CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - August 12, 2025
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
1:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
2:45 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, AND PUBLIC HEARING 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING
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Correspondence to be included in the agenda packet must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 11th
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, August 10th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
August 12, 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
1:30 PM
Statements of Disqualification
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: Braden Coolidge
2) Claimant: Frank Iadiano
3) Claimant: William Scott Buerger
4) Claimant: Alexander R. Reyes
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
August 12, 2025 City Council 3
Closed Session (continued)
2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 1016 Cedar Street
APN: 005-042-36
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Joshua Bradley and Amanda Frazier (DBA Switch Bakery)
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
3. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Mid Managers, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
City Negotiator - Sara De Leon
August 12, 2025 City Council 4
City Council
2:45 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
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 2025 as Breastfeeding Awareness Month
5. Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center
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.
August 12, 2025 City Council 5
Consent Agenda
7. 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.
8. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declarations in Connection with the 2022/2023 Winter Storms and 2023/2024 Winter Storms (CA) 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.
9. Minutes of the June 24, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
10. Minutes of the August 4, 2025 City Council Special Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
11. Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember Newsome’s nomination of Melissa Begin to the Parks and Recreation Commission, with a term ending January 31, 2027.
12. Award Contract to Encompass Community Services for Downtown Outreach Worker (DOW) Program (CM)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to award a contract to Encompass Community Services for the Downtown Outreach Worker (DOW) Program in the amount of $175,928.00 and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
August 12, 2025 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Endorsement of the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Coalition (CM) LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6
Motion to approve endorsement of the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition, as described in the attached Charter and supporting materials, and to authorize the Mayor, or designee, to execute the endorsement on behalf of the City of Santa Cruz.
14. Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Impacted by the Murray Street Bridge Project (CN)
LOCATION: District 2, Citywide
Motion to direct staff to take the following actions immediately:
1) Work with the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to explore the feasibility of utilizing the Harbor Rail Bridge on a temporary basis for a pedestrian and cyclist pathway and return within the next two Council meetings for further direction; 2) Explore free or reduced-cost parking in the Seabright area to support local businesses impacted by the construction;
3) Design and install new signage in prominent locations announcing to the community and visitors that Seabright and Harbor businesses are open during construction;
4) Implement a series of city-wide marketing efforts and promotional events that extend and expand on initial outreach and business support efforts in the area; and
5) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this agenda report, including the application of categorical exemptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (existing facilities) and Section 15304 (minor alterations to land), which relate to the Council direction regarding signage installation.
August 12, 2025 City Council 7
Consent Agenda (continued)
15. Approval of Coastal Development Permit Deed Restrictions for 302, 326, and 328 Front Street for The Cruz Hotel Project (EDH) LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute and record deed restrictions for City-owned real property at 302, 326, and 328 Front Street (APNs 005-151-034, -35, and -48) as conditioned by the Coastal Development Permit requirements for The Cruz Hotel Project (A-3-STC24-0016); and 2) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this Agenda Report.
The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA under Section 15321 - Enforcement Actions by Regulatory Agencies.
16. Lease Agreement with Frazley Adventures, LLC dba Switch Bakery for City-owned Commercial Space at 1016 Cedar Street (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Lease Agreement with Frazley Adventures, LLC, and any documents, amendments or extensions of a non-substantive nature, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the commercial cafe space located at 1016 Cedar Street;
2) Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to budget revenue in the amount of $13,800 in the Parking Fund (Fund 741); and 3) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this Agenda Report, including the application of the following exemptions in the event that this Council action is deemed a CEQA “project”: 14 CCR 15301 (exemption for existing facilities) and 14 CCR 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption).
August 12, 2025 City Council 8
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Approve Purchase of Pierce Enforcer Pumper Fire Engine and Lease Agreement with PNC Equipment Finance (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Award a contract for the purchase of a Pierce Enforcer Pumper Fire Engine (Apparatus) to Golden State Fire Apparatus in the amount of $1,081,832.19; and
2) Adopt a resolution approving a lease agreement between the City and PNC Equipment Finance to prepay for the purchase and to finance the Apparatus with a 4.18% interest rate over five (5) years for a total cost of $1,221,194.80; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement and related documents in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
18. Resolution Amending the FY26 Budget to Appropriate Funds into a Project for the UCSC Fire Station Remodel (FD)
Location: District 5
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY26 budget by appropriating $98,846.59 received from the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) into the Fire Department’s facilities improvement project to support the remodel at the UCSC Fire Station; and
2) Approve the CEQA determination contained in this agenda report, including the application of the following exemptions in the event that the proposed remodel project is deemed a CEQA “project”: 14 CCR §15301 (Existing Facilities); 14 CCR §15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction); and 14 CCR §15061(b)(3)(Common Sense Exemption).
