[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6185148,"mediaKeyId","5083257-9af1f5bccc5e623d11f7c624c187b776","parentId",5083257,"title","Capitola adopts FY 2025–26 budget and CIP; council places hold on $150,000 in seed spending pending grant agreement","audioSeconds",1263,"startMs",4401000,"endMs",5664000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083257-9af1f5bccc5e623d11f7c624c187b776&start=4401&end=5664","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083257-9af1f5bccc5e623d11f7c624c187b776/thumbnail_4401000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6185148/Capitola-City/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Capitola-adopts-FY-202526-budget-and-CIP-council-places-hold-on-150000-in-seed-spending-pending-grant-agreement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185148-53b3383854bd3fd394c42d754607cb55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148480&Signature=IxN2pa6Cuwu-NYTVidANKfHQgImDjE-hKAnpZEPr6yi6Nero8ZMOaehU6Yg--3B0WkSvsgmHjjSt5mV-vA7CSj6OPX7DT1grQL~DDpMYKTdumeSGKUXdZtVT0WFoLe9aAynF-5gnN5A1hRWU0WcjR8KT~XLoIqRETt4Gxg74Qi9JLgd-PtJiQ657VdLaQi~Te-rRDRZonUgnhRtaMUS8QUPdSL-O8Na4V8JlWqZWzJ2eqF~S6fLa-hLbZa7lRV0AHnRaN4TKRwKIEDF8BQiiM8MwD6M0jraUxZRIqnpk05rlol7lgruxF9BbB34SoNxk0ImVoUUmmMYA6V7FKyubtQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Capitola, California","date","2025-06-27T01:47:28Z","article","The Capitola City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and capital improvement program on June 26, approving staff’s recommended resolution while adding a council instruction to withhold $150,000 in previously authorized seed funding until the city has a signed grant agreement tied to a park project.

Finance Director Jim presented the budget and told the council the general fund for the coming year and the next two is structurally balanced using Measure Y revenues, while cautioning that longer‑term structural pressures — principally CalPERS unfunded actuarial liabilities — could challenge balance beyond the next three years. He said the city is maintaining an estimated ending general‑fund balance target of $1,103,000 and had appropriated $150,000 of general‑fund resources for council goals including a flashing crosswalk on Stockton Avenue, Esplanade Park improvements, Park Avenue work and seed money for a Monterey Park playground.

Councilmember Jensen moved and colleagues accepted a friendly amendment to delay releasing the $150,000 until the city has a signed CDBG agreement for the Jade Street site; staff clarified that $60,000 of that $150,000 was intended for a roadway pavement contract and might need to proceed. Council asked staff to hold discretionary releases until the grant paperwork is signed or until staff returns with recommended adjustments. The motion to adopt the budget and CIP, with that amendment, passed unanimously.

Key CIP notes: the budget lists seven active capital projects totaling roughly $11 million; one recommended appropriation is $656,000 of Measure D/RTC and SB1 funds for the 40 First Avenue multimodal pavement project. Staff also described the mid‑year budget review schedule and will provide quarterly updates for Measure Y revenues, TOT, cannabis tax and permit revenues.

Staff outlined a reorganization that moves HR and IT functions into administrative services and expands the assistant to the city manager role to add public‑outreach and communications responsibilities. The budget includes new and updated job descriptions and the recommended FY25–26 salary schedule consistent with existing labor agreements; council adopted those staff recommendations earlier in the meeting.

Why it matters: the council’s vote completes the city budgeting process for FY25–26 and establishes resources for council goals; the hold on $150,000 signals a conservative approach to matching city disbursements to executed grant agreements and to avoid committing general funds until external funding is contractually secure.

