Approved at the May 13, 2025 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 22, 2025
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 Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Brunner.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson asked Council to add a subsequent need item of Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1)) in the matter of United States and State of California et al. ex rel. John Hendrix v. J-M Manufacturing Co., et al. (Case No. ED 5:06-cv-00055-GW-PJW). The information arose after the agenda was posted and action is needed before the next regular Council meeting.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember O’Hara, to add a subsequent need item of Existing Litigation to the Closed Session agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7876
Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 11:34 a.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 11:35 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) 1) Claimant: Michael Nation
2) Claimant: Marsha Joan O’Brien
3) Claimant: David Shuman and Becky Butler
4) Claimant: Steven Ross Kotecki
5) Claimant: Andrea R. Greenspan
Claim against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 18, and no reportable action was taken.
2. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Mid Managers, OE3
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
Executives
City Negotiator - Sara De Leon
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7877
Closed Session (continued)
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
United States and State of California et al. ex rel. John Hendrix v. J-M Manufacturing Co., et al.
(Case No. ED 5:06-cv-00055-GW-PJW)
By a vote of 6-0, with Councilmember Brunner absent, Council authorized the City to enter into a settlement agreement with the defendants. Upon approval of the settlement agreement by the defendants, the substance of that agreement will be made available upon request.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7878
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 22, 2025
12:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 12:42 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Brunner.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton (via Zoom), Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson, Director of Public Works N.
Nguyen, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Director of Parks and Recreation T.
Elliot, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Deputy City Manager II/Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Chief of Fire R.
Oatey, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Director of Water H. Luckenbach (via Zoom), Superintendent of Recreation T. Hedden-Jones, Superintendent of Parks M. Godsy, Development Manager B. Borguno, Police Sergeant J. Trog, Principal Transportation Planner C. Gallogly, Economic Development Manager R. Unitt, Housing and Community Development Manager J. de Wit, Housing Principal Management Analyst J. Mellor, 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 12:43 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 events this weekend celebrating Vive Oaxaca in Santa Cruz County. Visiting musicians performed a song.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7879
Oral Communications (continued)
Unidentified person spoke regarding Three Princes of Surf Park.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) presentation provided at the March 25th City Council meeting.
Michael Spadafora spoke regarding the construction on the Murray Street Bridge.
Ann Simonton spoke regarding the 20-story buildings, claiming the Final Environmental Impact Report was rushed, and the public comments from the Draft Environmental Impact Report were not addressed.
Unidentified person spoke regarding national issues, traffic due to the construction on Murray Street Bridge, and referenced a sound ordinance.
Unidentified person spoke regarding drainage leaks, and large cracks at Hilltop Apartments.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding parking for the new housing developments downtown and traffic routing alternatives.
Jazmine Venegas introduced herself as the Government Affairs Representative for PG&E, and informed Councilmembers she is available as a resource for them.
At 1:11 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentations
3. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May, 2025, as Affordable Housing Month Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson read from a proclamation declaring May, 2025 as Affordable Housing Month.
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring the Week of May 4, 2025 as Professional Municipal Clerk Week
Councilmember O’Hara read from a proclamation declaring the week of May 4, 2025 as Professional Municipal Clerk Week. City Clerk Administrator B. Bush spoke.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7880
Presentations (continued)
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May 5, 2025, as London Nelson Day Councilmember Trigueiro read from a proclamation declaring May 5, 2025 as London Nelson Day. Superintendent of Recreation T. Hedden-Jones, and Historian Luna Bey spoke.
6. 2024 Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Santa Cruz Police Department Joint Annual Report
Karen Madura, Chair of the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women, spoke and thanked Council for reviewing the report.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See pages 7876—7877 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 Golder made a comment on items 17, 22, and 29.
Councilmember O’Hara made a comment on items 22 and 24.
Councilmember Newsome, Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, and Councilmember Golder responded to Council questions regarding item 22.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 15 and 22.
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on item 22.
Councilmember Trigueiro made a comment on items 13, 15, 20, and 24.
City Manager M. Huffaker responded to Council questions on item 13.
