Approved at the May 12, 2026 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 28, 2026
Closed Session
11:30 AM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 11:31 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 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 11:31 a.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 11:32 a.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
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Closed Session
1. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 17-D Municipal Wharf
APN: 007-331-08
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Marshall Miller and Kathryn Miller Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
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City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 28, 2026
11:45 AM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 11:51 a.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, Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development B. Lipscomb, Director of Community Development L.
Butler, Director of Finance E. Cabell (via Zoom), Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Chief People Officer S. De Leon (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan, Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Water H. Luckenbach (via Zoom), Principal Management Analyst M.
Albert, Communications Relations Specialist K. Lee, Principal Transportation Planner C. Gallogly, Police Sergeant J. Trog, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Oral Communications
At 11:52 a.m. Mayor Keeley opened Oral Communications for members of the public who wished to speak regarding items not listed on the City Council agenda.
Maria Reyes spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and asked for Council’s support of the dance community.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding Joby Aviation and expressed he does not think the County or City should not incentivize them as they do not have much earning potential in the future.
Pamela Fyfe spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and stated it can be used to promote tourism.
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Oral Communications (continued)
Katrina Tattenham spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and asked for Council’s support in securing public spaces to meet.
Alastair Fyfe spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and asked Council to consider if the change in the City’s regulations benefit the City.
Rebekah Verhook spoke regarding the community she has found in Salsa by the Sea.
Alex Scott spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and requested to reinstate the summer dates on the Wharf.
Athena Flannery spoke regarding drinking water fountains being turned off at Friendship Park due to a previous shigella outbreak and asked for more handwashing stations throughout the City.
Javier Niño spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and asked Council to restore the summer dates for Salsa by the Sea on the Wharf.
Suzana Djureilov spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and asked Council to help save the event.
Bonny Masters spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and shared the impact it has had on her life.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the Franchise Tax Rate and a claim he filed against the City for unauthorized taxes, and asked Council to stop this tax practice.
Eliza spoke regarding Salsa by the Sea and asked Council to renew the permits.
Unidentified person spoke regarding homeless services that have shut down on Coral Street.
At 12:19 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
At this time Council heard Additions and Deletions.
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Presentations
2. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring the Week of May 3—May 9, 2026, as Municipal Clerks Week
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson read from and presented a proclamation declaring the week of May 3—May 9, 2026, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. City Clerk Administrator B. Bush spoke.
3. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring May 2026 as Affordable Housing Month Councilmember Newsome read from a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Affordable Housing Month.
Presiding Officer's Announcements – None.
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 8236 for the report.
At this time Council heard item 2 and proceeded with the remaining items in order.
Council Meeting Calendar
4. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember O’Hara made a comment on items 6 and 7.
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 6, 7, and 10.
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 6, 7, 8, 11, and 12.
Councilmember Brunner made a comment on items 6, 7, and 14.
Councilmember Trigueiro made a comment on items 6 and 7.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
James Ewing-Whitman made a comment on items 6 and 7.
Garrett made a comment on item 6.
Bradley Snyder made a comment on item 14.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, 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.
5. Minutes of the April 14, 2026 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion carried to approve as submitted.
6. Consideration of Permanent Display of the Progress Pride Flag and Transgender Pride Flag at the Council Dais (CN)
LOCATION: District 4
Resolution No. NS-30,646 was adopted authorizing the permanent display of the Progress Pride Flag and the Transgender Pride Flag at the City Council dais, alongside the United States flag, the State of California flag, and any other regularly displayed flags.
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Consent Agenda (continued)
7. Proposed Resolution Regarding Use of City-Owned Facilities for Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities, Emergency Preparedness, and SB 580 Compliance (CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,647 was adopted to:
Prohibit the use of City-owned facilities for civil immigration enforcement activities;
Direct City staff to continue emergency preparedness and continuity planning related to potential impacts on City services and facilities; and Direct staff to prepare for compliance with Senate Bill 580 (Government Code § 12532.5).
