CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Updated August 25, 2025 – item 16
Regular Meeting - August 26, 2025
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
1:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
2:30 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, CONSENT PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND
GENERAL BUSINESS
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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
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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, August 25th
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 24th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
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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
1:00 PM
Statements of Disqualification
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: Curtis P. Thompson
2) Claimant: Francisco Ortega
3) Claimant: CorVel Corporation
4) Claimant: Carlos R. Lopez
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
California Grocers Association, et al. v. City of Santa Cruz, et al. (Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. 25WM000095)
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Closed Session (continued)
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case to be discussed)
4. Public Employment (Government Code §54957)
City Attorney
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City Council
2:30 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Oral Communications Announcement – Members of the public may address Council on matters not on the agenda, but within the jurisdiction of the Council. 30 minutes is allocated for Oral Communications. No extra time for groups will be granted.
Oral Communications
Presentations
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 9, 2025, as Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise Day
6. Second Harvest Food Bank
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
7. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
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Consent Agenda
8. Minutes of the August 12, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
9. Approve Fifth Amendment to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Establishing the Santa Cruz County Library Financing Authority, and Take Related Actions – Budget Adjustment (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Approve the Fifth Amendment to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement Establishing the Santa Cruz County Library Financing Authority (LFA) to establish new contributions and extend the term through June 30, 2032;
2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the amendment; and 3) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget in the amount of $363,747 to fully fund the City of Santa Cruz Maintenance of Effort contribution contained in the Fifth Amendment.
10. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) Curtis P. Thompson, 2) Francisco Ortega, 3) CorVel Corporation, and 4) Carlos R. Lopez, based on staff recommendation.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
11. Market Street Senior Center Accessibility Improvement Project (c302101) – CEQA Exemption (14 CCR 15061) (PR)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to:
1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Market Street Senior Center Accessibility Improvement Project (c302101);
2) Authorize the issuance of an invitation for bid (IFB) for the project 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 3) Approve of 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. Award Contract for Fire Station 1 Roof Restoration – Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Award a contract for the purchase of Fire Station 1 Roof Restoration from Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc (Beachwood, OH) in the amount of $111,464.25. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and 2) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget in the amount of $260,000 to move funds into project m402502.
3) Approve this agenda report’s CEQA determination, including adopting findings of categorical exemption pursuant to Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the CEQA Guidelines.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
13. 2025 Sewer System Management Plan – Certification (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution approving the certification of the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) for the City of Santa Cruz; and 2) Approve of the CEQA determination in this agenda report, including adopting finding of categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15301 (existing facilities) and § 15302 (replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities).
14. Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project (c402507) – Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the FY 2025 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of $330,000.00 from Transportation Development Act Fund (TDA), Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) and City Liability Fund to the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project (c402507).
End Consent Agenda
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Consent Public Hearings
15. First Reading of Ordinance to Amend Municipal Code Chapter 24.04.160 to Extend the Active Life of Commercial Permits from Calendar Year 2019 through January 1, 2030 (EDH/PL)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 24.04.160 to extend the active life of commercial permits from calendar year 2019 through December 31, 2026 to January 1, 2030; and
2) Approve of the CEQA determination contained in this Agenda Report.
The City Council’s action is exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
The below item was updated to add an attachment
16. Amendments to Title 18 of the Municipal Code to Align the Energy Reach Code for Major Renovations and Additions to Existing SingleFamily Homes with the 2025 California Building Code Cycle (PL/CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance amending Municipal Code Title 18 – Buildings and Construction, amending Chapter 18.15 to modify local amendments to Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations (California Energy Code), aligning the energy reach code for renovations and additions to existing single-family homes with the 2025 California Building Code Cycle. CEQA determination: These amendments are consistent with the Negative Declaration approved for the City of Santa Cruz 2030 Climate Action Plan adopted by City Council on September 13, 2022. The ordinance is also exempt from CEQA under the general rule, 15061(b)(3) and per CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, Class 8, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources.
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General Business
17. Transit Proximate Developments: Transportation and Parking Challenges (CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Direct City staff to conduct a review of potential policy options to mitigate parking issues associated with transit-proximate developments. Staff should evaluate feasibility, potential costs, and the impact of each option on both residents and developers; 2) Direct City staff to engage with the Transportation and Public Works Commission, Downtown Commission, and Planning Commission to solicit feedback on related transportation and parking policy; 3) Direct City staff to return to City Council within six months with an assessment of potential solutions, including recommendations for specific actions, funding sources, and any necessary policy changes; and
4) Include mitigation of mobility and parking impacts on the City’s State Legislative Platform agenda.
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General Business (continued)
18. Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project (CM/PW/ED)
LOCATION: District 2, Citywide
Motion to receive information and provide direction to staff on the following actions:
1) Receive information on the feasibility to implement a temporary pedestrian and bicycle path on the Harbor Rail Bridge;
2) Authorize the Director of Public Works to temporarily modify parking meters on lower Seabright Avenue to include free 2-hour parking and direct staff to return to Council with a proposed Municipal Code update to establish emergency authority;
3) Receive information on one lane, two-way traffic;
4) Receive information on expanded transit alternatives; 5) Direct staff to work with the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District to enhance transit service to Seabright and the Harbor;
6) Direct staff to work with the Harbor District to support extended operations for Harbor water taxi service;
7) Receive information on Saturday Work and Project Schedule Constraints;
8) Install additional signage encouraging visitors to shop and dine at Seabright and Harbor businesses at prominent high-traffic locations; 9) Receive information related to the Harbor and Seabright business survey conducted in August and consider additional recommendations related to survey responses;
10) Implement a series of marketing efforts and promotional events as outlined in the staff report;
11) Provide low interest guaranteed loans for Seabright and Harbor businesses and explore potential lower interest rates and City-funded principal and/or interest-only payments for the first year; 12) Provide Individualized free business consulting and web development through GetVirtual; and
13) Extend the outdoor dining permit for Seabright and Harbor businesses.
Adjournment
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INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS None issued.
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – AUGUST 26, 2025
19. Proclaiming the month of August 2025 as “Breastfeeding Awareness Month” and encouraging all citizens to recognize the WIC Breastfeeding Walk as an important event in the City.
20. Proclaiming August 19, 2025 as “California Giant Berry Farms Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in congratulating California Giant Berry Farms for being named the Food Industry Donor of the Year for Santa Cruz County by Second Harvest Food Bank and expressing heartfelt appreciation for its efforts that benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank and its network of member agencies.
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.
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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.