City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 8, 2022
10:30 AM
Mayor Brunner opened the City Council Closed Session at 10:30 a.m. in a public meeting via Zoom, for the purpose of announcing the agenda, and receiving public testimony.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson (via Zoom), Golder (via Zoom), Cummings (via Zoom), Brown (via Zoom), Meyers (via Zoom); Vice Mayor Watkins (via Zoom); Mayor Brunner (via Zoom).
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker (via Zoom), Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), City Attorney T. Condotti (via Zoom), Director of Economic Development B. Lipscomb (via Zoom), Human Resources Director L.
Murphy (via Zoom), Interim Finance Director B. Magee (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B.
Bush (via Zoom).
Public Comment
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period at 10:31 a.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period at 10:33 a.m.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5982
Referral to Closed Session
1. City-owned Vacant Parcel (APN 005-048-10) at 915 Cedar Street (ED) MOTION: Councilmember Cummings moved, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, to approve a referral to Closed Session for discussion regarding lease price, terms, or both.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Closed Session
2. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Mid Managers, OE3
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
Executives
City Negotiator - Lisa Murphy
3. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 915 Cedar Street
APN: 005-048-10
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and the Glass Jar, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Lease price, terms, or both
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5983
Closed Session (continued)
4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
City of Arcata, et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CGC-20-585483
At this time, the meeting was closed to the public. (See pages 5985—5986 for a report on Closed Session.)
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5984
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 8, 2022
11:30 AM
Call to Order – Mayor Brunner called the meeting to order at 11:31 a.m. via Zoom.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson (via Zoom), Golder (via Zoom), Cummings (via Zoom), Brown (via Zoom), Meyers (via Zoom); Vice Mayor Watkins (via Zoom); Mayor Brunner (via Zoom).
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker (via Zoom), Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), City Attorney T. Condotti (via Zoom), Director of Public Works M. Dettle (via Zoom), Interim Chief of Police B. Escalante (via Zoom), Deputy City Manager and Director of Planning and Community Development and Homelessness Response L. Butler (via Zoom), Interim Finance Director B. Magee (via Zoom), Director of Economic Development B. Lipscomb (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Human Resources Director L. Murphy (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Interim Fire Chief R. Oatey (via Zoom), Senior Planner S. Neuse (via Zoom), Principal Planner M. VanHua (via Zoom), Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle (via Zoom), Deputy City Attorney C. Bronson (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush (via Zoom).
Presentations
5. Downtown Streets Team Presentation
Genevieve Lucas-Conwell, Senior Project Manager of the Downtown Streets Team, gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5985
Presentations (continued)
6. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring March as Women's History Month Mayor Brunner read from a proclamation declaring March as Women’s History Month.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Mid Managers, OE3
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
Executives
City Negotiator - Lisa Murphy
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and took no reportable action.
Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8)
Property: 915 Cedar Street
APN: 005-048-10
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and the Glass Jar, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Lease price, terms, or both
Council received a status report from and gave direction to the City Negotiator, and took no reportable action.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5986
City Attorney Report on Closed Session (continued)
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
City of Arcata, et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company San Francisco Superior Court Case No. CGC-20-585483
Council received a report from the City Attorney’s Office and outside special counsel, and took no reportable action.
Council Meeting Calendar
7. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Cummings made a comment on item 10.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, to approve the Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
8. Resolution Authorizing the City to Continue Teleconferenced Public Meetings Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 (CA)
Resolution No. NS-29,933 was adopted authorizing legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue the use of teleconferenced meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361.
9. Minutes of the February 22, 2022 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5987
Consent Agenda (continued)
10. Support for California Senate Bill 843 “Taxation: Renters’ Credit” (CN) Motion carried to direct the Mayor to send a letter in support of California Senate Bill 843 “Taxation: Renters’ Credit” to the bill’s author, Senator Steve Glazer, and the members of the Senate Governance and Finance Committee.
11. Wharf Reinforcement Project (45 Municipal Wharf) - Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise for Bids and Award Contract (ED) Motion carried to approve the plans and specifications for the Wharf Reinforcement Project, authorize staff to advertise for bids, and award the contract. Per Resolution No. NS-27,563, the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The Economic Development Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
12. Emergency Escalona Drive Culvert Rehabilitation (c401709, c401610) – Authorization to Award (PW)
Motion carried to approve the plans and specifications for the emergency culvert rehabilitation at Escalona Drive and authorize the contract with The Don Chapin Co., Inc. (Salinas, CA), in accordance with Chapter 3.08.160 “Emergency Procurement” of the Municipal Code. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
13. Central Coast Community Energy Member Agency Planning, Implementation, and Innovation Grant Program – Grant Acceptance, Authorization, and Appropriation (PW)
Resolution No. NS-29,934 was adopted authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds, if awarded, from Central Coast Community Energy Member Agency Planning, Implementation, and Innovation Grant Program for the development of the Master Municipal Transportation and Electrification Plan.