Superintendent of Parks M. Godsy responded to Council questions on item 24.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7881
Consent Agenda (continued)
Mayor Keeley pulled items 14, 16, and 19 for further discussion.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
James Ewing-Whitman spoke regarding item 22.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to approve the remaining Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
8. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declaration in Connection with the December 2024 Municipal Wharf Emergency (CA/CM)
LOCATION: District 4
Resolution No. NS-30,460 was adopted extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declaration in connection with the December 2024 Municipal Wharf emergency.
9. Minutes of the March 25, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion carried to approve as submitted.
10. Amendment of the City’s Conflict of Interest Code (CC) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,461 was adopted amending the current Conflict of Interest Code and rescinding all resolutions related to prior versions, including Resolution No. NS-30,364.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7882
Consent Agenda (continued)
11. California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant (CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,462 authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept and execute agreements for the California Volunteers #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps grant; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,463 amending the FY 2025 budget to appropriate $1,998,776 of funds into a project for the Monterey Bay Green Youth Service Corps.
12. Approval to Join the Declaration of Support for the Blue City Network (CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to approve the inclusion of the City of Santa Cruz as an endorsing city on the Declaration of Support from Certified Blue Cities of California.
13. Severe Weather Shelter Program (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Santa Cruz for $140,000 to support the operation of a Severe Weather Shelter Program from December 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7883
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. State Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Commitment to the Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Deputy City Manager II/Director of Economic Development and Housing B.
Lipscomb spoke.
Development Manager B. Borguno spoke and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Sarah Beck
Kate Blessing-Kawamura
Rick Longinotti
Unidentified person
Cesar Plascencia
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Director of Finance E. Cabell responded to Council questions.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,464 to commit funding from the California State Department of Housing and Community Development (“HCD”) Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program in an amount of $679,800 for Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project (DLAHP), an eligible affordable housing project;
Authorize the City Manager, designee, or the Economic Development and Housing Director to execute related PLHA documents; and Authorize staff from the Economic Development and Housing Department to submit the request for funds.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7884
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. State Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Commitment to the Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project (EDH) LOCATION: District 4 (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
15. Coastal Conservancy Resilience Grant Program for the Santa Cruz Wharf Resilience Upgrades and Improvements Project (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Resolution No. NS-30,465 was adopted amending the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to appropriate funds, in the amount of $1,766,000, to the Wharf Resilience Improvements Project (c512501).
16. Resolution to Accept and Appropriate the Award from the State Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program for the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Deputy City Manager II/Director of Economic Development and Housing B.
Lipscomb spoke.
Development Manager B. Borguno spoke and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Sarah Beck
Kate Blessing-Kawamura
Rick Longinotti
Unidentified person
Cesar Plascencia
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7885
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Resolution to Accept and Appropriate the Award from the State Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program for the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project (EDH) LOCATION: District 4 (continued) Director of Finance E. Cabell responded to Council questions.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,466 authorizing the City of Santa Cruz to execute the loan and grant documents and appropriate the grant award for the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project;
Authorize the City Manager, or the Economic Development and Housing Director, to accept, and appropriate grant funds from the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), as awarded, through the Round 7 State Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Grant Program (AHSC); and,
Direct the City Manager or the Economic Development and Housing Director to negotiate, execute, enter into, and deliver any necessary contracts, agreements, documents, amendments, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney for the Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project, AHSC Grant and Loan awarded funds; and take any other actions necessary to implement the AHSC funded project(s), in an aggregate amount not to exceed the grant award of $33,502,820.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7886
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Fire Consolidation Feasibility Study Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley Fire Protection District, Central Fire District of Santa Cruz, and Santa Cruz Local Agency Formation Commission (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,467 was adopted authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute the Fire Consolidation Feasibility Study Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley Fire Protection District, Central Fire District of Santa Cruz, and Santa Cruz Local Agency Formation Commission.
18. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) LOCATION: None
Motion carried to reject the liability claims of 1) Michael Nation 2) Marsha Joan O’Brien, 3) David Shuman and Becky Butler, 4) Steven Ross Kotecki, and 5) Andrea R. Greenspan based on staff recommendation.
