Approved at the August 13, 2024 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 25, 2024
11:30 AM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 11:32 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, 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 Finance E. Cabell, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 11:33 a.m. The following person spoke:
Jeffrey Dunworth spoke regarding item 1.6.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 11:37 a.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6880
Closed Session
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) 1) Claimant: John J. Morley
2) Claimant: Luis Ramirez
3) Claimant: Mirfak Elize Fuentes Hernandez
4) Claimant: Barbara Jana Hostetter
5) Claimant: David Turner
6) Claimant: Jeffrey David Dunworth
7) Claimant: Progressive West Insurance Company
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 24, and no reportable action was taken.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
1) County of Santa Cruz, et al. v. Purdue Pharma L.P., et al. (United States District Court, Northern District of California, Case No. 5:18-cv02803 and United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, MDL No. 2804, Case No. 17-MD-2804)
2) City of Santa Cruz, et al. v. The Regents of the University of California, et. al.
(Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 21CV02683, consolidated with 22CV00373 and 22CV00838)
1) The County of Santa Cruz, et al. v. Purdue Pharma L.P., et al. is a nationwide consolidated legal action brought by approximately 3,000 public entities against various opioid manufacturers and distributors. That case has been pending for a number of years, and recently the plaintiffs in that case reached a settlement where the Kroger Corporation agreed to pay plaintiffs approximately $1.37 billion over the course of the next 11 years to settle that claim. The City has an option to join and share in the proceeds of the settlement agreement. Council approved the City’s entering into the settlement agreement.
2) A hearing of a writ of mandate on the City of Santa Cruz, et al. v. The Regents of the University of California, et al. case was held in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court a week ago and the Court took the matter under submission. Council took no reportable action.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6881
Closed Session (continued)
3. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) 1) Property: Colligan Theater
APN: 008-661-13
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Theatre 831 dba All About Theatre Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
2) Property: 1070 River Street, referred to as the Kron House APN: 008-661-18
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Arts Council Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6882
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 25, 2024
12:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 12:48 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner (left at 5:25 p.m.), 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, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Water H. Luckenbach, Director of Economic Development and Housing B.
Lipscomb, Director of Information Technology K. Morgan, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Chief of Fire R. Oatey (via Zoom), Recreation Superintendent T. Hedden-Jones, Recreation Supervisor A. Bryant, Development Manager N. Daly, Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle, Senior Planner R. Bane, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West, 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 12:49 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.
James Ewing Whitman spoke regarding legislators taking away property of the people, and taking arbitrary power.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6883
Oral Communications (continued)
Unidentified person spoke regarding the joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Session.
Unidentified person spoke, requesting Council not rebrand him.
At 12:55 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentation
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month Recreation Superintendent T. Hedden-Jones and Recreation Supervisor A.
Bryant gave a presentation on July being Parks and Recreation Month.
Presiding Officer's Announcements – Mayor Keeley spoke regarding the death of Willie Mays, and announced today as Assistant City Manager Laura Schmidt’s last Council meeting.
Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced she is recusing herself from items 17.2, 17.4, and 40 as they relate to her employment.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See pages 6880—6881 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
5. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 17 and 29.
Councilmember Brown made a comment on item 29.
Development Manager N. Daly responded to Council questions regarding item 26.
Councilmember Watkins made a comment on items 15 and 17.
Vice Mayor Golder made a comment on items 10, 11, 12, and 16.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 16, 32, 33, and 34.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6884
Consent Agenda (continued)
Councilmember Brunner made a comment on items 15, 17.1, and 17.3.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Unidentified person spoke regarding items 26 and 28.
Garrett spoke regarding item 13.
Serg Kagno spoke regarding item 10.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to approve the Consent Agenda.
Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle responded to Council questions on item
10. ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner (with the exception of items 17.2 and 17.4), Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (items 17.2 and 17.4 only).
6. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declarations in Connection with the 2022/2023 Winter Storms and 2023/2024 Winter Storms (CA/CM) Resolution No. NS-30,349 was adopted extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declarations in connection with the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter storms.
7. Minutes of the June 11, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6885
Consent Agenda (continued)
8. Minutes of the June 18, 2025 Joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Session (CC)
Motion carried to approve as submitted.
9. Arts Commission Appointment (CC)
Motion carried to approve Mayor Keeley’s nomination of Chanel Enriquez to the Arts Commission.
