City of Santa Cruz City Council Minutes Of A City Council Meeting
The meeting included a Closed Session where the Council received status reports concerning liability claims and real property negotiations regarding 37 Municipal Wharf (Gilda's), and discussed anticipated litigation. The regular session commenced with Oral Communications covering the budget, a sugar-sweetened beverage tax, the San Lorenzo Park redesign, and homeless encampment sweeps. Key actions taken included the approval of a Mayoral Proclamation for Government Communicators Day and announcements regarding Black History Month. The Consent Agenda featured numerous actions, such as directing staff to participate in the Local Government Climate Alliance, approving budget adjustments for Day Services Planning Update and the 136 River Street Affordable Housing Project funding, approving Professional Services Agreements for grant support, approving a lease agreement for 37 Municipal Wharf, authorizing design services for the Coral Street SUD Navigation Center, establishing the 2026 security deposit interest rate, rejecting specified liability claims, approving Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico as a Friendship City, and authorizing the purchase of a lift vehicle and a wastewater collection utility truck. The Council also approved budget adjustments related to the SCMU Customer Assistance Program. During the Consent Public Hearing, the Council adopted ordinances amending Municipal Code chapters related to Accessory Dwelling Units to align with new state laws. General Business focused on E-Bike Regulation Concepts, leading to the introduction of an ordinance amending bicycle regulations and directing staff on several related actions concerning rider age, speed limits, and education efforts. Finally, the Council accepted a review of 2025 State of California legislation impacting land use, housing, homelessness response, and economic development.