City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 23, 2024
10:00 AM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 10:01 a.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 (arrived at 10:04 a.m.), 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 10:03 a.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 10:03 a.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
Closed Session
1. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) 1) Property: 6000 La Madrona Drive, Scotts Valley
APN: 021-141-20
Owner: Scotts Valley Fire Protection District (SVFPD)
City Negotiator: Heidi Luckenbach
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and SVFPD
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6702
Closed Session (continued)
1. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) (continued) 2) Property: 175 Sims Road
APN: 067-202-66
Owner: Yates Family Trust
City Negotiator: Heidi Luckenbach
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Yates Family Trust Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
3) Property: 17-D Municipal Wharf (Santa Cruz Bay Company) APN: 007-351-02
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City and Santa Cruz Bay Company
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
4) Property: 17-A Municipal Wharf (Surf Life)
APN: 007-331-06
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City and Surf Life
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
5) Property: 501 Upper Park Road (Santa Cruz Shakespeare) APN: 009-471-02
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City and Santa Cruz Shakespeare
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
6) Property: 307 Church Street (Civic Auditorium)
APN: 005-071-06
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City and Santa Cruz Symphony
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6703
Closed Session (continued)
1. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) (continued) 7) Property: 1020 Cedar Street (Atlantis Fantasy World) APN: 005-042-36
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City and Atlantis Fantasy World
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
Items 1.1 and 1.2 involve potential acquisition by the Water Department in relation to water infrastructure projects.
Items 1.3—1.7 involve properties owned by the City of Santa Cruz, and specifically negotiations between the City as landlord and different commercial enterprises as tenants.
Council received a status report from the City Negotiators, gave direction, and no reportable action was taken.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (two potential cases to be discussed) Council received a status report on one potential anticipated litigation, gave direction, and took no reportable action.
Councilmember Brown recused herself from one potential anticipated litigation due to her work with the County of Santa Cruz. The remaining Council received a status report, gave direction, and took no reportable action.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6704
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 23, 2024
12:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 12:32 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins (arrived at 2:35 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, Deputy City Manager L. Murphy, Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot, Water Director R. Menard, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Director of Information Technology K. Morgan, Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Finance Director E. Cabell (via Zoom), Recreation Coordinator K. Mercer-Lebov, Urban Forester L. Keedy, Superintendent of Parks T. Beck, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West, Transportation Planner C. Gallogly, Economic Development Manager R. Unitt, Police Sergeant J. Trog, Police Sergeant B. Burruel, Principal Management Analyst C. Brothers, Principal Planner M. VanHua, 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 12:33 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.
Sibley Simon spoke regarding expediting the inspection process for new builds.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6705
Oral Communications (continued)
Garrett spoke regarding the previous meeting, commending Council on their actions, their patience, holding an open forum, and the promotion of peace.
Unidentified person spoke regarding SafeHealthySantaCruz.com, the combined campaign between the City of Santa Cruz and the County of Santa Cruz, and the ballot measures K and L and asking each Councilmember to support and promote the measures ahead of the March election.
Unidentified person spoke regarding Assembly Bill 873 with concerns for a potentially problematic curriculum in media literacy, and misinformation that may be included as factual.
Richard Lewis spoke regarding services for veterans and asking Council to consider forming a youth commission.
At 12:43 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentations
3. Age-friendly City Designation
Recreation Coordinator K. Mercer-Lebov gave a presentation on Age-Friendly City Designation and the program process.
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring February 2, 2024 as Rosemary Menard Day Vice Mayor Golder read from and presented a proclamation to Rosemary Menard declaring February 2, 2024 as Rosemary Menard Day.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See pages 6701—6703 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
5. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6706
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Brunner made a comment on items 9, 10, and 17.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 9, 10, 11, 15, and 18.
Councilmember Brown made a comment on items 11 and 18.
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 11 and 12.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Garrett spoke regarding item 9.
Meryl Craig spoke regarding a piece of property the City owns that he believes he was heir to. This issue was not related to an item on the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to approve the Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
6. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declaration in Connection with the December 2022 and January 2023 Winter Storms (CA/CM)
Resolution No. NS-30,274 was adopted extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declaration in connection with the December 2022 and January 2023 winter storms.
7. Minutes of the January 9, 2024 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6707
Consent Agenda (continued)
8. Farallon Strategies – Change Order (CM)
Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to approve a change order in the amount of $103,000 with Farallon Strategies to facilitate the completion of the 50-year vision for West Cliff.
