City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 23, 2023
1:30 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 1:30 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, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Watkins.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt, City Attorney T. Condotti, Finance Director E. Cabell, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 1:32 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 1:32 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 Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) 1) Claimant: Ezekiel C. Tidmore
2) Claimant: Judith Laing
3) Claimant: Justin Laing
4) Claimant: Deborah Marie Guadian
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 12, and no reportable action was taken.
May 23, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6480
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 23, 2023
2:00 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins (arrived at 2:37 p.m.), Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Economic Development and Housing B.
Lipscomb, Finance Director E. Cabell, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Deputy City Manager L. Murphy, Recreation Supervisor D. Lawson, Fire Captain B.
Thomas, Service Field Crew Leader P. Mason, Business Liaison S.
Domondon, GIS Manager R. Westfall, Transportation Manager M.
Starkey, Principal Management Analyst V. Pearson, Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Presentations
2. Outstanding Volunteer Recognition
CitySERVE Program Coordinator J. Shamoun spoke. Mayor Keeley and Karen Delaney, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, recognized the volunteers.
3. Beach Safety Week
Recreation Supervisor D. Lawson, Fire Captain B. Thomas, and Service Field Crew Leader P. Mason gave a presentation on Beach Safety Week.
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Presentations (continued)
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May 21 through May 27, 2023, as Public Works Week
Mayor Keeley presented a proclamation declaring May 21—May 27, 2023, as National Public Works Week. Director of Public Works N. Nguyen spoke.
5. Citywide Housing Project Interactive Map
Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb introduced the item. Business Liaison S. Domondon and GIS Manager R. Westfall gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced she is recusing herself from item 9 as this item has an impact on her employer, the Downtown Association.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 6479 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
6. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Keeley pulled item 10 for further discussion.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
Garrett spoke regarding item 19.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to approve the remaining Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Brunner (with the exception of item 9), Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (item 9).
7. Minutes of the May 9, 2023 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
8. Council Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Ad Hoc Committee (CN) Motion carried to create a City Council ad hoc committee to explore the feasibility of placing a sugar-sweetened beverage tax measure on the March or November 2024 ballot.
9. Downtown Association: Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2024 (ED)
Motion carried to:
Approve, or to modify and approve, the plan prepared by the Downtown Association for FY 2024; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,148, a resolution of intention to levy a Downtown Association Parking and Business Improvement Assessment for FY 2024 and schedule a public hearing for June 13, 2023 on the levy of the assessments for FY 2024.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
10. 223 Darwin Street CFSC Loan Extension (APN: 011-122-04) (ED) Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Stephen La Berg
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb responded to Councilmember questions.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to authorize the City Manager to execute any and all loan documents necessary, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to extend the terms of existing Red Cross-funded loan in the amount of $75,000 to CFSC for the property located at 223 Darwin Street for 30 years with 3% simple interest and deferred payments.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder.
NOES: Mayor Keeley.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
11. Pacific Collegiate Foundation – Approval of Issuance by the California Municipal Public Financing Authority of Refunding Revenue Bonds for the Purpose of Refinancing the 2016 Variable Rate Revenue Bonds (ED)
Resolution No. NS-30,149 was adopted to approve a non-charter membership agreement (the “Non-Charter Agreement”) with the California Municipal Public Financing Authority (“CalMuni PFA”) to assist the Pacific Collegiate Foundation with the issuance of refunding revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000 for the purpose of refinancing their 2016 Variable Rate Revenue Bonds.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
12. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claims of 1) Ezekiel C. Tidmore, 2) Judith Laing, 3) Justin Laing; and to return as late claim of 4) Deborah Marie Guadian, based on staff recommendation.
13. Award Contract for eProcurement Solution (FN)
Motion carried to:
Amend the existing software services agreement, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, with OpenGov (San Jose, California) to include the purchase of an integrated web-based electronic procurement (eProcurement) and contract management platform for a 3-year term, along with related business process, implementation and support services from June 1, 2023, through May 30, 2026; and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any amendments within the approved operating budget.
14. Resolution Approving the Tentative Agreement and Adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with Temporary Service Employees SEIU Local 521 (HR) Resolution No. NS-30,150 was adopted approving the Tentative Agreement and adopting the Memorandum of Understanding with Temporary Service Employees SEIU Local 521.
