City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 13, 2022
12:30 PM
Mayor Brunner opened the City Council Closed Session at 12:31 p.m. in a public meeting in Council Chambers and Zoom, for the purpose of announcing the agenda, and receiving public testimony.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
Absent: Councilmember Cummings.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Human Resources L. Murphy, Finance Director E. Cabell, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Closed Session
Mayor Brunner announced that given the current state of employee contract negotiations, that she was looking for a motion to add an urgency item to Closed Session agenda for discussion related to labor negotiations for all bargaining groups, as the need to discuss came up after the agenda packet was published.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Watkins, to add Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) for all bargaining units as an urgency item to the Closed Session Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Meyers, Brown; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Cummings.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6210
Public Comment
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period at 12:33 p.m. The following people spoke:
Juan Molina spoke regarding item 1.
Brenda Whitley spoke regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Unidentified person spoke regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Eric Bumgarner spoke regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Jeff Huff spoke regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Unidentified person spoke regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Andy Shatney spoke regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Corinna Harrison spoke regarding Conference with Labor Negotiators.
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period at 12:50 p.m.
Closed Session
1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code §54957) City Manager
2. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) Claimant: Brandon Michael Oldham
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (1 potential case to be discussed).
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6211
Closed Session (continued)
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
At this time, the meeting was closed to the public. (See page 6214 for a report on Closed Session.)
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6212
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 13, 2022
2:00 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Brunner called the meeting to order at 2:09 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
Absent: Councilmember Cummings.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Public Works M. Dettle (via Zoom), Chief of Police B. Escalante (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Fire Division Chief R. Young (via Zoom), Water Director R. Menard (via Zoom), Building Maintenance Worker I A. Bryant, Sustainability and Climate Action Manager T. WiseWest, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Presentations
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Mayor Brunner read a proclamation declaring September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Valeria Vasquez with Jacob’s Heart spoke.
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring September as Hispanic Heritage Month Mayor Brunner read a proclamation declaring September as Hispanic Heritage Month. Gabriela Cruz, Executive Director of Senderos, Isabel Contreras, Founder of Mi Gente, and Daniel Nane Alejandrez, Founder of Barrios Unidos, spoke.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6213
Presentations (continued)
6. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring September 17, 2022 as “Senderos Fiestas Patrias Day”
Mayor Brunner read from a proclamation declaring September 17, 2022 as “Senderos Fiestas Patrias Day.”
7. Sister City Biarritz Mayoral Delegation Welcome and Proclamation Anita Wood, Chair of the Sister Cities Committee, and Doug Hull, Chair of the Biarritz Subcommittee, introduced the Mayor and delegates from Biarritz, France. Mayor Brunner read from a proclamation welcoming the delegates to Santa Cruz.
8. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 21st as Ron Inouye Retirement Day Mayor Brunner read a proclamation declaring August 21st as Ron Inouye Retirement Day.
9. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 20th as Matthew Mulvihill Retirement Day
Mayor Brunner read a proclamation declaring August 20th as Matthew Mulvihill Retirement Day.
10. Mayor's Cup - Beach Clean-up Award
Building Maintenance Worker I A. Bryant spoke and presented the Beach Cleanup Award to Councilmember Golder.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6214
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 and gave direction to the City Negotiator, and took no reportable action.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code §54957) City Manager
Council received a status report and took no reportable action.
Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) Claimant: Brandon Michael Oldham
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 20, and took no reportable action.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (1 potential case to be discussed).
Council received a status report and took no reportable action.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6215
City Manager Report
11. The City Manager provided a report and updates on the City's business and events of interest.
City Manager M. Huffaker provided updates on the Live Oak Library reopening, the San Lorenzo Park restoration and Benchlands closure, the Objective Standards amendments, the District and At-Large Mayor election in November, upcoming community meetings, and the status of the Loch Lomond Reservoir.
Council Meeting Calendar
12. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
City Clerk Administrator B. Bush reminded Council and staff of the special meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 22nd.
Consent Agenda
Councilmembers Brown and Golder and Vice Mayor Watkins commented on item 16.
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 Brown, to approve the Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Cummings.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
13. Resolution Authorizing the City to Continue Teleconferenced Public Meetings Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 (CA)
Resolution No. NS-30,035 was adopted authorizing legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue the use of teleconferenced meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6216
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Resolution Amending the 2022 Council Meeting Calendar (CC) Resolution No. NS-30,036 was adopted amending the 2022 Council meeting calendar to cancel the November 8th and 22nd regular meetings and add November 15th as a regular meeting, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,895.
15. Minutes of the August 23, 2022 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
16. Resolution Supporting Local Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and Measure L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022 Ballot (CN)
Resolution No. NS-30,037 was adopted supporting local Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and Measure L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022 ballot.
17. Support for California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (CN)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,038 expressing the Santa Cruz City Council’s support and endorsement of California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment; and
Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to state legislators on behalf of the City Council in support of California Proposition 1.
18. Skypark Sidewalk Easement – Authorization of Grant to the City of Scotts Valley (ED)
Resolution No. NS-30,039 was adopted authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a grant of easement and agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, to the City of Scotts Valley for sidewalk purposes at Cityowned property known as Skypark (APN 022-721-09).
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6217
Consent Agenda (continued)
19. Cal Fire Vegetation Management - Grant Acceptance, Authorization, and Appropriation (FD)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,040 authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the Cal Fire Vegetation Management Grant to conduct vegetation management activities in the Moore Creek/Highway 9 Corridor; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,041 amending the FY 2023 budget to appropriate a $150,000 grant from CalFire's Vegetation Management Program and hire a contractor to perform vegetation management activities.
