Approved at the December 10, 2024 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 19, 2024
12:00 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 12:04 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, City Attorney T. Condotti, 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 12:05 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 12:06 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: Cameron Abrams
2) Claimant: Autumn Amber Parks
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 19, and no reportable action was taken.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7004
Closed Session (continued)
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
1) Fleck, Robert v. City of Santa Cruz, et al.
(Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 23CV01131)
2) Elaine Vierra v. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, et al. (Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 24CV01750)
Council received a status report on 2.1, and no reportable action was taken.
Council received a status report on 2.2 and authorized the City to file a crosscomplaint against PG&E and the property owner adjacent to where the trip-and-fall accident occurred.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7005
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 19, 2024
12:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 12:33 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton (via Zoom), Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson, Director of Water H.
Luckenbach, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Chief of Police B. Escalante (via Zoom), Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Chief of Fire R. Oatey (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Deputy City Manager L. Murphy (via Zoom), Senior Planner R. Bane, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West, Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle, Utilities Services Manager K. Petersen, Program Analyst M. Bunch 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 12:34 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.
Unidentified person spoke regarding Santa Cruz being a sanctuary city and asking Council to make a statement accordingly.
Kevin Cummings spoke regarding St. George Apartments and thanking Council for their support and work on the potential rent increases.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7006
Oral Communications (continued)
Rena Dubin spoke regarding the status of sidewalks and safety on Soquel Avenue on the east side of town.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding a hit and run that happened recently, and a shooting on Almar Avenue, as well as other security concerns in the area.
James Ewing Whitman spoke regarding public comments during proclamations, the film Apocalypto, frequency weapons, and the danger of technology.
Gregory Cole spoke in opposition to building a staircase at Three Princes Surf Point.
Robert Russell spoke in opposition to building a staircase at Three Princes Surf Point.
At 12:53 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentations
3. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring November 19, 2024, as Anna Eshoo Day Mayor Keeley virtually presented a proclamation, a City of Santa Cruz flag, and a key to the City to Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. Congresswoman Eshoo spoke.
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring November 19, 2024, as Joe Simitian Day Joe Simitian was unable to attend and this item was not heard.
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring November 19, 2024, as Bruce McPherson Day Mayor Keeley presented the proclamation, a City of Santa Cruz flag, and a key to the City to County Supervisor Bruce McPherson. Supervisor McPherson spoke.
6. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring November 19, 2024, as Zach Friend Day Mayor Keeley presented the proclamation, a City of Santa Cruz flag, and a key to the City to Allyson Violante, County Supervisors’ Analyst on behalf of County Supervisor Zach Friend. Allyson Violante spoke.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7007
Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced she will be recusing herself from items 14, 15, and 16 as they relates to her employment.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See pages 7003—7004 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
7. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
Councilmember Brown made a comment on items 10 and 12.
Councilmember Watkins made a comment on item 18.
Councilmember Brunner made a comment on item 11.
Vice Mayor Brunner made a comment on items 9, 10, 12, and 17.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Bryan Shields spoke regarding item 13.
James Ewing Whitman spoke regarding item 11.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding items 13—16.
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 13.
Doug Engfer spoke regarding item 12.
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 12.
Sarah Beck spoke regarding item 13.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7008
Consent Agenda (continued)
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve the Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner (with the exception of items 14, 15, and 16), Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (items 14, 15, and 16).
8. Minutes of the October 22, 2024 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
9. Amending the FY 2025 Budget and Appropriation of Funds for Safe Sleeping and Shelter – Amory (p102202), Safe Sleeping – Transitional Camp “1220” (p102207), and the Safe Parking Programs (p102210 and p102211) – Budget Adjustment (CM)
Resolution No. NS-30,404 was adopted to amend the FY 2025 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $2,000,000 from unanticipated revenue for expenses in the Safe Sleeping and Shelter – Armory (p102202), Safe Sleeping – Transitional Camp “1220” (p102207), and the Safe Parking Programs (p102210 and p102211).
