CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - October 28, 2025
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
10:30 A.M. CLOSED SESSION
2:00 P.M. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IDA)
AROUND 2:05 P.M. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENT FINANCING CORPORATION (SCPIFC)
AROUND 2:10 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, GENERAL BUSINESS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS 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, October 27, 2025
October 28, 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, October 26th 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.
October 28, 2025 City Council 3
Closed Session
10:30 AM
Statements of Disqualification
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: Elizabeth Martinez
2) Claimant: Damien Joseph Galpren-Gibson
3) Claimant: Peter Bichier
4) Installed Building Products
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) 1) Property: 1520 K-2 Pacific
APN: N/A (Public Right of Way)
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Crepe Cones LLC Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
2) Property: 1330 and 1344 Pacific Avenue
APN: 005-081-35 and -37
Owner: Palomar Associates
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Palomar Associates Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
3) Property: 57 Municipal Wharf
APN: 007-351-02 and -03
Owner: Genesis Peck dba Made in Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Genesis Peck Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
October 28, 2025 City Council 4
Closed Session (continued)
3. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Gov’t. Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case)
4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
Capaldo and Dekock v. City of Santa Cruz
(Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 25CV02938)
5. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Mid Managers, OE3
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
Executives
City Negotiator - Sara De Leon
6. Public Employment (Government Code §54957)
City Attorney
October 28, 2025 City Council 5
PLEASE NOTE: City Councilmembers serve as Boardmembers for the City’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) and Santa Cruz Public Improvement Financing Corporation (SCPIFC). The boards were created for the purpose of providing the City an instrument to issue bonds. Annually, while the bonds are in existence, the Boardmembers are legally required to hold a meeting of the IDA and SCPIFC. The meetings are procedural and for the purpose of approving Minutes and electing new Boardmembers.
2:00 PM
Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Development Authority (IDA)
Call to Order
Roll Call
General Business
7. Election of Officers
Motion to elect new officers as set forth in Section 3.02 of the Industrial Development Authority bylaws as follows:
Executive Director: City Manager M. Huffaker
Treasurer: Director of Finance E. Cabell
Chair: Mayor Keeley
Vice Chair: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson
Secretary: City Clerk Administrator B. Bush
8. Minutes of the October 8, 2024 Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Motion to approve as submitted.
Adjournment
October 28, 2025 City Council 6
At or around 2:05 PM
Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz Public Improvement Financing Corporation (SCPIFC)
Call to Order
Roll Call
General Business
9. Election of Officers
Motion to elect new officers as set forth in Section 3.02 of the Santa Cruz Public Improvement Financing Corporation bylaws as follows:
Chief Executive Officer: City Manager M. Huffaker
Chief Financial Officer: Director of Finance E. Cabell
President: Mayor Keeley
Vice President: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson
Secretary/Treasurer: City Clerk Administrator B. Bush
10. Minutes of the October 8, 2024 Santa Cruz Public Improvement Finance Corporation (SCPIFC)
Motion to approve as submitted.
Adjournment
October 28, 2025 City Council 7
City Council
At or around 2:10 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Oral Communications - 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.
Presentation
11. Save the Waves
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
12. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
October 28, 2025 City Council 8
Consent Agenda
13. Minutes of the September 30, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
14. Resolution Setting the Regular Meeting Schedule of the City Council for the 2026 Calendar Year (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution setting the 2026 City Council meeting calendar.
15. Resolution Strengthening Local Worker and Resident Preferences (CN) Location: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution strengthening local worker and resident preferences.
16. Ocean Street Beautification Project – Fencing Alternatives and Contracting (EDH)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion to:
1) Direct staff to proceed with development of construction plans for the Ocean Street Beautification Project with additional hardscaping and landscape design elements.
2) Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements, amendments, and any related documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Mozeart Designz LLC in an amount not to exceed $260,000 for fabrication of the public art to be included in the Ocean Street Beautification Project.