Council asked staff to return early in the fiscal year with any required midyear adjustments and to report on sales‑tax and TOT trends; staff also said the city expects FEMA and CalOES reimbursements related to Wharf storm repairs that would improve reserve positions when received.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Capitola City Council Meeting Agenda - 06/26/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Capitola’s City Council on June 26 adopted the FY2025–26 operating budget and capital improvement program and instructed staff to withhold $150,000 in council‑directed spending until a related grant agreement is signed.","taxTitle","Capitola City, Santa Cruz County, California","taxId",68972,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185152,"Capitola council approves bids and construction plan for Treasure Cove inclusive playground and restroom renovations",0,6444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083257-9af1f5bccc5e623d11f7c624c187b776&start=6444&end=6444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083257-9af1f5bccc5e623d11f7c624c187b776/thumbnail_6444000.jpg","/articles/6185152/Capitola-City/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Capitola-council-approves-bids-and-construction-plan-for-Treasure-Cove-inclusive-playground-and-restroom-renovations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185152-a901523082f2c459b6185ca607281217/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148480&Signature=h1-8oSOV2SiWOKR-nAHp2HETIipXuqcamNfY8tG7PYCW5tRv6c8FuGNsKvMA5iwXluQxCsb5bhtkKfgejRxccZZxU26FicOT4YwQK6znte6-is~NqJDLg-uAAhTBa4w6Kwuf1QQrEQxsMGCbwOps9eohQBotcvSvDb-gBMIFkSeHOYDtWhCOeO4c0UzCbLFOJ74vOPsRr83LL8xs1hI0NjMWt4DjSRbHsYznsiDbRnqN6d-3zIln618QaHldGXGZds7-7hN3Z1s7oGX1NlmMFquQKaw4AJXWRz1oXHnx9mdj5p25CXv1upFqDLm6khMV76GCh7njxj0eeuLihha5mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Capitola City Council on June 26 authorized staff to finalize construction documents and put three bid packages out for a planned inclusive playground (Treasure Cove), a major restroom renovation and community‑center patio improvements at the Jade Street (Treasure Cove) site, with staff returning to the council in August with final funding contracts and any construction awards.

City staff said the combined site projects have an estimated construction cost of about $10.7 million. The city currently shows roughly $1.8 million of general‑fund dollars for the community center, a $1.0 million CNRA grant, and a pending $3.2 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that would fund a large portion of the playground and restroom work; the playground effort has already attracted more than $965,000 in community fundraising, exceeding the initial $850,000 target.

Public works staff cautioned that without the pending CDBG award the city would face an approximate $3.1 million shortfall for the site work. Staff said the projects are designed so that, if the CDBG award does not arrive, elements can be scaled back, rebid or delayed; the playground would be the most likely candidate to be re‑scoped and rebid in a future construction season. Public works explained that advertising and bidding the patio work now would not obligate the city to award construction contracts until funding is fully secured.

Why it matters: Treasure Cove is planned as a fully accessible playground and connective park improvements intended to serve children of all abilities. The city and the community fundraising group worked with Verdi Design, Inc. and Verdi Construction (project consultants) and Blue & Low Ratcliffe Architects on plans that include a fully fenced, universal‑access play area, an accessible concrete path from parking, two single‑user ADA‑compliant restrooms with adult changing tables, and tiered seating and patios outside the community center.

Friends of the County Parks and other donors have already contributed significant private funds. Dan Hafely, a volunteer with the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks, told the council the campaign raised $1,125,000 and urged the city to proceed; Heidi Kellison of First 5 Santa Cruz County said the program funds support early childhood needs and endorsed the project.

Council discussed sequencing, contractor selection, and local hiring; a union representative in public comment urged requiring prevailing wages and apprenticeship participation for contractors on capital projects. Council also inserted a cautionary fiscal note during the budget vote earlier in the evening: the council amended a related budget action to withhold $150,000 of council‑directed seed money until the city has a signed grant agreement, though staff noted a $60,000 pavement contract allocation in that amount was ready to proceed.