10. Contract with Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. for the ProHousing Incentive Program Award (CM)
Motion carried to award a contract to the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. for the ProHousing Incentive Program in the amount of $500,000 and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement on a form approved by the City Attorney. The Homelessness Response Manager is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7009
Consent Agenda (continued)
11. Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance Update (CN)
Motion carried to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2024-20 amending the effective date for the citywide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers from January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2025; and
Direct staff to evaluate the number of residents who use gas-powered leaf blowers and their potential need for financial assistance.
12. Homeless Garden Project Request for a General Plan Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment, and Local Coastal Program Amendment to Facilitate Continuation and Expansion of Uses at Their Existing Location on the East Side of Shaffer Road, West of Antonelli Pond (2394 Delaware Avenue). Owner: Ronald Swenson. CEQA: Not a Project. Also, Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (Information Collection) and 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). (CN)
Motion carried to:
1) Direct staff to process, as expeditiously as possible, the following request from the Homeless Garden Project (HGP), based on HGP’s application:
a) Amend the General Plan 2030 Map to designate the northern 4 acres of the 11-acre Swenson parcel as Agriculture/Grazing (AG) land. b) Amend the Zoning Ordinance to classify these 4 acres as E-A Exclusive Agricultural District.
c) Adopt a Local Coastal Program Amendment for submission to the Coastal Commission to designate these 4 acres as Agriculture/Grazing (AG) land. 2) Direct staff to address any “no net loss” issue related to Recommendation #1 above when the proposed changes return to the Council for final action; and 3) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this agenda report. The Council’s direction is not a “project” under CEQA. And, even if it were considered to be a CEQA “project” the following exemptions apply: CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (collection of data, research, and evaluation); and “common sense” exemption (no possibility that the Council’s direction may have a significant effect on the environment.”) (14 Cal Code Regs 15061(b)(3)).
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7010
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Development Project: Declaration of Property as "Exempt Surplus Land" and Confirmation of Approval of Relocation Plan for 113 Lincoln Street; Determination That These Actions are Exempt from CEQA Review under Statutory Exemption Pub. Res. Code § 21083.3, CEQA Guidelines § 15183, and CEQA Guidelines Categorical Exemptions §§ 15305 and 15332 (EDH)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,405 pursuant to the California Surplus Land Act (Cal. Gov’t Code § 54220 et seq. [the "SLA"]) declaring that real property owned by the City located at 119 Lincoln Street (APN 005-141-21) and 113 Lincoln Street (APN 005-141-11) as exempt surplus land under Government Code section 54221(f)(1)(A) of the SLA;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,406 approving the Relocation Plan for 113 Lincoln and final relocation expenses in accordance with the California Department of Housing and Community Development; and
Based on the prior City Council action on March 14, 2023, determine that these actions are exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21083.3, State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (“Projects Consistent with General Plan or Zoning”), a CEQA Guidelines, Class 5 categorical exemption (Section 15305 – “Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations”), CEQA Guidelines, Class 32 categorical exemption (Section 15332 – “In-Fill Development Projects”), and the CEQA "common sense" exemption.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7011
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Kiosk Lease and License Agreement with Downtown Association of Santa Cruz (EDH)
Motion carried to:
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Kiosk Lease and License Agreement with Downtown Association of Santa Cruz, and any documents, amendments or extensions of a non-substantive nature, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the kiosk located at 1130 K-2 Pacific Avenue; and
Approve the CEQA determination contained in this Agenda Report. The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA review under 14 CCR 15301 and 14 CCR 15061. Under those authorities, CEQA does not apply to (1) existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use; and (2) activities where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.
