CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - May 13, 2025
Updated May 9, 2025 – Items 17 and 23
2:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION, ZOOM/COURTYARD CONFERENCE ROOM 2:30 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, GENERAL BUSINESS AND CONSENT
PUBLIC HEARINGS, ZOOM/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ZOOM/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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Correspondence to be included in the agenda packet must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 12th
PLEASE NOTE:
Council may take a break(s) as needed.
Requests for extra speaking time on items other than Oral Communications must be made by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
May 13, 2025 City Council 2
The City of Santa Cruz does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. Out of consideration for people with chemical sensitivities we ask that you attend fragrance free. Upon request, the agenda can be provided in a format to accommodate special needs. Additionally, if you wish to attend this public meeting and will require assistance such as an interpreter for American Sign Language, Spanish, or other special equipment, please call the City Clerk’s Department at 420-5030 at least five days in advance so that we can arrange for such special assistance, or email [email protected]. The CalRelay system number: 1-800-735-2922.
Si desea asistir a esta reunión pública y necesita ayuda - como un intérprete de lenguaje de señas americano, español u otro equipo especial - favor de llamar al Departamento de la Secretaría de la Ciudad al 420-5030 al menos cinco días antes para que podamos coordinar dicha asistencia especial o envié un correo electrónico a [email protected]. El número del sistema Cal-Relay es: 1-800-735-2922.
Agenda and Agenda Packet Materials: The City Council agenda and the complete agenda packet containing public records, which are not exempt from disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act, are available for review on the City’s website:
www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-council-meetings and at the Office of the City Clerk located at 809 Center Street, Room 8, Santa Cruz, California, during normal business hours.
Agenda Materials Submitted after Publication of the Agenda Packet: Pursuant to Government Code §54957.5, public records related to an open session agenda item submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available at the same time they are distributed or made available to the legislative body on the City’s website at: www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-councilmeetings and are also available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk, 809 Center Street Room 8, Santa Cruz, California, during normal business hours, and at the Council meeting.
Need more information? Contact the City Clerk’s office at 831-420-5030.
Closed Session
2:00 PM
Statements of Disqualification
1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: John Michael Justice
2) Claimant: State Farm General Insurance Company
3) Claimant: Jack Michael Hain
4) Claimant: Sophia Olivia Ross
5) Claimant: Joshua Castillo-Rosales
6) Claimant: Angela Savage
7) Claimant: David Turner
8) Claimant: Christian Anthony Hamilton
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
May 13, 2025 City Council 3
Closed Session (continued)
2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 49 B Municipal Wharf (Olita’s)
APN: 007-371-01
Owner: Olita’s Cantina & Grill, LLC
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz, Steve Elb, and Martha L.
Barrera-Chavez
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
GVC St. George, LLC v. City of Santa Cruz
(United States District Court Case No.CV-07695-BLF)
May 13, 2025 City Council 4
City Council
2:30 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Oral Communications Announcement – Members of the public may address Council on matters not on the agenda, but within the jurisdiction of the Council. 30 minutes is allocated for Oral Communications. No extra time for groups will be granted.
Oral Communications
Presentations
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May, 2025, as Jewish Heritage Month
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May 18—24, 2025, as Public Works Week
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
6. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
May 13, 2025 City Council 5
Consent Agenda
7. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declarations in Connection with the 2022/2023 Winter Storms and 2023/2024 Winter Storms (CA/CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declarations in connection with the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter storms.
8. Minutes of the April 22, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
9. Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments FY23-24 Annual Report and Award (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Accept the Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments Annual Report for FY23—24 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024) and status update on FY26—28 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2028) CORE contracts;
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with Santa Cruz County, and direct staff to collaborate with the County to finalize agreements for all grant awards and set-aside funds that were approved by the City Council on November 19, 2024; and
3) Establish an ad-hoc committee to explore the City's future role in the CORE program after the current three-year cycle concludes, including development of options for an independent City community funding program for Council consideration.
10. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) John Michael Justice, 2) State Farm General Insurance Company, 3) Jack Michael Hain, 4) Sophia Olivia Ross, 5) Joshua Castillo-Rosales, 6) Angela Savage, 7) David Turner, and 8) Christian Anthony Hamilton, based on staff recommendation.
May 13, 2025 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
11. DeLaveaga Golf Course – Range Net and Chain Link Replacement (c302213) (PR)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to:
1) Authorize the issuance of an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the DeLaveaga Golf Course – Range Net and Chain Link Replacement (c302213) and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and 2) 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).
12. Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project (c402507) – Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements project (c402507) and authorize staff to advertise for bids and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; 2) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2025 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of $70,000 from the Liability Fund to complete construction;
3) Adopt a resolution to approve the plans and specifications for the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project; and
4) Find the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301 (Class 1 categorical exemption for existing facilities).
May 13, 2025 City Council 7
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Flyers Energy LLC - Authorization to Approve Change Order to Purchase Order (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to authorize a change order with Flyers Energy LLC (Auburn, CA) in the amount of $50,000 for City fleet vehicle and machinery fuel purchases.
14. Bay Drive Protected Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Path (c402304) - Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the FY 2025 budget to revise source of funding and values for Bay Drive Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Path (c402304).
15. Rail Trail Segments 8 and 9 (c401804) – Approve Contract with Consultant to Assist with Right-of-Way Acquisition (PW) LOCATION: District 2 and 4
Motion to:
1) Award a contract to Bender Rosenthal Incorporated (Sacramento, CA) for the Rail Trail Segments 8 and 9 Right of Way Acquisition phase in the amount of $115,273.40 and reject all other proposals; and 2) Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute contract amendments within the approved project budget.
May 13, 2025 City Council 8
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Ratify Purchase of Two Pump Drives for the Felton Booster Pump Station (WT)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Ratify the purchase of two pump drives for the Felton Booster Pump Station from Graybar Electric (Dublin, CA) in the amount of $130,017, and authorize the Water Director to execute change orders within the approved budget; and
2) Approve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination contained in this Agenda Report. The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA review under the Class 2 categorical exemption (2 CCR 15302; exemption for replacement or reconstruction).
End Consent Agenda
General Business
An attachment for the below item was added.
17. An Ordinance Rescinding Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 21.07.020 Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement that Protects Tenants at the St.
George Apartments (CA)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance rescinding Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 21.07.020 pursuant to a settlement agreement that protects tenants at the St. George Apartments.
18. Community Risk Assessment, Standards of Cover, and Deployment Analysis Report (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt the Community Risk Assessment, Standards of Cover, and Deployment Analysis report as the Fire Department’s service review study; and
2) Direct staff to utilize the findings and recommendations from this study to inform and guide future policy decisions, operational improvements, and resource allocations.
May 13, 2025 City Council 9
Consent Public Hearings
19. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-07 Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 9.90, and Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Adopt 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.
20. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-08 Adding Chapter 5.84 "Vibrancy Ordinance" to the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (EDH/CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-08 adding Chapter 5.84, “Vibrancy Ordinance”, to the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.
21. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-09 Amending the Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 18.49 "Public Safety Impact Fees" (FD/PD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-09 amending City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 18.49 “Public Safety Impact Fees,” modifying section
18.49.050 Exemptions.
General Business
The below item will be heard at or around 4:00 p.m.
22. State of Child & Youth Well-Being Report 2024/2025
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to accept the State of Child & Youth Well-Being report for 2025.
Recess - The Council meeting will recess until the 7:00 p.m. session.
May 13, 2025 City Council 10
City Council
7:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Public Hearings
23. Downtown Plan Expansion, Extending and Amending the Downtown Specific Plan, Including for Areas South of Laurel Street, Roughly to the Roundabout at Pacific and Center Streets, and Making Related Changes to the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan, Beach/South of Laurel Plan, and Zoning. Applicant: City of Santa Cruz. CEQA: EIR (PL) LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution certifying the Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR);
2) Adopt a resolution adopting the Findings of Fact, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Statement of Overriding Consideration for the significant and unavoidable impact to Historic Resources;
3) Adopt a resolution amending the 2030 General Plan and General Plan Land Use Map;
4) Adopt a resolution amending the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan and the LCP Land Use Map;
5) Adopt a resolution amending the Downtown Plan, which constitute LCP Implementation Plan (IP) amendments;
6) Adopt a resolution amending the Beach/South of Laurel Comprehensive Area Plan, which constitute LCP IP amendments; and 7) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending the Municipal Code including the zoning map, as proposed in the attached documents, which constitute LCP IP amendments.
