CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - December 9, 2025
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
11:30 A.M. CLOSED SESSION
1:30 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING, AND
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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Enter the meeting ID number: 946 8440 1344
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Correspondence to be included in the agenda packet must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 8th
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, December 7th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
December 9, 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
11:30 AM
Statements of Disqualification
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: Leonardo J. Morelli
2) Claimant: Subroclaims, Inc. – Geico Insurance
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
2. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Gov’t. Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case to be discussed) December 9, 2025 City Council 3
Closed Session (continued)
3. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) Supervisors, OE3
Police Officers Association
City Negotiator - Sara De Leon
4. Public Employee Performance Evaluation/Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957, §54957.6)
Unrepresented employee: City Manager
Agency designated representative: City Attorney
December 9, 2025 City Council 4
City Council
1:30 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.
Presentations
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring December 18, 2025, as Bob Nelson Day
6. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring November 30, 2025, as Santa Cruz Roller Palladium Day
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.
December 9, 2025 City Council 5
Consent Agenda
8. Minutes of the November 18, 2025 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
9. Certification of the November 4, 2025 Election (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution confirming and approving the canvass of ballots and returns for the City of Santa Cruz election held on November 4, 2025, and declaring that Measure C (Workforce Housing Affordability Act of 2025) passed by a majority vote of the electorate of the City.
10. Contract for City Attorney Services (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve the agreement for City Attorney legal services commencing January 1, 2026.
11. Day Services (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Direct staff to collaborate with the County to form a working group comprised of City and County staff, to be tasked with exploring and evaluating options for providing and funding basic hygiene access and other day services to support those experiencing homelessness in our community;
2) Authorize staff to solicit proposals for day services from qualified vendors through an open procurement process in collaboration with the County; and
3) Direct staff to return to the City Council with an update and recommended actions on or before February 28, 2026.
December 9, 2025 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
12. Approve Memorandums of Understanding with Haven Energy to Submit Applications to the California Self Generation Incentive Program with the Intent to Install and Operate Battery Storage Infrastructure at City Facilities (CM)
LOCATION: Districts 4 and 5
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandums of Understanding with Haven Energy, proceed with submitting applications to the California Self Generation Incentive Program and, if accepted, develop agreements with Haven Energy to install and operate battery storage at City facilities, returning to City Council for authorization to execute such agreements.
13. Amend Contract to Encompass Community Services for Downtown Outreach Worker (DOW) Program - Budget Adjustment (CM)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Amend the existing agreement with Encompass Community Services (Encompass) for the Downtown Outreach Worker (DOW) Program by extending the term through June 30, 2026, and increasing the amount of the contract by $202,948, for a total not to exceed $378,876, and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget; and
2) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate $202,948 to extend the DOW Program contract with Encompass from January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026.
December 9, 2025 City Council 7
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Authorization to Submit a Grant Application to the California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) for Construction of the Jessie Street Marsh Restoration and Access Project (CM)
LOCATION: Districts 2 and 4
Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, appropriate, and execute all necessary applications, contracts, agreements, and amendments for a grant of up to $2 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) to support construction of the Jessie Street Marsh Restoration and Access Project.
15. California Volunteers Youth Service Corps Grant (CM) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, appropriate, and execute agreements for the California Volunteers Youth Service Corps grant.
2) Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines: Section 15307 (maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource), Section 15308 (maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of the environment), and Section 15061(b)(3) (“common sense” exemption).
16. Fifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with OIR Group for Independent Police Auditor Services (CM/PD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve the Fifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with OIR Group, LLC for Independent Police Auditor (IPA) services, extending the term through June 30, 2027, updating the Scope of Work and Fee Schedule, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the amendment.
December 9, 2025 City Council 8
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Request for Evaluation and Streamlining of City Advisory Bodies and Committees (CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to direct staff to develop a recommended approach for evaluating and streamlining the City’s system of advisory bodies, commissions, standing committees, and ad hoc Council committees.
This approach should include:
1) A proposed scope of work;
2) A recommended methodology and timeline;
3) Consideration of consultant support;
4) Estimated cost of the evaluation effort; and
5) A plan for returning to Council for approval prior to initiating the evaluation and streamlining review.
