CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - May 27, 2025
12:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION, ZOOM/COURTYARD CONFERENCE ROOM 12:45 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, CONSENT PUBLIC HEARINGS,
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Correspondence to be included in the agenda packet must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 26th
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 25th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
May 27, 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
12:00 PM
Statements of Disqualification
Closed Session
1. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 1070 River Street
APN: 008-661-18
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Arts Council Santa Cruz County
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
May 27, 2025 City Council 3
City Council
12:45 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
2. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May 27 - June 1, 2025 as Santa Cruz Pride Week
3. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May, 2025, as Older Americans Month Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
4. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
Consent Agenda
5. Minutes of the May 13, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
May 27, 2025 City Council 4
Consent Agenda (continued)
6. Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women (CC) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson’s nomination of Andrea Ludwick to the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women.
7. Historic Preservation Commission (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Approve Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson's nomination of Greg Larson to the Historic Preservation Commission.
8. Children’s Fund Oversight Committee (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Approve the at-large appointment of Pamela Velasquez to the Children's Fund Oversight Committee.
9. Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessments for FY 2026 (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the FY 2025 Annual Report and FY 2026 Plan prepared by the Downtown Management Corporation;
2) Adopt the Resolution of Intention to levy a Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessment for FY 2026 and schedule a public hearing for June 10, 2025 on the levy of the assessments for FY 2026; and
3) Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to increase Kiosk Maintenance (Fund 123) expenditures by $16,500, offset by revenue collected in Kiosk Maintenance (Fund 123).
May 27, 2025 City Council 5
Consent Agenda
10. Downtown Association: Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2026 (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the annual report and work plan prepared by the Downtown Association for FY 2026; and
2) Adopt the Resolution of Intention to levy a Downtown Association Parking and Business Improvement Assessment for FY 2026 and schedule a public hearing for June 10, 2025 on the levy of the assessments for FY 2026.
11. Award a Contract to Gallagher Benefits Services, Inc. for 2024 Compensation Study (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to award a contract to Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. in the amount of $231,900 and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Human Resources Director is authorized to execute amendments within the approved budget.
12. Authorization to Exceed $100,000 for Legal Services (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or their designee, to execute agreements with Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP, in forms approved by the City Attorney, and approve payments exceeding $100,000 legal services for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
13. Authorization to Exceed $100,000 for Investigation Services with Oppenheimer Investigations Group, LLP, Related to Respectful Workplace, Harassment, and Discrimination Complaints (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or their designee, to execute agreements with Oppenheimer Investigations Group, LLP, in forms approved by the City Attorney, and approve payments exceeding $100,000 in the aggregate for third-party investigation services related to workplace harassment, discrimination, and respectful workplace complaints for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
May 27, 2025 City Council 6
Consent Agenda
14. Proposed Amendment to the Planning Commission Bylaws Regarding Meeting Start Time (PL)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to amend Article VIII – Meetings, Section 1. Time and Location of Meetings of the Planning Commission Bylaws to add the provision that the Chair of the Planning Commission may have the option to begin the meeting no earlier than 6:00 pm upon recommendation of the Planning and Community Development Department staff.
15. Contract for Septic System Replacement Services at Lower DeLaveaga Community Park. Environmental Determination: Categorical Exemption 15301(d), Existing Facilities (PR)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2025 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of $163,080 from existing Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program project balances to resource the repair of the Lower DeLaveaga Park septic system;
2) Award a contract for services to procure and install a new septic system at Lower DeLaveaga Park to Tom’s Septic Construction, a subsidiary of The Don Chapin Company, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $132,750; and
3) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this agenda report, including the application of the following categorical exemption: CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
16. Resolution for Grant Anticipation Notes to Fund Repairs to West Cliff Drive (PW/FN)
LOCATION: Districts 3 and 6
Motion to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $22,000,000 in grant anticipation notes to provide financing for the West Cliff Drive emergency repairs, and authorizing execution and delivery of related a note purchase agreement and related documents and actions.