15. Kiosk Lease and License Agreement with Paul Cocking dba café gg (EDH) Moton carried to:
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Kiosk Lease and License Agreement with Paul Cocking doing business as café gg, and any documents, amendments or extensions of a non-substantive nature, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the kiosk located at 1130 K-1 Pacific Avenue; and
Approve of the CEQA determination contained in this Agenda Report. The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA review under 14 CCR 15301 and 14 CCR 15061. Under those authorities, CEQA does not apply to (1) existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use; and (2) activities where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7012
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Kiosk Lease and License Agreement with Crepe Cones LLC (EDH) Motion carried to:
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Kiosk Lease and License Agreement with Crepe Cones LLC, and any documents, amendments or extensions of a non-substantive nature, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the kiosk located at 1520 K-2 Pacific Avenue; and Approve the CEQA determination contained in this Agenda Report. The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA review under 14 CCR 15301 and 14 CCR 15061. Under those authorities, CEQA does not apply to (1) existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use; and (2) activities where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment.
17. Approval of Navigation Center Grant Application (EDH) Resolution No. NS-30,407 was adopted to approve submission of an application for the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act (BHIBA) of 2024 Round 1 funding for behavioral health services at the Navigation Center to be located at 125 Coral Street and authorize the City Manager to execute a Program Funding Agreement for the award amount, and any documents, amendments or extensions of a nonsubstantive nature, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
18. Small Business Saturday Proclamation (EDH)
Motion carried to issue a proclamation recognizing Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024 and encouraging all community members to shop locally this holiday season.
19. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claims of 1) Cameron Abrams and 2) Autumn Amber Parks, based on staff recommendation.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7013
Consent Agenda (continued)
20. Award Agreement for Plan Review and Inspection Services for Building and Safety Division. CEQA: Exempt 15061(b)(3) (PL)
Motion carried to:
Award three contracts to 4Leaf, Inc. (4Leaf), BPR Consulting Group (BPR), CSG Consultants, Inc. (CSG) with annual renewals up to five years, recognizing the environmental exemption; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract in a form approved by the City Attorney with 4Leaf, BPR, and CSG, with the Director of Planning and Community Development authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
21. Authorization to Submit a Grant Application for General Plan Mobility and Transportation Analysis Updates – Budget Adjustment (PW) Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the California Department of Transportation Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program for the General Plan Mobility and Transportation Analysis Updates; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,408 to amend the FY 2025 budget in the amount of $450,000 for the General Plan Mobility and Transportation Analysis Updates.
22. Frederick Street Park Pacific Gas and Electric Company Easement – Approval of Easement Deed (PW)
Resolution No. NS-30,409 was adopted to approve an easement deed granted to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (“PG&E”) for the installation of a gas distribution regulator station on the frontage of Frederick Street Park - APN No. 011-141-17.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7014
Consent Agenda (continued)
23. Resolution Amending the FY 2025 Budget to WWTF Master Planning (c402504) and WWTF Master Planning – Collection System Projects (c402516) – Budget Adjustment (PW)
Resolution No. NS-30,410 was adopted to amend the FY 2025 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $550,000 for the WWTF Master Planning – Collection System project (c402516), and appropriate funds in the amount of $844,705 from anticipated revenue for expenses with the WWTF Master Planning project (c402504).
24. Union/Locust Backup Generator Project (c702107) – 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 Union/Locust Backup Generator Project (c702107) (Project) and authorize staff to advertise for bids at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzca. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract as authorized by Resolution No. NS-27,563;
Approve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination contained in this Agenda Report. The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA review under California Code of Regulations Section 15301 and Section 15303. Under those authorities, CEQA does not apply to existing facilities or new construction of small structures;
Authorize the Water Director to execute change orders for the Project within the approved project budget; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute an Implementation Agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Public Libraries to implement the Project in a form approved by the City Attorney.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7015
Consent Agenda (continued)
25. Meter Replacement Project (c701603) - Change Order Authorization for Badger Meter, Inc. (WT)
Motion carried authorizing the Water Director to approve contract change orders exceeding the limits set forth in Council Policy 29.6 for the purchase of water meters from Badger Meter needed to complete the Meter Replacement Project (c701603).
