Approved at the August 11, 2026 City Council Meeting
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 23, 2026
Closed Session
12:30 PM
Mayor Keeley opened the City Council Closed Session at 12:30 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 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 12:31 p.m., at which time the meeting was closed to the public and Council adjourned to the Courtyard Conference Room.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8299
Closed Session
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95) 1) Claimant: James Edward Abbott
2) Claimant: Robert Ambrose Buchanan, IV
3) Claimant: Steven Raul Enriquez
4) Claimant: John Roskelley
5) Claimant: Glenn Wilson
6) Claimant: Lorraine Barnard
7) Claimant: Olivia Finestead
8) Claimant: Maeson Clevinger
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
Councilmember Brunner recused herself from item 1.1 as it relates to her employment. 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: 1070 River Street
APN: 008-661-17
Owner: City of Santa Cruz
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Arts Council Santa Cruz County Under Negotiation: Price, terms of payment, or both
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and no reportable action was taken.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8300
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 23, 2026
1:00 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Keeley called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner (left at 4:08 p.m.), 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, Chief of Fire R. Oatey, Chief People Officer S. De Leon, Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot, Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Water H. Luckenbach, Superintendent of Recreation T. HeddenJones, Principal Management Analyst E. Nguyen, Management Analyst E.
Watkins, Community Development Manager J. de Wit, Senior Planner R.
Bane, Engineering Associate C. Busenhart, Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Presentations
3. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month Councilmember Trigueiro read from a proclamation declaring June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Whitney Barnes, Adult Protective Services Social Worker Supervisor, spoke.
At this time Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson read from a proclamation declaring June 29, 2026 as Oliver Tree Day.
4. July is Parks and Recreation Month
Superintendent of Recreation T. Hedden-Jones gave a presentation.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8301
Oral Communications
At 1:20 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.
James Ewing-Whitman spoke regarding comments made by other people about China and microwave radiation, and whether Putin will invade Germany.
Unidentified person spoke regarding Housing Matters closing their day services and the lack of public restrooms available on Coral Street, and downtown during the farmer’s market.
Bradley Snyder spoke regarding the district elections, and the large building development of downtown.
Adrienne spoke regarding a trailer being towed from Coral Street, and people losing their homes and belongings when Coral Street is cleared for the street to be cleaned.
Susan Cavalieri spoke regarding the extreme heat in Europe and requested that the City continue the lawsuit against fossil fuels.
Nicholas Whitehead spoke regarding the beauty of people gathering and stated it will be important for Santa Cruz to unite with other sanctuary cities At 1:32 p.m. Mayor Keeley closed Oral Communications.
Presiding Officer's Announcements – None.
Statements of Disqualification – Councilmember Brunner announced she will be recusing herself from items 12, 18.1, 27, and 33 as they relate to her employment.
Additions and Deletions – None.
City Attorney Report on Closed Session – See page 8299 for the report.
Council Meeting Calendar
5. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8302
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Golder made a comment on item 15.
Councilmember O’Hara made a comment on items 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on items 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Councilmember Newsome made a comment on items 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Councilmember Brunner made a comment on items 7, 8, 9, 10, and 15.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke:
Unidentified person made a comment on items 8 and 15.
Bradley Snyder made a comment on items 10, 14, 15, and 17.
Unidentified person made a comment on items 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Newsome, to approve the Consent Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner (with the exception of items 12 and 18.1), Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor KalantariJohnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (items 12 and 18.1).
6. Minutes of the June 9, 2026 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion carried to approve as submitted.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8303
Consent Agenda (continued)
7. First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for the Long-Term Safe Parking 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, with People First of Santa Cruz County for the operations and management of the Long-Term Safe Parking Program in the amount of $203,257. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to approve and execute change orders within the approved budget.
8. First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for the City Overlook Emergency Shelter 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, with People First of Santa Cruz County for the operations and management of the City Overlook Emergency Shelter in the amount of $4,192,879. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to approve and execute change orders within the approved budget.
9. Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Downtown Outreach Worker Program (CM)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to execute the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Encompass Community Services for the Downtown Outreach Worker Program in the amount of $539,016. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to approve and execute change orders within the approved budget.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8304
Consent Agenda (continued)
10. Professional Services Agreement with the Homeless Garden Project for Pathways to Employment Program Pilot (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, with the Homeless Garden Project for the Pathways to Employment Program pilot in the amount of $236,658. The Director of Homelessness Response and Community Programs is authorized to approve and execute change orders within the approved budget.
