City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 9, 2023
12:00 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 12:03 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, 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 12:04 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 12:04 p.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6466
Closed Session
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
1) City of Santa Cruz v. Service Employees International Union, Local 521, PERB Unfair Practice Charge No: SF-CO-511-M
2) City of Santa Cruz v. The Regents of the University of California, et al. (Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 22CV00373)
3) Regents of the University of California, et al. v. City of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 20CV02152)
By motion Council uniformly voted to direct outside special counsel to dismiss the case City of Santa Cruz v. Service Employees International Union, Local 521, PERB Unfair Practice Charge No: SF-CO-511-M
Council received a status report and took no reportable action on the remaining two cases.
2. 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 took no reportable action.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (one potential case to be discussed) Council consulted with legal counsel and took no reportable action.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6467
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 9, 2023
2:15 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:16 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, City Attorney T. Condotti, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), Deputy City Manager L. Murphy, Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Director of Planning and Community Development L.
Butler, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb (via Zoom), Finance Director E. Cabell (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Director of Public Works N. Nguyen (via Zoom), Water Director R.
Menard (via Zoom), Chief People Officer S. De Leon (via Zoom), Senior Programs Coordinator K. Mercer-Lebov, Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle, Senior Planner S. Neuse, Principal Planner M. VanHua, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B.
Bush.
Presentations
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May as Older Americans Month Senior Programs Coordinator K. Mercer-Lebov gave a presentation on Older Americans Month.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6468
Presentations (continued)
5. Crisis Consulting for the Development of a City-Based Integrated Health Response Team
Deputy City Manager L. Murphy introduced Ben Adam Climer with Crisis Consulting, who gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Jeff Warren
Unidentified person
James Ewing Whitman
Unidentified person
Joy Schendledecker
Unidentified person
Ann Simonton
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
6. Hans Christian Andersen Contest Awards
Mayor Keeley, Michele Peregrin, Chair of the Santa Cruz Sister Cities Committee, and Isabella Tuncer, Chair of the Subcommittee for our Sister City Sestri Levante spoke about the Hans Christian Andersen writing awards and announced this year’s winners.
Presiding Officer's Announcements – Mayor Keeley called on Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, who spoke about Community Action Month.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 6466 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
7. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6469
Consent Agenda
Vice Mayor Golder and Councilmember Brown made a comment on item 17.
Councilmember Brown pulled items 10 and 11 for further discussion.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
James Ewing Whitman made a comment on item 8.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to approve the remaining Consent 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.
8. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declaration in Connection with the December 2022 and January 2023 Winter Storms (CA/CM)
Resolution No. NS-30,145 was adopted extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declaration in connection with the December 2022 and January 2023 winter storms.
9. Minutes of the April 25, 2023 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6470
Consent Agenda (continued)
10. Homelessness Response Quarterly Update (CM)
Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Garrett
Unidentified person
James Ewing Whitman
Reggie Meisler
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to receive the quarterly update regarding City Councildirected homelessness response programs and services.
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.
11. Pogonip Encampment Closure Refuse Disposal and Abatement Contract Approval (CM)
Deputy City Manager L. Murphy responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Garrett
Unidentified person
Michael
James Ewing Whitman
Reggie Meisler
Joy Schendledecker
Keith McHenry
Robert Norse
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6471
Consent Agenda (continued)
11. Pogonip Encampment Closure Refuse Disposal and Abatement Contract Approval (CM) (continued)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Watkins, to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, between the City of Santa Cruz and Clean Team Associates in an amount not to exceed $250,000, to remove encampment debris in the Pogonip.
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.
12. Award Contract for Services for Disaster Cost Recovery (FN) Motion carried to:
Award a contract for services for disaster cost recovery to Kermani Consulting Group, Novato, California; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,146 amending the FY 2023 budget to increase appropriations in the amount of $70,000 for disaster cost recovery services in FY 2023; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney with Kermani Consulting Group.
13. Neary Lagoon Fence Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (m409668) – Approval of Plans and Authorization to Award (PW)
Motion carried to approve the fence plans and authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract with Abacherli Fence Company (Watsonville, CA) in the amount of $130,850.00 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6472
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Highway 1/9 Intersection - Approval of an Amendment to Consultant Agreement and Construction Budget Adjustment (c400805 and c401402) (PW) Motion carried to:
Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute a contract amendment in the amount of $356,562, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to the contract with BKF Engineers (San Jose, CA) for the Highway 1/9 Intersection Alternative Analysis consultant services and additional construction support services due to delays and changes; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,147 amending the FY 2023 budget by transferring funds from the Traffic Impact Fee Fund to fully fund the increased State Route 1/9 Intersection Improvement Project construction costs.
15. Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit (c409321) TRC Engineers, Inc.- Contract Amendment 10 (PW)
Motion carried to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment 10 with TRC Engineers Inc. (Rancho Cordova, CA) to provide Utility Coordination and Design Completion Services for the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project, in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to approve contract amendments within the approved project budget.
16. Dimeo Lane Paving and Storm Drain Project (c401312) – Approve Project as an Addendum to the Ocean Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project (c400809) (PW)
Motion carried to retroactively approve the Dimeo Lane Paving and Storm Drain Project (c401312) as an addendum to the Ocean Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project (c400809). The Director of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6473
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Bay Drive Protected Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Path (c402304) – Advertise for Bids and Award Contract (PW)
Motion carried to approve the plans and specifications for the Bay Drive Protected Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Path (c402304) and authorize staff to advertise for bids and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
18. Newell Creek Instream Habitat Restoration – Large Woody Debris Project Professional Services Agreement Amendment (WT)
Motion carried to:
Accept the proposal dated April 14, 2023 of cbec, inc. eco engineering (West Sacramento, CA) for bid support and construction services for the Newell Creek Instream Habitat Restoration – Large Woody Debris Project in the amount of $141,103.00 and to authorize the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 1 in a form to be approved by the City Attorney; and
Authorize the Water Director to approve change orders with cbec, inc. eco engineering in a form to be approved by the City Attorney for amounts that are within in the approved adjusted budget.
End Consent Agenda
At this time, the Council returned to item 6.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6474
General Business
19. Coral Street Visioning Report (PL)
Senior Planner S. Neuse, Principal Planner M. VanHua, and Justin Doull, Consultant with DAHLIN Architecture, gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Tom Stagg
Unidentified person
Paul Gallacher
Unidentified person
Kim Salisbury
Jennifer Gallacher
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Casey Beyer
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Mayor Keeley, to accept and file the Coral Street Visioning Report and direct staff to:
• Pursue Option 4.1 (outlined below), as the preferred development option for the property at 125 Coral Street;
Option 4.1:
Ground Level
2,000 sf lobby
3,000 sf Programmable Space
8,000 sf Navigation Center
11 surface parking spaces
Second Level
5,500 sf Programmable Space
11,200 sf Navigation Center
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6475
General Business (continued)
19. Coral Street Visioning Report (PL) (continued)
MOTION (continued):
Option 4.1 (continued):
Third Level
16,700 sf Programmable Space
Upper Level
13,800 sf Residential Units (per floor)
• Initiate a process to more fully evaluate potential changes to the general plan and zoning of City-owned property (or properties) on the south side of Coral Street to facilitate the preferred project;
• Begin pursuing funding to support full design and construction of the preferred option for the site, including evaluating the funding for long-term operation, in coordination with the County and other community partners; • Continue to work with neighboring businesses and other stakeholders to find ways to mitigate parking impacts and identify parking resources in proximity to the Coral Street neighborhood, which calls for exploration of transportation demand management strategies and off-site parking options; and
• Adjust the boundaries of the Visioning Report Project Area to exclude the three parcels on the western boundary of the project area that are held by private property owners.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson requested to add direction for appropriate departments to address concerns expressed by local businesses in the Coral Street area to adopt a “good neighbor” clause.
Councilmember Brown and Mayor Keeley accepted.
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.
At this time, Mayor Keeley rearranged the agenda and heard Oral Communications.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6476
General Business (continued)
20. 2024 Affordable Workforce Housing Bond (CN)
Mayor Keeley spoke and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
James Ewing Whitman
Unidentified person
Garrett
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to direct the Council Budget and Revenue Subcommittee and staff to initiate a process to engage the public regarding consideration of an affordable workforce measure, via public signature gathering on the March 2024 ballot, including engagement of a research firm and scheduling community meetings and outreach.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Watkins requested to amend the motion language to, “direct the Council Budget and Revenue Subcommittee and staff to initiate a process to engage the public, including engagement of a research firm and scheduling community meetings and outreach, regarding consideration of an affordable workforce measure, via public signature gathering on the March 2024 ballot.” Councilmembers Brown and KalantariJohnson accepted.
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.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6477
General Business (continued)
21. Independent Police Auditor Report (CM)
Michael Gennaco and Samara Marion with the OIR Group gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Chief of Police B. Escalante responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Justin Laing
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to receive the annual report from the City’s Independent Police Auditor, OIR Group.
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.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
Oral Communications
At 6:46 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.
Shelley Silva spoke regarding the plan for Jump Bikes to be placed in front of her home.
Reggie Meisler spoke regarding Health and Human Services.
May 9, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6478
Oral Communications (continued)
Unidentified person spoke regarding Jump Bikes and about the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act.
Garrett spoke regarding the West Cliff Response Plan.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the Brown Act and public comment.
At 7:00 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Council took a break at 7:00 p.m. and returned at 7:33 p.m., at which time they returned to item 20.
Adjournment – Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Watkins, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.