9. Authorization for Application and Acceptance of California Interagency Council on Homelessness Grant Funds for Encampment Resolution Funding Program Round 3 (ERF-3-R) (CM)
Resolution No. NS-30,275 was adopted authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds the California Interagency Council on Homelessness Grant Funds for Encampment Resolution Funding Program Round 3 (ERF-3-R).
10. Severe Weather Shelter Pilot Program (CM)
Motion carried to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Santa Cruz in the amount of $100,271.70 to facilitate the operation of a Severe Weather Shelter Pilot Program during the period of December 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024.
11. State Legislation on Rental Applications (CN)
Motion carried to direct the Mayor to send a letter urging State Legislators to address disproportionately high fees imposed on renters during the application process, as outlined in this agenda report.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6708
Consent Agenda (continued)
12. Pacific Station North Affordable Housing and METRO Project Administrative Approvals (ED)
Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager to approve necessary easements including but not limited to ingress/egress, public access, utilities, and stormwater easements in Maple Alley, Pacific Station, and the Project as specified in the City building permit(s) for the benefit of Pacific Station and the Project and terminate outdated easements that were left over from prior development and do not benefit the City or the Project. Easement termination and easement agreements will be in a form to be approved by City Attorney, on behalf of the City;
Authorize the City Manager to approve modification of the Project Conditions of Approval to allow recording of the Project’s Lot Line Adjustment (already approved by Council), before demolition and construction start;
Authorize the City Manager to execute funding documents including agreements, amendments, and related documents in a form to be approved by City Attorney, on behalf of the City for the $2 million Federal set-aside awarded previously to the project as a construction loan; and Authorize the City Manager to approve up to $1 million from the already awarded State Infill and Infrastructure Grant funding to be allocated for METRO’s transit station improvements and to execute funding documents including agreements, amendments, and related documents in a form to be approved by City Attorney, on behalf of the City.
13. Living Wage Rate Annual Prescription for Fiscal Year 2025 (FN) Resolution No. NS-30,276 was adopted upwardly indexing the prescribed minimum living wage rate by 2.5%, the amount which corresponds to San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward Area Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, for the period ending October 31, 2023, to become effective July 1, 2024; and rescinding Resolution No. NS-30,111.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6709
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Application and Project Management Support for Information Technology Systems (IT)
Motion carried to:
Approve a professional services agreement and scope of work with 3Nineteen, LLC for application and project management support of critical information technology systems. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute a contract in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The Information Technology Director is hereby authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
Authorize the Information Technology Director to renew for an additional two years under identical contractual terms and conditions at the end of the first contract term.
15. Fiscal Year 2024 California Department of Justice, Office of Attorney General, Tobacco Program Grant Award (PD)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,277 authorizing the acceptance of the California Department of Justice, Office of Attorney General, Tobacco Program Grant pursuant to the California Healthcare, Research, and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016, and authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute the contract and agreements associated with acceptance of this grant, and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,278 amending the FY 2024 budget in the amount of $256,568 for the FY 2024 Tobacco Program Grant.
16. Digester Gas Piping Rehabilitation Project (m409659) – Approval of Plans and Specifications, and Authorization to Award (PW)
Motion carried to approve the plan and specifications for the Digester Gas Piping Rehabilitation Project (m409659) and authorize the City Manager to award the construction contract to MBS Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $116,270.00 in a form acceptable to the City Attorney and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6710
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Replacement (c409321) – Reject All Bids (PW)
Motion carried to:
Reject all bids for the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit and Barrier Replacement Project (c409321), and
Authorize staff to re-advertise for bids and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract as authorized by Resolution No. NS-27,563. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
18. Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Conservation Plan – Adoption of a Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (WT) Resolution No. NS-30,279 was adopted adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Conservation Plan.
19. Purchase of Real Property Necessary for Newell Creek Pipeline ReplacementFelton to Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Project: Multiple Properties, Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 066-211-09, 066-211-10, 066-212-04 Owned by Wood VMS Family Limited Partnership and DK Felton Management, LLC (WT) Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,280 authorizing and directing the City Manager or his designee to execute a purchase sale agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and David Wood for a permanent easement on APN 066-211-09 located in Felton, CA near Graham Hill Road and Zayante Road for the Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement-Felton to Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Project;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,281 authorizing and directing the City Manager or his designee to execute a purchase sale agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and David Wood for a permanent easement on APN 066-211-10 located in Felton, CA near Graham Hill Road and Zayante Road for the Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement-Felton to Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Project; and
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6711
Consent Agenda (continued)
19. Purchase of Real Property Necessary for Newell Creek Pipeline ReplacementFelton to Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Project: Multiple Properties, Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 066-211-09, 066-211-10, 066-212-04 Owned by Wood VMS Family Limited Partnership and DK Felton Management, LLC (WT) (continued)
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,282 authorizing and directing the City Manager or his designee to execute a purchase sale agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and David Wood for a permanent easement on APN 066-212-04 located in Felton, CA near Graham Hill Road and Zayante Road for the Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement-Felton to Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Project.
