Index:
City of Santa Cruz
The Arts Commission meets 7-8 times a year on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Summer and winter recesses occur and may vary year to year. The City Calendar has the most current schedule of meeting.
The seven-member Arts Commission was established in 1977 to advise City Council on policies which enhance the aesthetic and cultural quality of life in the City of Santa Cruz. Appointed by the City Council, commissioners are volunteers who share a strong commitment to the arts. The Arts Commission provides policy guidance to the City Arts program.
To learn more about the Arts Commission, City Arts programs and to take a virtual tour of the City’s public art, go to www.SantaCruzCityArts.com
The Board of Building and Fire Appeals meets annually to appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair, and then as-needed if appeals are received.
Clean River, Beaches and Ocean Fund Citizen Oversight Committee
As directed in Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) Section 3.14.080, the Committee is charged with reviewing the use of the Clean River, Beaches and Ocean special parcel tax proceeds. The Committee members are appointed by the City Council.
Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the months of February, March, May, August, September, and November at 6:45 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. The Commission consists of seven members who are appointed by the City Council.
To end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic violence in the City of Santa Cruz through prevention, programs, and public policy.
To collaborate with local stakeholder partners and law enforcement to ensure best practices to respond to and prosecute violent crimes against women.
- To make ending violence against women the highest priority in the City of Santa Cruz
- To ensure collaboration with other public and private agencies to support existing programs and
support the development of new programs as needed - To facilitate meaningful citizen participation in the work of the Commission
- To continue to work with law enforcement to develop strategies for the successful prosecution and conviction of the crimes of violence against women
The Community Programs Committee does not have a regular schedule and meets as needed.
The City Council’s Community Programs (CP) Committee makes recommendations to the City Council regarding programs that receive City of Santa Cruz (City) funding through the annual CP grant process as well as the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Program programs.
Meetings are normally held on the fourth Thursday of the month, in January, March, May, July, September and November at 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers located at 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Public comment can be submitted to the Commission via email, if submitted by noon on the meeting date, or live via phone during a meeting.
The Downtown Commission advises Council on all matters pertaining to the maintenance and management of Parking District No. 1, and the Central Business and Improvement District. The Downtown Commission was consolidated from two former City Council advisory bodies. One advisory body was established to manage the off-street public parking in the Parking District. The second advisory body was established to promote the Central Business District. The Downtown Commission united these two advisory bodies.
The Downtown Commission develops long-range plans and implementation programs to provide downtown public parking. The Commission may study traffic problems in the Districts. The Commission makes recommendations regarding the allocation of funds derived from revenues collected on behalf of these Districts. The Commission evaluates public and private activities in the Districts and recommends policies and programs to preserve, enhance, and advance the viability and attractiveness of the downtown. The Commission may also perform other functions and duties as directed by Council or prescribed or authorized by any City ordinance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Committee
The Equal Employment Opportunity Committee meets quarterly, on the first Thursday of March, June, September and December, at 1:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber
City of Santa Cruz maintains and promotes a working environment free from discrimination and harassment; and provides all current and prospective employees with equal opportunity in employment regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, medical condition, sex, gender, physical characteristics, marital status, age, sexual orientation, organizational affiliation or veteran status.
The City is committed to take action against any harasser which will end the discriminating or harassing conduct. The City Manager fully accepts and supports the City’s commitment to prevent discrimination and harassment as a means to assure full equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Committee (EEOC) acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters EEO and be responsible for serving as a communication channel between City employees, the community, the City Manager and the EEO Coordinator on any EEO activities and concerns.
Historic Preservation Commission
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Meetings are held on the first Monday every other month (January, March, May, July, September and November) from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 809 Center St., Santa Cruz, California.
The Commission advises the City Council on all matters concerning public recreation, including playgrounds, music, and entertainment. The Commission makes recommendations on the annual budget for the Parks and Recreation Department. It also assists in planning recreation programs and accepts donations of money and property subject to the approval of the City Council.
The Commission consists of seven members. Appointments to the Commission are made by the City Council from the qualified electors of the City of Santa Cruz.
Staff Contact:
Tremain Hedden-Jones
323 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060
831-420-5270
Planning Commission meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA.
The Planning Commission will advise City Council on matters pertaining to land use after receiving public input. The Planning Commission will be final decision maker for certain land use actions unless appealed to the City Council.
