Santa Cruz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sewer Rates and Charges Ordinance
Updates the sewer code so property owners who pay to upsize or fix existing sewer mains can be reimbursed as neighboring properties later connect — bringing old rules in line with today's redevelopment reality.
Beltz Well 9 Aquifer Storage and Recovery Design
The Council hired EKI Environment & Water for $468,000 to design upgrades that let the city store water underground at Beltz Well 9, shoring up water supply.
EV Fast-Charging Infrastructure at Public Parking Sites
The Council approved site leases at three public parking locations so DC fast chargers can be installed and operated.
Scotts Valley Water Transfer Agreement
The council authorized a cooperative water transfer and purchase agreement with the Scotts Valley Water District for the Intertie 1 Project. One commenter questioned whether it complies with the charter's prohibition on selling the water system without a public vote.
UCAP Utility Assistance Expansion
The Santa Cruz Municipal Utilities customer assistance program is expanding to multi-family customers, with a $1.1 million budget amendment; O'Hara called it nationally leading.
Nonfunctional turf irrigation ban
The council finalized an ordinance restricting irrigation of nonfunctional turf in the city's water service area — a drought-resilience measure that limits watering of purely decorative grass.