15. Award Contract for Portable Digital Radios (PD)
Motion carried to authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney with Motorola Solutions for the lease-purchase of portable digital radios and portable digital radio accessories for the Santa Cruz Police Department in the amount of $899,077.13.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Housing Matters Hygiene Bay Remodel Project (c102205) – Notice of Completion (PW)
Motion carried to accept the work of Selden & Son (Watsonville, CA) and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the Housing Matters Hygiene Bay Remodel Project (c102205).
17. Contract Renewal with Hope Services, Inc. for the Resource Recovery Facility (PW)
Motion carried to authorize and direct the City Manager to execute renewal of an agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney with Hope Services, Inc., (Santa Cruz, CA) for recycling and litter control services at the City’s Resource Recovery Facility on Dimeo Lane.
18. 2024 Isuzu NRR Cab Chassis with 9-yard Heil Mini Rear Loader – Award Contract (PW)
Motion carried to:
Award a contract for the purchase of a 2024 Isuzu NRR Cab Chassis with a 9-yard Heil Rear Loader from TEC of California (San Francisco, CA); and Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,151 transferring and appropriating funds in the FY 2023 budget in the amount of $165,355.40 from Public Works’ Homelessness Response Field salary savings and from the City Manager's Office Homelessness Response Action Plan, California grant project.
19. Water Supply Augmentation, Aquifer Storage and Recovery Beltz 9 Pilot Test, Pueblo Water Resources Professional Services Contract (WT) Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Pueblo Water Resources of Ventura, CA in the amount of $216,425 to conduct pilot testing of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) at Beltz Well 9 and authorizing the Water Director to execute amendments within the approved project budget.
End Consent Agenda
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Public Hearing
20. Technology Surcharge (PL)
This item has been continued to the meeting of June 13, 2023, and was not discussed on May 23, 2023.
General Business
21. West Cliff Update, including Infrastructure, Transportation, and Roadmap Development (PW/CM)
Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt introduced the item and responded to Councilmember questions.
Director of Public Works N. Nguyen and Transportation Manager M. Starkey gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Michael McCormick, President of Farallon Strategies, gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Al Ramadan
Andrea
Tammy
Unidentified person
Garrett
Gillian Greensite
Nancy
John Edmonds
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
May 23, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6487
General Business
21. West Cliff Update, including Infrastructure, Transportation, and Roadmap Development (PW/CM) (continued)
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to:
1) Receive the update on citywide West Cliff work, including infrastructure, transportation, and the development of a roadmap for a resilient and accessible West Cliff; and
2) Kick-off community review of the in-process roadmap to collect additional input and provide an updated draft of the “A Resilient West Cliff, Accessible to All Roadmap” to City Council by end of August 2023, that includes activation of projects listed in the “Post Disaster Projects 0—3 years;” and 3) Through a multi-agency approach, utilize the policy concepts named in the dynamic coast section of the draft roadmap, including nature-based solutions, to develop the “Beyond the Three Years” section to include a 50- year plan by end of 2023.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Keeley requested to replace the word “kickoff” in #2 with the word “initiate.” Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson and Vice Mayor Golder 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.
City Council took a break at 4:11 p.m. and returned at 4:22 p.m.
At this time City Council heard item #2.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
May 23, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6488
Oral Communications
At 4:36 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.
Kate Hinnenkamp spoke on behalf of the Community Action Board, and invited Council to participate in Community Action Month.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding safety railing.
Councilmember Brunner spoke on behalf of a member of the public regarding a letter to the editor in the Good Times on hateful speech.
Garrett spoke regarding the City addressing nationwide issues, and funding for services.
At 4:45 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentations
22. FY 2024 Proposed Budget
City Manager M. Huffaker and Finance Director E. Cabell gave a presentation providing an overview of the FY 2024 proposed budget.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Garrett
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
City Council took a break at 5:33 p.m. and returned at 6:08 p.m.
Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb gave a presentation on Economic Development and Housing’s proposed budget for FY 2024 and responded to Councilmember questions.
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler gave a presentation on Planning and Community Development’s proposed budget for FY 2024 and responded to Councilmember questions. Principal Management Analyst V.
Pearson responded to Councilmember questions.
May 23, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6489
Presentations (continued)
22. FY 2024 Proposed Budget (continued)
City Attorney T. Condotti gave a presentation on the City Attorney Office’s proposed budget for FY 2024 and responded to Councilmember questions.
Deputy City Manager L. Murphy gave a presentation on the Homelessness Response’s proposed budget for FY 2024 and responded to Councilmember questions. Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle responded to Councilmember questions.
Adjournment – Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.