11. Kron House Lease Amendment with Arts Council Santa Cruz County (ED) LOCATION: District 5
Motion carried to:
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Sixth Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Arts Council Santa Cruz County, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, to extend the lease term for three years and increase the rental rate; and
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Lease, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, to be recorded in the Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office.
12. Movie Theater Retention Incentive Pilot Program Extension (ED) LOCATION: District 4
Motion carried to authorize a one-year extension of the Movie Theater Retention Incentive Pilot Program.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8305
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. School Street Staircase Renovation Contract (ED IIG Parks and Paseos c102711) (ED/PW)
LOCATION: District 5
Motion carried to:
Approve the Plans and Specifications for the School Street Staircase Renovation Project (c102711);
Authorize the Public Works Director to solicit bids and award the contract, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney;
Authorize the Public Works Director to, within the approved project budget, execute change orders and approve modifications of the design, plans, and specifications; and
Adopt a CEQA finding of categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction).
14. Third Amendment to the Agreement for Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services and Third Amendment of Lease of the UCSC Fire Station (FD) LOCATION: District 5 and 6
Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to execute a Third Amendment to the Agreement for Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services (Third Amendment to Service Agreement) and a Third Amendment of Lease of the UCSC Fire Station (Third Amendment to Lease Agreement) between the City of Santa Cruz (City) and the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of its Santa Cruz Campus (UCSC), in a form approved by the City Attorney and extending the term for one (1) year, with minor modifications.
15. Authorize the Purchase of a Fire Boat for the Santa Cruz Fire Department with Fire Public Safety Impact Fee Funds – Budget Adjustment (FD) LOCATION: District 2, 3, 4, and 6
Resolution No. NS-30,675 was adopted to amend the FY 2026 budget to add $27,437.50 as a transfer from the Public Safety Impact Fee, Fund 217, to the FY 2026 General Capital Investment Program, Fund 311, and to add $27,437.50 in revenue and expenditure budget to project c212608, Fire Boat Purchase for Fire Department.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8306
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Pass-Through Agreement with Community Bridges - TDA Claimant (FN) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Community Bridges, allowing the City to act as claimant for funds obtained from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.
17. Pass-Through Agreement with Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County - TDA Claimant (FN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to authorize and direct the City Manager to execute an agreement with Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, allowing the City to act as claimant for funds obtained from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.
18. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion carried to reject the liability claims of 1) James Edward Abbott, 2) Robert Ambrose Buchanan, IV, 3) Steven Raul Enriquez, 4) John Roskelley, 5) Glenn Wilson, 6) Lorraine Barnard, 7) Olivia Finestead, and 8) Maeson Clevinger, based on staff recommendation.
19. Finance Department Temporary Staffing (FN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment to the City’s existing agreement with Robert Half, Inc., in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, for temporary staffing services in the Finance Department, increasing the contract amount by $60,000.00 for a revised total not-to-exceed the amount of $140,000.00.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8307
Consent Agenda (continued)
20. Service Employees International Union, Local 521, Memorandum of Understanding (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,676 was adopted adopting the successor Memorandum of Understanding between the Service Employees International Union, Local 521 (SEIU) and the City of Santa Cruz, effective October 11, 2025 through October 10, 2028.
21. FY 2027 Funding for Senate Bill 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Resolution No. NS-30,677 was adopted approving the FY 2027 allocation of SB 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation funds and authorizing the City Manager to submit the project list to the California Transportation Commission.
22. Santa Cruz Seaside Company Conditional Easement Agreement Located Adjacent to 400 Beach Street in the City of Santa Cruz (PW) LOCATION: District 4
Resolution No. NS-30,678 was adopted to approve a conditional easement agreement granted by the City to Santa Cruz Seaside Company (“Boardwalk”) for the installation of an electrical substation located adjacent to 400 Beach Street (APN No. 117-321-04), in a form acceptable to the City Attorney.
23. Wastewater Collections Division Lease Agreement - 195 Harvey West Boulevard (PW)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried authorizing and directing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, and any amendments or documents necessary thereto of a non-substantive nature, with J3D Family Limited Partnership and Harvey West Mainini, LLC, collectively as landlord, for real property located at 195 Harvey West Boulevard.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8308
Consent Agenda (continued)
24. Ratify Contract with Granite Construction for On-Call Paving Services (WT) LOCATION: County (Water Service Area)
Motion carried to:
Ratify a contract with Granite Construction Company (Watsonville, CA) for on-call paving services in an amount not to exceed $200,000 per year, and authorizing the Water Director to execute future contract amendments, in a form approved by the City Attorney, that do not exceed the approved budget; and
Adopt a CEQA finding of categorical exemption pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, § 15301, (Class 1 categorical exemption for existing facilities).
