[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_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",6358754,"mediaKeyId","2211528-908dc0b8fdb2c3bb8c3a85c02bd2899f","parentId",2211528,"title","Capitola council reviews wharf events pilot; staff to coordinate with business groups and return with budget options","audioSeconds",2565,"startMs",4944000,"endMs",7509000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2211528-908dc0b8fdb2c3bb8c3a85c02bd2899f&start=4944&end=7509","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2211528-908dc0b8fdb2c3bb8c3a85c02bd2899f/thumbnail_4944000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6358754/Capitola-City/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Capitola-council-reviews-wharf-events-pilot-staff-to-coordinate-with-business-groups-and-return-with-budget-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358754-fd78e1d202d1801ef7fa89380d20a624/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191783&Signature=gZL0463cxY4xShQIqVCo8hEbN3Zdkwq3mtnoboHl-vHjeVyABmmz33NX19i4~2VSwbthmBat7Pd7TTtMlsqpFEiXC0I95U3pj2fcrmJPpObohNMAxWJpfatY6glWvl0MFHm3pACN55FX5MhbAwaJMC4-F8rxW2ehMqlUdAkXM~ApA5bVx74ZnE07hey-iM8AgtXkhZ9v4G~OAGE~TeJyew~dl7AbM0Be82xXNglz7aRD9oXgbY648SyJy20zorFSWX~Gxynt8ga4KKqwuE1Uhe1HSgb9A51vBllNQuDFkW~kdZBDBWDiNkCwlDAbSGvZ089XSPgXe1xMcqjGNRdU0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Capitola, California","date","2025-01-31T05:14:56Z","article","City staff reviewed the city’s short-term wharf events pilot from 2024 and asked the Capitola City Council on Jan. 28, 2025, for direction about events in 2025. The staff presentation summarized successes, logistical challenges and estimated costs for future wharf events.

Staff said the city held two events at the head of the wharf in 2024 and learned that the location creates unique operational constraints: vehicle weight limits limited food-truck access; electrical outlets and shade required additional planning; the portable stage required substantial set-up time; and restocking beer garden supplies required manual movement from the parking area to the head of the wharf. Staff recommended a dedicated short-term budget for wharf events because they require additional staff time, security and logistics beyond existing event series.

Estimated costs presented by staff included:
- Concerts (music-only): approximately $4,000–$7,000 per event (bands, sound engineer, staff time)
- Food-truck-focused events: approximately $5,000–$7,000 per event (incentives for vendors and logistics)
- Dedicated security for events with alcohol: about $1,000 per event (approximate two-person security detail)
- Porta-potty service at the head of the wharf: about $1,200 per month (staff recommended service for about nine months per year until the long-term wharf plan is complete)
- Aggregate range for a multi-event program from general fund: roughly $20,000–$60,000 depending on number and type of events

Council members questioned the need for a porta-potty given the new restroom investments at the wharf’s foot. Public works and staff explained the long walking distance and ADA spacing standards for new facilities; staff also said a previously proposed permanent restroom at the head of the wharf was removed from the scope during earlier cost-savings decisions and could be revisited in the long-term wharf plan.

Council direction: the council did not amend the current budget to fund a new wharf series immediately. Instead, members asked staff to coordinate with local business groups — the Capitola Business Improvement Association (BIA) and the Chamber of Commerce — to explore sponsorships and event partnerships. Council members suggested evaluating an extension of the twilight concert series into later summer/fall as part of the upcoming budget process rather than by immediate amendment. Staff also was asked to consider shorter seasonal porta-potty coverage if the council opts to delay spring or fall events.