19. 2025 Parking Revenue Bonds for Public Parking Project as part of the Downtown Library Mixed Use Project (FN/PW/EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Deputy City Manager II/Director of Economic Development and Housing B.
Lipscomb spoke.
Development Manager B. Borguno spoke and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Sarah Beck
Kate Blessing-Kawamura
Rick Longinotti
Unidentified person
Cesar Plascencia
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Director of Finance E. Cabell responded to Council questions.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7887
Consent Agenda (continued)
19. 2025 Parking Revenue Bonds for Public Parking Project as part of the Downtown Library Mixed Use Project (FN/PW/EDH) LOCATION: District 4 (continued) MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,468 authorizing the issuance and sale of Parking Revenue Bonds to provide financing for a public parking garage in downtown Santa Cruz, authorizing the execution and delivery of a related Indenture of Trust, Official Statement and Bond Purchase Agreement, and approving related documents and actions.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
20. Award Third-Party Administrator Contract for Workers’ Compensation Administration Services (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Award a contract to Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. as the Third-Party Administrator of the City’s Workers’ Compensation program in the amount of $875,687.00;
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
Authorize the Human Resources Director to execute amendments within the approved project budget.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7888
Consent Agenda (continued)
21. Authorize the Purchase of Three Replacement Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Vehicles with Police Public Safety Impact Fee Funds (PD/PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,469 amending the FY 2025 General Fund budget to purchase three Police patrol vehicles from the Public Safety Impact Fee Fund in the amount of $183,428.58; and
Direct staff to proceed with the purchase through a cooperative purchasing agreement with the National Auto Fleet Group (Watsonville Ford, Watsonville, CA).
22. Santa Cruz Wharf Interim Repairs and Recovery (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Approve Council ad-hoc subcommittee’s recommended alternative #5 to perform near-term Wharf restoration, and award a contract to Moffat and Nichol Engineering in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Moffat and Nichol to develop plans and specifications;
Direct staff to move forward with solicitation of bids to implement near term Wharf restoration consistent with alternative #5 which would restore the damaged end of the Wharf to bent 171;
If sufficient funding from CalOES continues to be confirmed, authorize the City Manager to award bid to lowest responsive and responsible bidder and execute contract for Wharf restoration construction in a form approved by the City Attorney;
Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
Approve of the CEQA determination contained in this agenda report, including the application of the following statutory and categorical exemptions: Public Resources Code Section 21080, subd. (b)(2) relating to emergency repairs to public service facilities necessary to maintain service; CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction); and Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of New Structures).
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7889
Consent Agenda (continued)
23. Sister Cities Regular Meetings Time Changes to Committee Bylaws (PR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to approve an amendment of the Sister Cities Committee bylaws that will change the regular meeting start time from 7:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
24. Award Contract for Grant Park Playground (PR)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion carried to:
Award the Grant Park Playground equipment contract to Landscape Structures, Inc. (Delano, MN) in the amount of $288,991.47; Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney;
Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to execute change orders with the approved project budget; and
Approve of the CEQA analysis contained in this agenda report, including the application of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (Common Sense Exemption) and the following categorical exemptions: CEQA Guidelines 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).
25. Outside Repair Services to Citywide Assets – Budget Adjustment (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,470 to amend the FY 2025 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of 40,000 from the Mechanical Maintenance Fund for outside repairs to Citywide fleet assets; and Authorize the Public Works Director to approve a change order with TEC Equipment (Los Angeles, CA) in the amount of 40,000 for outside repairs to Citywide fleet assets.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7890
Consent Agenda (continued)
26. California Street Striping and Signage Improvement (PW) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Approve the design and installation of updated traffic striping and signage as part of the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project (c400809) on California Street from Walnut Avenue to Laurel Street;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,471 to approve the plans for the California Street Striping and Signage Improvements pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6; and
Find the project Categorical Exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR Section 15301(c).
