Approved at the June 23, 2026 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 9, 2026
Closed Session
12:30 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 12:31 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, City Attorney C. Bronson, Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development B. Lipscomb, Director of Finance E. Cabell, 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 12:31 p.m. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period at 12:32 p.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8278
Closed Session
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) 1) Claimant: David Allen Hill
2) Claimant: Rudolf Wories
3) Claimant: Sanders Yixuan Tan
4) Claimant: Bailey James Manoff
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Council received a status report, took up under agenda item 18, and no reportable action was taken.
2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 17-E Municipal Wharf
APN: 007-331-09
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Socksmith Design, Inc.
Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
3. 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 no reportable action was taken.
4. Conference With Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (one potential case to be discussed) By unanimous vote, Council gave contingent authorization for the City to participate in litigation by way of an amicus brief. The details of the matter are confidential until the matter is filed and served.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8279
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 9, 2026
1:15 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 1:18 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, Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development B. Lipscomb, Director of Community Development L.
Butler, Director of Finance E. Cabell, Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Information Technology K.
Morgan, Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Director of Public Works N. Nguyen, Director of Water H. Luckenbach, Superintendent of Recreation T. Hedden-Jones, Principal Planner S.
Easley Perez, Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Oral Communications
At 1:22 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 movie Apocalypto and military frequency weapons.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the Pledge of Allegiance and placement of the United States flag.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8280
Oral Communications (continued)
Roland Seyer spoke regarding the lawsuit Santa Cruz joined against several fossil fuel companies and requested Council send a letter to Congressman Panetta and Senators Padilla and Schiff to urge them to keep HB 8330 and SB 4340 from passing.
Anjali gave a presentation about drowning prevention and requested Council to approve the installation of “ring stations” at City beaches.
Gillian Greensite spoke regarding the lack of visibility at the intersection where Delaware Avenue and Liberty and Monterey Streets meet.
Unidentified person spoke regarding the remodel of the Santa Cruz Inn and asked for an audit of City funds being designated to Housing Matters.
At 1:37 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presentations
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring June 13, 2026 as Juneteenth Jubilation Day Superintendent of Recreation T. Hedden-Jones spoke. Councilmember Brunner read from a proclamation declaring June 13, 2026 as Juneteenth Jubilation Day. Ana Elizabeth, Juneteenth Organizer, spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Unidentified person
James Ewing-Whitman
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
6. Shingu Delegation Report Back
Superintendent of Recreation T. Hedden-Jones, Brian Shulman, parent of a Shingu Delegate, and Emily Burton, Shingu Sister Cities Subcommittee CoChair, spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8281
Presentations (continued)
7. CityServe Volunteer Awards
Volunteer Coordinator J. Shamoun and Christina Thurston, Director of Volunteer Engagement of the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, spoke and the awardees were recognized.
At this time Council heard item #35.
Presiding Officer's Announcements – Mayor Keeley announced the agenda was going to be rearranged to hear item #34 immediately following item #32.
Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced she will be recusing herself from items 13 and 30 as they relate to her employment.
Councilmember Trigueiro announced she will be recusing herself from item 12 as it relates to her employment.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 8278 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
8. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8282
Consent Agenda
City Manager M. Huffaker responded to Council questions regarding item 12.
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 12, 16, and 27.
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on item 9, requesting to amend the language of his friendly amendment on item 17 of the May 26, 2026 City Council meeting minutes as follows:
From:
6) Explore prioritizing the reinstated transfer from the General Fund to the Paving Fund for transportation safety projects.
To:
6) Explore prioritizing the reinstated transfer from the General Fund to the Street Maintenance and Rehabilitation Fund for transportation safety projects.
Councilmember Trigueiro made a comment on item 14.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
James Ewing-Whitman made a comment on item 9.
Unidentified person made a comment on items 11, 14, 16, and 17.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Mayor Keeley made a comment on item 14.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Brunner, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro (with the exception of item 12), Brunner (with the exception of item 13), Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmembers Trigueiro (item 12), Brunner (item 13).
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8283
Consent Agenda (continued)
9. Minutes of the May 26, 2026 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion carried to approve as amended.
10. Resolution Directing Staff to Submit Ordinance No. 2025-18 Related to Extending the Active Life of Permits to the Coastal Commission (CD/ED) LOCATION: 2, 3, 4, and 6
Resolution No. NS-30,659 was adopted directing staff to submit Ordinance No. 2025-18 to the California Coastal Commission for their certification.
