Approved at the January 14, 2025 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 10, 2024
11:00 AM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 11:01 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 (via Zoom), Brunner (arrived at 11:02 a.m.), Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder (arrived at 11:05 a.m.); Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Watkins.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
City Attorney T. Condotti announced that Councilmember Brown’s virtual participation is pursuant to AB 2449 which provides a limited opportunity for Councilmembers to participate remotely without the need to comply with the agenda posting notice requirements of the Brown Act. A Councilmember may be remote up to two times per year, based on enumerated circumstances, one being a contagious illness of a family member or self.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to authorize Councilmember Brown to attend remotely.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown (via Zoom), Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins; Vice Mayor Golder.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7025
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 11:04 a.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 11:04 a.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) Claimant: Morgan Thomas Maher
Claim against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 15, and no reportable action was taken.
2. Public Employee Performance Evaluation/Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957, §54957.6)
Unrepresented employee: City Manager
Agency designated representative: City Attorney
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
1) GVC St. George, LLC v. City of Santa Cruz
(United States District Court Case No. CV-07695-BLF)
2) Regents of the University of California, et al. v. City of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 20CV02152)
Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7026
Closed Session (continued)
4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case to be discussed) Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7027
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 10, 2024
12:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 12:31 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown (via Zoom), Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Watkins.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Director of Information Technology K. Morgan, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Deputy City Manager L.
Murphy, Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Chief People Officer S. De Leon (via Zoom), Director of Public Works N.
Nguyen (via Zoom), Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Director of Water H.
Luckenbach (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom),Transportation Planner C. Gallogly, Principal Management Analyst V. Pearson, Senior Planner C. Stanger, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
City Attorney T. Condotti announced that Councilmember Brown was participating virtually due to illness, as authorized per AB 2449.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7028
Oral Communications
At 12:32 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.
Gregory Cole spoke in opposition to the state’s proposition to building a staircase at Three Princes Surf Point.
Kevin Cummings spoke regarding the ordinance capping the rental increase allowed by St. George Apartments and the lawsuit that has been filed against the City.
Garrett spoke regarding the November 5th election.
Patrick Kittle spoke regarding conservation and with concerns for Santa Cruz being a Sanctuary City.
James Ewing spoke regarding the democratic and republican parties and commentaries he heard speaking about their predictions after the November 5 th election.
Sean Williamson spoke regarding reforming organic material waste management systems.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding Chancellor Larive’s and Congressman Panetta’s discussion about medical education at UCSC.
At 12:52 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presiding Officer's Announcements – Mayor Keeley thanked all City employees for their work throughout the year.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – City Clerk B. Bush announced items 19 and 28 were removed from the agenda and would not be discussed.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See pages 7025—7026 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
5. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7029
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 12 and 21.
Councilmember Brown made a comment on item 12.
City Clerk B. Bush responded to Council questions regarding item 9.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on item 10.
Councilmember Brunner made a comment on item 20.
Mayor Keeley pulled items 16 and 20 for further discussion.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
James Ewing-Whitman made a comment on items 6, 7, and 8 Unidentified person made a comment on items 6 and 22.
Garrett made a comment on items 14 and 12.
Bradley Snyder made a comment on items 24 and 25.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to approve the remaining Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown (via Zoom), Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
6. Resolution Amending and Updating the City's Bail Schedule (CA) Resolution No. NS-30,413 was adopted adopting an updated bail schedule and directing staff to forward the updated bail schedule to the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7030
Consent Agenda (continued)
7. Resolution Extending by Sixty Days the Emergency Declarations in Connection with the 2022/2023 Winter Storms and 2023/2024 Winter Storms (CA/CM) Resolution No. NS-30,414 was adopted extending the Local Emergency Declarations by sixty days in connection with the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter storms.
8. Minutes of the November 19, 2024 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
9. Citywide Records Retention Schedule Update (CC)
Resolution No. NS-30,415 was adopted updating the Citywide Records Retention Schedule, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,305.
10. Certification of the November 5, 2024 General Election (CC) Resolution No. NS-30,416 was adopted confirming and approving the canvass of ballots and returns for the City of Santa Cruz General Election held on November 5, 2024, and declaring that Measure Z (Sugar-sweetened Beverage Tax) passed by a majority vote of the electorate of the City.
11. FY24 Strategic Plan Annual Report (CM)
Motion carried to approve the FY24 Strategic Plan Annual Report.
