CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - May 26, 2026
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
Additional location due to remote participation by Councilmember O’Hara The agenda was posted at this location.
Hakone Retreat Villa 1\f
Sengokuhara 1286-116, Sengokuhara Onsen, Hakone, 250-0631, Japan 11:30 A.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, 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, May 25th
May 26, 2026 City Council 2
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, May 24th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
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 Cal-Relay 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.santacruzca.gov/councilmeetings 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.santacruzca.gov/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.
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.
May 26, 2026 City Council 3
Presentation
1. Shingu Delegation Report Back
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
2. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
Consent Agenda
3. Minutes of the May 12, 2026 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
4. Environmental Impact Report for 307 Chestnut Street (p502601) – Budget Adjustment (CD)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve a contract with Dudek (Encinatas, CA) to prepare the Environmental Impact Report for 307 Chestnut Street in the amount of $55,200 and authorize the Director of Community Development to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and 2) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2026 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $55,200 from the applicant for the Environmental Impact Report for 307 Chestnut Street (p502601).
May 26, 2026 City Council 4
Consent Agenda (continued)
5. Update on the Implementation of the Downtown Plan Expansion (CD/PW/CM)
LOCATION: District 4
Accept the update on the one-year implementation of the Downtown Plan Expansion.
6. Approval of Monterey Bay Area Regional Climate Project Working Group (RCPWG) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution affirming the City Council’s intention to commit to funding the City of Santa Cruz’s contribution to the RCPWG for two additional years (through FY 2028), for an annual contribution of $20,000 and a total contribution of $40,000; and
2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to enter into the MOU as a voting member of the RCPWG.
7. Downtown Association: Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2027 (ED)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the annual report and work plan prepared by the Downtown Association for FY 2027; and
2) Adopt the Resolution of Intention to levy a Downtown Association Parking and Business Improvement Assessment for FY 2027 and schedule a public hearing for June 9, 2026 on the levy of the assessments for FY 2027.
May 26, 2026 City Council 5
Consent Agenda (continued)
8. Approve the Single Source Vendor Selection and Allocation of Funding in the Amount of $101,586 for Shower Repairs in Fire Station 61 from the FY 2026 Approved Fire Department Budget (FD)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the single source vendor selection for Central Coast Construction Company (Cen-Con) and approve the expenditure of $101,586 for shower repairs in Fire Station 61; and
2) Adopt a CEQA finding of categorical exemption pursuant to: (1) 14 CCR § 15301 (Class 1 / existing facilities), (2) 14 CCR § 15302 (Class 2 / replacement or reconstruction), and (3) 14 CCR § 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption).
9. Update to the City Emergency Operations Plan (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to approve the updated 2025-2030 City Emergency Operations Plan.
10. Award a Citywide Contract for On-call Plumbing Services (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to award a citywide contract for on-call plumbing services to Silicon Valley Mechanical, Incorporated, San Jose, California, for 5 years, with 2 (1) year optional extensions, and to authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney with Silicon Valley Mechanical. The Purchasing Manager is authorized to execute change orders within the approved budget.
May 26, 2026 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
11. Authorize the Purchase of Police Patrol Vehicle Equipment and Associated Labor to Upfit Three (3) Police Patrol Vehicles Using General Capital Improvement 350 Funds - Budget Adjustment (PD/PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to transfer funds in the amount of $65,021 from the General Capital Improvement 350 Fund to the FY 2026 General Fund to purchase patrol vehicle equipment, with associated labor costs, to upfit three (3) patrol vehicles.
12. Active Transportation Program Cycle 8 Grant Proposal (PW) LOCATION: Districts 1 and 2
Motion to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the California Transportation Commission Active Transportation Program Cycle 8 for the Eastside Neighborhood Connector and Sidewalk project.
13. Award Contract - Pump Station 1 and Soquel Pump Station Design Consulting Services (c401707)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to award the Engineering, Design, and Consulting services contract for Pump Station 1 and Soquel Pump Station (c401707) with Carollo Engineers (Walnut Creek, CA) and direct the City Manager to execute a Professional Service Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute future amendments within the approved project budget.
End Consent Agenda
May 26, 2026 City Council 7
Public Hearings
14. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-11 Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 24.16.045 and Adding Part 5 to Chapter 24.16 Related to the City’s Local Preference Policy (ED/CD) LOCATION: Citywide
Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-11 amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 24.16.045 and adding a new Part 5 to Chapter 24.16 “Local Preference Policy.”
15. Proposed City Charter Amendments (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Conduct a second public hearing, as required by Government Code Section 34458, to consider proposed amendments to the City Charter.
Motion to direct staff to return to Council at the June 23, 2026 meeting with a resolution calling an election to place a measure on the November ballot.
May 26, 2026 City Council 8
General Business
Per AB 2561, “The recognized employee organization for a bargaining unit shall be entitled to make a presentation at the public hearing at which the public agency presents the status of vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts for positions within that bargaining unit.”
One representative from each the following groups will have up to 10 minutes to address Council on the below item. Advance notice is requested.
Firefighters Local 1716
OE3 Mid-Management
OE3 Supervisors
Police Officers Association (POA)
Police Management Association (PMA)
SEIU
16. Public Posting of Vacant Funded Positions and Recruitment and Retention Efforts in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561) (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Receive the information report on the City of Santa Cruz Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts Pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3.
17. Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget (CM/FN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Conduct the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Hearings, receive information from staff for the City’s requested budget across all departments, the Enterprise Funds, and the Capital Investment Program, and provide feedback for preparation of the FY 2027 Adopted Budget.
Adjournment
May 26, 2026 City Council 9
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MAY 26, 2026
18. Finance Department: Portfolio Management Report – Pooled Cash and Investments as of March 31, 2026 5/1/26 (FNFYI 378)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – MAY 26, 2026
19. Proclaiming the week of May 17–23, 2026 as “National Public Works Week” and encouraging all residents to join the American Public Works Association and local agencies in recognizing and celebrating public works and water professionals, engineers, managers, and employees for the essential contributions that they make to protect our national health and safety and advance the quality of life for all.
20. Proclaiming the week of May 10–16, 2026 as “National Police Week” and encouraging all citizens to observe the week with law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to their communities, and proclaiming May 15, 2026 as “National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty.
21. Proclaiming June 2, 2026, John Robinson’s birthday, as “John Robinson Day” and encouraging all citizens to honor him for his lifetime of contributions and remember him for his love of the sea.
22. Proclaiming Saturday, May 16, 2026 as “Positive Discipline Community Resources Day” and encouraging all citizens to recognize and celebrate PDCR and its team for their commitment to mutual respect, personal responsibility, and solutions-oriented problem-solving, which continue to foster healthier, safer, and more connected communities.
23. Proclaiming May 23–24, 2026 as “Santa Cruz Longboard Union Memorial Day Club Invitational Days” and encouraging all residents and visitors to celebrate this iconic community tradition and support the continued preservation of the Santa Cruz surf culture.
May 26, 2026 City Council 10
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 Two openings – at-large nominations County Library Advisory Commission One opening – at-large nomination Downtown Commission Two openings – to be appointed by
Councilmembers Golder and O’Hara
Sister Cities Committee 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.