8. Third Amendment to the Municipal Wharf Lease Agreement with Marshall Miller and Kathryn Miller for City-Owned Commercial Space at 17-D Municipal Wharf (ED)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Third Amendment to the Municipal Wharf Lease Agreement with Marshall Miller and Kathryn Miller and any related documents in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, for the commercial retail space located at 17-D Municipal Wharf; Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Lease, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to be recorded in the Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office; and
Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to the following CEQA guidelines: 14 CCR 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 14 CCR 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption).
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Consent Agenda (continued)
9. Application and Project Management Support for Information Technology Systems (IT)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried authorizing the Information Technology Director to approve a contract change order or amendment, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, increasing the expenditure limits set by Council at the September 30, 2025 City Council meeting with respect to the Vantagepoint Business Solutions, LLC (Vantagepoint) Professional Services Agreement, for application and project management support of critical information technology systems.
The total contract value, inclusive of this amendment, shall not exceed $1,133,300.
10. Donation from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County to Support the Abbott Lighthouse (PR)
LOCATION: District 3
Motion carried to:
Accept a donor-funded light beacon from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County (CFSCC) for the Abbott Lighthouse;
Approve of the City accepting funds raised by the CFSCC to support longterm maintenance of the building; Approve the maintenance of the Abbott Lighthouse as described in this agenda report; and
Adopt a CEQA finding of categorical exemption pursuant to 14 CCR 15301 (existing facilities) and 14 CCR 15061 (common sense exemption).
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Consent Agenda (continued)
11. Santa Cruz Wharf Interim Repairs and Recovery (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Authorize the Parks & Recreation Director to execute a final Change Order in the amount of $36,310.15 with Jilk Heavy Construction, Inc. for the 2025 SC Wharf End Interim Repair Project (c302612); and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,648 amending the FY 2026 budget to appropriate $36,310.15 in California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) reimbursements and insurance proceeds to the 2025 SC Wharf End Interim Repair Project.
12. Laurent Street Sewer Rehabilitation (Sewer System Improvements c401511) – Authorize to Advertise and Award (PW)
LOCATION: Districts 3 and 4
Motion carried to:
Approve the plans and specifications for the Laurent Street Sewer Rehabilitation Project 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; and
Find the Improvements Categorical Exempt under CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR section 15301(c) (existing facilities).
13. Advance Dilemma Zone Detection and Retroreflect Project (c402216) – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to accept the work of DC Electric Group, Inc. (Cotati, CA) as completed per plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the Advance Dilemma Zone Detection and Retroreflect Project (c402216) 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)
14. Fleet and Employee Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure at City Hall Annex (c405606) - Authorization to Award Contract - Budget Adjustment (PW) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Award a contract to Varni Electric (Watsonville, CA) for installation of EV chargers in the amount of $156,649, and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,649 to amend the FY 2026 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $84,000 of rebate incentives from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) for the City Hall Campus Lot 13 – EV Charging Infrastructure (c402606); and
Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
15. Union/Locust Backup Generator Project (c702107) – Notice of Completion (WT) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to accept the work of unWired Broadband, LLC. (Fresno, CA) as complete per the plans and specifications, authorizing the filing of a Notice of Completion for the Union/Locust Backup Generator Project (c702107), and authorizing the Water Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
End Consent Agenda
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Consent Public Hearing
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke:
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, 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.
16. Approval of 2026 Program Year (PY) Annual Action Plan (AAP) (ED) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,650 for the City’s 2026-2027 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan (AAP); Direct staff to submit the 2026-2027 AAP to HUD, and authorize the City Manager to sign an application for federal funding assistance for the 2026- 2027 program year; and
Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute program/project contracts, loan and grant agreements and related loan documents with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) sub-recipients and contractors in connection with Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) activities proposed in the 2026-2027 AAP and any subsequent revisions to the 2026-2027 AAP.
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General Business
17. Report on City Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee Deliverables and Proposed Next Steps (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Chief of Fire R. Oatey introduced the item and responded to Council questions.