The council adopted the staff recommendation unanimously and directed staff to return on Aug. 28 with funding contract approvals and recommended construction awards if the city’s CDBG award is finalized.","Council authorized bidding for the Treasure Cove inclusive playground, restroom renovation and community center patio improvements and directed staff to return in August with final funding agreements; the projects carry a current $3.1 million funding shortfall if a pending CDBG award is not received.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6185157,"Capitola Council endorses hybrid Wharf master‑plan after broad public input",963,1591000,2554000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5083257-9af1f5bccc5e623d11f7c624c187b776&start=1591&end=2554","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5083257-9af1f5bccc5e623d11f7c624c187b776/thumbnail_1591000.jpg","/articles/6185157/Capitola-City/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Capitola-Council-endorses-hybrid-Wharf-masterplan-after-broad-public-input","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6185157-1ed2131d1fae9dfb9eeb664e234ee460/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148480&Signature=GFtIKkXOMdp90ws18o3z90tsF7D9hnXXIcogSZPLIR5ofod70JOcOekh9qDX7ZM4o5zjcHuSDSVODCy8zBen0YVXjDywa85~mhb543W0nNgpBVdto5mqeoKSmnO01XQdjNp9UcWTrgARSRlqtgiMIMMeJJUN99e~MWeksYewdcQFII0HlJ~abY071pb4fXORbP5dfNTHueHhojWcwec-uT4MCa1rtFmfBUk6ZGIk3jymEUpvfZYvxBEgnOmVKFIN7Xc3FQEMkU3piebmUhIZt2Hy6jOiJrYO-MjcTYLN7QmfMR9ST7pyC9S-GVXTNmDxVp7nnth-oQv~NpOmHqi4qQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Capitola City Council on June 26 approved a staff recommendation to advance a hybrid Capitola Wharf master plan — combining elements of Option 6 (flexible market/open space) and Option 7 (permanent structures similar to the Wharf’s earlier configuration) — and to return in the fall with a final plan and environmental review.

The recommendation followed a month of public outreach, a community meeting at New Brighton Middle School and a consultant survey of 1,067 respondents, 499 of whom were Capitola residents. Dan Townsend, a consultant with Fuse Architecture, said, “We recommend that council approve a hybrid of option 6 and 7.”

Why it matters: the Wharf is a high‑use public asset with fishing, lifeguard needs and year‑round visitors; the council and consultants said the hybrid approach seeks to balance historic and recreational uses with potential private investment and flexible vendor opportunities. The master plan will guide future permitting, conceptual massing, updated cost estimates and a request‑for‑proposals (RFP) process for possible public–private partnerships.

Most public input favored keeping fishing and the hoist, adding a second restroom and a lifeguard station, and maintaining public access and open views. The consultant reported significant support for permanent structures (Option 7 received roughly 42% of survey votes) while Option 6 attracted substantial backing for a flexible marketplace; mobile vendors drew mixed responses and calls for a controlled pilot rather than immediate large rollouts.

Councilmembers asked staff and Fuse to show on‑site visual markers of proposed building footprints and heights before the fall hearing so residents can better picture massing; staff said the next phase will include renderings and conceptual massing. Consultants and staff also flagged storm risk and climate vulnerability as concerns raised by the Planning Commission and the Commission on the Environment; the outreach summary calls for additional economic and climate analysis.

Dan Townsend and project team members summarized the outreach and recommended steps that include: a flexible site layout, program descriptions, conceptual massing and renderings, updated cost estimates, identification of required permits and CEQA review. Staff said the master plan would be used in a future RFP seeking private partners, and that typical RFP terms could include long lease terms and revenue‑sharing proposals. The council approved the recommendation unanimously.

The next steps are for staff to prepare the draft master plan materials for a fall return, refine cost and climate analyses requested by commissions, and include design tools that will let council and the public visualize building footprints and potential two‑story elements prior to formal adoption.","After a month of public outreach and a community meeting, consultants and city staff recommended a hybrid of two favored options — combining flexible marketplace elements with permanent structures — and the council approved moving the master plan forward to a final draft and CEQA review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Capitola adopts FY 2025–26 budget and CIP; council places hold on $150,000 in seed spending pending grant agreement

Capitola council approves bids and construction plan for Treasure Cove inclusive playground and restroom renovations

Capitola Council endorses hybrid Wharf master‑plan after broad public input