CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - November 18, 2025
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
9:30 A.M. CLOSED SESSION
11:30 A.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, CONSENT PUBLIC HEARINGS, PUBLIC
HEARINGS, AND GENERAL BUSINESS
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, November 17th
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, November 16th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
November 18, 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
9:30 AM
Statements of Disqualification
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: Pacific Terrace HOA C/O King Management LLC 2) Claimant: David Turner
3) Claimant: Sonia Rodriguez
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) 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
November 18, 2025 City Council 3
Closed Session (continued)
3. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
City Negotiator - Sara De Leon
4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Gov’t. Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (four potential cases to be discussed)
5. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
Rhode Island State Council of Churches, et al. v. Rollins, et al.
U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island (Providence), No. 1:25-cv00569-JJM-AEM (request for amicus support) November 18, 2025 City Council 4
City Council
11:30 AM
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.
Presentations
6. Sister Cities Sestri Levante, Italy Restaurant and Chef Exchange Delegation
7. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring November 29th as Small Business Saturday
8. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring December 11th as Jon Bush Retirement Day
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
9. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
November 18, 2025 City Council 5
Consent Agenda
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Minutes of the October 28, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
13. Transportation and Public Works Commission Appointment (CC) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember Trigueiro’s nomination of Carlina Rose to the Transportation and Public Works Commission with a term ending January 31, 2029, eligible for reappointment.
November 18, 2025 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Agreement with Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County to Address Food Insecurity Resulting from the Federal Government Shutdown (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Approve a contribution up to $100,000 for emergency food procurement and distribution through Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County; and/or support Second Harvest through mutual aid support for food distribution efforts as needed; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County in an amount up to $100,000 in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
15. Approval of County of Santa Cruz Memorandum of Understanding and Save Our Shores Professional Services Agreement to Coordinate on Strengthening Opposition to Offshore Drilling and Seabed Mining (CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of Santa Cruz specifying the City of Santa Cruz’ contribution in the amount of $29,000 and the activities for coordinating funding and administration of the Offshore Oil Coalition Coordination Effort (OOCCE); and
2) Authorize City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Save Our Shores in a form approved by the City Attorney in the amount of $25,000 to update and strengthen the City of Santa Cruz’s ordinances and related policies opposing offshore oil and gas development and onshore facilities for seabed mining, and to coordinate regional collaboration on coastal protection and policy consistency.
November 18, 2025 City Council 7
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Regional Interoperable Next-Generation Radio System (RING) (CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Authorize the City Manager to negotiate final business terms and return with the Master Service Governance Agreement (MSGA) for Council approval, consistent with the governance and cost principles described herein;
2) Designate the City Manager as Santa Cruz’s voting member on the RING Executive Committee; and
3) Direct staff to validate City radio counts across departments, evaluate capital payment shaping options, and coordinate with the County to develop a Funding Plan.
17. Amendment to Professional Services Agreements for On-Call Landscape Architecture Services (CM/PR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Sixth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Conger Moss Guillard (CMG) and execute the Third Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with SWA Group (SWA) for on-call landscape architecture services in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
18. Jayson Architecture – Library Architect for the Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project; Change Order and Contract Amendment (EDH)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Jayson Architecture P.C., in the amount of $286,042, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,769,038 and any related documents; in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
2) Authorize the Deputy City Manager, or designee, to execute future change orders within the approved Downtown Library Affordable Housing Project (c512002) budget.
November 18, 2025 City Council 8
Consent Agenda (continued)
19. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Reports for Public Safety Impact Fees CEQA: Exempt 15061(b)(3) and 15306 (FD/PD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to accept and approve the attached FY 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Report for the Public Safety Impact Fees.
20. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) Pacific Terrace HOA C/O King Management LLC, 2) David Turner and 3) Sonia Rodriguez, based on staff recommendation.
21. Mid-Management Association of the City of Santa Cruz Memorandum of Understanding (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt the successor Memorandum of Understanding for MidManagement Association of the City of Santa Cruz effective October 28, 2025 through December 8, 2028.
