Approved at the May 27, 2025 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 13, 2025
2:00 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 2:05 p.m. in a public meeting via Zoom and in Council Chambers, for the purpose of announcing the agenda, and receiving public testimony.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, City Attorney T. Condotti, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 2:05 p.m. The following people spoke:
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 1.4.
Kevin Cummings spoke regarding item 3.
John Dougherty spoke regarding item 3.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 2:14 p.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7907
Closed Session
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
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 10, and no reportable action was taken.
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. BarreraChavez Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
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))
GVC St. George, LLC v. City of Santa Cruz
(United States District Court Case No.CV-07695-BLF)
Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7908
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 13, 2025
2:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:46 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson, Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Finance E. Cabell (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T.
Elliot (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Mayor Keeley reordered the agenda to hear item 5 first, followed by Oral Communications and item 4.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
Oral Communications
At 2:53 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 Three Princes of Surf Point and summarized some stories he is including in the book he is writing.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the Downtown Library Housing Project.
James Ewing-Whitman spoke regarding the City of Capitola, and the Republican form of government.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7909
Oral Communications (continued)
Lee Brokaw spoke regarding the wharf contractor, the soda tax lawsuit, utility increases, and stated he shops outside of town since there is traffic on Laurel Street.
Kevin Norton spoke regarding his concerns regarding mental health in the area and stated investing in public infrastructure could help.
Unidentified person spoke regarding maintaining a standard of living.
At 3:07 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentations
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May, 2025, as Jewish Heritage Month Councilmember Golder read from a proclamation declaring May, 2025 as Jewish Heritage Month. Rosalind Shorenstein with Temple Beth El spoke.
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May 18—24, 2025, as Public Works Week Councilmember O’Hara read from a proclamation declaring May 18—24, 2025 as Public Works Week. Director of Public Works N. Nguyen spoke.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced she will be recusing herself from items 23, 24 and 25 in an abundance of caution as they relate to her employer. Councilmember Brunner later recused herself from item 20 for the same reason.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 7907 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
6. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7910
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Golder made a comment on item 9.
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 12, 14, and 15.
Councilmember Brunner made a comment on item 15.
Councilmember Trigueiro made a comment on item 11 and pulled item 9 for further discussion.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 8.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to approve the remaining Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
7. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declarations in Connection with the 2022/2023 Winter Storms and 2023/2024 Winter Storms (CA/CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,479 was adopted 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 carried to approve as submitted.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7911
Consent Agenda (continued)
9. Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments FY23-24 Annual Report and Award (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
MOTION: Councilmember Trigueiro moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to:
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; 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; Establish an ad hoc committee comprised of Councilmembers O’Hara and Trigueiro and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson to explore the City’s future role in the CORE program, including development of options for an independent City community funding program for Council consideration; and Direct the ad hoc committee to collaborate with the Board of Supervisors’ subcommittee, currently composed of Supervisors Cummings and De Serpa, to ensure alignment and coordination across jurisdictions.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
10. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried 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 MINUTES 7912
Consent Agenda (continued)
11. DeLaveaga Golf Course – Range Net and Chain Link Replacement (c302213) (PR) LOCATION: District 1
Motion carried to:
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
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 carried to:
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;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,480 to amend the FY 2025 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of $70,000 from the Liability Fund to complete construction;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,481 to approve the plans and specifications for the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project; and
Find the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301 (Class 1 categorical exemption for existing facilities).
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7913
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Flyers Energy LLC - Authorization to Approve Change Order to Purchase Order (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried 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
Resolution No. NS-30,482 was adopted 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 carried to:
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
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 MINUTES 7914
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Ratify Purchase of Two Pump Drives for the Felton Booster Pump Station (WT) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
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
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
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
Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson spoke and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-10 rescinding Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 21.07.020 pursuant to a settlement agreement that protects tenants at the St. George Apartments.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7915
General Business (continued)
18. Community Risk Assessment, Standards of Cover, and Deployment Analysis Report (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Chief of Fire R. Oatey introduced the item and responded to Council questions.