The Commission consists of seven members. Membership, term of office, and procedures for removal of members and the filling of vacancies shall be as established by City Ordinance or by the City Council. Members will be qualified electors of the City of Santa Cruz pursuant to 2.40.011 of the Municipal Code and City Council Policy, Section 5.
The Sister Cities Committee meets monthly as needed at 7:00 pm.
Transportation and Public Works Commission
Meetings are normally held on the third Monday of every month, excluding July and December, at 6:00 p.m in the City Council Chambers located at 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Public comment can be submitted to the Commission via email, if submitted by noon on the meeting date, or live via phone during a meeting.
Established in 2010 by Ordinance No. 2010-05, the Transportation and Public Works Commission (TPWC) is generally responsible for advising Council in matters pertaining to transportation and public works as defined in the Ordinance (Section 2.40.081). Its duties include advising Council on planning, design, construction, reconstruction, installation, operation and maintenance of transportation and public works. It makes recommendations to Council concerning the capital improvement program and the annual budget of the Public Works Department.
Meetings are normally held on the third Monday of every month, excluding July and December, at 6:00 p.m in the City Council Chambers located at 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Public comment can be submitted to the Commission via email, if submitted by noon on the meeting date, or live via phone during a meeting.
The Water Commission meets in the Santa Cruz City Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, on the first Monday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. For more information on meeting procedures and how to participate, see: Meeting Information
Established by Resolution No. NS-22 in 1948, and reestablished by Ordinance No. 87-10 in 1987, the Water Commission advises the Council in all matters pertaining to the Santa Cruz Water System and its maintenance and management. The Commission also makes studies of long-range plans for securing sources of domestic water supply for the city and reports to the City Council its conclusions and recommendations for the improvement and extension of water systems, including sources, storage, transmission and distribution of water to consumers.
Regular meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA. There are some Special Meetings and Substitution Meetings that may occur.
The Zoning Administrator conducts public hearings and renders decisions on various land use applications including Coastal Permits, Design Permits, Administrative Use Permits, Conditional Fence Permits, Slope Modifications, Variances and related environmental findings.
The Zoning Administrator is responsible for ensuring that all hearings are conducted in accordance with the local and State open meeting laws; and considers the findings of fact and public testimony before rendering a final decision on an application request. Any decision of the Zoning Administrator can be appealed to the Planning Commission within 10 days of final action.
City of Capitola
Architectural & Site Review Committee
This committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. To view past and upcoming Architectural and Site Review Committee meetings and agendas, please click here or visit https://www.cityofcapitola.org/meetings.
The Architectural and Site Review Committee consists of professional members appointed by the City Council as well as City staff involved in the development review process. The Architectural and Site Review Committee is responsible for reviewing development permit applications to ensure that new proposals are harmonious with Capitola’s unique community character. The Committee is an advisory body that provides design recommendations to the Planning Commission and/or City Council.
Staff Representatives:
Assistant Planner Matt Orbach
morbach@ci.capitola.ca.us (link sends e-mail)
831-475-7300 ext. 259
The Art & Cultural Commission meetings generally are on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. For more information, please contact staff representative Larry Laurent, Assistant to the City Manager, at 831-475-7300 ext. 206, or email at llaurent@ci.capitola.ca.us (link sends e-mail).
The Capitola Art & Cultural Commission advises the City Council about allocation of public funds for the support and encouragement of existing and new programs in the arts; acquires works of art subject to City Council approval; initiates, sponsors and/or directs special programs that enhance the cultural climate of the City; and implements the Art & Cultural Master Plan.
There are nine members of the commission. Each serves a maximum of three two-year terms. The commission is composed of the following: One (1) City Council Member; One (1) Planning Commissioner; One (1) Artist or Arts Organization Representative Member; One (1) Arts Professional Member and Five (5) “At-Large” Members. Appointments are made by the City Council following recommendation by the current commission members.
The City is currently recruiting for two At-Large Member seats as well as a youth member. Please see the notice below.
The Commission on the Environment meets quarterly. Meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of the month February, May, August, and November.
Members of the Capitola Commission on the Environment have an interest in protection and enhancement of the City’s environment and assist the City Council in promoting sustainable development, greenhouse gas reduction measures, green building techniques, protection and enhancement of Soquel Creek, the ocean and Capitola Beach, and associated riparian and special habitat areas.