20. Felton Diversion Pipeline Emergency Repair Project (e702301) – Notice of Completion (WT)
Motion carried to accept the work of Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) as complete per the Agreement, authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion for the Felton Diversion Pipeline Emergency Repair Project (e702301), and authorize the Water Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
End Consent Agenda
Consent Public Hearings
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
Kersten Paulsen spoke regarding item 24.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve the Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder (with the exception of item 22); Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Vice Mayor Golder (item 22).
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6712
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
21. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-01 Implementing the CalPERS Contract Amendment (HR)
Motion carried to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-01 implementing the CalPERS contract amendment.
22. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-02 Amending Chapter
5.11 – Delivery Driver Tipping at Section 5.11.030 - Exceptions (CA) Motion carried to adopt Ordinance 2024-02 amending Chapter 5.11 – Delivery Driver Tipping at Section 5.11.020 “Tipping Option Requirement” and 5.11.030 “Exceptions” pertaining to delivery driver tipping.
23. Municipal Code Amendments Relating to Objective Design Standards and Permit Processing Responding to Modifications Requested by the California Coastal Commission (PL)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,283 acknowledging receipt of the resolution of certification from the California Coastal Commission, including the suggested modifications, and
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2024-03 amending various parts Chapter 24.04 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code related to permit processing in response to action by the California Coastal Commission.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6713
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
24. A23-0001: Downtown Plan Amendments and Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan Amendments Responding to Modifications Requested by the California Coastal Commission on Previously Adopted Downtown Plan Amendments Related to Removing Public Hearing Requirements for Day Care and Supportive Housing, Consistent with State Law; Expanding Hotel, Residential, and Recreational Use Allowances; Revising Additional Height Criteria; Adding Language to Encourage Activated Roof Top Amenities; and Amending Landscape Requirements to Allow More Flexibility with Landscaping and Tree Selection (PL)
Motion carried to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,284:
Acknowledging receipt of the resolution of certification from the California Coastal Commission, including the suggested modifications, Amending the Downtown Plan and Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan to match the minor changes related to contributions to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in response to action by the California Coastal Commission, and
Directing the Director of Planning and Community Development to submit the accepted changes to the Coastal Commission.
25. Extension of Urgency Ordinance Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior ADUs, and Associated Changes to Permitting Required by State Law (PL) Motion carried to:
Adopt urgency Ordinance No. 2024-04 to extend the term of the previously adopted urgency ordinance for a term of twelve months in accordance with the allowances in State Law, and
Direct staff to proceed with developing a regular ordinance that addresses the same state code changes.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6714
Public Hearing
26. Tree Appeal 339 Walnut Avenue (PR)
City Attorney T. Condotti introduced the item and responded to Council questions.
Urban Forester L. Keedy gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Appellant Keelan Franzen and Structural Engineer Dave Bolger spoke.
Property Owner/Applicant Mary Barter spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Shalom Dreampeace Compost
Annika
Unidentified person
Laura Tate
Jacob Pollock
Joseph Schultz
Garrett
Andrea
Council took a break at 3:03 p.m. and returned at 3:09 p.m.
Public Comment (continued):
Emily Love
Veronica Elsea
Connel Wilson
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6715
Public Hearing (continued)
26. Tree Appeal 339 Walnut Avenue (PR) (continued)
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,285 to deny the appeal and uphold the Parks and Recreation Commission’s approval of tree removal permit application TR23-0089 submitted by Santa Cruz Property Management to remove one coast redwood tree located at 339 Walnut Avenue;
In addition to the planting of three required mitigation trees, direct staff to plant an additional six trees in the City by the end of 2024 and, if necessary, make the budget adjustments to do so. The appellant may work with the Parks and Recreation Department Director and Urban Forester to help choose the six additional mitigation trees; and
Direct staff to bring forward a budget item providing an additional full-time Assistant Urban Forester in the Parks and Recreation Department during FY 2025 budget hearings for Council consideration.
Superintendent of Parks T. Beck responded to Council questions.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Keeley requested to amend the motion language as follows:
Direct staff to bring forward a proposed budget item providing an additional full-time Assistant Urban Forester in the Parks and Recreation Department during FY 2024/2025 budget hearings for Council consideration.