22. 2025-2028 City of Santa Cruz Services Employees International Union, Local 521, Tentative Agreement for Successor Memorandum of Understanding (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution adopting a tentative agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and the Service Employees International union effective October 11, 2025 through October 10, 2028.
23. 2025-2028 City of Santa Cruz International Association of Firefighters, Local 1716, Agreement for Successor Memorandum of Understanding (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution approving a tentative agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1716 effective September 27, 2025 through July 3, 2028.
November 18, 2025 City Council 9
Consent Agenda (continued)
24. Resolution Amending the City of Santa Cruz Compensation Plan (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the compensation plans by correcting compensation range for Wastewater Facilities Lead Electrical/Instrumentation Technician classification.
25. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Childcare Impact Fee, CEQA: Exempt 15061(b)(3) and 15306 (PL) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to accept and approve the FY 2025 Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Childcare Impact Fee.
26. 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf Bent 103-104 Repair (c302613) - Notice of Completion (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to accept the work of Power Engineering Construction Company (Alameda, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf Bent 103-104 Repair Project (c302613) and authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
27. Budget Adjustment for Measure Q Allocation and Associated Expenditure Plan (PR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate the 2026 Measure Q per capita allocation of $544,567 into the following projects: the Wildfire Resilience, Biodiversity, Improved Urban Forest Management Project (p3026XX) and the Wildfire Resilience, Biodiversity, Improved Open Space Management Project (p3026XX).
November 18, 2025 City Council 10
Consent Agenda (continued)
28. Amending the FY 2026 Budget and Appropriation of Funds for Citywide Intersection Daylighting HSIP 12 (c402607), Water Street Protected Bike Lanes HSIP 12 (c402608), and Unsignalized Crossing Improvement Project HSIP 12 (c402610) – Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2026 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $2,624,310 from unanticipated revenue for expenses for Citywide Intersection Daylighting HSIP 12 (c402607), Water Street Protected Bike Lanes HSIP 12 (c402608), and Unsignalized Crossing Improvement Project HSIP 12 (c402610).
29. Engineering and Traffic Survey Extension to 2032 (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution certifying the 2018 Engineering and Traffic Survey to be extended 14 years to 2032 for radar enforcement and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,452.
30. Downtown Intersection Improvements (c401903) Front Street Improvements Phase 1 (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the construction plans and specifications for the Front Street Improvements Project (Phase 1) as the initial phase of the Downtown Intersection Improvements (c401903). The Public Works Director, or designee, is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
2) Adopt a resolution to approve the construction plans for the Front Street Improvements Project (Phase 1) pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6.
November 18, 2025 City Council 11
Consent Agenda (continued)
31. Resolution to Apply for and Reimburse Future Capital Expenditures from State Water Resources Control Board Funding for Project WEER (Wastewater Treatment Facility Energy and Electrical Resiliency) (c401405) (PW)
LOCATION: District 3
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution for the Public Works Department to apply for State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) funding for Project WEER in a form to be approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Adopt a resolution for the Public Works Department to be reimbursed by State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for costs related to Project WEER.
32. Water Supply Augmentation Planning – Kennedy Jenks Consultants Contract Amendment (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute the Seventh Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement Phase 2 Recycled Water Facility Study/Water Supply Augmentation Implementation Plan in the amount of $186,102 with Kennedy Jenks Consultants (San Francisco, CA) in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
November 18, 2025 City Council 12
Consent Agenda (continued)
33. Beltz 8 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702503) – Approval of Plans and Specifications, Authorization to Advertise for Bids and Award Contract, Award Contract to Carollo Engineers, Inc. for Engineering Services During Construction, Approval of Contract Amendment for Construction Management Services with MKN CPM LLC, and Approval of Budget Adjustment (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to:
1) Approve plans and specifications for the Beltz 8 Upgrades for Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project (c702503) (Project) and authorize staff to advertise for bids. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed to execute the contract as authorized by Resolution No. NS-27,563;
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Carollo Engineers, Inc. (Walnut Creek, CA) for engineering services during construction for the Project in the amount of $375,912;
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with MKN CPM, LLC. for construction management services for the Project in the amount of $266,801;
4) Authorize the Water Director, or designee, to approve future construction change orders and contract amendments for construction management and engineering services during construction for the Project that are within the approved project budget; and 5) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2026 budget and transfer funds within the Water Department’s CIP budget in the amount of $4,150,000 from project c702002, Brackney Landslide Area Pipeline, to project c702503, Beltz 8 Upgrades for ASR.