27. Boiler Control System Replacement Project (m409659) – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: District 3
Motion carried to accept the work of RF MacDonald Co. (Hayward, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the Boiler Control System Replacement Project (m409659) and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
28. Wastewater Treatment Facility Digester 1 Cleaning (c401607) – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: District 3
Motion carried to accept the work of Ecology Parts, Inc. (Cerritos, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Digester 1 Cleaning (c401607) and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7891
Consent Agenda (continued)
29. Traffic Calming Pilot Program (c402404): Poplar, Seabright and Western Plan Approval, Environmental Determination: Categorical Exemption 14 CCR 15301(c) (PW)
LOCATION: Districts 1, 2, and 6
Motion carried to:
Approve the project plans and specifications for the 2025 Traffic Calming Pilot Program (c402404) and authorize staff to bid and award the contract; Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,472 to approve the plans and specifications for the 2025 Traffic Calming Pilot Program pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6; and
Find the Improvements Categorical Exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301(c).
End Consent Agenda
Consent Public Hearings
Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson announced item 32 was previously requested to be pulled for further discussion.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to approve the remaining Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7892
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
30. Implementation of Convenience/Service Fees on Credit Card Payments (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,473 was adopted confirming credit card service fees (convenience fees) of 3.0% on eligible transactions as included in the FY 2025 Adopted Operating Budget, establishing and recovering credit card service charges, including setting limits on specific card payment types, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,399.
31. Resolution Reinstating an Approved Slope Variation for a Previously Approved Project at 1930 Ocean Street Extension and Rescinding Resolution No. NS 29,654 (PL)
LOCATION: District 5
Resolution No. NS-30,474 was adopted acknowledging the previously certified environmental impact report and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,654.
32. Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility (TEFRA) Hearing and Resolution regarding Conduit Financing for the Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project (EDH) LOCATION: District 4
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Council conducted the public hearing under the requirements of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,475 approving the issuance of taxexempt multifamily housing revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $70,000,000 (the “Bonds”), by the California Municipal Finance Authority (“CMFA”) for the benefit of Eden Housing, Inc., a California nonprofit public benefit corporation (the “Sponsor”), on behalf of DTLMU Investors, L.P., a California limited partnership, or another ownership entity created by Eden DTLMU, LLC, a California limited liability company, its managing general partner, or by another affiliate of the Sponsor (such limited partnership or other ownership entity, the “Borrower”), to provide for the financing of the above-referenced project, such adoption to be solely for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of TEFRA, the Code and California Government Code Section 6500.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7893
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
32. Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility (TEFRA) Hearing and Resolution regarding Conduit Financing for the Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project (EDH) LOCATION: District 4 (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Staff Assignments:
Councilmember Trigueiro: A consolidated chart or memo to show how the funding sources and uses for items 14, 16, 19, and 32 come together.
General Business
33. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Renewal of SCMC Chapter
9.90, and Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide
Chief of Police B. Escalante introduced the item and responded to Council questions.
Police Sergeant J. Trog gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
James Ewing-Whitman
Peter Gelblum
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7894
General Business (continued)
33. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Renewal of SCMC Chapter
9.90, and Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Receive the Santa Cruz Police Department’s (SCPD) Annual Military Equipment Report;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,476 renewing Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Chapter 9.90 pertaining to Assembly Bill (AB) 481 Military Equipment; and Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-07 amending City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code (“SCMC”) Chapter 9.90 “AB 481 Military Equipment Use,” adopting an amended Military Equipment Use Policy (Policy) and, incorporating the addition of section 705.10 Use in Exigent Circumstances, and amended inventory of military equipment as defined by Assembly Bill 481 with the following amendments to section 705.10 of the Policy:
From:
In exigent circumstances and with the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee, the Police Department may utilize military equipment that is not included in this policy to promote the safety and security of community members. If the Department utilizes military equipment in such exigent circumstances, it must take all of the following actions:
Immediately cease use of the military equipment once the exigent circumstances necessitating such use cease to exist.
Include information about the use and the military equipment used, consistent with Government Code section 7072, in the Department’s next annual military equipment report.