26. Beltz 12 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702101) – Approval of Plans and Specifications, Authorization to Advertise for Bids and Award Contract, and Approval of Contract Amendment for Construction Management Services (WT)
Motion carried to:
Approve plans and specifications for the Beltz 12 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702101) (Project) and authorize staff to advertise for bids at
https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzca. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract as authorized by Resolution No. NS-27,563;
Authorize the Water Director to approve change orders for the Project for amounts that are within the approved project budget;
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with MNS Engineers, Inc. (San Jose, CA) for construction management services for the Project in the amount of $347,317; and
Authorize the Water Director to approve future contract amendments for construction management services for the Project that are within the approved project budget.
End Consent Agenda
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7016
Public Hearings
27. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-19 Rescinding Uncodified Ordinance No. 1440 – An Ordinance Establishing the Planning Commission and Amending Chapter 18.41.020 – Appointment of Board of Building Appeals and Length of Term (FN)
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 Newsome, to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-19 amending Chapter 18.41.020 - Appointment of Board of Building Appeals and Length of Term, and rescinding uncodified Ordinance No. 1440- An Ordinance establishing the Planning Commission.
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.
28. 119 Madrone Street: CP24-0078 (APN 008-222-06) Appeal of the Planning Commission Approval of a Master Use Permit and Special Use Permit to Convert an Existing Brewpub (Woodhouse Brewery) to a High-Risk Alcohol Outlet and to Allow for Expanded Live Entertainment and Events on a Parcel Located in the CT (Thoroughfare Commercial) Zone District. (Environmental Determination:
Categorical Exemption) Applicant: William Moxham (Woodhouse Brewery).
Council District: 5. (PL)
Senior Planner R. Bane gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Chris Boscia, attorney representing the appellants Guy and Stacey Mitchell, spoke.
Applicant William Moxham and audio professional Joe Brian spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Jaimi
Chandra Donahue
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7017
Public Hearings (continued)
28. 119 Madrone Street Appeal (PL) (continued)
Public comment (continued):
Unidentified person
Bradley Snyder
Mike Ellison
Dr. Shannon Marrero
Lynn Dunn
Jase
Emily
Michelle Murphy
Sophie Slosberg
Sean Schumacher
John Cudd
Aster Pang
Elanna
Reggie
Justin Wadstein
Linda Kimball Grace
Jacob Alexander Seedman
Tom Kerr
Jeff Davidson
Vicky Sanchez
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Chris Boscia, attorney, provided a rebuttal.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Councilmember Watkins, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,411 denying the appeal from Stacey and Guy Mitchell, thereby upholding the Planning Commission’s acknowledgement of the environmental determination (Categorical Exemption Sections 15301, 15303, and 15332) and approval of the Master Use Permit and Special Use Permit, based on the findings listed in the draft resolution and the Conditions of Approval attached as Exhibit “A.”
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7018
Public Hearings (continued)
28. 119 Madrone Street Appeal (PL) (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.
29. Amendments to Chapter 18.15 of the Municipal Code Requiring Additional Energy Standards for Alterations and Additions to Existing Single-Family Homes. CEQA: Exempt under general rule, 15061(b)(3) and per Guidelines Section 15308, Class 8, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources, and Reuse of Climate Action Plan 2030 Negative Declaration. Location and Council District: Citywide. Applicant: City of Santa Cruz. (PL/CM)
Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
James Ewing Whitman
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2024-21 amending Municipal Code Chapter 18.15 to adopt local amendments to Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations (California Energy Code). The ordinance creates an energy reach code that requires additional energy standards for renovations to existing single-family homes with an intent to provide property owners with a range of energy efficiency measure options when undertaking alterations and additions that will also meet goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel use citywide. Council finds the amendments are consistent with the Negative Declaration approved for the City of Santa Cruz 2030 Climate Action Plan adopted by City Council on September 13, 2022. The ordinance is also exempt under exempt from CEQA under the general rule, 15061(b)(3) and per CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, Class 8, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7019
Public Hearings (continued)
29. Energy Reach Code (PL/CM) (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.
At 3:08 p.m. Council took a break and returned at 3:30 p.m.
