CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - June 10, 2025
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson will be participating remotely at the below location:
224 Tremont Street
Boston MA
10:00 A.M. CLOSED SESSION
10:30 A.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, CONSENT PUBLIC HEARINGS, PUBLIC
HEARINGS, AND GENERAL BUSINESS
Council meetings are hybrid, and may be viewed remotely, using any of the following sources:
Click on Zoom link (no time delay): https://zoom.us/j/94684401344 Online at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-council/council-meetings Online at Watch – Community Television of Santa Cruz County Comcast Channel 25
Or: Call any of the numbers below. If one is busy, try the next one. 1-833-548-0276 (Toll Free)
1-833-548-0282 (Toll Free)
1-877-853-5247 (Toll Free)
1-669-900-9128
Enter the meeting ID number: 946 8440 1344
When prompted for a Participant ID, press #.
Press *9 on your phone to “raise your hand” when the Mayor calls for public comment. It will be your turn to speak when the Mayor calls on you. Press *6 to unmute yourself. The timer will then be set.
Correspondence to be included in the agenda packet must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, June 9th
June 10, 2025 City Council 2
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, June 8th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
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.
June 10, 2025 City Council 3
Closed Session
10:00 AM
Statements of Disqualification
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: Jeanne Simari
2) Claimant: CSAA Insurance Group
3) Claimant: William H. Hartley Jr.
4) Claimant: Mariela Menera Solorio
Claim against the City of Santa Cruz
June 10, 2025 City Council 4
City Council
10:30 AM
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
Presentation items 2 and 3 will be at or around 3:30 p.m.
2. Hans Christian Andersen Awards
3. Outgoing Biarritz Junior Guard Delegation
Presentation item 4 will be at or around 4:00 p.m.
4. CityServe Volunteer Awards
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
June 10, 2025 City Council 5
Council Meeting Calendar
5. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
Consent Agenda
6. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declaration in Connection with the December 2024 Municipal Wharf Emergency (CA/CM)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declaration in connection with the December 2024 Municipal Wharf emergency.
7. Minutes of the May 27, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
8. Minutes of the May 28, 2025 City Council Study Session (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
9. Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Public Finance Authority Appointments (CC/EDH)
LOCATION: Citywide
Appoint David Doolin and David Foster as at-large members to the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District Public Finance Authority with terms ending January 31, 2030.
June 10, 2025 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
10. Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Santa Cruz Police Department 2024 Joint Annual Report (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to receive the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Santa Cruz Police Department 2024 Joint Annual Report and provide direction as necessary.
11. Sustainability and Resiliency Committee Pilot (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve the City Manager’s recommendations for the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee pilot with terms ending in December 2026.
12. City Overlook Emergency Shelter Operations and Management Award Contract (CM)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to award a contract to People First of Santa Cruz County for the City Overlook emergency shelter operations and management in the amount of $4,292,879, and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney pending adoption of the FY 2026 approved budget. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
13. Long-Term Safe Parking Operations and Management Award Contract (CM)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to award a contract to People First of Santa Cruz County for the Long-Term Safe Parking Program operations and management in the amount of $489,732 and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney pending adoption of the FY 2026 approved budget. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
June 10, 2025 City Council 7
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Emergency Shelter Transportation Program Operations and Management Award Contract (CM)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to award a contract to Community Bridges/Lift Line, Santa Cruz, CA for transportation operations for the Emergency Shelter Program in the amount of $437,994 and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney pending adoption of the FY 2026 approved budget. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to execute change orders.
15. Offshore Drilling Resolution and Letter of Opposition (CN) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution confirming the City’s commitment to prohibiting offshore drilling in our marine sanctuary; and
2) Direct the Mayor to send a letter opposing the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program.
16. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) Jeanne Simari, 2) CSAA Insurance Group, 3) William H. Hartley Jr., and 4) deny application by Mariela Menera Solorio for leave to present a late claim, based on staff recommendation.
17. General Obligation Refunding Bonds - Tax Rate Authorization (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution setting the tax rate for FY 2026 with respect to the City’s General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
June 10, 2025 City Council 8
Consent Agenda (continued)
18. Civic Auditorium – Handrail Project (c302422) – CEQA Exemption (14 CCR 15061 (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Handrail Project (c302422);
2) Authorize the issuance of an invitation for bid (IFB) for the project and award of 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 3) Approve of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination contained in this agenda report, including the application of: (1) Class 1 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15301) for existing facilities, and (2) Common Sense Exemption (14 CCR 15061).
