CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - January 27, 2026
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
1:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
2:30 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING, PUBLIC
HEARING, 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)
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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, January 26th
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, January 25th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
January 27, 2026 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
1:30 PM
Statements of Disqualification
Public Comment on Closed Session Items
Closed Session
1. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) 1) Property: 1305 E. Cliff Drive
APN: 010-282-01
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiators: Tony Elliot
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Felicia Van Stolk Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of payment, or both
January 27, 2026 City Council 3
Closed Session (continued)
1. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) (continued) 2) Property: 1124 Pacific Avenue
APN: 005-153-10
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Silver Cinemas Acquisition Co.
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
3) Property: 31 Municipal Wharf
APN: 007-341-02
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Peter Drobac Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of payment, or both
4) Property: 49A Municipal Wharf
APN: 007-371-01
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Peter Drobac Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of payment, or both
2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Gov’t. Code §54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (one potential case to be discussed)
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
City of Fresno, et al., v. Scott Turner, et al.
(Northern District of California Case No. Case No.: 3:25-cv-07070-RS) January 27, 2026 City Council 4
City Council
2:30 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
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring January 2026 as Orphan Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month
5. Leslie Keedy 25-year Service Pin Presentation
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
6. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
January 27, 2026 City Council 5
Consent Agenda
7. City Manager Annual Merit Increase (CA/HR)
LOCATION: None
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans and the FY 2026 Budget – City Manager, effective January 3, 2026.
8. Minutes of the January 13, 2026 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
9. Adoption of a Council Policy, "Disruption of Remote Participation During a Council Meeting," as required by Senate Bill 707 (CC) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution adopting Council Policy 6.22, Disruption of Remote Services, to incorporate new Brown Act amendments regarding Council meeting disruption procedures for two-way remote access pursuant to Senate Bill 707.
10. Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 Update: Summary of Community Engagement Events and Data Summary Conditions Technical Brief (CM) LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6
Receive information on the community engagement events to date and accept the Data Summary Technical Brief Snapshot for the Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 Project.
11. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), and related reports, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
January 27, 2026 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
12. Fiscal Year 2025/26 California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, Tobacco Program Grant Award - Budget Adjustment (PD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager of the City of Santa Cruz to accept grant funds in the amount of $374,883 from the State of California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, Tobacco Grant Program, and authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute the contract and agreements associated with the acceptance of this grant, and
2) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget in the amount of $374,883 for the FY 2025/26 Tobacco Program Grant.
13. Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project (c402507) – Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate funds in the amount of $100,000 from Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) for the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project (c402507).
January 27, 2026 City Council 7
Consent Agenda (continued)
14. Award Single Source Purchase Order for the 212 Locust Street/117 Union Street – Sewer Repair Project - Budget Adjustment (m402502) (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Authorize the 212 Locust Street/117 Union Street – Sewer Repair Project and authorize the City Manager to award and execute the Single Source Purchase Order for $123,744 to Montano Plumbing (Santa Cruz, CA) in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works or designee is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget;
2) Adopt a resolution to amend Public Works Fund 101 FY 2026 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $123,744 from Fund 711 and Fund 951; and
3) Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Class 1, existing facilities, 14 CCR 15301).
15. 222 Market Street Roofing Project (c402604) - Change Order (PW) LOCATION: District 1
Motion to:
1) Authorize a Change Order for additional work as outlined in the latest proposal from Moriarty’s Roofing, Inc dated December 15, 2025 for the 222 Market Street roofing project from the Public Facilities Upgrades and Repairs Project (c402604). The Public Works Director or designee is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
2) Approve of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determination contained in this Agenda Report. The Council’s action is exempt from CEQA review under (1) Class 1 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15301) for existing facilities.
January 27, 2026 City Council 8
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Service Order 11 Change Order 2 with HDR Inc. for Capital Program Management Services - Budget Adjustment (WT)
LOCATION: None
Motion to:
1) Authorize the City Manager to execute Change Order 2 in the amount of $1,993,028 with HDR, Inc. in a form to be approved by the City Attorney; and
2) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2026 budget by transferring funds within the Water Department’s CIP in the amount of $825,000 from project c702103 (ASR - Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin) to c701501 (GHWTP CC Tanks Replacement), to provide funding for additional work needed to complete the GHWTP CC Tanks Replacement Project.
End Consent Agenda
Consent Public Hearing
17. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-01 Amending Chapter 16.02 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code Restricting the Irrigation of Nonfunctional Turf (WT)
LOCATION: County (Water Service Area)
Motion to:
1) Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-01 amending Chapter 16.02 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code restricting the irrigation of nonfunctional turf; and 2) Acknowledge the determinations that the ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Acti (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15307, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources and Section 15308, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment.
January 27, 2026 City Council 9
The below item is continued and will not be discussed at this meeting Public Hearing
18. Amendments to the Zoning Map and to Municipal Code Chapter 24.10 – Land Use Districts to Create a New Overlay District to Allow Ministerial Approval of 100 Percent Affordable Housing in Specified Zone Districts, Including New Objective Standards for Heritage Tree Removals on Those Sites (PL)
LOCATION: Citywide
This item is continued to a future meeting and will not be discussed.
General Business
19. 2025 Health in All Policies (HiAP) Progress Update and Proposed 2026- 2029 HiAP Citywide Implementation Workplan (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Accept 2025 Health in All Policies (HiAP) progress update; and 2) Approve the proposed 2026-2029 HiAP Citywide Implementation Workplan.
Advisory Body Appointments
20. Arts Commission
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember O’Hara’s nomination of an Arts Commission member with a term ending January 31, 2029.
January 27, 2026 City Council 10
Advisory Body Appointments (continued)
21. Children’s Fund Oversight Committee
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Approve two at-large appointments of Children’s Oversight Fund Committee members, with terms ending January 31, 2030; and 2) Ratify the reappointments of David Brody as the First Five Santa Cruz representative and Andrew Cunningham as the Youth Organization representative.
22. County Latino Affairs Commission
LOCATION: County
Motion to appoint Aracely Contreras to the County Latino Affairs Commission, with a term ending April 1, 2029.
23. Downtown Commission
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember Trigueiro’s nomination of a Downtown Commission member with a term ending January 31, 2027.
24. Historic Preservation Commission
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember Brunner’s and Councilmember Newsome’s nominations of Historic Preservation Commission members, both with terms ending January 31, 2029.
25. Parks and Recreation Commission
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson’s and Councilmember Brunner’s nominations of Parks and Recreation Commission members, both with terms ending January 31, 2029.
January 27, 2026 City Council 11
Advisory Body Appointments (continued)
26. Planning Commission
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember O’Hara’s and Vice Mayor KalantariJohnson’s nominations of Planning Commission members, both with terms ending January 31, 2029, and Councilmember Newsome’s nomination of a Planning Commission member with a term ending January 31, 2027.
27. Sister Cities Committee
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve one at-large nomination of a Sister Cities Committee member with a term ending January 31, 2030.
28. Transportation and Public Works Commission
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember Brunner’s nomination of a Transportation and Public Works Commission member with a term ending January 31, 2029.
29. Water Commission
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve Councilmember Brunner’s nomination of a Water Commission member with a term ending January 31, 2029.
Adjournment
January 27, 2026 City Council 12
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS None issued.
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – JANUARY 27, 2026
Proclaiming the month of January 2026 as “Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month” and encouraging all residents to learn more about preventing human trafficking and violence against women and join in recognizing the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women for its leadership, education, advocacy, and commitment to building a safe community for all.
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.
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.