May 27, 2025 City Council 7
Consent Agenda
17. Measure E Oversight Committee (PW)
Location: Citywide
Motion authorizing the Mayor to appoint three staff-recommended members to serve on the Measure E Oversight Committee: Water Commissioner Julianne Rhodes and Transportation and Public Works Commission Vice Chair Susan Gilchrist and Commissioner Scott Harriman.
18. West Cliff Drive 60-Inch Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) Headwall Repair (c402409) – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: District 6
Motion to accept the work of Access Limited Construction (Oceano, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the West Cliff 60-Inch RCP Headwall Repair (c402409) and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
19. Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) – FY 2026 Funding (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution approving the FY 2026 allocation of SB 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funds and authorize the City Manager to submit the project list to the California Transportation Commission.
May 27, 2025 City Council 8
Consent Agenda
20. Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for City of Santa Cruz Watershed Lands Forest Management Project – Newell Creek Tract Phase 1 (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Second Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for City of Santa Cruz Watershed Lands Forest Management Project – Newell Creek Tract Phase 1 with Auten Resource Consulting in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
2) Find the Agreement to be exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), allowing staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
End Consent Agenda
Consent Public Hearings
21. Establishment of Downtown Density Bonus Fees and Charges (PL) LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution creating the fees and charges for projects using the Downtown Density Bonus.
22. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of 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 (CA) LOCATION: Citywide
Adopt 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.
May 27, 2025 City Council 9
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
23. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-12 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); 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-13 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); 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 Ordinance 2025-12 amending the zoning designation of the northern four acres of the subject site;
2) Adopt Ordinance 2025-13 amending the zoning designation of the southern approximately 6.3 acres of the subject site;
3) Adopt a resolution to certify the northern four acres of the subject site into the Local Coastal Program (LCP), including assignment of an Agriculture/Grazing LCP land use designation and Coastal Appeal zone permitting authority and making associated amendments to the Local Coastal Land Use Plan text; and
4) Adopt a resolution directing the City Manager to submit to the California Coastal Commission the ordinance rezoning the northern four acres of the subject site and the resolution to certify the northern four acres of the subject site into the Local Coastal Program (LCP), including assignment of an Agriculture/Grazing LCP land use designation and Coastal Appeal zone permitting authority and making associated amendments to the Local Coastal Land Use Plan text.
May 27, 2025 City Council 10
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
24. Approval of 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan), 2025 Program Year (PY) Annual Action Plan (AAP), 2025 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan, Community Participation Plan Amendment, and Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Adjustment (EDH)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution for the City’s 2025-2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan (AAP) and 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan); amend the Citizen Participation Plan for the City’s Housing and Community Development Program; direct staff to submit the 2025-2026 AAP and 2025-2030 Con Plan, which includes the 2025 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) Plan, to HUD; authorize the City Manager to sign an application for federal funding assistance for the 2025-2026 program year; and authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute program/project contracts, loan and grant agreements and related loan documents with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) sub-recipients and contractors in connection with Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) activities proposed in the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and any subsequent revisions to the 2025-2026 AAP .
2) Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to reduce the total HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) award to the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing Project approved under Annual Action Plan (AAP) Program Year (PY) 2024 and make funds available for inclusion in AAP PY 2025.
3) Approve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination contained in this Agenda Report. The Council’s action are exempt from CEQA review under (1) Class 1 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15301) for existing facilities, and (2) Common Sense exemption (14 CCR 15061).
May 27, 2025 City Council 11
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
25. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-11 for the Downtown Plan Expansion Amending the Santa Cruz Municipal Code and Zoning Map and Direction to Submit Local Coastal Program and Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan Amendments to the California Coastal Commission for Review for Amendments to and an Extension of 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 Program, Beach/South of Laurel Plan, and Zoning Code and Map. Applicant: City of Santa Cruz. CEQA: Downtown Plan Expansion Environmental Impact Report (PL)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-11 deleting an obsolete zone district and making other conforming amendments, amending certain policies related to parking in the Downtown, and amending the Zoning Map which are parts of the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Program (IP); and
2) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit proposed amendments to the LCP Land Use Plan and to the LCP IP to the California Coastal Commission for final certification.