12. Homeless Garden Project Fee Waiver (CN)
Motion carried to recognize the CEQA determination, including the environmental exemptions, and direct staff to waive the fees for processing the General Plan, LCP, and Zoning Ordinance amendments to designate 4 acres of the 11 acre Swenson property on the west side as agricultural land.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7031
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. 877 Cedar Street Purchase and Sale Agreement and Related Actions – Budget Adjustment (EDH)
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,417 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for real property located at 877 Cedar Street Suite 100 (APNs 005-951-01, 005-072-47, & -50), aka Commercial Unit 1, and execute any related documents, amendments, or modifications of a non-substantive or conforming nature, in a form approved by City Attorney, between the City of Santa Cruz and Ecology Action of Santa Cruz; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,418 amending the FY 2025 budget to appropriate $1,650,000 of funds from the Economic Development Trust Fund and the City Public Trust Fund to purchase Commercial Unit 1.
14. Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Fund: Authorization to Submit a Grant Application for the Monterey Bay Green Jobs and Workforce Training Pathway Stack Development Covering Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties - Budget Adjustment (CM)
Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager to apply for, accept, and execute all necessary applications, contracts and agreements, and amendments for the Uplift Central Coast grant to support Monterey Bay Green Jobs and Workforce Training Pathway Stack Development in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,419 to amend the FY 2025 budget in the amount of $250,000 for the Uplift Central Coast grant.
15. Liability Claim Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claim of 1) Morgan Thomas Maher based on staff recommendation.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7032
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. FY 2024 Parking In-Lieu Impact Fee Annual Report (FN/PW) Transportation Planner C. Gallogly and Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler 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: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to accept and approve the attached FY 2024 Parking In-Lieu Impact Fee Annual Report.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown (via Zoom), Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
17. FY 2024 Traffic Impact Fee Annual Report (FN/PW)
Motion carried to accept and approve the attached FY 2024 Traffic Impact Fee Annual Report.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7033
Consent Agenda (continued)
18. Professional Services Agreement for Project Management Services for the Implementation of New Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software Solution (IT)
Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager to execute a scope of work with Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker, LLC (BerryDunn) in a form approved by the City Attorney to support the City of Santa Cruz (City) with project management services for the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution in the amount of $840,000.00; and
Authorize the City Manager, IT Director, or designee to execute any amendments to the above contracts that are within the approved budget, change orders will only be binding when signed by authorized representatives of the City and the vendor.
19. Acceptance of the Proposal and Project Initiation of New Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software Solution – Budget Adjustment (FN/IT/HR/PW/WT/LB) This item was removed from the agenda and was not discussed.
20. Fiscal Year 2024 State of California Office of Traffic Safety, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant and Contract Award (PD)
Transportation Planner C. Gallogly responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,420 authorizing and directing the City Manager to accept the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (PS25023) grant funding and to execute, in the name of the City of Santa Cruz, all grant documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney, including but not limited to agreements, amendments and requests for payment, necessary to secure grant funds, appropriate grant funds, and implement the pedestrian and bicycle safety programming;
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7034
Consent Agenda (continued)
20. Fiscal Year 2024 State of California Office of Traffic Safety, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant and Contract Award (PD) (continued) MOTION (continued):
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,421 amending the FY 2025 budget and appropriating funds in the amount of $72,714 to project g202502 - OTS Pedestrian Bicycle Grant FY25; and
Award a contract for the purchase of Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Programming from Ecology Action (Santa Cruz, CA) in the amount of $68,954 and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement and all amendments thereto in a form approved by the City Attorney.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown (via Zoom), Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
21. 141 Archer Drive Retaining Wall Reconstruction Project (g402402) – Notice of Completion (PW)
Motion carried to accept the work of Jeff Hill & Sons Excavation and Grading Inc., (Ben Lomond, CA) for the 141 Archer Drive Retaining Wall Reconstruction Project (g402402) as completed per the plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7035
Consent Agenda (continued)
22. Wastewater Treatment Facility Standby Generator #1 Replacement (PW) Motion carried to:
Ratify a purchase of a 1,100 KW Standby Generator from Turnkey Industries, 2025 Nichols Avenue, Dickenson, TX 77539, in the amount of $611,417.50; Ratify a source contract for generator electrical design and installation services in the amount of $351,628.00 from Cupertino Electric Inc, San Jose, CA.; and
Find the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301(c).