19. Award Contract for 800 W Cliff Drive Road Realignment Design Phase (c402515) (PW)
Location: Districts 3 and 6
Motion to award a contract to MME Civil & Structural Engineering (Santa Cruz, CA) for 800 W Cliff Drive Road Realignment Design Phase in the amount of $643,272 and reject all other proposals and authorize 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.
20. Contract Renewal with Hope Services, Inc. for the Resource Recovery Facility (PW)
LOCATION: District 6
Motion to authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hope Services, Inc. (Santa Cruz, CA) for recycling and litter control services at the City’s Resource Recovery Facility on Dimeo Lane.
June 10, 2025 City Council 9
Consent Agenda (continued)
21. Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects (c402306, c402307, c402308) – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: Districts 4 and 5
Motion to accept the work of SitelogiQ, Inc (Sacramento, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the following projects and authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owners Authorized Agent:
1) Soquel Front Garage Solar (c402306);
2) Harvey West Park Ball Field Solar (c402307); and
3) Civic Auditorium Roof, Solar and BAS (c402308)
22. Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market Street Closures (PW/EDH) LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution establishing no-parking/tow away zones to support the Santa Cruz Farmers' Market.
23. Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Stormwater Treatment System – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: District 6
Motion to accept the work of Tidal Vision Products, Inc. (Rodeo, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the MRF Stormwater Treatment System (c402111) and authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
June 10, 2025 City Council 10
Consent Agenda (continued)
24. Neary Lagoon Tule and Sediment Removal Project (m409668) – Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise for Bids and Award Contract (PW)
LOCATION: District 3
Motion to:
1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Neary Lagoon Tule and Sediment Removal Project (m409668) and authorize staff to advertise for bids and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract as authorized by Resolution No.
NS-27,563. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
2) Exempt the project from Municipal Code section 3.10 - local hire requirements.
25. Award Contract to Clean Lakes, Inc. for Cyanobacteria Management (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to award a contract to Clean Lakes, Inc. (Martinez, CA) for cyanobacteria management services in an amount not to exceed $700,000.
June 10, 2025 City Council 11
Consent Agenda (continued)
26. Fisheries Monitoring and Non-Flow Conservation Fund Year 1 Project – Award Contracts (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to:
1) Award a contract to Environmental Science Associates (San Jose, CA) for Juvenile Salmonid Monitoring Services in the amount of $168,267.00 and reject all other proposals; authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney; and authorize the Water Director to execute contract amendments within the approved budget;
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District for San Vicente Creek Instream and Riparian Restoration Project: Phase 1, not to exceed $503,898.72; authorize the Risk Manager to modify the insurance requirements of the agreement; and authorize the Water Director to execute future contract amendments within the approved project budget; and
3) Approve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination contained in this agenda report, including the determination that the action to award a contract to Environmental Science Associates is exempt from CEQA review under CEQA Guidelines 15306 (information collection).
End Consent Agenda
June 10, 2025 City Council 12
Consent Public Hearings
27. Downtown Association: Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2026 (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution confirming the Parking and Business Improvement Area FY 2026 Plan prepared by the Downtown Association and levying the Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2026.
28. Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessments for FY 2026 (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution confirming the Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Annual Plan FY 2026 and levying Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessments for FY 2026.
June 10, 2025 City Council 13
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
29. Second Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinances 2025-14 and 2025-15 Amending the Title 24 Zoning Ordinance 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; and 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. The Amendments to the Objective Design Standards in Title 24 are Part of the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan (IP) and Require Approval by the California Coastal Commission Prior to Taking Effect Inside the Coastal Zone. (PL/ PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt Ordinance 2025-14 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) Adopt Ordinance 2025-15 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 authorizing the City Manager to submit the proposed amendments within Ordinance No. 2025-15 that are part of the Local Coastal Program as Local Coastal Implementation Plan amendments to the California Coastal Commission for final certification; 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).
June 10, 2025 City Council 14
Public Hearings
30. User Charges for Wastewater Services – Proposed Five-Year Increase (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution adopting the revised wastewater user charges and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,520.
31. User Charges for Wastewater Services – Proposed Sewer Connection Fees (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution adopting the revised sewer connection fees, adding the updated sewer connection fees to the City-Wide Fee Schedule, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,801.
