Approved at the September 9, 2025 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 26, 2025
1:00 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 1:03 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, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Newsome.
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 1:04 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 1:04 p.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8024
Closed Session
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
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 10, and no reportable action was taken.
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)
This case is related to the Sweetened Beverage tax. Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2)
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case to be discussed) Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
4. Public Employment (Government Code §54957)
City Attorney
Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8025
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 26, 2025
2:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: Councilmember Newsome.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Water H. Luckenbach, Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Chief of Police B. Escalante (via Zoom), Director of Finance E. Cabell (via Zoom), Chief of Fire R. Oatey (via Zoom), Chief People Officer S. DeLeon (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer K.
Crossley, Transportation Manager M. Starkey, Economic Development Manager R. Unitt, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
Oral Communications
At 2:36 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.
Ami Chen-Mills spoke regarding ALPR Flock cameras being used in California without license and asked Council to pause their current contract.
Garrett spoke in opposition to the upcoming ballot measure and in using a QR code for the Bethany Curve Bridge Culvert Art Project.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8026
Oral Communications (continued)
Unidentified person spoke regarding segment 9 of the Rail Trail.
Bruce Thomas spoke regarding “amenity spaces” in new developments.
Kim Hill spoke with concerns for illegal activity and severe fire risks at Arana Gulch due to encampments.
Sadie Rose spoke regarding Santa Cruz as a sanctuary city.
Joy LeClair spoke with concerns for fire risks at Arana Gulch.
Rebecca Lundburg spoke with concerns for the noise and potential illegal activity coming from the encampments at Arana Gulch.
John Roskelley spoke with concerns regarding his status of work with the City.
Dave Doleshal spoke regarding discrimination toward people in polyamorous relationships.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the CZU fires, and the dead wood that remains above the UCSC campus.
Moody Tavoigt spoke with concerns for an influx of people in the alley way behind her home, a break-in that recently happened and activity around Arana Gulch including potential fire risks.
James Ewing Whitman spoke regarding crossing the bridge at Arana Gulch at night, and his son playing video games and ability to drive large equipment.
At 3:01 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentations
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 9, 2025, as Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise Day
Councilmember Trigueiro read from a proclamation declaring August 9, 2025 as Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise Day. David Price, Rotary Club President, spoke.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8027
Presentations (continued)
6. Second Harvest Food Bank
Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, gave a presentation.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 8024 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
7. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Trigueiro made a comment on item 11.
Councilmember O’Hara made a comment on item 9.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
James Ewing-Whitmen spoke regarding items 8 and 9.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember O’Hara, to approve the Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Newsome.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8028
Consent Agenda (continued)
8. Minutes of the August 12, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion carried 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 carried to:
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; Authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the amendment; and Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,543 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 carried 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.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8029
Consent Agenda (continued)
11. Market Street Senior Center Accessibility Improvement Project (c302101) – CEQA Exemption (14 CCR 15061) (PR)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for the Market Street Senior Center Accessibility Improvement Project (c302101);
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
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 carried to:
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;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,544 amending the FY 2026 budget in the amount of $260,000 to move funds into project m402502; and
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.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8030
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. 2025 Sewer System Management Plan – Certification (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,545 approving the certification of the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) for the City of Santa Cruz; and 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
Resolution No. NS-30,546 was adopted 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
Consent Public Hearing
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to approve the Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Newsome.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8031
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
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 carried to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-18 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 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).
16. Amendments to Title 18 of the Municipal Code to Align the Energy Reach Code for Major Renovations and Additions to Existing Single-Family Homes with the 2025 California Building Code Cycle (PL/CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-19 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.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8032
General Business
17. Transit Proximate Developments: Transportation and Parking Challenges (CN) LOCATION: Citywide
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson and Councilmembers Trigueiro and O’Hara spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Brett Garrett
Garrett
Deborah Marks
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember O’Hara, to:
Direct staff to conduct a review of potential policy options to mitigate parking issues associated with transit-proximate developments and evaluate feasibility, potential costs, and the impact of each option on residents, developers, schools, business workers, and visitors; Direct staff to engage with the Transportation and Public Works Commission, Downtown Commission, Planning Commission, Downtown Management Corporation, Visit Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce to solicit feedback on related transportation and parking policy;
Direct staff to return to Council within six months with an assessment of potential solutions, including recommendations for specific actions, funding sources, and any necessary policy changes; and
Include mitigation of mobility and parking impacts on the City’s State Legislative Platform agenda.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8033
General Business
17. Transit Proximate Developments: Transportation and Parking Challenges (CN) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Newsome.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Direction to Staff:
Mayor Keeley requested Government Code Section 65.915 be included in the review of potential policy options.
18. Update on Actions to Support Seabright and Harbor Businesses Affected by the Murray Street Bridge Project (CM/PW/ED)
LOCATION: District 2, Citywide
Director of Public Works N. Nguyen introduced the item.
Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer K. Crossley, Transportation Manager M. Starkey, and Economic Development Manager R. Unitt gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Brad Snyder
Saladine Sale
Brian Peoples
Matt Ferrell
Unidentified person
Joan
Dianne Dryer
Myles Corcoran
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Mark Magdaleno
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8034
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 (continued)
Public Comment (continued):
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Rebecca Moore
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brunner moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
1) Receive information on the feasibility to implement a temporary pedestrian and bicycle path on the Harbor Rail Bridge;
2) Receive information on one lane, two-way traffic;
3) Receive information on expanded transit alternatives; 4) Receive information on Saturday work and project schedule constraints; 5) Receive information related to the Harbor and Seabright business survey conducted in August;
6) 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;
7) Direct staff to work with the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District to enhance transit service to Seabright and the Harbor;
8) Direct staff to work with the Harbor District to support extended operations for Harbor water taxi service;
9) Direct staff to install additional signage encouraging visitors to shop and dine at Seabright and Harbor businesses at prominent high-traffic locations; August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8035
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 (continued)
MOTION (continued):
10)Direct staff to implement a series of marketing efforts and promotional events as outlined in the staff report;
11)Direct staff to provide low interest guaranteed loans for Seabright and Harbor businesses and explore potential lower interest rates and Cityfunded principal and/or interest-only payments for the first year; 12)Direct staff to provide individualized free business consulting and web development through GetVirtual; and
13)Direct staff to extend the outdoor dining permits for Seabright and Harbor businesses.
14)Direct staff to continue next steps with the Regional Transportation Commission and other appropriate bodies on the implementation of a temporary access path across the rail bridge that is adjacent to the Murray Street Bridge, in the most expedited manner, and pursue additional funding through Congressional and State Representatives’ offices and other sources to support the Harbor Rail Bridge Project (i.e., community project funds); 15)Direct staff to pursue implantation of a two-way traffic control plan during one-lane partial bridge closures;
16)Direct staff to reassess and replace locations of signage including signage that indicates Murray Street Bridge closure and detour routes that are directing vehicles away from Seabright businesses;
17)Direct staff to explore providing grant programs with verifiable sales tax data when loans are not feasible;
18)Direct staff to advocate for reinstallation of Metro Route 3A in an expedited manner with Metro and do not pursue parking lane closures on Seabright Avenue; and
19)Establish an ad hoc committee of three councilmembers and appropriate staff to continue Seabright and Harbor business/resident coordination and support.
August 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8036
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 (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Golder; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember O’Hara.
ABSENT: Councilmember Newsome.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment – Councilmember Trigueiro moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 5:37 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.