August 12, 2025 City Council 9
Consent Agenda (continued)
19. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) Braden Coolidge, 2) Frank Iadiano, and 3) William Scott Buerger, and to return as late claim of 4) Alexander R. Reyes, based on staff recommendation.
20. Santa Cruz Wharf Ad Hoc Subcommittee Final Report and Recommendations (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Direct staff to complete the City’s Extreme Weather Protocol, engage regional partners, and provide training to City staff on procedures; and develop a draft policy regarding Wharf business support following closures;
2) Direct staff to develop a comprehensive accounting methodology for Wharf and beach area expenditures and revenues in line with State reporting requirements and City budgeting and strategic planning; and 3) Direct staff to develop a Wharf business and operations plan that a) prioritizes operational efficiencies and cost reductions; b) enhances revenues; c) establishes clear strategies for investment in the Wharf structure and buildings; d) maintain market lease rates for businesses; and e) establishes clear roles and responsibilities for City staff related to Wharf operations and maintenance.
August 12, 2025 City Council 10
Consent Agenda (continued)
21. Santa Cruz Wharf Repairs and Recovery (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair Project (c302612); 2) Authorize staff to advertise for bids and award the contract for the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair Project. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement 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;
3) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf Bent 103-104 Repair Project (c302613) and authorizing the City, via an emergency procurement, to execute contracts without formal bids for construction. The resolution further:
authorizes staff to award the contract to Power Engineering Construction Company, authorizes and directs the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, and authorizes the Director of Parks and Recreation to execute change orders within the approved budget;
4) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate $1,000,000 of funds into the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair Project (c302612);
5) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate $500,000 of funds into the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf Bent 103-104 Repair Project (c302613); and
6) Adopt the CEQA determination included in this agenda report finding both projects exempt under the following statutory and categorical exemptions: Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(2) - emergency repairs to public service facilities necessary to maintain service; CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction); and Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
August 12, 2025 City Council 11
Consent Agenda (continued)
22. Placement of a Memorial Marker in Honor of Umpire Jay Luich at DeLaveaga Park (PR)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to approve the installation of a memorial marker to be located at lower DeLaveaga Park in honor of Jay Luich, a longtime recreation sports referee and umpire.
23. Dissolution of Sister City Status with Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela (PR) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution to 1) officially dissolve the formal sister city relationship between Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela and Santa Cruz, California; 2) rescind Resolution No. NS-8246 that authorized the original relationship; and 3) designate the relationship with Puerto La Cruz as “Emeritus.”
24. Purchase of Three Refuse Trucks (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to authorize the purchase of one CNG Side loader vehicle and one Roll-off vehicle from TEC of California (Oakland, CA) in the amount of $885,000.00, and purchase one Split Rear Loader vehicle from Dobbs Peterbilt (Sacramento, CA) in the amount of $625,000.00
25. Bethany Culvert Storm Damage Repair – Notice of Completion (c402407) (PW)
LOCATION: Districts 3 and 6
Motion to accept the work of Granite Construction (Watsonville, CA) as completed and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the Bethany Culvert Storm Damage Repair (c402407), authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
August 12, 2025 City Council 12
Consent Agenda (continued)
26. Traffic Calming Pilot Program (c402404): Award Contract (PW) LOCATION: Districts 1, 2, and 6
Motion to:
1) Award a contract to WGJ Enterprises, Inc. (Azusa, CA) in the amount of $176,646.80 for the Traffic Calming Pilot Program project. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
2) Acknowledge the project is exempt from CEQA under Section 15301(c), Existing Facilities.
27. 800 West Cliff Drive Temporary Erosion Control and Path Reopening (c402515) – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: Districts 3 and 6
Motion to:
1) Ratify contract for emergency response and stabilization measures in the amount of $107,678 with Granite Construction (Watsonville, CA); and
2) Accept the work of Granite Construction as completed and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the 800 West Cliff Drive Temporary Erosion Control and Path Reopening (c402515) and authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
28. Award Contract for Wastewater Treatment Facility Biosolids End-Use Services (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to award a three-year contract for Wastewater Treatment Facility biosolids end-use services from Synagro WWT Inc. (Baltimore, MD) in the amount of $895,000 for the first year of the agreement, 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 budget.
August 12, 2025 City Council 13
Consent Agenda (continued)
29. Ratify Purchase Orders with Core & Main LP, Ferguson Enterprises LLC, Iconix Waterworks, Underground Republic, and Pace Supply for Water Distribution Parts and Materials (WT)
LOCATION: None
Motion to ratify Fiscal Year 2026 purchase orders exceeding the formal bid limit for Core & Main LP (St Louis, MO), Ferguson Enterprises LLC (Newport News, VA), Underground Republic Waterworks (San Jose, CA), Iconix Waterworks Inc. (Snohomish, WA), and Pace Supply (Santa Clara, CA) for Water Distribution waterworks materials as needed, and authorize the Purchasing Manager to approve future purchase orders and change orders through Fiscal Year 2030.