10. City Overlook Emergency Shelter Operations and Management Award Contract (CM)
Motion carried to award a contract to People First of Santa Cruz County for the City Overlook emergency shelter operations and management in the amount of $4,292,879 and reject all other proposals, and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Homelessness Response Manager is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
11. Emergency Shelter Transportation Program Operations and Management Award Contract (CM)
Motion carried to award a contract to Community Bridges/Lift Line, Santa Cruz, CA for transportation operations for the emergency shelter program in the amount of $417,271 and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Homelessness Response Manager is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
12. Long-Term Safe Parking Operations and Management Award Contract (CM) Motion carried to award a contract to People First of Santa Cruz County for the long-term safe parking program operations and management in the amount of $489,732 and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Homelessness Response Manager is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6886
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Governor's Office of Planning and Research Adaptation Planning Grant Program - Authorization to Submit a Grant Application to Complete a Microgrid Feasibility and Community Resilience Plan (CM)
Resolution No. NS-30,350 was adopted authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Local Government’s Adaptation Planning Grant Program.
14. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate to Attend the League of California Cities (LOCC) Annual Conference Being Held in Long Beach October 16 – 18, 2024 (CN)
Motion carried to designate Vice Mayor Golder as the voting delegate, and Councilmember Brunner as the alternate in the event that Vice Mayor Golder is unavailable, to attend the League of California Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach.
15. Letter of Support of California Senate Bill 1053 and Assembly Bill 2236 (CN) Motion carried to direct the Mayor to provide a letter of support of California Senate Bill 1053 and Assembly Bill 2236, both related to plastic pollution.
16. City Council Ad Hoc Climate and Resilience Committee (CN) Motion carried to:
Accept an update regarding the recent work of the City Council Ad Hoc Climate and Resilience Committee (Ad Hoc); and
Approve Ad Hoc recommendations for West Cliff Implementation Committee membership and next steps, and the approach for a pilot of a broader climate and resiliency advisory committee.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6887
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Economic Development Strategy Update: Downtown and Eastside/Midtown District Activation Recommendations (EDH)
Motion carried to accept the Economic Development Strategy Update regarding business district activations and direct staff to move forward on the following recommended actions:
1) Continue placemaking and activation of Lot 32, the “Midtown Parking Lot”; 2) Complete evaluation of storefront activation strategies and return to Council for consideration and approval of modifications to existing programs and approval of new initiatives that will assist in the activation and maintenance of empty storefronts;
3) Continue work related to the establishment of a Midtown Business District and pre-feasibility analysis of a Westside Business District; and 4) Complete outreach for the alleyway activation program and return to Council as needed with recommendations for approval.
18. River Street Shelter Site License Agreement, 115-C Coral Street (EDH) Motion carried to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the License Agreement with Housing Matters in a form approved by the City Attorney for the River Street Shelter site at 115-C Coral Street.
19. Proposition 4 Appropriations Limit Adjustment Factors (FN) Resolution No. NS-30,351 was adopted approving the selection of the annual adjustment factors to be utilized in the calculation of the City’s Proposition 4 Appropriations Limit (GANN Limit) based on the adopted budget for FY 2025, with amendments thereto, if any.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6888
Consent Agenda (continued)
20. Award Contracts for Tree Services (FN)
Motion carried to award two contracts for the citywide on-call tree services to Lewis Tree Service Incorporated (Lewis Tree), Kent, Ohio and Community Tree Services, LLC (Community Tree), Royal Oaks, California, for three years, and to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract in a form approved by the City Attorney with both Lewis Tree and Community Tree. The Purchasing Manager is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
21. Pass-Through Agreement with Community Bridges/CTSA of Santa Cruz County - TDA Claimant (FN)
Motion carried to authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Community Bridges/Consolidated Transportation Services Agency/State Transit Assistance (STA), allowing the City to act as claimant for funds obtained from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) for FY 2025.
22. Pass-Through Agreement with Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County - TDA Claimant (FN)
Motion carried to authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, allowing the City to act as claimant for funds obtained from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) for FY 2025.
23. General Obligation Refunding Bonds - Tax Rate Authorization (FN) Resolution No. NS-30,352 was adopted setting the tax rate for FY 2025 with respect to the City’s General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
24. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the claims of 1) John J. Morley, 2) Luis Ramirez, 3) Mirfak Elize Fuentes Hernandez, 4) Barbara Jana Hostetter, 5) David Turner, 6) Jeffrey David Dunworth, and 7) to return as late, the claim of Progressive West Insurance Company, based on staff recommendation.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6889
Consent Agenda (continued)
25. Resolution Amending the City of Santa Cruz Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans for the Parks and Recreation, Information Technology, and Water Departments (HR)
Resolution No. NS-30,353 was adopted amending the Classification and Compensation Plans for the FY 2025 budget personnel complement by approving classification and position changes in three departments and correcting compensation ranges for four classifications.
