Approved at the March 24, 2026 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 10, 2026
Closed Session
2:00 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 2:01 p.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, Assistant City Attorney C. Bronson, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Public Comment on Closed Session Items
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period at 2:02 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 2:02 p.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
Closed Session
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (one potential case to be discussed) Council received a status report, and took no reportable action.
March 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8193
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 10, 2026
2:30 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 2:52 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 C. Bronson, Director of Community Development L. Butler, Director of Finance E. Cabell (via Zoom), Chief of Fire R. Oatey (via Zoom), Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Water H. Luckenbach (via Zoom), Transportation Planner C. Gallogly (via Zoom), Code Compliance Manager L. Landry, Senior Planner C. Stanger, Principal Planner M. VanHua, Senior Planner A. Jayewardene, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
At this time, Council heard item 2.
Oral Communications
At 2:58 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.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the Mayor’s State of the City essay in the Sentinel, and the City’s property tax and utility tax rates being higher than anywhere else in the state.
Karen Madura spoke regarding the 2-way pilot program on Murray Street Bridge and asked Council to reconsider the decision to end the pilot program.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the cost of the stoplight on the Murray Street Bridge, the 2-way pilot program, and illegal driving patterns on Seabright.
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Oral Communications (continued)
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding the candidates running for Mayor and the County 3 rd District Board Supervisor.
Kevin Gallagher spoke regarding mental health and shared concerns with how homeless people on Coral Street are treated.
Unidentified person spoke regarding Santa Cruz County’s cannabis industry.
At 3:12 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentation
2. Parking for Hope Check Presentation
Councilmember Newsome spoke and presented a check on behalf of the City to the Downtown Association’s Parking for Hope Program. Crew Member Irvin Ruiz spoke.
At this time, Council returned to Oral Communications and proceeded with the remaining items in order.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 8192 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
3. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
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Consent Agenda
Councilmember Golder made a comment on item 7.
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on item 10.
Transportation Planner C. Gallogly responded to Council questions regarding item 12.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
Unidentified person made a comment on item 13.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, 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.
4. Minutes of the February 24, 2026 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion carried to approve as submitted.
5. 2026 Program Year (PY) Annual Action Plan (AAP) (ED) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Receive initial funding recommendations for the 2026 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan for both Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME); and
Direct staff to draft and publish for public review the 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP).
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Consent Agenda (continued)
6. 2023 Program Year Annual Action Plan Amendment - Budget Adjustment (ED) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,628 to amend the 2023 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to reduce funding to the “2023 PY Civic Auditorium ADA Improvements” project in an amount up to $80,000 and reallocate the funding to a newly created project “2023 PY Market St.
Senior Center Renovations”;
Direct staff to submit the Annual Action Plan (AAP) amendment to HUD for approval; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,629 amending the FY 2026 budget to move $80,000 in revenue and expenditure budget from projects h512403, Civic ADA Improvements, and c302422, CDBG Civic ADA Project, to projects h512103, Senior Center Renovation, and c302101, Senior Center Rehab, respectively.
7. 2026-2029 City of Santa Cruz Police Officers’ Association Total Tentative Agreement for Successor Memorandum of Understanding (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution NS-30,630 was adopted approving a total tentative agreement between the City of Santa Cruz and the Police Officers’ Association effective March 14, 2026 through March 23, 2029.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
8. DeLaveaga Driving Range Roof and Building Improvements (c302214) – CEQA Exemption (14 CCR 15061) (PR)
LOCATION: District 1
Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for the DeLaveaga Driving Range Roof and Building Improvements Project (c302214);
Authorize the issuance of an invitation for bid (IFB) for the project and award the contract. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to; execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
Adopt a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) finding of categorical exemption under (1) Class 1 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15301) for existing facilities, and (2) Common Sense Exemption (14 CCR 15061).
9. 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project (c400809) – Notice of Completion (PW) LOCATION: Districts 3, 4, and 5
Motion carried to accept the work of MCK Services, Inc. (Martinez, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project (c400809) and authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
10. Downtown Catch Basin Rehabilitation 2026 (c402602) – Authorize to Advertise and Award - Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for Downtown Catch Basin Rehabilitation 2026 and 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. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,631 to approve the design of the Downtown Catch Basin Rehabilitation 2026 pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,632 to amend the FY 2026 Budget and move funds from State Capital Grants Infill Infrastructure grant (IIG) to Transfer from IIG–AHSC funding; and
Find the Improvements Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301(Existing Facilities).
11. Award Contract for Purchase of a Volvo D13 Tractor (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to award a contract for the purchase of a Volvo D13 Tractor from TEC Equipment (Oakland, CA) in the amount of $150,000. The Public Works Director is authorized to approve future Contract Amendments within the approved project budget.
12. Traffic Calming Pilot Program (c402404) - Notice of Completion (PW) LOCATION: Districts 1, 2, and 6
Motion carried to accept the work of WGJ Enterprises dba PCI (Azusa, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the Traffic Calming Pilot Program (c402404) and authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Proposed Resource Recovery Facility Fee Schedule Revisions (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,633 adopting a schedule of fees for disposal of refuse, garbage, trash and processing recyclables at the Resource Recovery Facility and rescinding Resolution No. NS-28,872; and
Adopt a finding of statutory exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges) because the proposed fee schedule is for the purpose of meeting RRF operating expenses.