Principal Management Analyst M. Albert and Communications Relations Specialist K. Lee gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Bradley Snyder
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to:
Receive a report on the activities of the Wildfire Preparedness Ad Hoc Committee, summarizing the committee’s work over the past twelve months, including key findings, collaborative efforts, and final deliverables; and
Direct staff to proceed with the associated Wildfire Preparedness Communications Strategy.
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.
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General Business (continued)
18. Active Transportation Plan Adoption (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Principal Transportation Planner C. Gallogly and Lauren Pope, Planner, Toole Design Group, gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Drew Moore
Garrett
Kelly Porter
Bradley Snyder
Unidentified person
Stephen Svete
Kevin Norton
Russ Harris
Kurt Workman
Jorge Nogrote
Unidentified person
Ella Harley
Glen Stewart
Mary Eriksen
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,651 approving and adopting the recommendations of the 2026 updates to the City of Santa Cruz Active Transportation Plan; and
Adopt a CEQA finding of Statutory Exemption under California Public Resources Code section 21080.20.
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.
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At 3:00 p.m. Council took a break and returned at 3:17 p.m.
General Business (continued)
19. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Amendment of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 9.90, and Resolution Adopting a Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Chief of Police B. Escalante introduced the item and responded to Council questions.
Police Sergeant J. Trog gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Lee Brokaw
Bradley Snyder
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to:
Receive the Santa Cruz Police Department’s (SCPD) Annual Military Equipment Report;
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-10 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Chapter 9.90 “AB 481 Military Equipment Use” clarifying the procedure for amending the Military Equipment Use Policy in SCPD Policy 705;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,652 adopting an amended Military Equipment Use Policy (SCPD Policy 705), which (a) incorporates the acquisition of additional military equipment, and (b) modifies section 705.10 (“Use in Exigent Circumstances”) to more accurately capture the Council’s intent when this matter came before the Council in 2025; and
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General Business (continued)
19. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Amendment of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 9.90, and Resolution Adopting a Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) MOTION (continued):
Direct the City Manager to work with the Chief of Police and the City Attorney’s Office to address the ACLU’s concerns related to AB 481 reporting requirements, including review of annual cost reporting, consumable equipment acquisition estimates, quantity disclosures, and use reporting for all military equipment. Further direct the City Manager to return to Council within six months with an informational report outlining the planned updates to future Annual Military Equipment Reports.
It was requested that the motion be divided. Mayor Keeley approved this request.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to receive the Santa Cruz Police Department’s (SCPD) Annual Military Equipment Report.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: Councilmember Trigueiro.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-10 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Chapter 9.90 “AB 481 Military Equipment Use” clarifying the procedure for amending the Military Equipment Use Policy in SCPD Policy 705.
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.
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General Business (continued)
19. Receipt of AB 481 Annual Military Equipment Report, Amendment of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 9.90, and Resolution Adopting a Policy Update Pertaining to AB 481 Military Equipment (PD) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,652 adopting an amended Military Equipment Use Policy (SCPD Policy 705), which (a) incorporates the acquisition of additional military equipment, and (b) modifies section 705.10 (“Use in Exigent Circumstances”) to more accurately capture the Council’s intent when this matter came before the Council in 2025.
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.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to direct the City Manager to work with the Chief of Police and City Attorney’s Office to address the ACLU’s concerns related to AB 481 reporting requirements, including review of annual cost reporting, consumable equipment acquisition estimates, quantity disclosures, and use reporting for all military equipment. Further direct the City Manager to return to Council within six months with an informational report outlining the planned updates to future Annual Military Equipment Reports.
ACTION: The motion failed with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, O’Hara.
NOES: Councilmembers, Newsome, Golder; Vice Mayor KalantariJohnson; Mayor Keeley.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
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General Business (continued)
20. 2026 Annual Update on Projects in the 5-year Roadmap for West Cliff to Advance the Community’s 50-year Community Vision for West Cliff (CM/PW) LOCATION: Districts 3 and 6
Assistant City Manager M. Templeton gave a presentation 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 Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to receive a status update on the five projects identified in the City Council adopted 5-year Roadmap for West Cliff along with an update on additional West Cliff related projects.
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 4:18 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.