11. First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Emergency Shelter Transportation Program Operations and Management (CM) LOCATION: District 1
Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney and pending adoption of the FY 2027 budget with Community Bridges/Lift Line, for transportation operations with the Emergency Shelter Program in the amount of $465,125. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to approve and execute change orders.
12. Children’s Fund Oversight Committee Funding Recommendations for the Allocation of the FY 2027 and FY 2028 Funds (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to approve the Children’s Fund Oversight Committee funding recommendations for the allocation of the FY 2027 and FY 2028 Funds.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8284
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessments for FY 2027 (ED)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Approve the FY 2026/27 Annual Report/Plan prepared by the Downtown Management Corporation; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30, 660 as a Resolution of Intention to levy a Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessment for FY 2027 and schedule a public hearing for June 23, 2026 on the levy of the assessments for FY 2027.
14. Ocean Street Beautification Project – Authorization to Bid and Award an Installation of Landscape Design Contract and Authorization to Execute a Public Art Contract Amendment with Idea Fabrication Labs Santa Cruz, LLC (ED) LOCATION: District 1
Motion carried to:
Authorize the solicitation of bids and award a landscaping contract, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, in an amount within Ocean Street Beautification Project budget (c512001) (an amount not to exceed $525,000);
Approve the Ocean Street Beautification Project Concept Plans, and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to approve final landscaping improvement plans and specifications and execute a contract, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, for landscaping improvements; Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an amendment with Idea Fabrication Labs Santa Cruz, LLC, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, to produce the public art, in an amount of $32,405, for a total public art contract not to exceed $126,635; and
Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities); 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), 15303 (New Construction or Conversation of Small Structures), and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land).
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8285
Consent Agenda (continued)
15. Amended and Restated Municipal Wharf Lease Agreement with Socksmith Design, Inc. for City-Owned Commercial Space at 17-E Municipal Wharf (ED) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an Assignment and Assumption of Lease Agreement whereby Sockshop & Shoe Company, Inc. (Assignor) agrees to assign all of Assignor’s rights, title, obligations and interest in the Wharf Lease Agreement dated February 1, 2017 to Socksmith Design, Inc. (Assignee), in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the commercial retail space located at 17-E Municipal Wharf; Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Amended and Restated Municipal Wharf Lease Agreement with Socksmith Design, Inc., and any documents, amendments or extensions of a non-substantive nature, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the commercial retail space located at 17-E Municipal Wharf;
Approve and 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).
16. Owners Representative Contract for the Coral Street Substance Use Disorder Navigation Center (ED)
LOCATION: District 5
Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a contract with Ausonio Incorporated for Owners Representative services, in an amount not to exceed $405,593, and any related documents in a form to be approved by the City Attorney; and
Authorize the Deputy City Manager, or designee, to execute amendments or change orders with Ausonio Incorporated within the approved budget of the Navigation Center BHCIP Project (c512602).
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8286
Consent Agenda (continued)
17. Harvey West Studios (119 Coral Street) and Future Residential Substance Use Disorder Navigation Center Site (125 Coral Street) – Easements Modifications and Removals (ED)
LOCATION: District 5
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,661 to: (a) Authorize the City Manager to approve proposed new utility, emergency access, and ingress egress easements and property rights modifications necessary for the development and operation of Harvey West Studios (119 Coral Street) and the City’s future Residential Substance Use Disorder Navigation Center (125 Coral Street), in a form to be approved by City Attorney, including the execution of separate instruments, agreements, a reciprocal easement agreement, and any other such documents related to easements needed to facilitate development and operation of the above project sites, and (b) Authorize the City Manager to approve and execute the reconveyance of existing parking, utility, emergency access and ingress egress easement agreements that are in conflict with the proposed new easements and execution of new easement agreements needed to facilitate development and operation on the above project sites, in a form to be approved by City Attorney; and Find that the actions are exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15305 - Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations.
18. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claims of 1) David Allen Hill, 2) Rudolf Wories, and 3) Sanders Yixuan Tan; and to return as late claim of 4) Bailey James Manoff based on staff recommendation.