End Consent Agenda
November 18, 2025 City Council 13
Consent Public Hearing
34. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-22 Amending 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
Adopt 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.
35. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-21 Adopting the Tri-Annual, 2025 Building Standards Code, Consistent with the State Building Standards Commission and the International Code Council TriChapter 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
Adopt 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.
November 18, 2025 City Council 14
Public Hearings
36. Amendments to Municipal Code Title 21, Chapter 21.03 – Relocation Assistance for Displaced Tenants and Title 24, Chapter 24.08, Part 14 - Residential Demolition/Conversion Authorization Permits Related to Displacement of Tenants Due to Enforcement of Unsafe Living Conditions and Demolition of Housing (PL)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Titles 21 and 24 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) related to relocation assistance associated with substandard housing cases and right of first refusal and other minor changes related to demolition of housing;
2) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan (IP) and Title 24 of the Municipal Code related to the approving body for demolition of three or more dwellings; and
3) Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as they can be seen with certainty to have no possibility for causing a significant effect on the environment.
37. Update to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program to Incorporate the Previously Approved General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps and to Add a New Chapter Titled “Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation” (PL)
LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6
Motion to:
1) Approve the proposed amendments to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program; and
2) Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9.
November 18, 2025 City Council 15
Public Hearings (continued)
38. Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and Fire Code Standards, including Annual Supplements and State Amendments and Errata (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance to amend Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.05 to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and make other amendments and amend Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.10.
General Business
39. Adoption of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Annual Supplements and State Amendments and Errata (FD) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance to add Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.30 to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and make other amendments.
40. Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment (PR) LOCATION: District 5
Motion to:
1) Accept the Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment; and 2) Adopt findings for categorical exemption pursuant to sections 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies), 15306 (Information Collection), and 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
41. Murray Street Bridge Project Temporary Pedestrian Path (PW) LOCATION: District 2
Motion to receive information and provide direction on funding for a temporary pedestrian path across the harbor rail bridge.
November 18, 2025 City Council 16
General Business (continued)
42. Amendment to Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 10.36.040 Pertaining to Medians (CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) § 10.36.040 pertaining to medians; and 2) Direct staff to: (a) collect information related to “Average Daily Trips” (ADT) of busy thoroughfares and arterial corridors in the City, and (b) report that information to the sponsoring Councilmembers. If an amendment to SCMC § 10.36.040 is warranted based on ADT data, the sponsoring Councilmembers will return to the Council with a proposed amendment to SCMC § 10.36.040.
43. Amendment to Santa Cruz Municipal Code 5.82.120 Pertaining to Sidewalk Vending (CA)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) 5.82.120 pertaining to sidewalk vending.
Adjournment
November 18, 2025 City Council 17
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – NOVEMBER 18, 2025
44. City Clerk: Annual Advisory Body Appointments - 11/10/25 (CCFYI 223)
45. Economic Development and Housing Department: 333 Locust – Unit Vacancy - 11/5/25 (EDHFYI 005)
46. Police Department: Santa Cruz Police Department’s Automated License Plate Reader Annual Report - 10/30/25 (PDFYI 024)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – NOVEMBER 18, 2025
47. Proclaiming Tuesday, November 11, 2025 as “City Veteran Appreciation Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in saying “thank you” to these employees for their dedicated service to our country and continued service to our community and committing to causes that are greater than self and promoting public service.
48. Proclaiming Sunday, November 9, 2025 as “International Live Looping Day” and urging all citizens to join in supporting the work of these innovation artists from around the world, welcoming them to perform here, and thanking them all for their tireless work to innovate in this emerging global musical art form.
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.
November 18, 2025 City Council 18
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.