End Consent Agenda
Consent Public Hearing
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, 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.
14. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-04 E-Bike Regulation Concepts (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Ordinance No. 2026-04 was adopted amending Chapter 10.68 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code pertaining to bicycles.
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General Business
15. Sidewalk Vending Ordinance Updates (CD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Code Compliance Manager L. Landry spoke and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-05 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Chapter 5.82 (“Sidewalk Vending”); and Adopt a CEQA finding of exemption pursuant to: 14 CCR § 15307 – action by a regulatory agency for protection of natural resources; 14 CCR § 15308 – action by a regulatory agency for the protection of the environment; and 14 CCR § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption).
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.
March 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8201
Public Hearings
16. Amendments to the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance to Create a New Overlay District for Temporary and Affordable Housing, and Updates to the Industrial Land Use Preservation Policy (CD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Senior Planner C. Stanger gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Director of Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
Principal Planner M. VanHua responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Patrick Broom
Rafa Sonnenfeld
Jocelyn Wolf
Ryan Meckel
Pat Mapeli
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-06 amending Chapter 24.10, Chapter 24.12, Part 17, and Chapter 24.22 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) to add a new overlay district and update standards for temporary and affordable housing with the following amendments:
24.10.4420(3)
From:
“Residential behavioral health program facilities, including substance use disorder treatment facilities;”
To:
“Residential behavioral health program facilities, including substance use disorder treatment facilities and secure behavioral health facilities;” March 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8202
Public Hearings (continued)
16. Amendments to the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance to Create a New Overlay District for Temporary and Affordable Housing, and Updates to the Industrial Land Use Preservation Policy (CD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) MOTION (continued):
24.10.4430 Use Determination.
From:
“Any other use or service establishment determined by the zoning administrator to be of the same general character as the foregoing uses, and which will not impair the present or potential use of adjacent properties, may be permitted.”
To:
“Any other use or service establishment determined by the zoning administrator to be of the same general character, as defined by similar types of operations, service population, intensity, and nature of use, as the foregoing uses, and which will not impair the present or potential use of adjacent properties, may be permitted.”
24.10.4440(2)
From:
“For buildings in which the uses include at least one of the uses described in subsections 24.10.4420.1-5, the maximum height of buildings shall be eight stories and 85 feet.”
To:
“For buildings in which the uses include at least one of the uses described in subsections 24.10.4420.1-5, the maximum height of buildings shall be five stories and 60 feet.”
24.12.1620 Development Standards.
Add #5:
“Parking. The emergency shelter shall provide on-site parking at a rate of one space per staff member at the shift with the greatest number of staff members.”
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Public Hearings (continued)
16. Amendments to the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance to Create a New Overlay District for Temporary and Affordable Housing, and Updates to the Industrial Land Use Preservation Policy (CD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) MOTION (continued):
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-07 amending the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan (IP), amending Section
24.10.1510 of the Municipal Code related to use permit requirements within the General Industrial zoning district;
Adopt a finding that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under Public Resources Code Section 21080.085 and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3); and
Direct staff to explore a policy that could help the City have more local control of shelter bed placements, such as a policy that requires shelters to reserve a certain number of shelter beds for City referrals, or a Citywide shelter bed preference policy;
Direct staff to explore opportunities in the leasing process of City-owned facilities that could strengthen the City’s oversight and improve coordination and accountability of shelter operations in the Coral Street area; and
Direct staff to return to Council and provide a summary of conditions and standards the City may apply to other uses contemplated in the overlay district, including supportive housing, behavioral health facilities, recovery programs, and service-oriented facilities. As part of this review, provide examples of how other California cities regulate similar uses, including operational standards related to management, security, service coordination, and neighborhood compatibility.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Brunner requested to add the following:
24.10.4420 Permitted Uses
Add #7:
“Live-work uses.”
March 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8204
Public Hearings (continued)
16. Amendments to the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance to Create a New Overlay District for Temporary and Affordable Housing, and Updates to the Industrial Land Use Preservation Policy (CD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) FRIENDLY AMENDMENT (continued):
24.10.4440 District Regulations
Add #4:
“For 100% affordable housing projects, any lease or sales agreements shall state that the tenants/owners recognize that a variety of industrial uses exist in the area, and industrial uses often involve noise, smell, dust, or other impacts on the surrounding area.”
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson and Councilmember Golder accepted.
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.
17. Amend Municipal Code Chapter 24.16 Related to Affordable Housing Incentives and Fees, and Adopt Separate Council Policies Related to Development Review Fee Deferrals and Waivers (CD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Senior Planner A. Jayewardene gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Principal Planner M. VanHua responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
March 10, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8205
Public Hearings (continued)
17. Amend Municipal Code Chapter 24.16 Related to Affordable Housing Incentives and Fees, and Adopt Separate Council Policies Related to Development Review Fee Deferrals and Waivers (CD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-08 approving the proposed amendments to City of Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Chapter 24, Sections: 24.16.035, 24.16.300, and 24.16.310;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,634 approving the City Council Development Review Fee Deferral Policy for 100 Percent Affordable Housing Developments;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,635 approving the City Council Development Review Fee Waiver Policy for Projects on City-Owned Land; and Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments and policies are not a “project” under CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(2), (4), and 15061(b)(3).
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.
Adjournment – Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 5:43 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.