19. General Obligation Refunding Bonds - Tax Rate Authorization (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,662 was adopted setting the tax rate for FY 2027 with respect to the City's General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8287
Consent Agenda (continued)
20. Proposition 4 GANN Appropriations Limit Adjustment Factors (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,663 amending the calculation of the City’s Proposition 4 Appropriations Limit (GANN Limit) based on the adopted budget for FY 2026 and rescinding Resolution No. NS-30,524; and Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,664 approving the selection of the annual adjustment factors to be utilized in the calculation of the City’s Proposition 4 Appropriations Limit (GANN Limit) based on the adopted budget for FY 2027, with amendments thereto, if any.
21. Santa Cruz Firefighters, I.A.F.F. Local 1716 of the City of Santa Cruz Memorandum of Understanding (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,665 was adopted adopting the successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the International Association of Firefighters Local 1716 (Local 1716) of the City of Santa Cruz effective September 27, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
22. Fire Management Association of the City of Santa Cruz Memorandum of Understanding (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,666 was adopted adopting the successor Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Fire Management Association (FMA) of the City of Santa Cruz effective October 11, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
23. Santa Cruz Police Officers’ Association of the City of Santa Cruz Memorandum of Understanding (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,667 was adopted adopting the successor Memorandum of Understanding for Santa Cruz Police Officers’ Association (POA) of the City of Santa Cruz effective March 14, 2026 through March 23, 2029.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8288
Consent Agenda (continued)
24. 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair Project (c302612) - Notice of Completion (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Accept the work of Jilk Heavy Construction (Brea, CA) as completed per plans and specifications;
Authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the 2025 Santa Cruz Wharf End Interim Repair Project (c302612); and
Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
25. Depot Bike Park – Phase II of Bike Park Renovation (c302237) (PR) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Approve the design, plans, and specifications for the Depot Bike Park – Phase II of Bike Park Renovation Project (c302237). Authorize the Parks & Recreation Director, or designee, to act on the City’s behalf in approving modifications of the Council approved design;
Award a contract to procure and install bike ramps at Depot Bike Park to the American Ramp Company in the amount of $261,000. The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget; and
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) Common Sense Exemption (14 CCR 15061), (2) Class 1 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15301) for existing facilities, (3) Class 2 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15302) for Replacement or Reconstruction, and (4) Class 3 Categorical Exemption for New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (14 CCR 15303).
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8289
Consent Agenda (continued)
26. Park Host Program License Agreement – Harvey West Park (PR) LOCATION: District 5
Motion carried to:
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Park Host Program License Agreement with Kenneth Castro for a one-year term at Harvey West Park; and
Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
27. Metro Rapid Corridors Project (c402615) – Agreement and Budget Adjustment (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager to enter into a reimbursement agreement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, with Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, detailing the parties’ responsibilities with respect to the design, construction, and maintenance of the Metro Rapid Corridors Project. The Public Works Director is authorized to enter into amendments within the approved budget;
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,668 to amend the FY 2026 budget and appropriate funds in the amount of $1,875,000 for revenue and expenditures of the Metro Rapid Corridors Project (c402615); and Authorize the City Manager to acquire necessary right-of-way at the southern corners of the Soquel Avenue and Front Street intersection in accordance with APO I28.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8290
Consent Agenda (continued)
28. Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Miller Maxfield, Inc. for Communications and Planning in Support of the Water Department and its Capital Investment Program (WT)
LOCATION: Water Service Area
Motion carried to:
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement, in the form accepted by the City Attorney, with Miller Maxfield, Inc. of Santa Cruz, CA for Communications and Planning in support of the Water Department and its Capital Investment Program; and
Authorize the Water Director to revise the Second Amendment Scope of Work and execute resulting future Amendments that are within the approved budget.
End Consent Agenda
At 2:11 p.m. Council took a break and returned at 2:29 p.m.
Consent Public Hearing
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Bruce Van Allen made a comment on item 29.
Gillian Greensite made a comment on item 29.
John Hall made a comment on item 29.
Lisa Eckstrom made a comment on item 29.
Adrienne Pearson made a comment on item 29.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
Councilmember O’Hara pulled item 29 for further discussion.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8291
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Vice Mayor KalantariJohnson, to approve the remaining Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner (with the exception of item 30), Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (item 30).