To:
In exigent circumstances and with the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee in consultation with the City Manager or his/her designee as circumstantially feasible the Police Department may utilize military equipment that is not included in this policy to promote the safety and security of community members. If the Department utilizes military equipment in such exigent circumstances, it must take all of the following actions:
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7895
General Business (continued)
33. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Renewal of SCMC Chapter
9.90, and Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
MOTION (continued):
Immediately cease use of the military equipment once the exigent circumstances necessitating such use cease to exist.
Include Report to Council information about the use and the military equipment used, consistent with Government Code section 7072, in the Department’s next annual military equipment report within 30 days of the use of the military equipment.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Golder requested to amend the language, “in consultation with the City Manager…” to, “notify the City Manager...” Councilmember O’Hara did not accept.
MOTION TO AMEND: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Mayor Keeley, to amend the motion language as follows:
Receive the Santa Cruz Police Department’s (SCPD) Annual Military Equipment Report;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,476 renewing Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Chapter 9.90 pertaining to Assembly Bill (AB) 481 Military Equipment; and Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-07 amending City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code (“SCMC”) Chapter 9.90 “AB 481 Military Equipment Use,” adopting an amended Military Equipment Use Policy (Policy) and, incorporating the addition of section 705.10 Use in Exigent Circumstances, and amended inventory of military equipment as defined by Assembly Bill 481 with the following amendments to section 705.10 of the Policy:
From:
In exigent circumstances and with the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee in consultation with the City Manager or his/her designee as circumstantially feasible the Police Department may utilize military equipment that is not included in this policy to promote the safety and security of community members. If the Department utilizes military equipment in such exigent circumstances, it must take all of the following actions:
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7896
General Business (continued)
33. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Renewal of SCMC Chapter
9.90, and Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
MOTION TO AMEND (continued):
Immediately cease use of the military equipment once the exigent circumstances necessitating such use cease to exist.
Report to Council information about the use and the military equipment used, consistent with Government Code section 7072, within 30 days of the use of the military equipment.
To:
In exigent circumstances and with the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee and will notify the City Manager or his/her designee as circumstantially feasible the Police Department may utilize military equipment that is not included in this policy to promote the safety and security of community members. If the Department utilizes military equipment in such exigent circumstances, it must take all of the following actions:
Immediately cease use of the military equipment once the exigent circumstances necessitating such use cease to exist.
Report to Council information about the use and the military equipment used, consistent with Government Code section 7072, within 30 days of the use of the military equipment.
After discussion, the motion to amend was amended as follows:
MOTION TO AMEND: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Mayor Keeley, to amend the motion language as follows:
Receive the Santa Cruz Police Department’s (SCPD) Annual Military Equipment Report;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,476 renewing Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Chapter 9.90 pertaining to Assembly Bill (AB) 481 Military Equipment; April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7897
General Business (continued)
33. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Renewal of SCMC Chapter
9.90, and Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
MOTION TO AMEND (continued):
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-07 amending City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code (“SCMC”) Chapter 9.90 “AB 481 Military Equipment Use,” adopting an amended Military Equipment Use Policy (Policy) and, incorporating the addition of section 705.10 Use in Exigent Circumstances, and amended inventory of military equipment as defined by Assembly Bill 481 with the following amendments to section 705.10 of the Policy:
From:
In exigent circumstances and with the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee in consultation with the City Manager or his/her designee as circumstantially feasible the Police Department may utilize military equipment that is not included in this policy to promote the safety and security of community members. If the Department utilizes military equipment in such exigent circumstances, it must take all of the following actions:
Immediately cease use of the military equipment once the exigent circumstances necessitating such use cease to exist.
Report to Council information about the use and the military equipment used, consistent with Government Code section 7072, within 30 days of the use of the military equipment.
To:
In exigent circumstances and with the approval of the Chief of Police or his/her designee in consultation with shall notify the City Manager or his/her designee as soon as circumstantially feasible. If the Department utilizes military equipment in such exigent circumstances, it must take all of the following actions:
Immediately cease use of the military equipment once the exigent circumstances necessitating such use cease to exist.