Ending: Staff will return with options tied to the city’s budget calendar, potential sponsorships/partnerships with the BIA and Chamber and will incorporate wharf events into the budget process if council prioritizes them.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Capitola City Planning Regular Meeting 01/30/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff reported lessons from two 2024 head-of-wharf pilot events, estimated short-term event costs, and recommended adding temporary restroom service; the council asked staff to work with local business groups and to consider extending the twilight concert series into late summer as a budget priority rather than amend the current budget.","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":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358759,"Capitola approves $4.7 million construction contract for Jade Street Community Center renovation",1211,5376000,6587000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2211528-908dc0b8fdb2c3bb8c3a85c02bd2899f&start=5376&end=6587","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2211528-908dc0b8fdb2c3bb8c3a85c02bd2899f/thumbnail_5376000.jpg","/articles/6358759/Capitola-City/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Capitola-approves-47-million-construction-contract-for-Jade-Street-Community-Center-renovation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358759-fadea4174e3959ab79a95f515f893250/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191783&Signature=MvxPrEEl4Wht-cf2yTSs2NDPzvS0lfkzHwFfj4JN42bVCc4p2MaebYc7lmVkFzR8SNrgJuRpwopCWnwA0cjQnqwSPo9dvYi8pfX75cQk7bDGVtNP0k7cooo4gH9rBdVuTgwH1SSc5gghIIdlxZR05JfX41oG70BHN8IAVHQS7Ojkt5ci49cHMS8D5wk9CWFasUo4YM7eZAdlVQdedWqSvuOdV0rWBP~byoFHpb5LA4VwsJH7fu96~zrFt8FvtWs3sFO15uZrKYQLGm~B0n-aGDYSuia8xUXX8PNAzqibpP4hlu5dErLhUpPkdbKl9rKiqbKErT3dXgxsAT0N~lXK9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Capitola City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 28, 2025, to award a construction contract for the Jade Street Community Center renovation and to adopt related budget and consultant-amendment actions that will allow the city to begin construction in late February or March.

Staff reported that the project is a comprehensive renovation of a 1980s-era community center that includes a new roof, siding, upgraded HVAC with zoning, ADA improvements including a single-user accessible restroom, kitchen upgrades, electrical and site work and selective add-alternatives for patios and landscaping. The project was bid in October 2024; staff received six bids. The lowest responsive and responsible bidder was SSP Contracting (base bid $3,700,000). The contract recommended for approval, including selected additives and a contingency of just under 10 percent plus required PG&E service upgrades, produced a construction total staff summarized at about $5,247,000; the council approved a contract amount announced at $4,726,000 with the contingency and budget amendment as presented.

Funding for the project draws from multiple sources: prior general fund appropriations, a $1,000,000 grant supported by Assemblymember Don Addis (California Natural Resources Agency), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and program income the council allocated earlier in the meeting. Staff told the council they had expended approximately $913,000 in pre-construction work (design and construction management) and estimated about $5,024,000 remaining for construction before contingency.

Council and staff discussed generator and landscape add-alternatives. Staff recommended deferring a new permanent generator and some enhanced landscaping and patio features pending grants or contingency availability; staff noted grant opportunities for emergency power. Staff also recommended temporary porta-potty service during events until a long-term wharf/restroom plan is complete (discussed separately on the agenda).

The council approved three related actions: (1) award the construction contract to SSP Contracting for the renovation, authorize the public works department to issue a notice to proceed upon final contract execution; (2) approve Amendment 3 to the professional services agreement with BLRA (Boone, Loew, Radliff Architects) for construction administration work; and (3) adopt a resolution adding the necessary funds to the FY 2024–25 budget to reflect grants and program income previously discussed.

Staff described a phased construction schedule of about one year and said they would return to council with quarterly construction and budget updates during the project.