25. Contract Amendment to Professional Services Agreement to Errol L.
Montgomery & Associates, Inc. For Groundwater Modeling Services in the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion carried to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, with Errol L.
Montgomery & Associates (Oakland, CA) for groundwater modeling in the MidCounty groundwater basin, and authorize the Water Director to execute future contract amendments within the approved project budget.
26. Contract Amendment Service Order 12, Change Order 1 with HDR, Inc. for Capital Program Management Services (WT)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion carried authorizing the City Manager to execute Contract Amendment Service Order 12, Change Order 1 with HDR, Inc. in the amount of $8,745,255 and in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
End Consent Agenda
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8309
Consent Public Hearing
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers. Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Vice Mayor KalantariJohnson, to approve the Consent Public Hearing Agenda.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Brunner (with the exception of item 27), Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner (item 27).
27. Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessments for FY 2027 (ED)
LOCATION: District 4
Resolution No. NS-30,679 was adopted confirming the Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District FY 2026/2027 Annual Report/Plan and levying Cooperative Retail Management Business Real Property Improvement District Assessments for FY 2027.
28. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-12 and Ordinance No. 2026-13 Amending the Santa Cruz 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
Motion carried to:
Adopt 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 off-shore oil and gas drilling and deep-sea mining exploration and development; Adopt 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 exploration and development; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,680 directing staff to submit Ordinance No. 2026-13 to the California Coastal Commission.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8310
General Business
29. Independent Police Auditor Report 2025 (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Principal Management Analyst E. Nguyen introduced the item.
Michael Gennaco and Samara Marion with OIR Group gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Chief of Police B. Escalante responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Lee Brokaw
Rhonda Reyna
Unidentified person
James Ewing-Whitman
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Trigueiro moved, seconded by Councilmember O’Hara, to:
Accept the 2025 annual report from the City’s Independent Police Auditor, OIR Group; and
Direct Santa Cruz Police to prioritize use of the BlueTeam system and ensure the timely and complete entry of data into that system.
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.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8311
General Business (continued)
30. Proposed Resolution Authorizing Application for the California Prohousing Designation Program (CD)
LOCATION: Citywide
Management Analyst E. Watkins gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Community Development Manager J. de Wit and Director of Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
James Ewing-Whitman
Unidentified person
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Brunner moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,681 to apply for a new Prohousing Designation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD); and
Authorize the Director of Community Development to execute and deliver the application and any related program documents required for participation in the Prohousing Designation Program.
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.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8312
General Business (continued)
31. Two Resolutions Ordering an Election on November 3, 2026: 1) To add Four Charter Amendment Ballot Measures, and 2) To add a Mayoral Election (CC) LOCATION: Citywide
City Clerk Administrator B. Bush and City Attorney C. Bronson spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Not adopt the proposed resolution ordering an election to be held on November 3, 2026 for the purpose of submitting to the voters four measures to amend the City Charter; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,682 ordering an election to be held on November 3, 2026 for the purpose of submitting to the voters the two Mayoral candidates who received the most votes in the June 2, 2026 Primary election.
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.
Council took a break at 3:27 p.m. and returned at 3:41 p.m.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8313
General Business (continued)
32. Ordinance Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 1.18.020 to Adjust the Salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers (CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson and Councilmember O’Hara spoke.
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
James Ewing-Whitman
Rhonda Reyna
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember O’Hara moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to:
Introduce for publication Ordinance No. 2026-14 to adjust the salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers; and
Direct staff to annually, at or around the same time as the City Council’s budget hearings or budget adoption, prepare a proposed ordinance for City Council’s consideration that would adjust the salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Mayor Keeley requested to amend Section 2 and Section 3 of Ordinance No. 2026-14 as follows:
SECTION 2. Section 1.18.020 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code is amended as follows:
“1.18.020 ESTABLISHMENT OF SALARIES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
Pursuant to Santa Cruz City Charter Section 603, effective as of the pay period ending September 11, 2026, each councilmember shall receive a salary of two thousand six hundred fifty three dollars and thirty-one cents ($2,653.31) per month, and, effective as of the pay period ending January 1, 2027, the mayor shall receive a salary of five thousand three hundred six dollars and sixty cents ($5,306.60) per month.”
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption. The salary increases referenced in this ordinance shall be effective as of the pay period ending September 11, 2026 as specified in the amended Municipal Code.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8314
General Business (continued)
32. Ordinance Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 1.18.020 to Adjust the Salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers (CN) LOCATION: Citywide (continued)
Councilmember O’Hara and Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson 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.