Report to Council information about the use and the military equipment used, consistent with Government Code section 7072, within 30 days of the use of the military equipment.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7898
General Business (continued)
33. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Renewal of SCMC Chapter
9.90, and Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
ACTION: The motion to accept the amended motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson.
NOES: Councilmember Trigueiro; Mayor Keeley.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
ACTION: The amended motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson.
NOES: Councilmembers Trigueiro; Mayor Keeley.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
34. Bay Corridor Design Concept – California Street to High Street and Environmental Determination: Categorical Exemption: 14 CCR § 15301 (PW) LOCATION: Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6
Principal Transportation Planner C. Gallogly gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson announced that Councilmember Golder has a remote interest in recommendation #3 – the acquisition of property at Bayview Elementary School. Councilmember Golder is required to disclose her interest for the record but is still able to participate and vote on the item, so long as there are sufficient votes not counting hers.
Councilmember Golder announced she is employed by Santa Cruz City Schools as the Principal at Bay View Elementary and further explained she is not allowed to enter such contracts as that is handled by the cabinet for Santa Cruz City Schools.
City Manager M. Huffaker responded to Council questions.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7899
General Business (continued)
34. Bay Corridor Design Concept – California Street to High Street and Environmental Determination: Categorical Exemption: 14 CCR § 15301 (PW) LOCATION: Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6 (continued)
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Matt Miller
Leo Jed
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
1) Approve the recommended Design Alternative of separated bi-directional bike lanes for the Bay Corridor between California Street and High Street; 2) Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a Cooperative Agreement for Local Improvements Agreement with Caltrans in a form approved by the City Attorney;
3) Direct the City Manager, or designee, to negotiate with Santa Cruz City Schools to acquire property at Bayview Elementary School (APN 004-441- 24) for the project in accordance with Administrative Procedure Order 28; 4) Approve the CEQA analysis contained in the agenda report, including the applicability of the following CEQA exemptions: Pub. Res. Code § 21080.25(b)(1) (pedestrian and bicycle facilities that improve safety, access, or mobility); Class 1 (Existing Facilities) categorical exemption (14 CCR § 15301); Class 4 (Minor Alterations) categorical exemption (14 CCR § 15304); and Common Sense Exemption (14 CCR § 15061); and 5) Direct staff to return to Council, in a reasonable time frame in relation to emerging statewide legislation, with recommendations for local regulations and infrastructure enhancements specific to e-bike use, including but not limited to speed limits, rider age guidelines, helmet enforcement strategies, and signage improvements to ensure safe multimodal use.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Keeley requested to add insurance and licensing to the staff direction. Councilmember O’Hara and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7900
General Business (continued)
34. Bay Corridor Design Concept – California Street to High Street and Environmental Determination: Categorical Exemption: 14 CCR § 15301 (PW) LOCATION: Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6 (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
35. Economic Development Strategy Update and Recommendations; First Reading of Vibrancy Ordinance (EDH/CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Deputy City Manager II/Director of Economic Development and Housing B.
Lipscomb introduced the item.