David Rocha, Consultant with AP Triton, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Becky Steinbruner
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Trigueiro moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to:
Adopt the Community Risk Assessment, Standards of Cover, and Deployment Analysis report as the Fire Department’s service review study; and Direct staff to utilize the findings and recommendations from this study to inform and guide future policy decisions, operational improvements, and resource allocations.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
At this time, Council heard item 22.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7916
Consent Public Hearings
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
Kevin Norton spoke regarding item 20.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to approve the Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro (with the exception of item 19), Brunner (with the exception of item 20), Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember Trigueiro (item 19).
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (item 20).
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
Motion carried to 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
Motion carried to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-08 adding Chapter 5.84, “Vibrancy Ordinance”, to the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7917
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
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
Motion carried to 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
22. State of Child & Youth Well-Being Report 2024/2025
LOCATION: Citywide
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson introduced the item.
Nicole Young, Owner/Principal Consultant with Optimal Solutions Consulting, gave a presentation.
Youth Liaisons Sammy Lambert, Scarlett Folger, Ben Sommerville, and Alan Lee spoke.
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Garrett
Kevin Norton
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to accept the State of Child & Youth Well-Being report for 2025.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Recess - The City Council recessed at 4:56 p.m. until the 7:00 p.m. session.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7918
City Council
7:00 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Brunner (disqualified from participating and acting on items 23 – 25)
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Senior Planner C. Stanger, Senior Planner S. Neuse, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Mayor Keeley reordered the agenda to hear item 24 first, followed by items 23 and
25. 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
Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler introduced the item.
Senior Planner S. Neuse and Bill Wiseman, Planning Practice Leader with Kimley-Horne, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Chris Murphy
Keresha Durham
Frank Barron
Kris Monroe
Kathy Haber
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7919
Public Hearings (continued)
23. Downtown Plan Expansion (PL) LOCATION: District 4 (continued) Public Comment (continued):
Kyle Kelley
Gary Reece
Jake Martinez
Michelle Bassi
Angela Chestnut
Bryan Shields
Hector Marin
Gillian Greensite
Rob Oliveros
Unidentified person
Joe Quigg
Unidentified person
Kristen Brown
Ron Pomerantz
Gary Patton
Becky Steinbruner
Robynne Blume
John Dougherty
Theo Kell
Jocelyn Wolf
Laurel Bard
Gavin Roth
Nyanko Nyasu
Riley
Unidentified person
Lainey
Emily Christensen
Laurie Eagan
Elise Casby
Lawrence Wilson
Zack Davis
Brian Windsor
Elaine Johnson
Ellen Adams
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Anita Hertel
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7920
Public Hearings (continued)
23. Downtown Plan Expansion (PL) LOCATION: District 4 (continued) MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
1) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,483 certifying the Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR);
2) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,484 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 Resolution No. NS-30,485 amending the 2030 General Plan and General Plan Land Use Map;
4) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,486 amending the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan and the LCP Land Use Map;
5) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,487 amending the Downtown Plan, which constitute LCP Implementation Plan (IP) amendments, with the following amendments to Chapter 4, Section K of the Downtown Plan; 14.a.i Option A: Bonus Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
Up to 75% additional FAR on top of the base FAR, and up to an additional 75% in height not to exceed 145 85 feet. Projects may choose to use some or all of any bonus for which they qualify.
14.a.ii Option B: Unlimited Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
For development proposals that limit height to the height limits of the Downtown Plan (50, 70, 85 feet), excluding noted the exceptions to the height limits as consistent with the Downtown Plan in Chapter 4, Subsections J.1, J.3, J.6, J.16, or K.8 or SCMC Section 24.12.150 – Height Limit Modifications, elimination of the maximum FAR standard.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7921
Public Hearings (continued)
23. Downtown Plan Expansion (PL) LOCATION: District 4 (continued) MOTION (continued):
14.i.i.1:
Special attention shall be paid to the structure to address issues such as massing, building shadows, transition to lower intensity uses, and skyline views from a distance. The upper-level tapering standards in Section K.5 above or similar approaches can be used as guidelines to address these issues. The Architectural Review Committee shall review proposals and provide recommendations as it relates to these objectives.
