CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting - August 11, 2026
Council Chambers
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz
1:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
2:00 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, CONSENT, CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING,
GENERAL BUSINESS AND PUBLIC HEARING
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Enter the meeting ID number: 946 8440 1344
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Correspondence to be included in the agenda packet must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 10th
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, August 9th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk.
Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
August 11, 2026 City Council 2
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. 1:00 PM
Statements of Disqualification
Public Comment on Closed Session Items
Closed Session
1. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
1) Claimant: Mathew D. Sheldon
2) Claimant: Michael John Deuschel
3) Claimant: Juan Carlos Valencia
4) Claimant: Joshua S. Grant
5) Claimant: Nathan Escalante
6) Claimant: Jose Noel Hinojosa
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
August 11, 2026 City Council 3
Closed Session (continued)
2. Real Property Negotiations (Government Code §54956.8) Property: 121 Soquel Avenue
APN: 005-081-51 (Portion)
Owner: Oswald, LLC dba Oswald
City Negotiator: Bonnie Lipscomb
Negotiating Parties: City of Santa Cruz and Damani Thomas Under Negotiation: Price, Terms of payment, or both
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(1))
1) James Morrissey v. City of Santa Cruz, et al.
(Santa Cruz County Superior Court Case No. 26CV01124)
2) California Grocers Association, et al. v. City of Santa Cruz, et al. (Sacramento County Superior Court Case No. 25WM000095)
August 11, 2026 City Council 4
City Council
2:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Presentations
4. SEIU AB 2561 Presentation
5. Employee 25-year Service Pin - Brandon Ashby
6. Update on Monterey Bay Green Youth Service Corps Fellow Projects
7. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 11, 2026 as Catherine Breed Day
8. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring June 29, 2026, as Oliver Tree Day 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.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Council Meeting Calendar
9. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
August 11, 2026 City Council 5
Consent Agenda
10. Minutes of the June 23, 2026 City Council Meeting (CC) LOCATION: None
Motion to approve as submitted.
11. Certification of the June 2, 2026 Primary Election (CC) LOCATION: Districts 4 and 6, Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution confirming and approving the canvass of ballots and returns for the City of Santa Cruz Primary Election held on June 2, 2026, and declaring the results.
12. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate to Attend the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo (CC)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to designate Councilmember Brunner as the voting delegate, and Councilmember Golder as the alternate, to attend the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo in Anaheim September 23—25, 2026.
13. 2026-2031 Economic Development Strategy Budget Adjustment (ED) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to appropriate $87,750 in the Economic Development Trust Fund (Fund 136) for the 2026-2031 Economic Development Strategy consultant contract.
14. Resolution of Support for Designation of the City’s Eligible Census Tract to be Considered for Inclusion as an Opportunity Zone in the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program (ED)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing submission of a local authority recommendation form requesting that Census Tract 06087101002 be considered by the State of California for Opportunity Zone designation in the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Program.
August 11, 2026 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
15. Liability Claims Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claims of 1) Mathew D. Sheldon, 2) Michael John Deuschel, 3) Juan Carlos Valencia, 4) Joshua S. Grant, and 5) Nathan Escalante, and to return as late the claim of 6) Jose Noel Hinojosa, based on staff recommendation.
16. Civic Auditorium – Handrail Project (c302422) – Notice of Completion (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to accept the work of Selway Construction, Inc. (San Jose, CA) as completed per the plans and specifications and authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for Civic Auditorium - Handrail Project (c302422).
17. Award Contract for Poet's Park Playground Improvement Project (c302603) (PR)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Approve the plan and design of the Poet’s Park Playground Improvement Project (c302603), as shown in the attachment, POET'S PARK PLAYGROUND-OPTION 2.PDF;
2) Award the Poet's Park Playground equipment and installation contract to Ross Recreation Equipment (Santa Rosa, CA) in the amount of $130,195.63, and Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney;
3) Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to execute change orders within the project budget, including potential modifications of the approved plan and design; and
4) Adopt a finding of exemption from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (Common Sense Exemption) and the following categorical exemptions: CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction); Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of New Structures); and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations of Land).
August 11, 2026 City Council 7
Consent Agenda (continued)
18. Award Contract to Davey Resource Group, Inc. for GIS Tree Inventory Update (PR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Award a contract to Davey Resource Group, Inc. (DRG) in the amount of $150,000 to prepare a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Tree Inventory update on a sub-set of the city-wide tree inventory, as part of the grant funding awarded by the Urban Sustainability Director’s Network (USDN) to expand tree canopy, improve tree care, and grow community capacity in Santa Cruz;
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney; and
3) Adopt a finding of CEQA exemption pursuant to (1) the Class 6 Categorical Exemption (14 CCR 15306) for information collection, and (2) the Common Sense Exemption (14 CCR 15061(b)(3)).
19. MRF Stormwater Tanks Pad Installation Project (c402111) – Authorization to Advertise and Award (PW)
LOCATION: District 6
Motion to:
1) Approve the plans and specifications for the MRF Stormwater Tanks Pad Installation Project (c402111); 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, and as authorized by Resolution No. NS-27,563. The Director of Public Works is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
2) Adopt a CEQA finding of categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction).
