City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 25, 2023
1:00 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 1:01 p.m. in a public meeting via Zoom and in Council Chambers, for the purpose of announcing the agenda, and receiving public testimony.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt, City Attorney T. Condotti, Finance Director E. Cabell, Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J.
Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 1:02 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 1:02 p.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
Closed Session
1. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
City Negotiator – Sara De Leon
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6445
Closed Session (continued)
2. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) 1) Claimant: Bernt Barbera
2) Claimant: Cristopher Allen Malsack
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 17, and no reportable action was taken.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case to be discussed) Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6446
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 25, 2023
2:00 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:34 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Deputy City Manager L. Murphy, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Planning and Community Development L.
Butler, Finance Director E. Cabell (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Chief of Fire R. Oatey (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Chief of Police B.
Escalante, Water Director R. Menard (via Zoom), Waste Reduction Assistant L. O’Malley, Principal Management Analyst T. Lake, Senior Planner C. Stanger, Engineering Associate C. Busenhart, Senior Professional Engineer K. Stewart, Police Sergeant J. Trog, Principal Planner M. VanHua, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Presentations
4. Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program
Waste Reduction Assistant L. O’Malley gave a presentation on the Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program.
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring the Month of May as Affordable Housing Month April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6447
Mayor Keeley announced the month of May as Affordable Housing Month.
Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb spoke about events.
Presentations (continued)
6. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring April 30—May 6, 2023, as Municipal Clerks Week
Mayor Keeley presented a proclamation to City Clerk Administrator B. Bush, declaring April 30—May 6, 2023 as Municipal Clerks Week.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See pages 6444—6445 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
7. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Watkins pulled item 12 for further discussion.
Vice Mayor Golder made a comment on item 23.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
James Ewing Whitman spoke regarding item 11.
Stephen La Berg spoke regarding item 16.
Garrett spoke regarding item 11.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Mayor Keeley pulled item 16 for further discussion.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve the remaining Consent Agenda.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6448
Consent Agenda (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
8. Minutes of the April 11, 2023 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
9. Minutes of the April 18, 2023 City Council Special Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
10. Children’s Fund Oversight Committee Bylaws (CM)
Motion carried to approve amendments to the Children’s Fund Oversight Committee bylaws and governing document.
11. Initiative No. 21-0042A1, The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act (CN)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,133 opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1, the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act; and Authorize the Mayor to send letters and copies of the adopted resolution to state legislators and the League of California Cities on behalf of the Santa Cruz City Council opposing Initiative No. 21-0042A1.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6449
Consent Agenda (continued)
12. City Council District Engagement Policy (CN)
Councilmember Watkins spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve City Council Policy, 6.21, District Engagement, and direct staff to conduct a market comparison of Mayor and Council compensation amongst comparable cities and return to Council with the findings, along with outlining the process for the Council to consider proposing potential changes to Council compensation to ensure that the City continues to stay competitive with the market and attracts candidates to these important positions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
13. Support for Senate Bill 331 (SB 331) (CN)
Motion carried to authorize the Mayor to send a letter of support to Senator Laird on behalf of Santa Cruz City Council in support of Senate Bill 331 (SB 331).
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6450
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Approval of Parklet Design Standards Contained within the Parklet Guidelines and Approval of two “Pre-Approved” Parklet Design Plans (ED/PW) Motion carried to:
Approve the design standards incorporated in the parklet guidelines; and Approve two “pre-approved” parklet designs created by Dillon Design Associates; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,134 approving the design standards incorporated in the parklet guidelines and two “pre-approved” parklet designs pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.
15. Santa Cruz Parklet Incentive Program for Outdoor Dining (ED) Motion carried to authorize the establishment of the Santa Cruz Parklet Incentive Program for Outdoor Dining.
16. 223 Darwin Street CFSC, Inc. Loan Extension (APN: 011-122-04) (ED) Mayor Keeley invited Stephen La Berg to speak.
Principal Management Analyst T. Lake spoke.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to continue this item to the meeting of May 23, 2023 with direction to staff and the City Attorney to meet with Mr. La Berg to see if it is possible to structure a forgiveness of the loan with certain findings that would not make it a precedent that the City would normally do that, as well as explore unintended impacts of this direction.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6451
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claims of 1) Bernt Barbera and 2) Cristopher Allen Malsack, based on staff recommendation.
18. Award Contract for Financial Auditing Services (FN) Motion carried to:
Award a contract for Financial Auditing Services to The PUN Group, LLP, Walnut Creek, California for Fiscal Years ending June 30, 2023, 2024 and 2025, with two option years; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney with The PUN Group, LLP for Financial Auditing Services.