May 13, 2025 City Council 11
Public Hearings (continued)
24. Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Designation of the Northern Four Acres of 2394 Delaware Avenue From R-1-5 (Single Family Residence District) to E-A (Exclusive Agricultural District); Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Designation of the Southern Approximately 6.3 Acres of 2394 Delaware Avenue From R-1-5 (Single Family Residence District) to R-L (Multiple Residence – Low-Density District); Resolution to Amend the General Plan Land Use Designation of 2394 Delaware Avenue from L (Low Density Residential) to AG (Agriculture/Grazing) and LM (Low-Medium Density Residential) and for Related General Plan Text Amendments to the Description of the Agriculture/Grazing Land Use Designation and Land Use Action LU 1.1.4; and Resolution for Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendments to Certify the Northern Four Acres of 2394 Delaware Avenue Into the LCP, Including Assignment of the Coastal Appeal Zone Level of Permit Authority and Assignment of the Agriculture/Grazing Land Use Designation, and to Amend the Text of the Agriculture/Grazing Land Use Designation Description within the LCP Land Use Plan (LCLUP). Amendments to the Subject Site’s Zoning, Certification Into the LCP, and LCLUP Text Amendments Are Part of the LCP Implementation Plan and LCLUP and Require Approval by the California Coastal Commission Prior to Taking Effect Inside the Coastal Zone. (PL)
LOCATION: District 6
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution amending the general plan land use designation of the site and make related general plan text amendments; 2) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending the zoning designation of the northern four acres of the subject site; and 3) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending the zoning designation of the southern approximately 6.3 acres of the subject site.
May 13, 2025 City Council 12
Public Hearings (continued)
25. Leonard Street General Plan Land Use Map Amendment. CEQA: General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report. Applicant: City of Santa Cruz (PL) LOCATION: District 1
Motion to adopt a resolution recognizing the environmental determination and approving the proposed amendment to the General Plan Land Use Designations for 111-119 Leonard Street, changing the designation from Mixed-Use Visitor Commercial (MXVC) to Low-Medium Density Multifamily Residential (L-M), as directed by the City Council.
Adjournment
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MAY 13, 2025
26. Economic Development and Housing Department: Amendments to the License Agreement with Humble Sea Brewing - 3/18/25 (EDHFYI 002)
27. Library: Incident Report – Santa Cruz Public Library 3rd Quarter 2024– 2025 - 4/29/25 (LBFYI 021)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MAY 13, 2025
28. Proclaiming April 21–28, 2025 as “Dark Sky Week” and encouraging all citizens to join in observing this important week and adopting safe, sensible lighting practices that protect dark sky resources for the benefit of all.
29. Proclaiming May 4–10, 2025 as “Professional Municipal Clerks Week” in recognition of the exemplary dedication to public service and extending appreciation to our City Clerk Bonnie Bush, Deputy City Clerk Julia Wood, and Records Coordinator Brittany Inclan.
May 13, 2025 City Council 13
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS (continued)
30. Proclaiming the month of May 2025 as “Affordable Housing Month,” along with other local leaders in the greater San Francisco and Monterey Bay area regions.
31. Proclaiming the month of May 2025 as “Jewish Heritage Month” and encouraging staff, students, and community members to remember, celebrate, and educate future generations about Jewish Americans, the importance of their role, and to fight bigotry and antisemitism.
32. Proclaiming April 25, 2025 as “The 418 Project Transgender Celebration Day” and encouraging all residents to visit, engage, and partake in the enriching activities and community-building endeavors offered by The 418 Project on this day and throughout the year.
33. Proclaiming April 27, 2025 as “Senderos Vive Oaxaca Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in honoring Oaxacan and other Indigenous people in Santa Cruz for their culture and contributions to the community.
Advisory Body Appointments
The following positions are either currently vacant or the terms are due to expire. Council will make appointments at a future meeting.
Board of Building and Fire Appeals One opening – 4-year term, at-large nomination.
Children’s Fund Oversight
Committee
One opening – 1-year term, at-large
nomination
Commission for the Prevention of
Violence Against Women
One opening – 4-year term to be appointed by
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson
County Latino Affairs Commission One opening – 4-year term, at-large nomination.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing
District Public Financing Authority
Two openings – 4-year terms, at-large
nominations
Historic Preservation Commission Two openings – One 4-year term to be appointed by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson,
and one 2-year term to be appointed by
Mayor Keeley.
May 13, 2025 City Council 14
Public Hearing
If, in the future, you wish to challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the City at or before the hearing.
Any person seeking to challenge a City Council decision made as a result of a proceeding in which, by law, a hearing is required to be given, evidence is required to be taken, and the discretion in the determination of facts is vested in the City Council, shall be required to commence that action either 60 days or 90 days following the date on which the decision becomes final as provided in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6 Please refer to code of Civil Procedure 1094.6 to determine how to calculate when a decision becomes “final.” The 60-day rule applies to all public hearings conducted pursuant to the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Title 24, Santa Cruz Municipal Code. The 90-day rule applies to all other public hearings.