14.i.i.2:
The tallest portion of the structures, measured to the top plate, shall be no more than 12 8 stories and 145 85 feet tall. Rooftop structures may exceed this height limit in accordance with the allowances established in SCMC Section 24.12.150 and in the Downtown Plan Chapter 4.
14.i.i.3:
Based upon a request by the developer and a recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council may approve greater heights or stories in order to achieve superior building design, such as improved skyline aesthetics, enhanced rooftop access, improved solar access, or other similar features, as demonstrated at a public hearing and when approved by a majority of City Council. Structures using this discretionary provision to exceed the 85’ height limit, unless otherwise expressly allowed in the Downtown Plan Chapter 4, Subsections J.1, J.3, J.6, J.16, or K.8 or in Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 24.12.150, shall not allow for an additional story, shall be limited to architectural features that provide for improved skyline aesthetics, and shall comprise no more than 20% of the site area.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7922
Public Hearings (continued)
23. Downtown Plan Expansion (PL) LOCATION: District 4 (continued) MOTION (continued):
14.i.ii For sites utilizing Option B
14.i.ii.2: Based upon a request by the developer and a recommendation from the Planning Commission, the City Council may approve greater heights or stories in order to achieve superior building design, particularly in terms of such as improved skyline aesthetics, enhanced rooftop access, improved solar access, or other similar features, as demonstrated at a public hearing and approved by a majority of City Council. Structures using this discretionary provision to exceed the 85’ height limit, unless otherwise expressly allowed in the Downtown Plan Chapter 4, Subsections J.1, J.3, J.6, J.16, or K.8 or in Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 24.12.150, shall not allow for an additional story, shall be limited to architectural features that provide for improved skyline aesthetics, and shall comprise no more than 20% of the site area.
Approve the recommendations for Downtown Density Bonus options for onsite, off-site, land dedication, and in-lieu fee alternatives for the provision of affordable units with the following revisions to the in-lieu fee option and add Section 14.h.ii.2:
In-lieu fees must be applied to preservation or development of at least as many affordable bedrooms as required by the market rate development and must be committed to projects that will preserve affordable housing or that will receive entitlement within five years of building permit issuance for the market rate project. The Council may extend the expenditure timeline at a formal Council meeting if extenuating circumstances exist.
6) Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,488 amending the Beach/South of Laurel Comprehensive Area Plan, which constitute LCP IP amendments; and 7) Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-11 amending the Municipal Code including the zoning map, as proposed in the attached documents, which constitute LCP IP amendments.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7923
Public Hearings (continued)
23. Downtown Plan Expansion (PL) LOCATION: District 4 (continued) FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember O’Hara requested to add to the motion:
Direct staff to return to Council no later than November with:
1) A proposal to evaluate an expansion of the Downtown Density Bonus citywide, including leveraging the Architectural Review Committee outside of the Downtown Plan Expansion area; and
2) A proposal to develop an objective design standards toolkit to ensure our standards are readily accessible by developers and members of the public and can be updated on a regular basis to respond to evolving community perspectives on design values.
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: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7924
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
Senior Planner C. Stanger gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Doug Engfer
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,489 amending the general plan land use designation of the site and make related general plan text amendments; Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-12 amending the zoning designation of the northern four acres of the subject site; and Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-13 amending the zoning designation of the southern approximately 6.3 acres of the subject site.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7925
Public Hearings (continued)
24. Ordinances to Amend the Zoning Designation of 2394 Delaware Avenue (PL) LOCATION: District 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: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner.
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
Senior Planner S. Neuse gave a presentation.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Emma
Kate Achiles
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Trigueiro moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,490 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.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner.
Adjournment – Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
May 13, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 7926
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.