23. Beltz 12 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702101) – Award Contract to Carollo Engineers, Inc. for Engineering Services During Construction (WT)
Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Carollo Engineers, Inc. (Walnut Creek, CA) for engineering services during construction for the Beltz 12 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702101) (Project) in the amount of $330,632; and
Authorize the Water Director to approve future contract amendments for engineering services during construction for the Project that are within the approved project budget.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7036
Consent Agenda (continued)
24. Brackney Landslide Area Pipeline Risk Reduction Project (c702002) – Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Staff to Advertise for Bids and Award Contract, and Consider the Certified Final Environmental Impact Report and Addendum (WT)
Motion carried to:
Consider the certified Final Environmental Impact Report for the Newell Creek Pipeline Improvement Project and the Brackney North Section Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Newell Creek Pipeline Improvement Project;
Approve the plans and specifications for the Brackney Landslide Area Pipeline Risk Reduction Project (c702002) (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; and
Authorize the Water Director to execute change orders for the Project for amounts that are within the approved project budget.
25. Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement – Felton to Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Project (c702105) – Award of Professional Services Agreement (WT) Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with MNS Engineers, Inc. (San Jose, CA) for construction management services for the Newell Creek Pipeline Improvement Project Felton/Graham Hill (c702105) in the amount of $2,458,845, and to authorize the Water Director to execute future contract amendments within the approved project budget.
End Consent Agenda
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7037
Consent Public Hearings
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 27.
James Ewing-Whitman spoke regarding items 26 and 27.
Garrett spoke regarding item 27.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brunner 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 (via Zoom), Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
26. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-20 Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance Update (CN)
Motion carried to adopt 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.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7038
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
27. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-21 Amending Chapter
18.15 of the Municipal Code Creating an Energy Reach Code that Requires Additional Energy Standards for Renovations to Existing Single-Family Homes with the Intent to Provide Property Owners with a Range of Energy Efficiency Measure Options When Undertaking Alterations and Additions, Helping the City to Meet Goals to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Fossil Fuel.
CEQA: Exempt under general rule, 15061(b)(3) and per Guidelines Section 15308, Class 8, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources. Location and Council District: Citywide. Applicant: City of Santa Cruz. (PL/CM)
Motion carried to adopt 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.
28. 190 West Cliff Drive: CP18-0043 (APN 004-081-12) – Rescind Prior Council Approvals for a Coastal Permit, Design Permit, Special Use Permit, Density Bonus Request, Encroachment Permit, and Tentative Map to Construct a FourStory Mixed Use Project with Underground Parking, Ground Level Commercial, and 89 Residential Condominiums on a Parcel in the RTB/PER/CZ-O/SP-O (Motel Residential Performance Overlay, Shoreline Protection Overlay and Coastal Zone Overlay) Zone District. The Council Approved These Permits on October 22, 2019. (Environmental Determination: Statutory Exemption, 15061(b)(4)) (Applicant/Filed: Cliff Bay Partners, LLC / February 27, 2018) (PL) This item was removed from the agenda and was not discussed.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7039
General Business
29. Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Development Impact Fee Annual Reports for Childcare and Public Safety Impact Fees, Consideration of Additional Updates to the Public Safety and Childcare Impact Fees, and Consideration of Additional Nexus Studies for New or Updated Impact Fees. Location: Citywide. CEQA: Exempt 15061(b)(3) & 15306 (FD/PD/PL)
Principal Management Analyst V. Pearson gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Chief of Fire R. Oatey and Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to:
1) Accept and approve the attached FY 2024 Impact Fee Report for the Childcare and Public Safety Impact Fees;
2) Eliminate the exemption of Public Safety Impact Fees from the Municipal Code for 100% affordable projects;
3) Eliminate, in a tiered approach, the exemption of Childcare Impact Fees for 100% affordable projects from the Municipal Code, unless the project poses a direct cost to the City, then provide full elimination of Childcare Impact Fees;
4) Eliminate the exemption of Childcare Impact Fees for school district housing projects; and
5) Direct staff to return to Council with a Public Art Impact fee.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Golder requested to amend #2 to read:
Eliminate the exemption of Public Safety Impact Fees from the Municipal Code for 100% affordable projects and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) 750 sq. ft. or greater. Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Golder requested to add: Direct staff to return to Council with possible nexus studies for future impact fees.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7040
General Business (continued)
29. Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Development Impact Fee Annual Reports for Childcare and Public Safety Impact Fees, Consideration of Additional Updates to the Public Safety and Childcare Impact Fees, and Consideration of Additional Nexus Studies for New or Updated Impact Fees. Location: Citywide. CEQA: Exempt 15061(b)(3) & 15306 (FD/PD/PL) (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown (via Zoom), Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Public Hearing
30. Ordinances Related to Accessory Dwelling Units to Maintain Consistency with State Law, Remove Owner-Occupancy Requirements for Existing Accessory Dwelling Units, and to Allow for the Condominium Mapping and Separate Sale of Accessory Dwelling Units and Their Associated Primary Dwellings.