At this time Councilmember Brunner left the dais.
Public Hearing
33. 201 Front Street: CP25-0116 (APN 007-031-04) Nonresidential Demolition Authorization Permit, Coastal Permit, Design Permit, Administrative Use Permit, Heritage Tree Removal Permit, and Downtown Density Bonus Request to Demolish a Commercial Building and Construct an Eight-Story Mixed-use Building Consisting of Approximately 12,000 Square Feet of Ground Floor Commercial Space, Live/Work Units on the Ground Floor, and 245 Rental Apartments on a Parcel Located in the CBD (Central Business District) Subdistrict E – Lower Pacific Avenue/CZ-O (Coastal Zone Overlay)/FP-O (Floodplain Overlay) Zone Districts and Within the South of Laurel Area District of the Downtown Plan. Environmental Review: Statutory Exemption Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.66. Applicant: Owen Lawlor, Lawlor Land Use Owner: 421 E 18th Street Property Partnership. (CD) LOCATION: District 4
Senior Planner R. Bane gave a presentation and responded to Council questions.
Applicant Owen Lawlor responded to Council questions.
Engineering Associate C. Busenhart and Director of Community Development L. Butler responded to Council questions.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8315
Public Hearing (continued)
33. 201 Front Street: CP25-0116 (APN 007-031-04) Demolish a Commercial Building and Construct an Eight-Story Mixed-use Building (CD) LOCATION: District 4 (continued)
Mayor Keeley opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person
James Ewing-Whitman
Mayor Keeley closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Newsome moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,683 acknowledging the environmental determination (Statutory Exemption pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.66) and approval of the Nonresidential Demolition Authorization Permit, Coastal Permit, Design Permit, Administrative Use Permit, Heritage Tree Removal Permit, and Downtown Density Bonus request based on the findings listed in the resolution and the Conditions of Approval, with the below amendments and attached as Exhibit “A”:
Amend item 39:
Prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the project, the developer has agreed to voluntarily contribute $100,000 $250,000 to the cost of public infrastructure improvements identified in the Downtown Expansion Plan serving the Front Street corridor, including street, utility, and related public facility improvements (the “Downtown Improvements”). The purpose of this voluntary contribution is to fund infrastructure improvements required to serve development within the Downtown Expansion Plan area and the additional demand for public facilities generated by such development.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8316
Public Hearing (continued)
33. 201 Front Street: CP25-0116 (APN 007-031-04) Demolish a Commercial Building and Construct an Eight-Story Mixed-use Building (CD) LOCATION: District 4 (continued)
MOTION (continued):
Add:
Within six months of building permit issuance, the applicant shall work with the City to select a mural artist or artists and the design concept(s) for murals or other art work to be incorporated on to the building or site, with one objective to be improving the Front Street elevation with the roll-up doors, utility areas, and similar spaces along that frontage.
A panel consisting of one member of the Arts Commission, one member of the Downtown Association, and the Economic Development Director (or designee) shall work in coordination with the applicant to select the artist and design. The applicant shall provide evidence that a contract or contracts have been entered into with the selected artist(s) for the approved design within one year of building permit issuance, and murals shall be completed prior to issuance of the final Certificate of Occupancy.
The building exterior shall be maintained in good condition throughout the life of the project.
Prior to Building Permit issuance, and as part of the Building Permit Plan Check process, a subcommittee of the City Planning Commission in consultation with the Community Development Director or their designee shall review and approve the selected exterior materials for the project.
Councilmember O’Hara requested that the motion be divided to separate approval of the Heritage Tree Removal Permit. City Attorney C. Bronson advised that the motion was to adopt a resolution that includes approval of the Heritage Tree Removal Permit. To remove the approval of the Heritage Tree Removal Permit would require significant revisions to the resolution.
June 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 8317
Public Hearing (continued)
33. 201 Front Street: CP25-0116 (APN 007-031-04) Demolish a Commercial Building and Construct an Eight-Story Mixed-use Building (CD) LOCATION: District 4 (continued)
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Trigueiro, Newsome, Golder, O’Hara; Vice Mayor Kalantari-Johnson; Mayor Keeley.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: Councilmember Brunner.
Staff direction:
Vice Mayor Kalantari Johnson requested staff to look into all possible options in order to preserve the Heritage Trees surrounding this project.
Adjournment – Councilmember Golder moved, seconded by Councilmember Trigueiro, to adjourn. By consensus City Council adjourned at 4:54 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ss/Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator, ATTEST: ss/Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator, APPROVED: ss/Fred Keeley, Mayor.