20. Liability Claim Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claim of Brandon Michael Oldham, based on staff recommendation.
21. Caterpillar 930M Wheel Loader – Award Contract (PW) Motion carried to award a contract for the 48-month lease to purchase agreement of one new 930M Wheel Loader from Peterson Cat (San Leandro, CA) in the amount of $214,050.
22. Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 Grant Applications (PW) Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the California Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 for the projects proposed in this report.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6218
Consent Agenda (continued)
23. Wastewater Treatment Facility UV Disinfection System Replacement Project (c401504) – Notice of Completion (PW)
Motion carried to accept the work of GSE Construction Company, Inc. (Livermore, CA) and authorize the filling of the Notice of Completion for Wastewater Treatment Facility UV Disinfection System Replacement Project (c401504).
24. Water Supply Augmentation Planning (WT)
Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to execute the Fourth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Phase 2 Recycled Water Facility Planning Study in the amount of $358,282 with Kennedy Jenks Consultants (San Francisco, CA) in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
End Consent Agenda
General Business
25. Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment (CC)
City Clerk Administrator B. Bush spoke.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson nominated Jorge Leonardo Cruz.
By consensus, Jorge Leonardo Cruz was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission, with a term ending January 31, 2024.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6219
Public Hearing
26. Adoption of the Climate Action Plan 2030 (CM)
Sustainability and Climate Action Manager T. Wise-West gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Susan Cavalieri
James Mulherin
Unidentified person
Elise Casby
John Golder
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Beverly Deschaux
Candace Brown
Jennie Dusheck
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Meyers moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Watkins, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,042 adopting the Initial Study/Negative Declaration and approving the Climate Action Plan 2030 including the California Environmental Quality Action (CEQA) Project Review Checklist.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Cummings.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Recess - The City Council recessed at 4:50 p.m. to the 5:30 p.m. session.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6220
City Council
5:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Brunner called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
Absent: Councilmember Cummings.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, City Attorney T. Condotti, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler (via Zoom), Business Liaison R. Unitt (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B.
Bush.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
Oral Communications
At 5:32 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.
Unidentified person spoke regarding 333 Locust Street, which was agendized at an August meeting.
Unidentified person spoke regarding speaking time and feels flying the queer flag is a misuse of public property.
Unidentified person spoke, requesting that Council extend the temporary outdoor dining permits.
Ian McCrae spoke, requesting the outdoor dining permits be extended.
Curtis Rutherford spoke about the services he provides the community and how he is being harassed.
Nathan Van Zandt spoke, requesting Council agendize extending the outdoor dining spaces.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6221
Oral Communications (continued)
Max Turigliatto spoke regarding the temporary outdoor dining permits.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the Benchlands encampment.
Elise spoke regarding the Benchlands encampment.
Brandon Padilla spoke regarding outdoor dining in Santa Cruz, requesting Council extend the temporary permits.
At 5:55 p.m. Mayor Brunner closed Oral Communications.
Business Liaison R. Unitt responded to Councilmember questions.
Public Hearing
27. Amendments to Municipal Code Titles 6, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 24 Related to Objective Development Standards for Multi-Family Housing, New Mixed Use Zoning Districts, Development Review Process Changes, Street Trees, Right-ofWay Improvements, and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; Associated Updates to the Zoning Map; and Establish In-Lieu Fees for Street Tree Removals (File No. FP20-0002) and Additional Modifications to Municipal Code Title 24 to Clarify and Update Various Code Sections, Remove Obsolete Sections and References, Streamline Application Processes, and Bring the Zoning Ordinance into Conformity with State Law (File Nos. A22-0002 and A22-0003) (PL) MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Mayor Brunner, to continue this item after the next City Council is seated, and to:
1) Direct staff to return at the time this item is considered with draft ordinance amendments to Section 24.12.185 to include the following provisions:
There should be no Design Permit public hearings for projects proposing no variation from Objective Standards only for projects for 25 units or less.
A Zoning Administrator hearing shall be required for projects from 26 to 50 units and no more than five variations.
A Planning Commission hearing shall be required for projects with over 50 units or more than 5 variations.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6222
Public Hearing (continued)
27. Amendments to Objective Standards (File Nos. A22-0002 and A22-0003) (PL) (continued)
MOTION (continued):
2) Direct staff to return at the time this item is considered with draft ordinance amendments to require that for all zoning districts proposed for amendments, approval by right for housing and mixed-use projects will be allowed only for developments with 3 to 50 units. A special use permit shall be required for all developments over 50 units.
3) Direct staff to return at the time this item is considered with draft ordinance amendments for Section 24.16.020 to add the following:
a. Projects with a base density of 50 or more units shall have a 25% inclusionary requirement.
b. Projects with a base density of 100 or more units shall have an inclusionary requirement of 30%.
4) Direct staff to coordinate a series of public meetings to consider different components of the Objective Standards before making a final decision on the recommended ordinance amendments.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
John Golder
Candace Brown
Bryan Shields
Unidentified person
James Hollomon
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Councilmember questions.
September 13, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6223
Public Hearing (continued)
27. Amendments to Objective Standards (File Nos. A22-0002 and A22-0003) (PL) (continued)
ACTION: The motion failed with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmember Brown.
NOES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
ABSENT: Councilmember Cummings.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to continue this item to a date certain on November 15, 2022.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: Councilmember Brown.
ABSENT: Councilmember Cummings.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment - The City Council adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Sonja Brunner, Mayor.