Approved at the November 18, 2025 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 28, 2025
10:30 AM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 10:30 a.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, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, City Attorney T. Condotti, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced she will be recusing herself from items 2.1 and 2.2 in an abundance of caution as they relate to her employer.
Public Comment
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 10:31 a.m. The following person spoke:
Damien Joseph Galpren-Gibson spoke regarding item 1.2.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 10:36 a.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8069
Closed Session
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
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 17, and no reportable action was taken.
2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) 1) Property: 1520 K-2 Pacific Avenue
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
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8070
Closed Session (continued)
3. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Gov’t. Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case) Council received a status report, gave direction, and no reportable action was taken.
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)
Council received a status report, and no reportable action was taken.
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
Council received a status report from and gave direction to the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
6. Public Employment (Government Code §54957)
City Attorney
City Attorney T. Condotti announced he will be retiring at the end of the year and reported that Council unanimously approved the appointment of Cassie Bronson to serve as the City Attorney effective January 1, 2026.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8071
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
2:00 PM
Call to Order – Chair Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Directors Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Kalantari-Johnson, O’Hara; Vice Chair Golder; Chair Keeley.
Absent: None.
General Business
7. Election of Officers
Chair Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Chair Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Chair Golder moved, seconded by Director Newsome, 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
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Directors Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Kalantari-Johnson, O’Hara; Vice Chair Golder; Chair Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8072
General Business (continued)
8. Minutes of the October 8, 2024 Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Chair Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Chair Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Director Trigueiro moved, seconded by Director Brunner, to approve as submitted.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Directors Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Chair Kalantari-Johnson; Chair Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment - The Industrial Development Authority adjourned at 2:03 p.m.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8073
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT FINANCING
CORPORATION
At or around 2:05 PM
Call to Order – President Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Directors Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Kalantari-Johnson, O’Hara; Vice President Golder; President Keeley.
Absent: None.
General Business
9. Election of Officers
President Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
President Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Director Newsome moved, seconded by Vice President Golder, 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
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Directors Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Kalantari-Johnson, O’Hara; Vice President Golder; President Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8074
General Business (continued)
10. Minutes of the October 8, 2024 Santa Cruz Public Improvement Finance Corporation (SCPIFC)
President Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
President Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice President Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Director O’Hara, to approve as submitted.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Directors Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice President Kalantari-Johnson; President Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment - The Santa Cruz Public Improvement Financing Corporation adjourned at 2:06 p.m.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8075
City Council
At or around 2:10 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:06 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager M. Templeton, City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Chief of Police B.
Escalante, Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development and Housing B. Lipscomb, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen (via Zoom), Chief of Fire R. Oatey (via Zoom), Chief People Officer S. De Leon (via Zoom), Parks Planner N. Downing, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West, Senior Coastal Resilience Planner H. Papendick, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Oral Communications - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
At 2:07 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.
Michael Spadafore spoke regarding the construction on Murray Street bridge and its impact on the businesses in the Seabright neighborhood.
Unidentified person spoke regarding safety for employees working at any Library branch.
John Roskelley spoke regarding the way the Chief Ranger and mid-level management who runs the department and a retaliatory termination.
Brad Snyder spoke regarding the Downtown Library, and homelessness rates in California.
Unidentified person spoke regarding a potential strike, negotiations with Tim Davis, and safety issues for Library workers.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8076
Oral Communications (continued)
Unidentified person spoke regarding safety concerns at the Downtown Library and asked Council to consider fair wages for employees as they continue bargaining.
Renee spoke regarding the safety concerns with working at the Downtown Library.
Shiloh Sacks spoke regarding the safety of the Downtown Library staff.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the lack of support provided for the safety of employees at the Downtown Library.
At 2:23 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
At this time, Mayor Keeley reordered the agenda to hear the Presiding Officer’s Announcements before item 11.
Presentation
11. Save the Waves
Shaun Burns, Save the Waves Reserves Network Coordinator, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Presiding Officer's Announcements – Mayor Keeley and Chief of Police B. Escalante spoke in remembrance of former Chief of Police Jack Baskett, who recently passed away.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – City Clerk Administrator B. Bush announced item 30 has been continued to a future meeting and will not be discussed.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 8070 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
12. The City Council did not review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8077
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on item 22.
Councilmember Trigueiro made a comment on items 15, 16, and 22.
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 16 and 20.
Councilmember O’Hara made a comment on item 15.
Parks Planner N. Downing responded to Council questions regarding item 20.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 15.
Russell Brutsche spoke regarding item 15.
John Hall spoke regarding item 15.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding items 15 and 20.
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 15.
Lira Filippini spoke regarding item 15.
Lynn [last name unintelligible] spoke regarding item 15.
Michelle Miller spoke regarding item 22.
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 unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8078
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Minutes of the September 30, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion carried to approve as submitted.
14. Resolution Setting the Regular Meeting Schedule of the City Council for the 2026 Calendar Year (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,561 was adopted setting the 2026 City Council meeting calendar.
15. Resolution Strengthening Local Worker and Resident Preferences (CN) Location: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,562 was adopted strengthening local worker and resident preferences.
16. Ocean Street Beautification Project – Fencing Alternatives and Contracting (EDH)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion carried to:
Direct staff to proceed with development of construction plans for the Ocean Street Beautification Project with additional hardscaping and landscape design elements.
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 MINUTES 8079
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried 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
Resolution No. NS-30,563 was adopted 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
Resolution No. NS-30,564 was adopted 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 carried to:
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 non-substantive nature, with an Informational Report to City Council; and
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 MINUTES 8080
Consent Agenda (continued)
21. Santa Cruz Wharf Repairs and Recovery - Budget Adjustment (PR) LOCATION: District 4
Resolution No. NS-30,565 was adopted 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 carried to:
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
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 carried to:
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. NS-27,563. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
Find the project Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301(d).
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8081
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 carried 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 carried to:
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
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,566 amending 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 carried 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 MINUTES 8082
Consent Agenda (continued)
27. Grant of Easement - County of Santa Cruz – Lompico Emergency Evacuation Route, APN 076-251-24 (WT)
LOCATION: County
Resolution No. NS-30,567 was adopted 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
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brunner moved, seconded by Vice Mayor KalantariJohnson, to approve the Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
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
Ordinance No. 2025-20 was adopted 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.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8083
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
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 carried to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-21 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.
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
This item was continued to a future meeting and was not discussed.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8084
Public Hearings (continued)
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
Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West and gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Ana Capstick
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to:
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
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2025-22 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.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
October 28, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8085
General Business
32. Year-End Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025- Budget Adjustment (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Director of Finance E. Cabell gave a presentation.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Trigueiro moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,568 amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget to adjust annual revenue and expenditure budgets in various funds.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
33. Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0: Overview of Project and Draft Equitable Engagement Strategy (CM)
LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6
Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West and Senior Coastal Resilience Planner H. Papendick gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Adjournment – Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.