19. Resolution Adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Management Association (HR)
Resolution No. NS-30,135 was adopted adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Management Association.
20. Resolution Adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Officers’ Association (HR)
Resolution No. NS-30,136 was adopted adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Officers’ Association.
21. Resolution Adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with Service Employees Local 521 (HR)
Resolution No. NS-30,137 was adopted adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with Service Employees SEIU Local 521.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6452
Consent Agenda (continued)
22. City of Santa Cruz Pump Station No. 1 Project (c401707) – Professional Services Agreement Amendment (PW)
Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Schaaf & Wheeler (Santa Clara, CA) in the amount of $105,900 to provide Consulting Engineering Services for the City of Santa Cruz Pump Station No.1 Project (c401707) in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute contract amendments within the approved budget.
23. Santa Cruz High School Parking Update (PW)
Council received an update regarding ongoing staff coordination with Santa Cruz High School regarding weekday parking issues.
24. Proposed Permanent Easement Acquisition of Real Property Owned by PAP, LLC, including 24 Front Street (APN 007-212-10) and 30 Front Street (APN 007- 212-09) for the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Improvement Project - Budget Adjustment (PW)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,138 authorizing and directing the City Manager to enter into an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for acquisition of the permanent easement required for the construction of the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Improvement Project; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,139 amending the FY 2023 budget by transferring funds from the City Liability Fund for acquisition of the easement.
25. Purchase Natural Gas at Wastewater Treatment Facility – Budget Adjustment (PW)
Resolution No. NS-30,140 was adopted amending the FY 2023 budget and appropriating funds in the amount of $260,000 to fund rising natural gas purchased at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6453
Consent Agenda (continued)
26. Approval of Contract Amendment No. 1 – Soquel Avenue Main Replacement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Construction Management Services (WT) Motion carried to:
Approve Contract Amendment No. 1 - Soquel Avenue Main Replacement with MNS Engineers, Inc. (Santa Barbara, CA) in the amount of $151,740 and to authorize the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 1 in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
Authorize the Water Director to approve change orders with MNS Engineers, Inc. in a form to be approved by the City Attorney and for amounts that are within the approved adjusted budget.
End Consent Agenda
Mayor Keeley reordered the agenda and heard item 33 at this time.
Consent Public Hearing
Councilmember Brown made a comment on item 27.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Councilmember KalantariJohnson, to approve the Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6454
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
27. 2023-2024 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan, Amendment to the 2019-2020 HUD, Amendment to the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan, and Amendment to the Citizen Participation Plan (ED) Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,141 for the City’s 2023-2024 HUD Annual Action Plan (AAP) and amendments to the 2019-2020 AAP, 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan for the City’s Housing and Community Development Program, direct staff to submit the 2023-2024 AAP and amended 2019-2020 AAP and 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan (CP) which includes the 2023 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) Plan to HUD, and authorize the City Manager to sign an application for federal funding assistance for the 2023-2024 program year; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute program/project contracts, loan agreements and related loan documents with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) sub-recipients and contractors in connection with Consolidated Plan (CP) activities proposed in the 2023-2024 Action Plan and any subsequent revisions to the 2023-2024 Action Plan; and
Approving the 2023-2024 AAP Budget Adjustment reallocating 2019-2020 CDBG Funds, allocating 2023-2024 CDBG and HOME Funds and appropriating the funds in the FY 2024 budget.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6455
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
28. 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 2023-06 Amending Title 24 of the Municipal Code - Zoning Ordinance Chapters 24.12 and Chapter 24.22: Parking and Bicycle Parking Regulations, Including Updates to the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan (PL/PW)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-06 amending Municipal Code Title 24 - Zoning Ordinance Chapters 24.12 and Chapter 24.22 to update bicycle parking requirements, incorporate recent changes to state law relating to automobile parking standards, update other existing standards related to bicycle and vehicle parking, and add new definitions, while recognizing the environmental determination; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,142 authorizing and directing the City Manager to submit the proposed amendments to Title 24 as Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan amendments to the California Coastal Commission for final certification.
29. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-07 to Amend Chapter
10.52 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code to Increase Downtown Parking Meter Rates (PW)
Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-07 to amend Chapter 10.52 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code to increase downtown parking meter rates.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6456
Public Hearing
30. Development Proposal at 514, 516, 518, 524, and 530 Front Street Involving Lot Line Adjustment, Non-Residential Demolition Authorization Permit, Special Use Permit, Design Permit, Additional Height Request, Density Bonus Request, Revocable License for Outdoor Extension Area, and Heritage Tree Removal Permit to Demolish Existing Commercial Buildings, Reconfigure Four Lots Into One, Remove Eight Heritage Trees, and Construct a Mixed-Use Building with 276 Residential Dwelling Units (Including a 50% Density Bonus) and 6,865 Square Feet of Commercial Space, with Design Variations to Downtown Plan Development Standards, on a Site in the CBD/F-P/FP-O (Central Business District/ Floodplain/ Floodplain Overlay) Zone District and Within the Front Street Riverfront Area of the Downtown Plan. File Number CP20-0098.
Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 005-151-37, 005-151-44, -45, -46. Environmental Determination: Categorical Exemption. Owner: Green Valley Corporation.
Applicant: Jessie Bristow, Swenson. (PL)
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler introduced the item and responded to Councilmember questions.
Senior Planner C. Stanger gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Jessie Bristow, Development Project Manager with Swenson Builders, gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Gabriel Sanders
Lee Brokaw
Nicholas Whitehead
Bradley Snider
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,143 acknowledging the environmental determination and approving the Lot Line Adjustment, NonResidential Demolition Authorization Permit, Special Use Permit, Design Permit, Additional Height Request, Density Bonus Request, Revocable License for Outdoor Extension Area, and Heritage Tree Removal Permit for File Number CP20-0098 at 514, 516, 518, 524, and 530 Front Street, subject to the attached conditions of approval, with the following changes:
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6457
Public Hearing (continued)
30. 530 Front Street (PL) (continued)
MOTION (continued):
11.The applicant and/or property owner shall be responsible for ensuring that any existing buildings approved for demolition or conversion remain occupied by a tenant or, if any buildings are vacant or become vacant prior to demolition or conversion, that these buildings are adequately secured to prevent break-ins and other vandalism. All windows, doors, and other openings into vacant buildings shall be completely covered and a six-foot tall chain link fence shall be installed around the perimeter of the property. Graffiti shall be removed or painted over within 72 hours.
If a break-in occurs, the applicant and/or property owner shall, within 24 hours, clean the site of trash and debris, and re-secure the site and building(s). Additionally, following a break-in, the applicant/property owner shall provide the Planning Department, SCFD and Fire Marshall and SCPD with a copy of a signed contract with a private security company to provide ongoing monitoring of the site. If a break-in or other public safety concern related to the vacant status of the property/space occurs at the vacant site/space that requires an emergency response, the applicant and/or property owner shall be responsible for paying the fully burdened hourly rates for Police, Fire, Code Compliance, or other City staff to respond and follow up as abatement costs, civil penalties, and/or pursuant to all other rights and remedies the City has. The City will not issue the certificate of occupancy/final permit until all fines, fees, civil penalties, and/or costs are paid.
12.Prior to building permit approval, the applicant shall submit a noise study addendum or letter from the noise consultant that provides any additional recommendations for noise attenuation within the building considering the effects of a pump station on the northeastern property line that meets the City General Plan noise standards of 65 dBA assuming that the pump station will comply with Zoning Ordinance noise standards. The Public Works Department additionally commits to completing a noise study for the future pump station when that design is known and to implement measures to attenuate noise from the pump station consistent with General Plan and Zoning Ordinance noise standards as recommended by that study.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6458
Public Hearing (continued)
30. 530 Front Street (PL) (continued)
Engineering Associate C. Busenhart responded to Councilmember questions.
Senior Professional Engineer K. Stewart responded to Councilmember questions.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember Brown.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Mayor Keeley reordered the agenda and heard item 34 at this time.
General Business
31. Santa Cruz Children’s Fund Oversight Committee Appointments (CC) Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Councilmember Watkins nominated Ryan Coonerty and Allison Guevara.
Councilmember Brunner nominated Aracely Contreras.
Voting for Ryan Coonerty: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Voting for Aracely Contreras: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Brunner; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Ryan Coonerty and Aracely Contreras were appointed as at-large members to the City of Santa Cruz Children’s Fund Oversight Committee, with terms ending January 31, 2026.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6459
General Business (continued)
32. Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) Progress Report (CM) Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt introduced the item.