18. Award Contract for the Purchase of Vehicle Barriers and Related Materials (EDH)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Award a contract for the purchase of vehicle barriers and related materials from Meridian Rapid Defense Group LLC, in an amount not to exceed $178,654.69, via “piggybacking” the General Services Administration Schedule 84 Contract #47QSWA19D001F; and 2) Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections: 15301 (Minor Alteration to Existing Structures and Facilities); 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction of Existing Structures or Facilities); 15303 (New Construction, Installation, or Conversion of Limited Number of Small Structures, Facilities, Equipment); § 15304 (Minor Alteration to Land, Water, or Vegetation); and the Common Sense Exemption (§ 15061(b)(3)).
December 9, 2025 City Council 9
Consent Agenda (continued)
19. Resolution Approving the Infrastructure Financing Plan (IFP) for the Santa Cruz Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) and the Allocation of Property Tax Increment within the Santa Cruz EIFD (EDH) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution approving the Infrastructure Financing Plan (IFP) for the Santa Cruz Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) and the allocation of property tax increment within the Santa Cruz EIFD.
20. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) Leonardo J. Morelli and 2) Subroclaims, Inc. – Geico Insurance, based on staff recommendation.
21. FY 2025 Traffic Impact Fee Annual Report (FN/PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to accept and approve the attached FY 2025 Traffic Impact Fee Annual Report.
22. FY 2025 Parking In-Lieu Impact Fee Annual Report (FN/PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to accept and approve the attached FY 2025 Parking In-Lieu Impact Fee Annual Report.
December 9, 2025 City Council 10
Consent Agenda (continued)
23. Resolution Directing Staff to Submit the Local Coastal Program Amendments Approved by City Council on November 18, 2025, Related to the Previously Approved General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Maps and the Added Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation Chapter, to the California Coastal Commission (PL)
LOCATION: District 2, 3, 4, and 6
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit the amendments to the Local Coastal Program approved by City Council on November 18, 2025, to the California Coastal Commission for final certification; and
2) Direct staff to submit the above resolution to the California Coastal Commission for certification, together with the amendments to the Local Coastal Program approved on November 18, 2025.
24. Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit Construction Phase (c402519) – Contract Amendment 12 (PW)
LOCATION: District 2
Motion to approve Contract Amendment 12 to an agreement with TRC Engineers, Inc. (Rancho Cordova, CA) to provide design completion, final coordination and construction support services for the Murray Street Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project. The Public Works Director is authorized to approve future Contract Amendments within the approved project budget.
25. West Cliff Drive Stabilization Project - Notice of Completion (PW) LOCATION: District 6
Motion to accept the work of Granite Construction (Watsonville, CA), authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the West Cliff Stabilization Project (c401501), and authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
December 9, 2025 City Council 11
Consent Agenda (continued)
26. Adjustment of the City of Santa Cruz Water Department Miscellaneous Fees (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to adopt a resolution adjusting the City of Santa Cruz Water Department’s miscellaneous fees for services due to labor cost increases and rescinding Resolution No. NS-30,337.
27. Water Supply Augmentation, Beltz Well 10 Aquifer Storage and Recovery Pilot Test and Beltz 11 Injection Pilot Test, Pueblo Water Resources Professional Services Contract for Pilot Test Work Plan and Hydrogeology Support to Perform the Pilot Test (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Pueblo Water Resources (PWR) of Ventura, CA in the amount of $455,910 to conduct pilot testing of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) at Beltz Well 10 and Beltz Well 11; 2) Authorize the Water Director, or designee, to execute amendments that are within the approved budget; and
3) Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 14 Cal Code Regs §15301 (Existing Facilities) and §15306 (Information Collection) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
End Consent Agenda
December 9, 2025 City Council 12
Consent Public Hearing
28. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-23 and Ordinance No. 2025-24 Amending the 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) Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-23 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) Adopt Ordinance No. 2025-24 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) Adopt a resolution directing staff to submit Ordinance No. 2025-24 to the California Coastal Commission.
29. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-25 Adopting 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 adopt Ordinance No. 2025-25 amending the 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.
December 9, 2025 City Council 13
Consent Public Hearing (continued)
30. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-26 Adopting the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Annual Supplements and State Amendments and Errata (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-26 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.
31. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-27 Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 10.36.040 Pertaining to Medians (CN) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-27 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) § 10.36.040 pertaining to medians.
32. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-28 Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code 5.82.120 Pertaining to Sidewalk Vending (CA)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-28 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) 5.82.120 pertaining to sidewalk vending.
33. Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Hearing and Resolution regarding Conduit Financing for the 136 River Street Project (EDH) LOCATION: District 5
Conduct the public hearing under the requirements of Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (“TEFRA”) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and adopt a resolution approving the issuance of tax-exempt multi-family rental housing revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $30,000,000 (the “Bonds”), by the California Municipal Finance Authority (“CMFA”) for the benefit of 136 River Apartments Investors, L.P. (the “Borrower”), to provide for the financing of the multi-family rental housing project.
December 9, 2025 City Council 14
Consent Public Hearing (continued)
34. Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Hearing and Resolution regarding Conduit Financing for the 525 Water Street Project (EDH) LOCATION: District 1
Conduct the public hearing under the requirements of Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (“TEFRA”) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and adopt a resolution approving the issuance of tax-exempt multi-family rental housing revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $32,000,000 (the “Bonds”), by the California Municipal Finance Authority (“CMFA”) for the benefit of 525 Water Street LP (the “Borrower”), to provide for the financing of the multifamily rental housing project.
Public Hearings
35. No-Parking Street Sweeping Program and Street Sweeping Coastal Permit Project Number: CP25-0132 Coastal Permit for Continuation, in Perpetuity, of Limitation of Hours of Public Parking in Support of Ongoing Sweeping of City Streets in the Public Right-of-Way on Land Within the Shoreline Protection Overlay/Coastal Zone on Public Rightsof-Way Within the Coastal Zone, Including Potential Future Expansions of the Locations and Time of Parking Restrictions. Environmental Review: Not a Project Pursuant to CEQA Section 15378; Statutory Exemption: CEQA Guidelines Section 15282(j) (14 CCR Section 15282(j)). Categorical Exemption: CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301(c) and (g), 15307, 15308, and 15061(b) (14 CCR Sections 15301(c) and (g), 15307, 15308, and 15061(b).); Filed: 10/15/2025 by Applicant: City of Santa Cruz. This Coastal Permit is Appealable to the California Coastal Commission (PW/PL)
LOCATION: Districts 1, 2, 5, and 6
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution formalizing and making permanent the NoParking Street Sweeping Pilot Program, allowing for continuation, in perpetuity, of limitation on hours of public parking on lands in various locations throughout the City; and
2) Adopt a resolution acknowledging the environmental determination and approving a Coastal Permit (further to Application CP23-0144) for continuation, in perpetuity, proposed limitation on hours of public parking in support of ongoing sweeping of City streets in the public right-of-way on land within the Shoreline Protection Overlay/Coastal Zone, based on the attached Findings and Conditions of Approval.
December 9, 2025 City Council 15
Public Hearings (continued)
36. Tree Appeal – 401 Ingalls Street (Tree Removal Permit #TR25-0087) (PR)
LOCATION: District 6
Motion to adopt a resolution to deny the appeal and uphold the Parks and Recreation Commission’s approval of heritage tree removal permit application TR25-0087 submitted by property owner James Allen to remove two Coast Redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens) located at 401 Ingalls Street.
Presentation
37. Election of Vice Mayor for 2026
Adjournment
December 9, 2025 City Council 16
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – DECEMBER 9, 2025
38. Economic Development and Housing Department: First and Second Amendments to the Kiosk Lease and License Agreement with Paul Cocking 11/7/25 (EDHFYI 006)
39. Economic Development and Housing Department: Construction Business Impact Mitigation Administrative Procedure Oder 11/20/25 (EDHFYI 007)
40. Planning and Community Development Department: Response to August 12, 2024 Council Direction on 2020 N. Pacific Avenue and 113-115 Knight Street (CP24-0124) (APNs 006-364-01, -02) to Explore the Feasibility of Relocating Two Existing Redwood Trees Proposed for Removal 12/2/25 (PLFYI 055)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – DECEMBER 9, 2025
41. Proclaiming November 20, 2025 as “Rod Caborn Day” and encouraging all residents to join in honoring him for his remarkable contributions to the spirit and vitality of our community.
42. Proclaiming Thursday, December 11, 2025 as “Jon Bush Retirement Day” and encouraging all his coworkers and citizens to join in expressing heartfelt appreciation for his twenty-eight years of dedicated and exemplary service and numerous contributions to the Santa Cruz Police Department and the City of Santa Cruz and wishing him well in his retirement.
43. Proclaiming Saturday, November 29, 2025 as “Small Business Saturday Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in shopping local today and throughout the year.
December 9, 2025 City Council 17
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 – to be appointed by
Councilmember Brunner
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.