personnel to coordinate shelter, humanitarian support, and volunteer management during large-scale incidents.
33 Item 8 B.
2. Co-Response Teams for Emergencies to improve situational awareness and allow for integrated public safety, rescue, and humanitarian assistance.
Deployment teams that include:
o Police Officers
o Firefighters
o Red Cross emergency response personnel (e.g., shelter managers, health services) o Community Emergency Response Teams (C.E.R.T.)
o OR3 field staff focused on situational assessments and long-term recovery planning
3. Public Outreach and Community Engagement:
Collaborate with City staff, Red Cross, C.E.R.T. and OR3 to lead:
o Community education initiatives on emergency preparedness o Outreach campaigns during and after emergencies via social media, radio, and alert systems
o Clear public messaging on evacuation orders, shelter locations, and recovery resources Through coordination between the City and partner agencies, staff has identified each agency’s role and resources available during emergency situations.
Central Fire District, which serves Aptos, Capitola, La Selva Beach, Live Oak, Rio Del Mar, and Soquel, provides the following resources to constituents, such as:
Fire Prevention (inspections, plan review, public education) Fire Suppression (structural, wildland, vehicle fires) Emergency Medical Services
Hazardous Materials Response
Aquatic and Technical Rescue
The Capitola Police Department, provides the following resources to constituents:
Public safety services
Community outreach and communication
Drone Program for situational monitoring
Active Shooter and Emergency Preparedness Training
Access to County EOC and Search and Rescue
Coordination with Central Fire’s Rescue Swimmers, Coast Guard, and Harbor Patrol The Police Department and Central Fire District also coordinate with the following partner agencies for additional resources and services:
American Red Cross:
Disaster relief, shelter management, reunification services, and emergency supplies Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience (OR3):
Strategic coordination of countywide emergency preparedness, response, and recovery 34 Item 8 B.
Participation in County Readiness Working Group for preparedness and response coordination, training and exercises
Coordination with FEMA and CalOES in post-disaster financial recovery, resource distribution, and inter-agency coordination
Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact associated with this report. Costs to respond to emergency incidents will vary depending on incident type, staffing needs, and the scope of interagency response.
Fiscal planning will include consideration for resource sharing and potential reimbursement through state and federal disaster programs.
Report Prepared By: Sarah Ryan, Police Chief
Reviewed By: Julia Gautho, City Clerk
Approved By: Jamie Goldstein, City Manager
35 Item 8 B.
CAPITOLA
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
Fire Chief Nee & Police Chief Ryan
36 Item 8 B.
Background • Increase in emergency incidents in
Capitola involving natural disasters
• Need for coordinated, multi-agency
response • Goals: Protect lives, property, and
improve recovery outcomes
37 Item 8 B.
Key Partner Agencies • Central Fire Department • Capitola Police Department • American Red Cross • Santa Cruz OR3 (Office of Response,
Recovery & Resilience) • Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department 38 Item 8 B.
Collaborative
Framework • Joint Training Programs
• Unified Command & Communication • Co-Response Emergency Teams • Community Outreach & Preparedness • Resource Alignment 39 Item 8 B.
Joint Training Programs
• Annual, scenario-based drills
• Multi-agency participation
• Focus: coordination, roles,
communication protocols
40 Item 8 B.
Unified Command &
Communication • Shared platforms: EOC, Cruz Aware,
Genasys (formerly Zone Haven) • OR3 intergraded command operations • Red Cross coordinates shelter and
support services
41 Item 8 B.
Public Outreach &
Engagement • Community education and preparedness • Emergency messaging via social media, radio, TV, alert systems, automated
message system boards
• Clear communication on evacuation
warnings, evacuation orders, and
recovery
42 Item 8 B.
Recommendation
• Receive report about enhanced
collaboration between Central Fire
District, Capitola Police Department, the
American Red Cross, and the Santa Cruz
County Office of Response, Recovery &
Resilience during emergency responses.
43 Item 8 B.
QUESTIONS?
44 Item 8 B.