Councilmember Newsome and Vice Mayor Golder 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.
Council took a break at 3:35 p.m. and returned at 3:50 p.m.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6716
General Business
27. Communitywide Climate Action Plan 2030 – Year 1 Progress Report Update (CM) Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Transportation Planner C. Gallogly responded to Council questions.
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Ayo Banjo
Garrett
Cosmo
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to accept the progress report update for the first year of the City’s Communitywide Climate Action Plan 2030.
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.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6717
General Business (continued)
28. 2023 Health in All Policies Progress Update and 2024 Health in All Policies Committee Workplan (CN)
Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West gave a presentation.
Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Brunner, and Watkins spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Maria Cadenas
Reggie Meisler
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Accept the 2023 Health in All Policies (HiAP) progress update; Adopt the 2024 HiAP Committee workplan and targets for increasing diversity in City committees and commissions;
Direct staff to prepare a commissioner/committee member compensation policy and process and provide an update to HiAP Committee; Direct staff to include the HiAP Committee recommended budget in FY 2025 budget proposals and provide an update to the HiAP Committee on integrating HiAP into budget decision making for FY 2025 prior to budget hearings; and
Transfer work on a gas-powered leaf blower ordinance from the ad hoc committee that, to date, has worked to explore an ordinance, to the HiAP Committee, which will work with staff on developing the ordinance and conducting associated outreach.
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.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6718
General Business (continued)
29. Economic Development Strategy Update: Downtown and Eastside/Midtown District Activation and Direction (CN/ED)
Councilmembers Watkins and Kalantari-Johnson spoke.
Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb and Economic Development Manager R. Unitt gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Judi Grunstra
Sonia McMoran
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to:
1) Accept the Economic Development Strategy Update regarding downtown and Eastside/Midtown actions and direct staff to move forward on the following additional recommended action areas to further activate the two districts during the current fiscal year:
a) Placemaking and activation;
b) Assessment of remaining empty storefronts and the development of potential incentives for property owners;
c) Planning for future use of the existing library space including a permanent home for the downtown Farmers’ Market;
d) Integration of new downtown housing projects into the downtown business, retail and shopping environment;
e) Pursue establishment of an Eastside/Midtown Business or PropertyBased Improvement District; f) Amend the Economic Development Strategy to include these additional strategies and actions.
2) Return to Council with an update on progress during the current fiscal year.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6719
General Business (continued)
29. Economic Development Strategy Update: Downtown and Eastside/Midtown District Activation and Direction (CN/ED) (continued)
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Golder requested to amend the motion language as follows:
1) Accept the Economic Development Strategy Update regarding downtown and Eastside/Midtown and Westside actions and direct staff to move forward on the following additional recommended action areas to further activate the three districts during the current fiscal year:
a) Placemaking and activation;
b) Assessment of remaining empty storefronts and the development of potential incentives for property owners;
c) Planning for future use of the existing library space including a permanent home for the downtown Farmers’ Market;
d) Integration of new downtown housing projects into the downtown business, retail and shopping environment;
e) Pursue establishment of an Eastside/Midtown and Westside Business or Property-Based Improvement Districts; and
f) Amend the Economic Development Strategy to include these additional strategies and actions.
2) Return to Council with an update on progress during the current fiscal year.
Councilmembers Watkins and Newsome 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.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6720
General Business (continued)
30. Military Equipment Purchase Request and Policy Update per Assembly Bill 481 (PD)
Chief of Police B. Escalante introduced the item and responded to Council questions.
Police Sergeants J. Trog and B. Burruel gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Principal Management Analyst C. Brothers responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Megan Goltz
Liz Fitzgerald
Unintelligible name
Unidentified person
Irene O’Connell
Ani
James Ewing Whitman
Unidentified person
Stacey Garcia
Victor
Unidentified person
Isabel
Douglas Fino
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6721
General Business (continued)
30. Military Equipment Purchase Request and Policy Update per Assembly Bill 481 (PD) (continued)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2024-05 amending City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code (“SCMC”) Chapter 9.90 “AB 481 Military Equipment Use,” adopting an amended Military Equipment Use Policy (Policy) and incorporating the acquisition of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and Should the Council adopt the amended Policy and upon ordinance adoption:
a) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2024 budget in the amount of $170,942 from the Police Asset Seizure 214 Fund, and
b) Approve a five-year purchase with Axon, Inc. for a drone program, with Year 1 totaling $114,844, and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract in a form approved by the City Attorney.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Brown requested to add the following to Policy 607, Section 607.4, of the SCPD Policy Manual:
Coordinating with the department’s military equipment coordinator to provide an annual report summarizing the department’s use of the UAS consistent with section 7072(a) of the Government Code and Policy 705 (Military Equipment). The report shall include whether and how often data acquired through the use of the UAS was shared with outside entities and the names of those entities, as well as a breakdown of where the surveillance technology was deployed geographically in the relevant year.