August 11, 2026 City Council 8
Consent Agenda (continued)
20. Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project (c402507) – Notice of Completion (PW)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to accept the work of Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) as completed per plans and specifications, authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion for the Pacific-Beach Roundabout Enhancements Project (c402507), and authorize the Public Works Director to sign the Notice of Completion as the Owner’s Authorized Agent.
21. Purchase of One Refuse Front Loader and Two Sweeper Vehicles (PW) LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Authorize the purchase of one Front Loader vehicle from Western Truck Parts and Equipment (Sacramento, CA) in the amount of $550,000; and
2) Authorize the purchase of two Fayat Ravo R5 Series sweeper vehicles from Municipal Maintenance Equipment (Sacramento, CA) in the amount of $700,000.
22. Award of Agreement to Chemtrade Chemicals US, LLC for Liquid Aluminum Sulfate (WT)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to accept the bid of Chemtrade Chemicals US, LLC (Toronto, Canada) for liquid aluminum sulfate and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
August 11, 2026 City Council 9
Consent Agenda (continued)
23. Old City of Santa Cruz Dam Removal Project Landowner Agreement and Cooperator Agreement (WT)
LOCATION: County
Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the following agreements, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, for the Old City of Santa Cruz Dam Removal Project (Project):
1) Landowner Agreement between Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz and the City of Santa Cruz; and
2) Cooperator Agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, and the City of Santa Cruz.
End Consent Agenda
Consent Public Hearing
24. 2nd Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-14 Amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 1.18.020 to Adjust the Salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers (CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-14 to adjust the salaries of the Mayor and Councilmembers.
25. TEFRA Hearing and Resolution Regarding Recycled Conduit Funding for the Calypso Project (ED)
LOCATION: District 4
Motion to:
1) Conduct the public hearing under the requirements of Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (“TEFRA”) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and
2) Adopt a resolution approving the issuance of tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $75,000,000 (the “Bonds”), by the California Municipal Finance Authority (“CMFA”) for the benefit of Calypso Affordable LP (the “Borrower”), to provide for the financing of the multi-family rental affordable housing project, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-30,640.
August 11, 2026 City Council 10
General Business
26. CalPERS Contract Amendment (HR)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution declaring the City Council’s intention to approve an amendment to the City’s contract with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) to remove the contract exclusions applicable to “All Appointive Members of the Boards and Commissions; and Persons Compensated On An Hourly Basis Employed June 26, 1962, or thereafter as County Branch Library Aides, Library Pages, School Crossing Guards and Recreation Department Employees” prospectively from the effective date of this amendment to contract; and
2) Introduce for publication an ordinance implementing the CalPERS contract amendment.
27. 2025-2030 City of Santa Cruz Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Climate Adaptation Plan (LHM-CAP) – Year 1 Implementation Progress Report (CM)
LOCATION: Citywide
Motion to accept the LHM-CAP Year 1 Implementation Progress Report.
August 11, 2026 City Council 11
Public Hearing
28. 900 High Street: CP25-0105 (APN 001-022-45) Major Modification and Density Bonus Request Proposing Modifications to Application No. CP22- 0164 to Revise the Previous Density Bonus Request, Increase the Total Number of Residential Units from 40 to 47, Alter the Unit Mix, and Modify the Building Design/Envelope Compared to the Project Design as Previously Approved. Environmental Review: Statutory Exemption Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21083.3. Applicant: Sibley Simon, Workbench. Owner: Envision Peace Village, LLC, c/o Sibley Simon (CD)
LOCATION: District 5
Motion to adopt a resolution acknowledging the environmental determination (Statutory Exemption pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21083.3) and approving a Major Modification and Density Bonus Request proposing modifications to Application No. CP22-0164 based on the findings listed in the draft Resolution and the Conditions of Approval attached as Exhibit “A.”
Adjournment
August 11, 2026 City Council 12
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – AUGUST 11, 2026
29. Economic Development Department - First Amendment to License Agreement with Bogard Construction, Inc. 7/28/26 (EDFYI 003)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – AUGUST 11, 2026
30. Proclaiming June 27, 2026 as “Santa Cruz Woodies and Woodies on the Wharf Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in celebrating this beloved community event that honors our surfing heritage, iconic cars, and the spirit of Santa Cruz.
31. Proclaiming June 15, 2026 as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” and the month of June 2026 as “Elder Abuse Awareness Month” and encouraging all citizens to join in this observance and in helping prevent elder abuse and supporting the well-being of all older adults in the City.
32. Proclaiming Friday, June 26, 2026 as “Ian Mackenzie Day” and further recognizing that he is entitled to all of the applicable (and nonapplicable) rights and privileges accompanying this honor.
33. Proclaiming Thursday, June 25, 2026 as “Anselmo Rivas Day” and encouraging all citizens to join in congratulating him on being named the “2026 Farmer of the Year” by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau.
34. Proclaiming June 29, 2026 as “Oliver Tree Day” in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the arts.
35. Proclaiming Sunday, July 19, 2026 as “Santa Cruz Ice Cream Day” and urging all Santa Cruz residents to join in eating as much ice cream as humanly possible at one or more of our local ice cream shops.
August 11, 2026 City Council 13
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS (continued)
36. Proclaiming Thursday, July 16, 2026 as “Megan Grenier Day” and urging her fellow citizens, community members, and colleagues to join in thanking her for her dedicated and exemplary service as founding chair of the Friends of the Branciforte Library.
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 Transportation and Public Works
Commission
One opening – to be appointed by
Councilmember Trigueiro
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.