Ordinances Include: Emergency Ordinance Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapters 18.15, 24.08, 24.10, 24.12, and 24.16; Ordinance Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapters 23.04, 23.12, 23.37, 24.08, 24.10, and
24.16 and Adding New Section 24.16.165; Ordinance Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapters 24.08, 24.10, and Chapter 24.12; and Ordinance Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 18.15.040. Amendments to Chapter Sections 24.08.810a, 24.08.2140, 24.08.2200, 24.10.210, 24.10.310,
24.10.410, 24.10.510, 24.10.565, 24.10.603, 24.10.611, 24.10.619, 24.10.627,
24.10.632, 24.10.636, 24.10.1210, 24.12.240, and 24.12.250 Are Part of the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan (LCP IP) and Will Require Approval by the California Coastal Commission Prior to Taking Effect Inside the Coastal Zone. (CEQA: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 as a Project Consistent with the General Plan for Which an EIR Was Certified). (PL) Senior Planner C. Stanger gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7041
Public Hearing (continued)
30. Ordinances Related to Accessory Dwelling Units to Maintain Consistency with State Law, Remove Owner-Occupancy Requirements for Existing Accessory Dwelling Units, and to Allow for the Condominium Mapping and Separate Sale of Accessory Dwelling Units and Their Associated Primary Dwellings (PL) (continued)
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Sharon Strelitz
Garrett
Unidentified person
Carol Polhamus
Unidentified person
Janine Roeth
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to:
1) Adopt Emergency Ordinance 2024-22 acknowledging the environmental determination and amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapters 18.15,
24.08, 24.10, 24.12, and 24.16 to update the City’s local accessory dwelling unit regulations ensuring they remain valid and conform to the requirements of new state laws SB 1211 and AB 2533, which take effect January 1, 2025;
2) Acknowledge the environmental determination and introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2024-23 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapters 23.04, 23.12, 23.37, 24.08, 24.10, and 24.16 and adding new section 24.16.165, related to accessory dwelling units; 3) Acknowledge the environmental determination and introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2024-24 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapters 24.08, 24.10, and 24.12 related to accessory dwelling units and comprising parts of the LCP IP;
4) Direct the City Manager to submit the LCP IP amendments to the California Coastal Commission for approval, should they be formally adopted as part of a second reading; and
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7042
Public Hearing (continued)
30. Ordinances Related to Accessory Dwelling Units to Maintain Consistency with State Law, Remove Owner-Occupancy Requirements for Existing Accessory Dwelling Units, and to Allow for the Condominium Mapping and Separate Sale of Accessory Dwelling Units and Their Associated Primary Dwellings (PL) (continued)
MOTION (continued):
5) Acknowledge the environmental determination and introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2024-25 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 18.15 related to accessory dwelling units.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Newsome requested to add: Direct staff to provide an annual report that reflects the number of ADUs sold as condos, the average sale prices, as well as the median sale prices. Vice Mayor Golder and Councilmember Brunner accepted.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember Brown (via Zoom).
ABSENT: Councilmember Watkins.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Recess - The City Council recessed at 3:12 p.m. to the 6:00 p.m. session.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7043
City Council
6:00 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown (via Zoom), Brunner, KalantariJohnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Watkins.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Finance E. Cabell (via Zoom), Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Deputy City Manager L. Murphy (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
City Attorney T. Condotti announced that Councilmember Brown was participating virtually due to illness, as authorized per AB 2449.
Presentations
31. Remarks by Outgoing Councilmembers Sandy Brown and Martine Watkins Mayor Keeley called on Assemblymember Pellerin who spoke and presented a resolution acknowledging Councilmembers Brown and Watkins’ service.
Councilmember Brown made her final remarks as Councilmember. Tanner Rowland, representative for Congressman Panetta, spoke.
32. Swearing-in and Seating of Councilmembers Gabriela Trigueiro (District 1), Sonja Brunner (District 2), Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson (District 3), and Susie O'Hara (District 5)
City Clerk Administrator B. Bush swore in newly elected District 1 Councilmember Trigueiro and District 5 Councilmember O’Hara, and re-elected District 2 Councilmember Brunner and District 3 Councilmember KalantariJohnson. Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson, and O’Hara, took their seats on the dais and made remarks.
December 10, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7044
Presentations (continued)
33. Election of New Vice Mayor
MOTION: Vice Mayor Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to elect Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson as Vice Mayor.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, O’Hara, Newsome, Brunner, Kalantari-Johnson; Golder; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment – Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.