Capitola approves contract with demographer and $45,000 budget amendment

The Capitola City Council unanimously approved a contract and budget amendment April 30 to engage National Demographics Corporation (NDC) as the city emographer and to fund associated outreach costs.

Staff said the RFP produced eight proposals and the ad hoc committee (vice mayor Jensen and Mayor Morgan) and staff unanimously recommended NDC as the top‑rated firm. The agreement would cap consultant costs at $35,000, cover per‑meeting fees for five public meetings, and include an optional online mapping toolkit; staff also proposed a $10,000 budget item for legal noticing and two bilingual direct‑mail mailers to all city residents, bringing the total proposed amendment to $45,000 to be transferred from contingency.

Staff described NDC s bringing 40 years of experience and local ties; the presenter noted the contract includes an interactive online mapping tool, paper maps for the public process, attendance at five council or public meetings (with virtual option) and assistance developing outreach materials. The presenter summarized the budget: "The basic project elements ... covers everything except for the per meeting expenses ... the per meeting expense for five public meetings is 15,000 ... optional online mapping toolkit and the public participation kit is another 4,000 ... 10% contingency to bring the total cost not to exceed 35,000." Staff added a separate $10,000 estimate for legal noticing and mailers.

During public comment Enrique Domo Jr. told the council he did not contact the outside law firm named in the demand letter and asked that his name not be used in filings; former councilmember Ashok Bertrand and other residents urged the city to be sensitive to how boundaries and small line changes can affect neighborhoods and public sentiment.

A councilmember moved to authorize the agreement with NDC not to exceed $35,000 and to adopt the $45,000 budget amendment; the motion passed unanimously by roll call. Council members said they were impressed by the ad hoc committee nd emphasized transparency and community engagement throughout the districting process. One councilmember noted staff estimates the total cost of the process, including internal legal and potential settlement costs, could reach roughly $90,000.

Next steps: execute the consultant agreement, deploy the interactive mapping tool when ready, fund bilingual mailers and post outreach information on the city's districting webpage.