End Consent Agenda
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5988
Public Hearing
14. Small Housing Units General Plan, Downtown Plan, Local Coastal Plan, and Zoning Ordinance Updates – Single Room Occupancy, Small Ownership Units, and a New Use Called Flexible Density Units (PL)
Deputy City Manager and Director of Planning and Community Development and Homelessness Response L. Butler introduced the item and responded to Councilmember questions.
Senior Planner S. Neuse gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Principal Planner M. VanHua responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
SPEAKING VIA TELECONFERENCE:
Unidentified person
Rafa Sonnenfeld
Zennon Ulyate-Crow
Antoine Haddad
Hunter
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Ryan Meckel
Candace Brown
Isadora Alne
Frank
Thairie Richie
Bodie Shargel
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5989
Public Hearing (continued)
14. Small Housing Units General Plan, Downtown Plan, Local Coastal Plan, and Zoning Ordinance Updates – Single Room Occupancy, Small Ownership Units, and a New Use Called Flexible Density Units (PL) (continued) MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Watkins, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-29,935 amending the General Plan. Adopt Resolution No. NS-29,936 amending the Downtown Plan, which will also constitute an amendment to the Local Coastal Program to reflect the elimination of the Small Ownership Unit use and the addition of the new Flexible Density Unit use.
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2022-02 amending Title 24 of the Municipal Code regulating small housing units including replacing Small Ownership Units with Flexible Density Units and making minor clarifying amendments to the Single Room Occupancy regulations.
Direct staff to submit the final ordinance, if approved, to the Coastal Commission for review, as well as the changes to the Downtown Plan, as changes to the Local Coastal Program.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5990
Public Hearing (continued)
14. Small Housing Units General Plan, Downtown Plan, Local Coastal Plan, and Zoning Ordinance Updates – Single Room Occupancy, Small Ownership Units, and a New Use Called Flexible Density Units (PL) (continued) SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-29,935 amending the General Plan. Adopt Resolution No. NS-29,936 amending the Downtown Plan, which will also constitute an amendment to the Local Coastal Program to reflect the elimination of the Small Ownership Unit use and the addition of the new Flexible Density Unit use.
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2022-02 amending Title 24 of the Municipal Code regulating small housing units including replacing Small Ownership Units with Flexible Density Units and making minor clarifying amendments to the Single Room Occupancy regulations.
Direct staff to submit the final ordinance, if approved, to the Coastal Commission for review, as well as the changes to the Downtown Plan, as changes to the Local Coastal Program.
Prohibit flexible density units in developments with larger, multi-family housing units.
ACTION: The substitute motion failed with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Cummings, Brown.
NOES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
ACTION: The original motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: Councilmembers Cummings, Brown.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5991
General Business
15. Transportation and Public Works Commission (TPWC) Appointment (CC) City Clerk Administrator B. Bush responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
SPEAKING VIA TELECONFERENCE:
Ryan Meckel
Reggie Meisler
Unidentified person
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Meyers moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to extend the application period for this appointment for a minimum of two weeks.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Councilmember Cummings, to nominate Joy Schendledecker.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Cummings requested to include the action that Council moves forward with the appointment process today.
Councilmember Brown accepted.
ACTION: The substitute motion failed with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Cummings, Brown.
NOES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson stated for the record it’s to allow community members who have interest the opportunity to apply.
Councilmember Meyers stated for the record she simply wants to allow more time.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Meyers requested to amend the original motion to agendize the appointment for the April 12th meeting.
Councilmember Golder accepted.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5992
General Business (continued)
15. Transportation and Public Works Commission (TPWC) Appointment (CC) (continued)
ACTION: The original motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Councilmember Cummings stated for the record he would like to ask that there is communications sent out to all Councilmembers so that they can send it out to members of the public so that everybody has an equal opportunity to apply.
16. CORE Investments RFP and Updates on Application Process, Review Panels and Scoring, Award Funding Decisions Process, and Amended Appeal Process (CM) Sustainability and Climate Action Manager T. Wise-West introduced the item.
Randy Morris, Human Services Director with the County of Santa Cruz, gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
SPEAKING VIA TELECONFERENCE:
Reggie Meisler
Serg Kagno
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Cummings moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to:
Accept report on the Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments Request for Proposals (RFP) amended timelines; review panel process; coordination with funders.
Direct to staff to return in June 2022 as described.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5993
General Business (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
17. Homelessness Response Quarterly Update (CM/HR)
City Manager M. Huffaker, Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle, Deputy City Manager, and Director of Planning and Community Development and Homelessness Response, and Human Resources Director L. Murphy gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Director of Public Works M. Dettle, Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot, Interim Chief of Police B. Escalante, and Deputy City Attorney C. Bronson responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
SPEAKING VIA TELECONFERENCE:
Unidentified person, Santa Cruz Cares
Brent Adams, The Warming Center
Serg Kagno, Stepping Up Santa Cruz
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Carol Polhamus
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Lynn, Santa Cruz Together
Don Lane
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
At this time, Mayor Brunner heard Oral Communications.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5994
General Business (continued)
17.1 Homelessness Response Programming Quarterly Update, Homelessness Response Action Plan, Homelessness Staffing, and Homelessness Response Funding Sources (CM)
MOTION: Councilmember Cummings moved, seconded by Councilmember Meyers, to:
1) Receive updates regarding Council-directed homeless response programs and services including the Camping Services and Standards Ordinance (CSSO) and the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance (OVO).