Ending: With the contract approved, the city will proceed to finalize agreement documents and issue a notice to proceed. Staff will present periodic construction and budget reports to council while construction is under way.","The council authorized a construction contract and related amendments to renovate the Jade Street community center, approving contract award, architect amendment, and budget adjustments; construction is expected to begin in late February or March and last about a year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358761,"Capitola council appoints Margo Morgan to fill vacant seat; Joe Clark named mayor, Peterson chosen vice mayor",3749,462000,4211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2211528-908dc0b8fdb2c3bb8c3a85c02bd2899f&start=462&end=4211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2211528-908dc0b8fdb2c3bb8c3a85c02bd2899f/thumbnail_462000.jpg","/articles/6358761/Capitola-City/Santa-Cruz-County/California/Capitola-council-appoints-Margo-Morgan-to-fill-vacant-seat-Joe-Clark-named-mayor-Peterson-chosen-vice-mayor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358761-865cae118a1b9ef0a047af6492d69dd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191783&Signature=nAkxFX-wkTdcpt-Yn-FsGmk4-92ySc8H6QLMWEJIdTXwd6PDDwrUqiaLTWdb2V3lPtpABXKiWuJ-3qigmYaiUeRHG52LcgseNKEC5eKT7tHF~HMwnowVrtFn1os15KMuU3IQDxZc74~d-uCUueh8dqDDNc9E9tG3CKlftqW4nlUi0FANLxx3n8qFU7qvBaLPWR7eojTfUt0dffhn3Siv6VsgXBjjrrIVXsZwcUSjns9ayUB4dRqaPbY2L81VzE1IDGzlGRc39msrDnWNapdfbnfqgK1jEwcdhIfE75KGKwhlISy~4~s7mAEeRYdA3EtF1Qz1UnQhI8RBUXWGxpDz9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Capitola City Council on Jan. 28, 2025, appointed Margo Morgan to the vacant council seat and later selected Joe Clark as mayor and Councilmember Peterson as vice mayor.

Council members voted 4–0 to appoint Morgan to serve the remainder of the two-year term. The appointments to internal leadership positions followed: the council voted unanimously to make Joe Clark mayor, and later approved a motion to appoint Councilmember Peterson as vice mayor, which carried 3–1 (Mayor Clark voted no on the vice mayor motion).

The council began the item with staff describing a proposed modified ranked-choice system—also described as an order-of-merit voting method—under which council members would rank candidates and points would be assigned to determine a winner. Staff told the council the method is a tool and that a formal motion and majority vote are still required to make the appointment.

Dozens of members of the public spoke during the comment period. Several speakers urged the council to appoint Susan Westman, citing her local experience and a large number of written recommendations submitted to the council. Other public speakers, including precinct voters and former candidates, urged the council to respect the outcome of the November election and to choose someone who can provide continuity. At least one public speaker, representing a group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Capitola, said it had filed a notice of intent to recall Councilmember Peterson and listed multiple ethics-related allegations; Councilmember Peterson denied the allegations and said a nonprofit that had received a community grant returned the funds.

In council deliberations, members repeatedly returned to two themes: whether to prioritize the preferences of voters in the recent election and whether the appointee should be able to step into current projects and budgets immediately. Several council members cited Morgan’s four years of recent council experience, knowledge of the budget and staffing, and her stated intent not to run in 2026 as reasons to appoint her for continuity. Others noted the strong public support for Susan Westman and for additional outreach but ultimately the council coalesced around Morgan.

Following the appointment vote, the council recessed briefly and then conducted an oath of office for Morgan.

Votes at a glance:
- Appointment of Margo Morgan to fill vacant council seat — Motion passed unanimously (4–0). Roll call votes recorded: Councilmember Jensen: Aye; Councilmember Orbach: Aye; Councilmember Peterson: Aye; Vice Mayor Clark: Aye.
- Appointment of Joe Clark as mayor — Motion passed unanimously (vote recorded as unanimous by roll call).
- Appointment of Councilmember Peterson as vice mayor — Motion carried 3–1 (Mayor Clark indicated No).

What the council directed next: staff had presented the order-of-merit option as a fall-back process; the council used a combination of public comment, spoken preferences and a final formal motion/vote to make the appointment. Council members asked staff to retain materials related to the candidate evaluations and public submissions for the record.

Ending: Morgan was sworn into office the same evening. The council also updated its leadership assignments and returned to other agenda business.","After public comment and a council deliberation on a proposed order-of-merit appointment process, the Capitola City Council unanimously appointed Margo Morgan to the vacant council seat. The council then selected Joe Clark as mayor and appointed Councilmember Peterson as vice mayor.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Capitola council reviews wharf events pilot; staff to coordinate with business groups and return with budget options

Capitola approves $4.7 million construction contract for Jade Street Community Center renovation

Capitola council appoints Margo Morgan to fill vacant seat; Joe Clark named mayor, Peterson chosen vice mayor