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.
Council took a break at 7:12 p.m. and returned at 7:28 p.m.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6722
Advisory Body Appointments
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Rebecca Acosta
Lola Quiroga
Bodie Shargel
Zennon Ulyate-Crow
Elizabeth Madrigal
Ryan Meckel
Keith Diggs
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
31. Arts Commission (CC)
Councilmember Brunner nominated Linda Cover and Rebeca Escobedo Guzman.
By consensus Linda Cover and Rebecca Escobedo Guzman were appointed to the Arts Commission with terms ending on January 31, 2025.
32. County Library Advisory Commission (CC)
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson nominated Rena Dubin and Vivian Rogers.
By consensus Rena Dubin and Vivian Rogers were appointed to the County Library Advisory Commission with terms ending on January 31, 2028.
33. Downtown Commission (CC)
Mayor Keeley nominated Joe Ferrara.
Vice Mayor Golder nominated Rebecca Acosta.
By consensus Joe Ferrara was appointed to the Downtown Commission with a term ending on January 31, 2027, and Rebecca Acosta was appointed to the Downtown Commission with a term ending on January 31, 2025.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6723
Advisory Body Appointments (continued)
34. Historic Preservation Commission (CC)
Vice Mayor Golder nominated William Schultz.
Mayor Keeley nominated Sean Wilson.
By consensus, William Schultz and Sean Wilson were appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission, both with terms ending on January 31, 2027.
35. Parks and Recreation Commission (CC)
Vice Mayor Golder nominated Jorge Leonardo Cruz.
By consensus Jorge Leonardo Cruz was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission with a term ending on January 31, 2027.
36. Planning Commission (CC)
Councilmember Newsome nominated Rachel Dann.
Mayor Keeley nominated Matthew Thompson.
Councilmember Brunner nominated Rafa Sonnenfeld.
Voting for Rafa Sonnenfeld: Councilmember Brunner.
Voting for Matthew Thompson: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Rachel Dann was appointed with a term ending on January 31, 2027, and Matthew Thompson was appointed with a term ending on January 31, 2025.
37. Sister Cities Committee (CC)
Councilmember Watkins nominated Carola Barton and Andrea Riordan.
By consensus Carola Barton and Andrea Riordan were appointed to the Sister Cities Committee with terms ending on January 31, 2028.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6724
Advisory Body Appointments (continued)
38. Transportation and Public Works Commission (CC)
Vice Mayor Golder nominated Scott Harriman.
Councilmember Newsome nominated Ryan Meckel.
Councilmember Brown nominated Candace Brown and Lola Quiroga.
Councilmember Brunner nominated Ron Goodman.
Vice Mayor Golder nominated Detlef Adam.
Voting for Detlef Adam: Councilmembers Watkins, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder.
Voting for Candace Brown: None.
Voting for Ron Goodman: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Voting for Lola Quiroga: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Brunner; Mayor Keeley.
Scott Harriman was appointed with a term ending on January 31, 2027, Ryan Meckel was appointed with a term ending on January 31, 2027, and Ron Goodman and Lola Quiroga were appointed with terms ending January 31, 2025.
39. Water Commission (CC)
Vice Mayor Golder nominated Julianne Rhodes.
Councilmember Newsome nominated David Green Baskin.
By consensus Julianne Rhodes was appointed with a term ending on January 31, 2027, and David Green Baskin was appointed with a term ending on January 31, 2025.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6725
General Business
40. Impact Report on the Effect of the Proposed Housing for People Initiative (Measure M) (PL/ED)
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, and Kathy Head, President of Keyser Marston Associates, Inc., gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Principal Planner M. VanHua responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Zennon Ulyate-Crow
Eric Cromer
Elizabeth Madrigal
Rafa Sonnenfeld
Lola Quiroga
Ryan Meckel
Unidentified person
Mike Polhamus
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to accept the impact report on the effect of the proposed Housing for People initiative (Measure M) and, take a formal position to oppose the measure.
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.
Adjournment – Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Watkins, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
January 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6726
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.