June 10, 2025 City Council 15
General Business
32. First Reading of An Ordinance Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 6.07 to Prohibit the Sale of Filtered Tobacco Products (CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Chapter 6.07 “Tobacco Retailer Licenses” of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code to prohibit the sale of filtered tobacco products;
2) Direct staff to collaborate with the County of Santa Cruz and local stakeholders to develop and implement educational outreach for affected retailers, assisting them in the transition away from selling filtered tobacco products;
3) Affirm the City’s commitment to support staff efforts in collaborating with the County of Santa Cruz and local stakeholders to enhance public education efforts; and
4) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this agenda report and direct staff to file a CEQA Notice of Exemption. This action is not a “project” under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections:
15378(b)(2) (“general policy and procedure making”) and 15378(b)(5) (“organizational and administrative activities” that do not result in physical changes to the environment). And, even if it were considered a CEQA “project”, this action is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section: 15307 (action “to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource”); 15308 (action “to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment”); and 16061(b)(3) (common sense exemption).
June 10, 2025 City Council 16
General Business (continued)
33. Designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City of Santa Cruz’s Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs) as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE) pursuant to Government Code Section 51178 (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
(1) Introduce for publication an ordinance adding Chapter 19.20 to the Santa Cruz Municipal Code to designate Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the City of Santa Cruz’s Local Responsibility Area (LRA) as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE) pursuant to Government Code Section 51178; and (2) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this agenda report, including the application of the following exemptions, to the extent that the Council action is deemed a CEQA “project”: CEQA Guidelines § 15387(b)(2) and § 15387(b)(5) – (“general policy and procedure making” and/or “organizational or administrative activities”); CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) (commons sense exemption); and CEQA Guidelines § 15306 (data collection).
June 10, 2025 City Council 17
General Business (continued)
34. Economic Development Strategy Update and Recommendations:
Vibrancy Ordinance, Permit Streamlining, and Fee Updates (EDH/PL) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution to a) remove specified Planning and Building fees for the first twenty (20) qualifying new commercial businesses citywide, b) establish fees and charges associated with the Council’s May 13, 2025 Municipal Code Chapter 5.84 “Vibrancy Ordinance,” and c) direct staff to update the Master Fee Schedule and the Planning and Community Development Fee Schedule and take related implementing actions;
2) Direct staff to proceed with amendments to the Municipal Code Chapter 24.04.160 to extend the life of active commercial permits from calendar year 2019 through January 1, 2030;
3) Direct staff to proceed with amendments to the Downtown Plan and the Zoning Code to lower the permitting thresholds and remove use permit requirements for certain desired ground floor uses to streamline the permit process and reduce permit costs for new businesses citywide;
4) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 25 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of $50,000 from the Economic Development Trust Fund for implementation of Downtown activation events over the next 12 months; and
5) Approve the CEQA determination in this agenda report, including application of the following exemptions if the Council action is deemed a CEQA “project”: CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (existing facility), 15306 (data collection), and Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption).
June 10, 2025 City Council 18
35. Budget Adoption
35.1 Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget Adoption (FN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution adopting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget, including the Capital Investment Program (CIP), effective July 1, 2025; authorize the City Manager to allocate within the applicable funds the FY 2026 Schedule of Budget Changes to the appropriate accounting classification; approve related and applicable transfers in/out between funds; and authorize the Finance Director to create additional appropriations to provide for commitments carried over from the prior fiscal year, including contract and purchase order encumbrances and unexpended project balances, so long as there is a sufficient fund balance to finance these commitments;
2) Approve the CIP project exclusions from the Public Art transfer calculation for FY 2026;
3) Accept the Water Commission’s recommendations regarding the Water Department’s FY 2026 Operating and Capital Investment Program (CIP); and
4) Approve the CEQA determination in this agenda report including the application of the following exemptions, in the event that this action is considered a CEQA “project”: CEQA Guidelines Section 15387(b)(2) and 15387(b)(5) [“general policy and procedure making” and
“organizational and administrative activities”; and CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) [common sense exemption].
35.2 Resolution Amending the City of Santa Cruz Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans for Various Departments (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the City of Santa Cruz Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans for - City Manager’s Office, Economic Development and Housing, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Library, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, and Water.
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.
June 10, 2025 City Council 19
Adjournment
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS None issued.
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – JUNE 10, 2025
36. Proclaiming the month of May 2025 as “Older Americans Month” and urging all residents to celebrate the countless contributions of our older community members, to reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive society, to stand against ageism, to embrace the many opportunities that come with aging, and to commit to making Santa Cruz a more age-friendly city for all.
37. Proclaiming May 27–June 1, 2025 as “Santa Cruz Pride Week” in celebration of its 50th Anniversary in the City of Santa Cruz and encouraging all citizens to join in this observance.
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 – at-large nomination.
County Latino Affairs Commission One opening - at-large nomination.
Historic Preservation Commission One opening – appointed by Mayor Keeley.
Parks and Recreation Commission One opening - appointed by Councilmember Newsome
June 10, 2025 City Council 20
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.