October 28, 2025 City Council 9
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) Elizabeth Martinez, and 2) Damien Joseph Galpren-Gibson, to return as late claim of 3) Peter Bichier, and to deny application for leave to present late claim of 4) Installed Building Products, based on staff recommendation.
18. 2025 Executive Employees Compensation and Benefits Plan (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution approving the 2025 Compensation and Benefits Plan for Executive Unrepresented Employees.
19. Mid-Management Association of the City of Santa Cruz Tentative Agreement for Successor Memorandum of Understanding (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution approving a tentative agreement with the Mid-Management Association of the City of Santa Cruz effective October 28, 2025 through December 8, 2028.
20. Funding and Use Agreement to Renovate the Tennis Courts to Pickleball Courts at the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Westside Research Park at 2300 Delaware Avenue (PR)
Location: District 6
Motion to:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Funding and Use Agreement with the Regents of the University of California, in the form approved by the City Attorney, to allow for the City to renovate and convert the existing tennis courts to pickleball courts at the Westside Research Park owned by the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), located at 2300 Delaware Avenue; and to authorize the City Manager to execute contract amendments of a minor and nonsubstantive nature, with an Informational Report to City Council; and 2) Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
October 28, 2025 City Council 10
Consent Agenda (continued)
21. Santa Cruz Wharf Repairs and Recovery - Budget Adjustment (PR) LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate $493,003 of funds into the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair Project (c302612)
22. Amended and Restated License Agreement for Mercy Housing to Use and Improve the Tot-Lot Area at Beach Flats Park (PR)
Location: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an Amended and Restated License Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to allow for Mercy Housing to use and improve the tot-lot playground area at Beach Flats Park; and to authorize the City Manager to execute contract amendments of a minor and non-substantive nature, with an Informational Report to City Council; and
2) Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), and 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
23. Resource Recovery Facility Enclosed Flare Station Installation Project (c402512) – Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
LOCATION: District 6
Motion to:
1) Approve the plans and specifications for the Resource Recovery Facility Enclosed Flare Station Installation Project (c402512), authorize staff to advertise for bids, and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney, and as authorized by Resolution No. NS27,563. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
2) Find the project Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301(d)
October 28, 2025 City Council 11
Consent Agenda (continued)
24. Project WEER (Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy and Electrical Resiliency): Authorization to use Progressive Design Build Project Delivery Method (c401405) (PW)
LOCATION: District 3
Motion to authorize use of the best value project delivery methodprogressive design build, for Project WEER.
25. Consulting Engineering Services for Wastewater Treatment Facility Capital Improvement Projects – Amendment 10 to Agreement (c402611) - Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: District 3
Motion to:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment 10 to the Professional Services Agreement with Brown and Caldwell (San Jose, CA) in the amount of $4,350,000 to provide additional engineering services for Wastewater Treatment Facility Capital Improvement Projects in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. Authorize the Director of Public Works to execute contract amendments within the approved budget; and
2) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2026 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $650,000 for the Interstage Pump 1 Improvement Project (c402611) and appropriate funds in the amount of $305,882 from anticipated revenue for expenses associated with the Interstage Pump 1 Improvement Project.
26. Award of Professional Services Agreement to Errol L. Montgomery & Associates, Inc. for Groundwater Modeling (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract agreement in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Errol L. Montgomery & Associates, Inc. (Oakland, CA) for Engineering Services for Groundwater Modeling and to authorize the Water Director to execute future contract amendments within the approved project budget.
October 28, 2025 City Council 12
Consent Agenda (continued)
27. Grant of Easement - County of Santa Cruz – Lompico Emergency Evacuation Route, APN 076-251-24 (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Grant of Easement to the County of Santa Cruz covering a portion of City property located on the Newell Creek Watershed along Newell Creek Road in Lompico Canyon, APN 076-251-24.
End Consent Agenda
Consent Public Hearings
28. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-20 Amending Uncodified Ordinance No. 2020-27 Extending Temporary Use of Certain Adjacent Public Streets and Outdoor Areas for Eligible Businesses for Commercial Use on Private Property from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2029 (EDH)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-20 amending uncodified Ordinance No. 2020-27 extending temporary use of certain adjacent public streets and outdoor areas for eligible businesses for commercial use on private property from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2029.