End Consent Agenda
Public Hearing
30. Heritage Tree Mitigation/Replanting In Lieu Fee and Tree Bond Update (PR)
LOCATION: Citywide
This item is continued to a future meeting, with the date to be determined. It will not be discussed on August 12th.
Recess - The City Council will recess to the 5:00 p.m. session.
August 12, 2025 City Council 14
City Council
5:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Public Hearing
31. 2020 N. Pacific Avenue, 113-115 Knight Street: (CP24-0124) (APNs 006- 364-01, -02) – Appeal of the Decision of the Planning Commission to Approve the Nonresidential Demolition Authorization Permit, Design Permit, Density Bonus Request, Administrative Use Permit, Lot-Line Adjustment, and Heritage Tree Removal Permit to Allow Demolition of the Existing Structures and Construction of an Eight-Story, Approximately 169,791 Square-Foot Mixed-Use Project Including 178 Residential Units, Approximately 2,727 Square Feet of Commercial/ Residential Amenity Space, and 100 Parking Spaces on a Site Located in the CBD/FP-O (Central Business District/Floodplain Overlay) Zone District and Within the North Pacific Subarea of the Downtown Plan. (Owner: Clocktower Center LLC; Applicant: Workbench) (Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption) (PL) LOCATION: District 5 Motion to adopt a resolution to deny the appeals of Clay Toombs and Gillian Greensite and uphold the Planning Commission’s
acknowledgement of the environmental determination and approve the Nonresidential Demolition Authorization Permit, Design Permit, Density Bonus Request, Administrative Use Permit, Lot-Line Adjustment, and Heritage Tree Removal Permit, based on the Findings with Conditions of Approval listed in the draft resolution attached as Exhibit “A.” (Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption, CEQA Section 15332) Adjournment
August 12, 2025 City Council 15
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – August 12, 2025
32. City Manager: Quarterly Grant Report – Fiscal Year 2025 as of March 31, 2025 - 6/18/25 (CMFYI 271)
33. Economic Development and Housing Department: Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Wi-Fi Project - 7/28/25 (EDHFYI 003)
34. Library: Incident Report – Santa Cruz Public Library 4th Quarter 2024– 2025 - 7/29/25 (LBFYI 022)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – AUGUST 12, 2025
35. Proclaiming June 15, 2025 as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” and the month of June 2025 as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month” and encouraging all citizens to join in this observance and in helping prevent elder abuse and supporting the well-being of all older adults in the City.
36. Proclaiming June 26, 2025 as “Torch Run Day” and encouraging all citizens to join with participating law enforcement personnel in support of Special Olympics Northern California.
37. Proclaiming June 27, 2025 as “Santa Cruz Rotary Club President Jill Stone Day” and encouraging all citizens to celebrate her service to the community and the Santa Cruz Rotary Club’s tradition of doing so with fun and fellowship.
38. Proclaiming July 2025 as “Parks and Recreation Month” and encouraging all residents to take time to enjoy, celebrate, and support our parks, public spaces, and the people who care for them.
August 12, 2025 City Council 16
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS (continued)
39. Proclaiming May 28, 2025 as “Shane Klein Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in extending deep appreciation and gratitude to him for his unwavering dedication, exceptional service, and significant contributions to maintaining the cleanliness and well-being of our downtown community and wishing him and his family all the best.
40. Proclaiming July 23, 2025 as “Wallace J. Nichols Day” and “World Blue Mind Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in expressing heartfelt appreciation for his numerous contributions and to carry forward his vision and passion—ensuring that his blue legacy flows onward, ripple by ripple, across the waters he so deeply loved.
41. Proclaiming July 11, 2025 as “Good Times Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in congratulating it on its golden anniversary and proudly recognizing and commending it for 50 years of journalistic excellence, innovation, and service—may the next 50 years be just as bold, inspiring, and impactful.
42. Proclaiming July 18, 2025 as “Coastal Watershed Council Day” and urging all residents to join in honoring the Coastal Watershed Council as a champion of the San Lorenzo River, reflecting on the many benefits that the river brings to our lives, and visiting this beautiful natural place in the heart of our City.
43. Proclaiming July 19, 2025 as “Princes of Surf Day” and urging all residents, visitors, businesses, and civic organizations to join in honoring the Three Hawaiian Princes for introducing surfing to our community and to the mainland, and in thanking those in the Santa Cruz community who have worked tirelessly to commemorate this important event in our City’s history.
August 12, 2025 City Council 17
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.
Arts Commission One opening – appointed by
Councilmember Brunner
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.
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.