City of Capitola
City Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 12, 2026 – 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
420 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
Mayor: Margaux Morgan
Vice Mayor: Gerry Jensen
Council Members: Joe Clarke, Melinda Orbach, Susan Westman Closed Session – 5:30 PM
i. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to Gov’t Code § 54956.9(d)(4) One Case
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 Clarke, Orbach, Westman, and Vice Mayor Gerry Jensen. Absent:
Mayor Morgan.
Vice Mayor Jensen provided remarks on the fire that occurred in the Capitola Village and requested a moment of silence in recognition of those who were injured and lost their life in the fire.
2. Additions and Deletions to the Agenda – None
3. Presentations
A. The Mayor presented a proclamation honoring March 2026 as American Red Cross Month to the Santa Cruz Red Cross Chapter.
B. The Council received a presentation from Santa Cruz County METRO Transit District CEO, Corey Aldridge. One speaker provided comments on the presentation.
4. Report on Closed Session – The City Council discussed one item on the Closed Session agenda. No reportable action was taken.
5. Additional Materials
A. Item 9A – Two emails received after publication of the agenda packet.
6. Oral Communications by Members of the Public
• Goran Klepic
• Speaker
7. Staff / City Council Comments
• Public Works Director Kahn provided an update on the structural analysis of the Stockton Bridge and associated traffic impacts.
• Chloe Woodmansee, Assistant to the City Manager, advised the public that the Historical Museum will be hosting a soft opening of their new exhibit on March 13th.
Docusign Envelope ID: 07A5781F-7732-89F8-82AC-70592E7CE1BE City Council Meeting Minutes – March 12, 2026
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• Community and Economic Development Director Herlihy provided a staffing update for the Building Division and reminded the public of the Special Meeting on March 16th. • Council Member Orbach provided comments related to her attendance at the Youth Leadership Summit and provided an update on a citizen’s initiative for a ballot measure benefitting METRO.
• Council Member Westman requested an agenda item to discuss support of METRO’s ballot measure, Council Member Orbach seconded the request.
8. Consent Items
A. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve minutes from the special meeting on February 23, 2026, and the regular meeting on February 26, 2026.
B. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Calendar
Recommended Action: Amend the Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.
C. RING Radio System Federal Funding Request
Recommended Action: Authorize the Vice Mayor to send a letter to federal representatives requesting support for funding in the amount of $5.4 million for the Regional Interoperable Next Generation (RING) Radio System serving Santa Cruz County public safety agencies.
Motion to approve the Consent Calendar: Council Member Orbach Second: Council Member Westman
Voting Yea: Council Members Clarke, Orbach, Westman, and Vice Mayor Jensen
Absent: Mayor Morgan
9. General Government / Public Hearings
A. E-Bike Safety Action Plan
Recommended Action: Receive an update on the City’s e-Bike Safety Action Plan, including recent legislative outreach and the development of an e-bike permit program at New Brighton Middle School, and provide feedback on next steps.
Police Chief Ryan presented the staff report.
Public Comment:
• Speaker
The City Council thanked the Police Chief and staff from Soquel Unified Elementary School District for their collaboration on this safety plan.
B. Capitola Active Transportation Plan Technical Consultant Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Fehr & Peers in an amount not to exceed $145,000 to provide technical consultant services for development of the Capitola Active Transportation Plan (ATP).
Public Works Director Kahn presented the staff report.
Public Comment:
• Speaker
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Fehr & Peers in an amount not to exceed $145,000 to provide technical consultant services for development of the Capitola Active Transportation Plan (ATP): Council Member Westman Second: Council Member Orbach
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Amendment proposed to include additional language in the agreement specific to Capitola Municipal Code 8.72: Council Member Clarke
Council Member Westman accepted the amendment, Council Member Orbach did not.
Substitute motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Fehr & Peers in an amount not to exceed $145,000 to provide technical consultant services for development of the Capitola Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and include additional language in the agreement specific to Capitola Municipal Code 8.72: Council Member Clarke
Second: Council Member Westman
Voting Yea: Council Members Clarke, Orbach, Westman, and Vice Mayor Jensen
Absent: Mayor Morgan
C. Jade Street Site Improvements – Project Progress Update Recommended Action: Receive the progress report on the full set of Jade Street projects, including the Community Center Renovation, Patio Improvements, Treasure Cove Playground, and the Jade Street Park Restroom Renovation.
Public Works Director Kahn presented the staff report.
Public Comment:
• Speaker
• Speaker
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM. Vice Mayor Jensen reminded the public of the special meeting on March 16th. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is on March 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
________________________
Gerry Jensen, Vice Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________
Julia Gautho, City Clerk
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