26. 2024 Wharf Repair Project - Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise for Bids and Award Contract - Environmental Clearance: Exempt - Section 15301, Existing Facilities; Section 15302, Replacement or Reconstruction; Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of New Structures; and Section 15304, Minor Alterations of Land (PR)
Motion carried to:
Award a contract to Dickman-Hines Lumber Co. in the amount of $464,151.84 and ratify them as the lowest, responsive, and responsible bid for Invitation for Bid (IFB) PK-0133 - Santa Cruz Wharf Pilings; Approve plans and specifications for the 2024 Wharf Repair Project and authorize Parks and Recreation staff to advertise the project for bid and award the contract in a form to be approved by the City Attorney. Per Resolution No. NS-27,563 the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The Parks and Recreation Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget; and
Motion to find that the project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Categorical Exemption Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, and 15304).
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6890
Consent Agenda (continued)
27. 2024 Citywide Sewer/Storm Drain Lining Project - Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
Motion carried to approve the plans and specifications for the 2024 Citywide Sewer/Storm Drain Lining Project (c401511), authorize an exemption from local hire requirements, 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 approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
28. 2024 Laurel Street Surface Seal and Striping Project – Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for the 2024 Laurel Street Surface Seal and Striping Project and authorize staff to advertise for bids and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,354 to approve the plans and specifications for the project pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6; and Approve the Laurel Street Surface Seal and Striping Project and find the project exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6891
Consent Agenda (continued)
29. 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project – Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project (c400809), authorize staff to advertise for bids and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,355 to approve the plans and specifications for the project pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6; and Approve the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project and find the project exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act.
30. Memorandum of Understanding with County of Santa Cruz for Edible Food Recovery Support Services (PW)
Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a form approved by the City Attorney with County of Santa Cruz for Edible Food Recovery Support Services.
31. Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility Appliance Recycler Services Contract - Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
Motion carried to approve the specifications for the Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility Appliance Recycler Services and authorizing staff to advertise for bids and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6892
Consent Agenda (continued)
32. West Cliff Dr. 60-inch Reinforced Concrete Pipe Headwall Repair (c402409) - Authorization to Advertise and Award and Budget Adjustment (PW) Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for West Cliff 60-inch West Cliff Dr. 60-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) headwall repair 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 approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget;
Approve the West Cliff Dr. 60-inch RCP Headwall Repair Project and find the project exempt under CEQA; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,356 to amend the FY 2024 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $700,000 for the West Cliff 60-inch RCP Headwall Repair Project.
33. West Cliff Multi-Use Path Rehabilitation Project (m400819) – Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
Motion carried to:
Approve the project plans and specifications for the West Cliff Multi-Use Path Rehabilitation Project (m400819), authorize staff to advertise for bids, and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,357 to approve the plans and specifications for the project pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6; and Approve the West Cliff Multi-Use Path Rehabilitation Project and find the project exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6893
Consent Agenda (continued)
34. Contract Amendment with Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants for West Cliff Transportation Consulting (PW)
Motion carried to approve Amendment 1 with Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants (Walnut Creek, CA) in the amount of $8,150. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute contract amendments within the approved project budget.
35. 2024 Branciforte Creek Streambank Restoration Project – Approval of Plans and Specifications, California Environmental Quality Act Exemption, and Authorization to Advertise for Bids and Award of Contract (WT) Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for the 2024 Branciforte Streambank Restoration Project (c702304) and authorize staff to advertise for bids. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract as authorized by Resolution No. NS-27,563; Find the 2024 Branciforte Streambank Restoration Project (c702304) exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and allow staff to file a Notice of Exemption; and
Authorize the Water Director to execute change orders for the 2024 Branciforte Streambank Restoration Project within the approved project budget.
36. Aquifer Storage and Recovery Beltz 9 Pilot Test Site Preparation and Monitoring Well – Notice of Completion (WT)
Motion carried to accept the work of Eaton Drilling, Inc. as complete per the plans and specifications, authorizing the filing of a Notice of Completion for the Aquifer Storage and Recovery Beltz 9 Pilot Test Site Preparation and Monitoring Well Project and authorizing the Water Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6894
Consent Agenda (continued)
37. Purchase of Easement for the Electrical Power for Carbonera Tank Operations:
Assessor’s Parcel Number 068-201-01, Owned by Richard J. Giovannoni and Judy K. Giovannoni (WT)
Resolution No. NS-30,358 was adopted authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute a Purchase Sale Agreement in the amount of $10,000 and Grant of Easement Deed in a form approved by the City Attorney, on a property (designated as APN 068-201-01) located in Santa Cruz, CA on Mill Road near the intersection of Glen Canyon Road and Branciforte Drive and owned by Richard J. Giovannoni and Judy K. Giovannoni for the purpose of providing electrical power to the Carbonera Tank, and to find the project exempt under California Environmental Quality Act and allow staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
38. Contract Amendment 2025-01 with HDR, Inc. for Capital Program Management Services (WT)
Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 2025-01 with HDR, Inc. for Service Order No. 10 in the amount of $9,303,596 in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
End Consent Agenda
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6895
Consent Public Hearing
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Unidentified person
Garrett
Carol Wilheimy
Katherine Gunderson
Chris Ryan
Nicholas Whitehead
Bodie Shargel
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, 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.
39. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-10 to Add Chapter 6.110 – 6.110.070 to Title 6, Health and Sanitation, of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code to Prohibit the Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Citywide (CM) Ordinance No. 2024-10 was adopted entitled “Prohibition of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers” to add Chapter 6.110 – 6.110.070 to Title 6, Health and Sanitation, of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers citywide. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination: This ordinance is consistent with the Negative Declaration approved for the City of Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan 2030 adopted by City Council on September 13, 2022. The ordinance is also exempt from CEQA under the “common sense” exemption, 15061(b)(3) and per CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, Class 8, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6896
At this time, Councilmember Brunner recused herself and left the dais.
Public Hearing
40. 302, 310, 314, 322, 324, 326, 328 Front Street: CP24-0097 (APN 005-151-29, - 34, -35, -43, -48, -51) Major Modification to Previously Approved Application File Number CP21-0051 to Amend the Conditions of Approval to Add Voluntary Public Benefits to the Previously-Approved Six-Story, 232-Room Hotel Project with Restaurant, Bar, Banquet, and Other Related Facilities located in the CBD (Central Business District) Zone District. (Environmental Determination:
Categorical Exemption, Section 15332 & Statutory Exemption 15061(b)(3)) Applicant: SCFS Venture LLC (PL)
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler introduced the item and responded to Council questions.
Senior Planner R. Bane gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Hector Azpilcueta
Garrett
Celica Valdez
Jordan Sisson
Luis
Martha
Ron Pomerantz
Lee Brokaw
Doug Block
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Watkins, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,359 approving application CP24-0097 based on the attached Findings and Conditions of Approval.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Watkins, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember Brown.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6897
Council took a break at 3:05 p.m. and returned at 3:11 p.m.
At this time, Councilmember Brunner returned to the dais.
General Business (continued)
41. City Council Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations Related to the Placement of a General Purpose Tax Measure of Two-Cents Per Ounce on Distributors of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on the November 5, 2024 Ballot (CN)
Councilmembers Watkins, Kalantari-Johnson, and Brunner and Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Catherine Forest
Lolis Ramirez
Laura Marcus
Blythe Young
Kevin Norton
Tim James
Melanie Wong
Dalia Alvarado
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to:
Accept recommendations from the recent work of the City Council SugarSweetened Beverage Ad Hoc Committee; Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,360 requesting that the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot include a general tax of two-cents per fluid ounce on distributors of sugar-sweetened beverages that includes a Community Oversight Panel to transmit an annual report and make recommendations to the City Council; and
Support the measure for the purpose of authorizing arguments; directing the Mayor to designate up to three Councilmembers to identify authors and signers for the arguments in favor of this measure, working with members of the community if they so choose; directing the City Attorney to prepare the impartial analysis; and providing direction to the City Manager regarding the preparation of the fiscal analysis, as appropriate.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6898
General Business (continued)
41. City Council Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations Related to the Placement of a General Purpose Tax Measure of Two-Cents Per Ounce on Distributors of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on the November 5, 2024 Ballot (CN) (continued)
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.
42. City of Santa Cruz Homelessness Response Strategic Plan July 2024 – June 2027 (CM)
Deputy City Manager L. Murphy and Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brunner moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to approve the City of Santa Cruz's Homelessness Response Strategic Plan, covering July 2024—June 2027.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Keeley requested to include a provision on the new contract with the Overlook emergency shelter that would allow any Councilmember or the Mayor to visit the site at any time, so long as they check in with the appropriate authority when they arrive. Councilmembers Brunner and Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
ACTION: The amended 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.
June 25, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6899
General Business (continued)
43. Monterey Bay Area Regional Climate Project Working Group (CM) Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West gave a presentation.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Ayo Banjo
Sabrina Lopez
Amber Holguin
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to:
Accept the presentation on the activities of the Monterey Bay Area Regional Climate Project Working Group (RCPWG); and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,361 affirming the City Council’s intention to commit to funding the City of Santa Cruz’s contribution for the RCPWG for three (3) additional years (through FY 2027), if feasible given the status of the General Fund.
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 Watkins, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 5:29 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.