29. Tri-Annual, 2025 Building Standards Code Adoption, Consistent with the State Building Standards Commission and the International Code Council Tri-Chapter Uniform Code Committee Amendments through Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Building Regulations Contained in Title 18 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code and Adopting the California Code of Regulations Title 24, 2025 Building Standards Code to Establish Minimum Requirements to Safeguard Public Health, Life, Safety and General Welfare. CEQA: Exempt per Guidelines Sections 15061, 15305, and 15308. (PL)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance acknowledging the CEQA exemptions, amending Title 18 of the Municipal Code, and adopting the 2025 editions of the California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Parts 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12 including referenced appendices, amendments and modifications.
October 28, 2025 City Council 13
Public Hearings
30. First Reading of an Ordinance to Establish the Midtown Santa Cruz Business Improvement District and Levy Assessments for Calendar Year 2026 (EDH)
LOCATION: Districts 1 and 2
Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance to establish the Midtown Santa Cruz Business Improvement District and Levy Assessments for Calendar Year 2026.
31. Amendments to Chapter 18.15 of the Municipal Code to Adopt Local Amendments to the California Energy Code of the 2025 California Building Code Cycle to Require Energy Conservation Measures for Certain Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner Replacements and Installations in Existing Nonresidential Buildings (PL/CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Acknowledge the CEQA determinations that the ordinance is 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, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and per CEQA Guidelines Section 15308, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources; and
2) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 18.15 to adopt local amendments to Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations (California Energy Code) creating an energy reach code for existing nonresidential buildings that requires either the installation of a heat pump to State code minimum standards or additional energy measures for new and replacement air conditioning (AC) systems.
October 28, 2025 City Council 14
General Business
32. Year-End Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025- Budget Adjustment (FN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget to adjust annual revenue and expenditure budgets in various funds.
33. Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0: Overview of Project and Draft Equitable Engagement Strategy (CM)
LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6
Receive presentation on project overview and planned engagement and provide feedback on the Draft Equitable Engagement Strategy for the Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 Project.
Adjournment
October 28, 2025 City Council 15
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – OCTOBER 28, 2025
34. Economic Development and Housing Department: Amendments to the Lease Agreement with Laughing Phoenix, Inc. dba the Great Rabbit, Atlas Services Corporation dba Atlas Geotechnical and Clever Collective - 9/17/25 (EDHFYI 004)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – OCTOBER 28, 2025
35. Proclaiming the week of September 29–October 5, 2025 as “Week Without Driving” and encouraging all residents to use public transportation, walk, ride a bike, or use ridesharing options, including carpooling, for their everyday travel needs.
36. Proclaiming the month of October 2025 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and encouraging members of our community to participate in activities during the month of October to raise awareness and work together to prevent violence in our world.
37. Proclaiming October 8–12, 2025 as “Santa Cruz Film Festival 25th Anniversary Days” and encouraging all citizens to join in congratulating the Santa Cruz Film Festival on its 25th Anniversary, recognizing it as a consequential arts organization for Santa Cruz and the Central Coast, and affirming its role in creating access to cinematic arts, supporting diverse voices, and sustaining a vibrant and inclusive cultural ecosystem.
38. Proclaiming October 18, 2025 as “Dr. Lisa Wooninck Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in expressing heartfelt appreciation for her remarkable contributions and in wishing her all the best in her retirement.
October 28, 2025 City Council 16
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS (continued)
39. Proclaiming November 1, 2025 as “Extra Mile Day” and urging each individual in the community to take time on this day to not only “go the extra mile” in his or her own life, but to also acknowledge all those who are inspirational in their efforts and commitment to make their organizations, families, community, country, or world a better place.
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.
Transportation and Public Works
Commission
One opening – appointed by
Councilmember Trigueiro.
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.