At this time, Council heard item 3.
General Business
30. Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) Recommended Awards (CM) Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle introduced the item.
Randy Morris, Director, and Kimberly Petersen, Deputy Director of the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
At this time, Council heard items 5 and 6.
At 4:26 p.m. Council took a break and returned at 4:36 p.m.
At this time, Mayor Keeley left the meeting and Vice Mayor Golder took over as Presiding Officer.
30. Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) Recommended Awards (CM) (continued)
Vice Mayor Golder opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Al Burgan
Sharon Storm
Savannah Parks
Janice Bolt
Clay Kempf
Jane Doyle
Bradley Snyder
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7020
General Business (continued)
30. Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) Recommended Awards (CM) (continued)
Public comment (continued)
Stephen Bosworth
Laura Egan
Alicia Riley
Joshua Patstone
Carol Staffen
Julie
Cathryn McCormic
Aries
Nora Caruso
Heather Burkhouse
Ray Cantino
Lis Dubois
Cheryl Fraenzl
Jennifer Merchant
Karen Delaney
Unidentified person
Dusty Colyer-Worth
Vice Mayor Golder closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Watkins to:
1) Approve the Recommended Awards from the Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments Request for Proposals (RFP) process; 2) Direct staff to reduce all recommended awards by 5%, totaling $30,964, and allocate $220,540 (using the City’s $189,576 in discretionary funds and $30,964 from the 5% reduction) of the remaining City CORE funding for elected officials set aside for emerging needs or priorities not funded through the competitive RFP process in the following way:
Split equally across CORE Conditions and Tiers that meet a range of following criteria:
Were next highest rankings in the area and at least a ranking of 3 Score above 85
Services are centered in the City of Santa Cruz
Services are Childcare/youth focused and/or essential/basic needs services
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7021
General Business (continued)
30. Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) Recommended Awards (CM) (continued)
MOTION (continued):
This would include the following organizations at the following recommended funding :
Boys & Girls Club: Project Learn $36,756
Coastal Watershed Council: Watershed Rangers $36,756
Walnut Avenue Women & Family Center: Early Education Care Center:
$36,756
Santa Cruz Toddler Center: Toddler Care Center $36,756 Community Bridges: Meals on Wheels $36,756
Dientes: Senior Care $36,756
3) Direct staff to coordinate with the Human Services Department (HSD) to execute agreements for all final recommended awards and set aside fund; 4) Direct staff to coordinate with HSD to return by April 30, 2025, with an update on new and existing CORE contracts, and a lessons learned framework;
5) Direct staff to explore alternative community program funding models and bring back options for future Council consideration; and 6) Direct staff to explore additional funding sources for the organizations listed above and to return to Council with options in the future.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Brunner requested to amend #2 to add the following organizations for recommended funding, totaling $21,064 each.
Barrios Unidos
Diversity Center
Monarch Services
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson did not accept.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7022
General Business (continued)
30. Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) Recommended Awards (CM) (continued)
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Watkins requested to amend #6 to add: Direct staff to integrate options into the FY 2026 budget process additional funding options for increasing the total commitment to community programs, and to bring it back no later than 6 months as part of the budget proposals. Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Watkins, Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder.
NOES: Councilmember Brown.
ABSENT: Mayor Keeley.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
31. SCMU Utility Customer Assistance Program - Council Policy and Special Revenue Fund (WT/FN/PW)
Director of Water H. Luckenbach introduced the item.
Utilities Services Manager K. Petersen and Program Analyst M. Bunch gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Vice Mayor Golder opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Vice Mayor Golder closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Councilmember Watkins, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,412 approving a Council Policy creating a Santa Cruz Municipal Utilities (SCMU) Utility Customer Assistance Program and creation of a Special Revenue Fund.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Keeley.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
November 19, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7023
Adjournment – Councilmember Watkins moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.