Santa Cruz County representatives Randy Morris, Director of Human Services, and Kimberly Petersen, Deputy Director of Human Services, gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Clay Kempf
Allison Guevara
Martha Ceja
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to:
Accept Santa Cruz County’s Human Services Department CORE Five-Year Lookback, Lessons Learned, 2022 Mid-Year Assessment, and Alternative Funding Sources Summary update; and
Direct staff to coordinate with the Human Services Department to return on or before December 12, 2023 with a progress report of the FY 2022-23 annual summary of CORE Investments-funded programs with an update on community engagement; and
Approve the proposed Timeline and Next Steps for the RFP process.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember Brown.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6460
General Business (continued)
33. Tobacco Product Waste Update (CN)
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to continue this item to the meeting of June 13, 2023.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
34. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report and Renewal of SCMC Chapter 9.90 Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) Chief of Police B. Escalante and Police Sergeant J. Trog gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Peter Gelblum
Lee Brokaw
Bradley Snider
Unidentified person
Scott Graham
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved to delay making a decision on this item until after the May 16, 2023 meeting.
Motion failed due to lack of a second.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,144 renewing Chapter 9.90 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) pertaining to AB 481, Military Equipment.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6461
General Business (continued)
34. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report and Renewal of SCMC Chapter 9.90 Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) (continued) Deputy City Attorney S. Duck responded to Councilmember questions.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Keeley requested to direct staff to submit the next annual report as an FYI no less than 30 days before the item returns to Council for final action and hold a public meeting within those 30 days.
Councilmembers Watkins and Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember Brown.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
35. Appeal of Proposed Single Space Markings on David Way (PW) Continued to the June 27, 2023 City Council meeting.
Recess – Council recessed at 6:44 p.m. and returned at 7:32 p.m.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
Oral Communications
At 7:32 p.m. Mayor Keeley opened Oral Communications for members of the public who wished to speak regarding items not listed on the City Council agenda.
Bradley Snider spoke regarding the intersections at Lincoln and Pacific, and the sandstone promontory at the San Lorenzo river mouth, stating both locations have limited access.
Garrett spoke regarding the natural gas ban in Berkeley, and the Enterprise Fund.
Eric Grodberg spoke regarding temporary diesel generators at the wastewater treatment facilities.
At 7:39 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6462
General Business
36. Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element Update Review for State Submittal (PL) Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler and Principal Planner M. VanHua gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Garrett
Eric Grodberg
Rafa Sonnenfeld
Darius Mohsenin
Ryan Meckel
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Mayor Keeley, to accept the 6th Cycle Draft Housing Element Update and direct staff and the Council subcommittee to consider the following revisions and explore the feasibility:
On Page 2-8 - Affordable Housing
Amend Objective 2.1b to state: “Review the Inclusionary Ordinance to determine if amendments are needed to ensure that the inclusionary requirements provide the maximum number of affordable units or deeper levels of affordability without being a barrier to housing development, while considering implications for how developers will use density bonus, including considering higher levels of affordability for density bonus projects. Analysis will evaluate affordability levels to incentivize deeper levels of affordable housing or more moderate-income units depending on needs. (Metric: by end of 2026) (AFFH)
Add Objective 2.1d: “Consider implementing a program that increases workforce housing units in market rate multi-family projects, with adequate financial incentives.”
On Page 2-17
Add Objective 3.7b: “Support and facilitate the efforts of the Santa Cruz City School District to provide housing for its employees.” On Page 2-18 - Housing Assistance
Add Policy 4.3 to state: “Provide protection for tenants from unlawful rent increases or excessive application fees.”
April 25, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6463
General Business (continued)
36. Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element Update Review for State Submittal (PL) (continued)
MOTION (continued):
Add Objective 4.3.a: “Support programs that provide legal assistance to tenants challenging unlawful rent increases.” (Metric: 2023)(AFFH) Add Objective 4.3.b: “Consider an ordinance to ensure that rental applications follow the provisions of state law.” (Metric: 2023)(AFFH) Add Objective 4.4.b: “Consider rent stabilization measures for mobile home parks in accordance with new state law.”
On Page 2-22
Add language to Objective 5.5b: “In relation to HUD’s upcoming Equity Plan requirements, evaluate the effectiveness of existing anti-displacement strategies and tools and present to Council best practices and recommendations for additional anti-displacement policies and programs such as additional anti-retaliation policies and a revised first right of refusal to tenants displaced due to development and consider the establishment of a community-based Displacement Housing Task Force to advise the City Council. (Metric: by September of 2025) (AFFH)
On Page 2-24
Amend Objective 6.2b: Revise ADU regulations to provide additional units in single-family zoning by such methods as removing owner occupancy requirements, allowing additional ADUs under certain circumstances, or similar measures. (Metric: May of 2024)
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment – Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.