29. 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
Director of Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
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;”
Direct staff to incorporate the following language into the Local Preference Guidelines as a mandatory requirement going forward:
“Tenant selection plans shall require the owner to obtain and verify the qualifications of prospective residents seeking local preference; such prospective residents must demonstrate their qualification for local preference under the purposes of Chapter 24.16 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code by providing verifiable evidence of their local residence, current or offered employment, or actual or potential displacement.” Direct staff to bring a progress report to Council as part of or at the same time as the next annual General Plan Housing Element update that documents compliance of affordable units as provided by the owners, consistent with the Local Preference Guidelines.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8292
Consent Public Hearings (continued)
29. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-11 LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
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.
30. Downtown Association: Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2027 (ED)
LOCATION: District 4
Resolution No. NS-30,669 was adopted confirming the Parking and Business Improvement Area FY 2027 Plan prepared by the Downtown Association and levying the Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2027.
31. Acceptance of Proposed Modifications to Local Coastal Program Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation Chapter as Requested by the California Coastal Commission (CD)
LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6
Motion carried to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,670 acknowledging receipt of Coastal Commission action letter from the California Coastal Commission including the suggested modifications, approving the suggested modifications, and directing staff to submit the approval to the California Coastal Commission Executive Director, and
Acknowledge the determination that the suggested modifications are exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8293
Public Hearing
32. Public Hearing on 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (WT) LOCATION: Water Service Area
Principal Planner S. Easley Perez gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Garrett
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to receive the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
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.
At this time, Council heard item #34.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8294
General Business
33. Amendments to Municipal Code Title 24, Zoning, Related to Protections Against On-Shore Facilities Supporting Off-Shore Oil and Gas Drilling and Deep-Sea Mining and Exploration, and Corresponding Changes to the City’s Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan (CM/CD/CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson introduced the item.
Sustainability and Resiliency Officer T. Wise-West gave a presentation.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Josie Lester
Katie Thompson
George Leonard
Susan Cavalieri
Shaun Burns
Gwynn Benner
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-12 adding Section 24.06.093 to Chapter 24.06 – Zoning Map and Text Amendments and amending Sections 24.06.090 and 24.10.1620 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) related to adding protections against on-shore facilities supporting offshore oil & gas drilling and deep-sea mining and exploration; Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-13 amending the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan (LCP IP) and amending Section
24.10.1525 of the SCMC to add protections against on-shore facilities supporting deep-sea mining and exploration; and
Find that the proposed amendments are categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, pursuant to: Class 7 Exemption (14 CCR § 15307); Class 8 Exemption (14 CCR § 15308); and the Common Sense Exemption (14 CCR § 15061(b)(3)).
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8295
General Business (continued)
33. Amendments to Municipal Code Title 24, Zoning, Related to Protections Against On-Shore Facilities Supporting Off-Shore Oil and Gas Drilling and Deep-Sea Mining and Exploration, and Corresponding Changes to the City’s Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan (CM/CD/CN) LOCATION: Citywide (continued) 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.
At this time, Council heard Presentation item #7.
34. Adoption of 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WT)
LOCATION: Water Service Area
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brunner moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,671 adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and authorizing the Water Director to file a copy of the plan with the California Department of Water Resources; and Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,672 adopting the Water Shortage Contingency Plan and authorizing the Water Director to file a copy of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, as a component of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, with the California Department of Water Resources.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
At 3:34 p.m. Council took a break and returned at 3:45 p.m. to hear item #33.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8296
General Business (continued)
35. Budget Adoption
35.1. Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget Adoption (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
35.2. Resolution Amending the City of Santa Cruz Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans for Various Departments (HR) LOCATION: Citywide
Director of Finance E. Cabell gave a presentation.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Garrett
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,673 adopting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget, including the Capital Investment Program (CIP), effective July 1, 2026; authorize the City Manager to allocate within the applicable funds the FY 2027 changes to the Proposed Budget to the appropriate accounting classification; and approve related and applicable transfers in/out between funds; and authorize the Finance Director to create additional appropriations to provide for commitments carried over from the prior fiscal year, including contract and purchase order encumbrances and unexpended project balances, so long as there is a sufficient fund balance to finance these commitments;
Approve the CIP project exclusions from the Public Art transfer calculation for FY 2027;
Accept the Water Commission’s recommendations regarding the Water Department’s FY 2027 Operating and Capital Investment Program; Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,674 amending the City of Santa Cruz Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans for - City Manager’s Office, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, and Water; and Allocate $20,000 to offset permit fees for the Homeless Garden Project.
June 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8297
General Business (continued)
35. Budget Adoption (continued)
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 O’Hara moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.