3) Direct staff to submit the above ordinance and resolution to the California Coastal Commission for certification, together with the other resolutions and amendments previously approved for the Downtown Plan Expansion.
General Business
26. Independent Police Auditor Report 2024 (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Receive the annual report from the City’s Independent Police Auditor, OIR Group.
May 27, 2025 City Council 12
Public Hearings
27. Public Posting of Vacant Funded Positions and Recruitment and Retention Efforts in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561) (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Receive the information report on the City of Santa Cruz Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts Pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3.
28. Heritage Tree Mitigation/Replanting In Lieu Fee and Tree Bond Update (PR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution updating street tree replacement in-lieu fees, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-30,071; and
2) Adopt a resolution updating mitigation measure requirements for the removal of a heritage tree or heritage shrub pursuant to Chapter
9.56. May 27, 2025 City Council 13
Public Hearings (continued)
29. Zoning Ordinance Amendments Related to Objective Design Standards for Multifamily Housing updates, Parking, Bicycle Parking and Facilities, State Density Bonus, Reasonable Accommodations for People with Disabilities, Licensed Community Care Facilities, LowBarrier Navigation Centers, and Historic Structures on Mission Street; a General Plan Land Use Chapter Text Amendment; and Amendments to Titles 10 and 15 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code Related to Standards for Driveways, Daylighting, Bicycle Parking, Electric Vehicle Charging, Loading, and Bicycle Facilities to Better Meet the City’s Policy Goals and Objectives and to Align with New State Laws (PL/PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Titles 10, 15 and 24 of the Municipal Code related to Parking, Bicycle Parking and Facilities, State Density Bonus, Licensed Community Care Facilities, and Low-Barrier Navigation Centers.;
2) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan (IP) and Title 24 of the Municipal Code related to Objective Design Standards for Multifamily Housing, Reasonable Accommodations for People with Disabilities, Licensed Community Care Facilities, Low-Barrier Navigation Centers, and Historic Structures on Mission Street;
3) Adopt a resolution amending the General Plan Land Use chapter text; and
4) Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are covered by the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the City’s General Plan and approved in June 2012 and find that the changes are also Exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
May 27, 2025 City Council 14
General Business
30. FY 2026 Proposed Budget (CM/FN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Conduct the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Hearings, receive information from staff for the City’s requested budget across all departments and the Capital Investment Program, and provide feedback for preparation of the FY 2026 Adopted Budget.
The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget can be found here:
https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/citydepartments/finance/city-budget/fiscal-year-2026-budget.
Any funding approved by the Council will not be implemented until the required meet and confer process is completed in accordance with City obligations under the MMBA and before any contract returns to City Council in open session.
Adjournment
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS None issued.
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA - MAY 27, 2025
31. Proclaiming Wednesday, May 14, 2025 as “Arbor Day at Bay View Elementary School” and encouraging all students, educators, and citizens to celebrate by planting trees, learning about our natural world, and taking action to protect our environment for today and in the future.
32. Proclaiming Sunday, May 18, 2025 as “Sempervirens Fund Day” and encouraging all citizens to honor this milestone by taking a moment to enjoy the magnificence of the redwood forest.
May 27, 2025 City Council 15
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS (continued)
33. Proclaiming May 18, 2025 as “Kuumbwa Jazz Day" and encouraging all residents to join in celebrating this remarkable institution and its invaluable contributions to jazz music in our community and recognizing and commending the enduring impact that it has had on our cultural vibrancy.
34. Proclaiming the week of May 18–24, 2025 as “National Public Works Week” and urging all citizens to join me and representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions that they make to protecting our national health and safety and advancing quality of life for all.
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.
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 One opening – 2-year term to be appointed by Mayor Keeley.
May 27, 2025 City Council 16
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.