2) Support the direction of the Homelessness Response Action Plan, acknowledging associated funding requirements and sources, including use of the $14 million from the state for homelessness response. 3) Include under Community Safety in the Action Plan: Work with the County to prioritize and develop a 24/7 non-law enforcement alternative emergency crisis response program and explore federal and state funding opportunities.
4) Return to the Council for final adoption of the Action Plan, by or before the first meeting in May, with information on goals and outcomes for programs and services to determine effectiveness, strategies for targeting and supporting the different homeless populations, and justification for new roles and costs for, including but not limited to, the Community Relations Specialist, Legislation Advocacy, and the Planning Request for Proposal Specialist.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Brunner requested to amend #3 as follows:
Include under Community Safety in the Action Plan: Work with the County to prioritize and support a 24/7 non-law enforcement alternative emergency crisis response program and explore federal and state funding opportunities.
Councilmembers Cummings and Meyers accepted.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Meyers requested to amend #4 as follows: Return to the Council for final adoption of the Action Plan, by or before the first meeting in May, with a detailed implementation plan including information on goals and outcomes for programs and services including metrics and timeline to determine effectiveness, strategies for targeting and supporting the different homeless populations, and justification for new roles and costs for, including but not limited to, the Community Relations Specialist, Legislation Advocacy, and the Planning Request for Proposal Specialist.
Councilmember Cummings accepted.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5995
General Business (continued)
17.1 Homelessness Response Programming Quarterly Update, Homelessness Response Action Plan, Homelessness Staffing, and Homelessness Response Funding Sources (CM) (continued)
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Vice Mayor Watkins moved to adopt the Homelessness Response Action Plan, acknowledging associated funding requirements and sources, including use of the $14 million from the state for homelessness response.
Vice Mayor Watkins withdrew her substitute motion.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Watkins requested to amend item #2 as follows: To adopt the Homelessness Response Action Plan, acknowledging associated funding requirements and sources, including use of the $14 million from the state for homelessness response. Councilmembers Cummings and Meyers accepted.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
17.2 Resolution Amending the City of Santa Cruz Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans for the City Manager’s Office, Planning and Community Development Department and Police Department to Implement the Homelessness Response Action Plan (HR)
MOTION: Councilmember Meyers moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. NS-29,937 amending the Classification and Compensation Plans by administratively implementing staffing to support the City’s new Homelessness Response Action Plan.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5996
General Business (continued)
18. Sidewalk Vending Permit and New Permit Fee, and Conduct, Time, Place, and Manner Ordinance (CM)
This item was continued to the meeting of March 22, 2022, and was not discussed on March 8, 2022.
19. Green Building Education Program Fee Increase (PL)
This item was continued to the meeting of April 12, 2022, and was not discussed on March 8, 2022.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
Oral Communications
At 6:32 p.m. Mayor Brunner opened Oral Communications for members of the public who wished to speak regarding items not listed on the City Council agenda.
Jacqueline Tuttle spoke, expressing concern for people waiting for rental relief money from the state when the eviction moratorium ends on March 31st.
Gregory Cole spoke regarding an illegal unit in his home and is suggesting Santa Cruz modify the standards to make it a legal rental unit.
Unidentified person spoke regarding district elections and renters’ credit.
Unidentified person spoke regarding district maps, requesting Council provide feedback to the demographer to redraw the districts.
At 6:44 p.m. Mayor Brunner closed Oral Communications.
At this time, Mayor Brunner returned to Item 17.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5997
General Business
20. Resolutions Requesting the Placement of a Sales and Use Tax Ballot Measure on the June 2022 California Statewide Primary Election (CN) Mayor Brunner, Vice Mayor Watkins, and Councilmember Brown gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
SPEAKING VIA TELECONFERENCE:
Ron Pomerantz
Barbara Meister
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Cummings moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to:
1) Accept a report regarding the recent work of the Council Ad Hoc Budget and Revenue Committee; and
2) Adopt Resolution No. NS-29,938 making emergency findings for placing a general purpose one-half of one percent retail transactions and use tax measure on the June 7, 2022 election; and
3) Adopt Resolution No. NS-29,939 requesting that the consolidated June 2022 California Statewide Primary Election include a general purpose one-half of one percent retail transactions and use tax measure; and 4) Support the measure for the purpose of authorizing arguments; provide direction regarding the authors; directing the City Attorney to prepare the impartial analysis; and providing direction to the City Manager regarding the preparation of the fiscal analysis, as appropriate. 5) Gather input from Councilmembers to bring back a resolution of intent at the first meeting in April.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson requested to amend #5: Direct the Council Ad Hoc Budget and Revenue Committee to bring back a resolution of intent at the first meeting in April. Councilmember Cummings accepted.
March 8, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5998
General Business (continued)
20. Resolutions Requesting the Placement of a Sales and Use Tax Ballot Measure on the June 2022 California Statewide Primary Election (CN) (continued) ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment - The City Council adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Sonja Brunner, Mayor.