Economic Development Manager R. Unitt gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Garrett
Unidentified person
Judi Grunstra
Kyle Jordan
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson, to:
1) Accept the Economic Development Strategy Update regarding downtown actions and direct staff to move forward on the additional recommended actions;
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7901
General Business (continued)
35. Economic Development Strategy Update and Recommendations; First Reading of Vibrancy Ordinance (EDH/CN) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) MOTION (continued):
2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to enter into temporary café license agreements to permit outdoor dining areas in nearby alleyways adjacent to business establishments;
3) Authorize the creation of the Movie Theater Retention Incentive Pilot Program;
4) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,477 amending the FY 2025 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of $100,000 from the Economic Development Trust Fund for the 12-month Movie Theater Retention Pilot Program and 12-month Vacant Storefront Window Covering Pilot Program; 5) Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-08 adding Chapter 5.84, “Vibrancy Ordinance”, to the Santa Cruz Municipal Code; 6) Approve the CEQA determination in this agenda report. More specifically, the proposed Council actions are not a “project” under CEQA. But if deemed a CEQA “project” the following exemptions apply: CEQA Guidelines Section 15307 (maintenance/enhancement of a natural resource); Section 15308 (maintenance/enhancement of the environment); Section 15301 (existing facility); and Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption); and 7) Direct staff to return to Council by June 10th with options to streamline permitting process for new businesses in ground floor vacant spaces in commercial and mixed-use area, including pre-submittal interdepartmental meetings for applicants prior to plan check submittal, extension of the validity of use permits, and explore not imposing plan check and permit fees, with the goal of saving new business applicants time and money in the permitting process.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7902
General Business (continued)
35. Economic Development Strategy Update and Recommendations; First Reading of Vibrancy Ordinance (EDH/CN) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson requested to add the following direction to staff:
8) Direct staff to include ‘interactive art’ as one of the alleyway activation options; and
9) Direct staff to come back to Council with an agenda item to appropriate $50,000 from the Economic Development Trust Fund for implementation of downtown activation events over the next 6—12 months.
Councilmember Newsome accepted.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Trigueiro requested to add:
10) Prioritize businesses serving youth and families in the downtown area.
Councilmember Newsome and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember O’Hara requested to amend #7 as follows:
7) Direct staff to return to Council by June 10th with options to streamline the permitting process for the first 20 business applicants new businesses in ground floor vacant spaces in commercial and mixed use areas, including pre-submittal inter-departmental meetings for applicants prior to plan check submittal, extension of the validity of use permits, and explore not imposing plan check and permit fees, with the goal of saving new business applicants time and money in the permitting process.
Councilmember Newsome and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson accepted.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7903
Public Hearings
36. 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Program Year (PY) Annual Action Plan (AAP), 2021 PY AAP Amendment, and Community Participation Plan Amendment (EDH)
LOCATION: Citywide
Housing and Community Development Manager J. de Wit and Housing Principal Management Analyst J. Mellor 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: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to:
Make initial funding recommendations for the 2025-2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan for both Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) as part of the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and approve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination contained in this agenda report. The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA review under (1) Class 1 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15301) for existing facilities, and (2) Common Sense exemption (14 CCR 15061); Amend the Community Participation Plan (CPP) to reflect general changes to be in line with HUD policies and procedures, standardize legal ad noticing requirements, and other assorted changes;
Publish and make available for public review the “Gateway to the Pacific Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) Plan” and the “City of Santa Cruz Housing Element Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) and the Consolidated Plan Memo”; and
Publish and make available for public review a substantial amendment to the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan to reallocate $276,000 in HOME funds from the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project to a Future 100% Affordable Housing Project.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7904
Public Hearings (continued)
36. 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan, 2025 Program Year (PY) Annual Action Plan (AAP), 2021 PY AAP Amendment, and Community Participation Plan Amendment (EDH) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
37. Public Safety Impact Fee Nexus Study and Proposed Fees Update (FD/PD) LOCATION: Citywide
Chief of Fire R. Oatey and Richard Ruiz, Manager with DTA, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
City Manager M. Huffaker responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to:
1) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,478 approving the 2025 Public Safety Development Impact Fee Nexus Study and a new Public Safety Impact Fee Schedule for new residential and non-residential development at 80 percent of the proposed maximum allowable fee;
2) Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-09 amending City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 18.49 “Public Safety Impact Fees,” modifying section 18.49.050 Exemptions; and
3) Direct staff to assess full cost recovery (maximum allowable development impact fee) of the public safety impact fees within one year from final adoption of the ordinance and report back if necessary.
April 22, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7905
Public Hearings (continued)
37. Public Safety Impact Fee Nexus Study and Proposed Fees Update (FD/PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Golder requested to amend #1 as follows:
1) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,478 approving the 2025 Public Safety Development Impact Fee Nexus Study and a new Public Safety Impact Fee Schedule for new residential and non-residential development at 80 100 percent of the proposed maximum allowable fee.
Councilmember Newsome accepted.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brunner.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment – Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember O’Hara, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.