The Finance Advisory Committee meets on the third Tuesday of every other month at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Community Room, and additional meetings may be scheduled during budget preparation.
The Finance Advisory Committee advises the City Council on financial matters pertaining to the governing of the City, as well as on the use of fiscal resources. Three of the seven members are appointed by individual Council Members on the basis of their knowledge, experience, and qualifications in financial management and related areas. These appointees must be City residents,
Recruitment is currently open for all positions. Members who would like to serve an additional term are welcome to reapply using the application below.
Staff Representative:
Jim Malberg, Finance Director
831-475-7300 ext. 224 jmalberg@ci.capitola.ca.us
The Museum Board meets the first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room.
The Capitola Museum’s purpose is to promote, through the establishment and maintenance of a museum and allied projects, a program that will bring a better understanding and appreciation by the Capitola community of its history, architecture, culture, technology, and its creative and natural environments.
Museum Curator
Frank Perry fperry@ci.capitola.ca.us
The Planning Commission meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
The Planning Commission is a City Council-appointed Commission whose members are charged with reviewing land use and development permits (Conditional Use Permits, Coastal Development Permits, Design Permits, subdivisions, etc.) for consistency with the Capitola General Plan, and the Capitola Municipal Code. Planning Commission decisions may be appealed to the City Council. The Planning Commission provides recommendations to the City Council on General Plan amendments and rezoning requests, and provides direction to the Community Development Department regarding the interpretation of city planning policies and codes.
The Wharf Working Group’s purpose is the discussion of issues relevant to the operation, maintenance, and livelihood of the Capitola Municipal Wharf.
The Group meets on an as needed basis.
City of Scotts Valley
ADA Accessibility Committee
The ADA Accessibility Committee on the first Thursday of January, April, July, and October at 6:00 pm.
The ADA Accessibility Committee will identify opportunities to increase ADA accessibility throughout the City and make recommendations to the City Council. All recommendations from the Committee will be made through a staff liaison.
Affordable Housing Committee
The Affordable Housing Committee does not have regular meeting dates, therefore, all meetings are special meetings as defined under the Government Code § 54956 and will be noticed at least 24 hours in advance.
The purpose of the Affordable Housing Committee is to discuss the City’s terms and requirements for affordable housing per the Scotts Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Section 14.01.030 as it relates to new residential development. The Committee’s recommended terms are subject to confirmation by the City Council.
Arts Commission
The Arts Commission meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 5:00 pm.
The Scotts Valley Arts Commission is established to advise the City Council on matters concerning the arts, including literature, music and other cultural activities or arts-related matters as may be directed by the City Council.
Board of Appeals
The Board of Appeals meets on an as-needed basis.
The board shall hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the Uniform Building Code.
The board shall hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of the Uniform Building Code.
Code Enforcement Appeals Board
Code Enforcement Appeals Board The Code Enforcement Appeals Board meets on an as-needed basis.
The Code Enforcement Appeals Board was formed to establish a uniform procedure for administrative enforcement hearings conducted pursuant to the Municipal Code. It is the purpose and intent of the City Council to afford due process of law to any person who is directly affected by an administrative action. Due process of law includes: adequate notice, an opportunity to participate in the administrative hearing and an adequate explanation of the reasons justifying the administrative action. These procedures are also intended to establish a forum to efficiently, expeditiously and fairly resolve issues raised in any administrative enforcement action.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee does not have regular meeting dates, therefore, all meetings are special meetings as defined under the Government Code §54956 and will be noticed at least 24 hours in advance.
The Scotts Valley Economic Development Committee is a Standing Local City Council Committee.
The purpose of the Economic Development Committee is to provide guidance on matters specifically related to business attraction, retention, and expansion, and commercial development within the City. The Committee’s recommendations are subject to confirmation by the City Council.
Mobile Home Park Rent Review Committee
The Mobile Home Park Rent Review Committee meets only upon the filing of a written petition for rent adjustment.
Generally this committee is tasked to receive, investigate, and hold hearings on and pass upon the subject petition.
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks & Recreation Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm.
This commission is generally responsible for advising the City Council regarding policies for the acquisition, development, maintenance and improvement of park facilities, making recommendations as appropriate.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm.
Senior Center Board
The Senior Center Board meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 3:00 pm.
The Senior Center Board manages and supervises the senior organization and shall be responsible for the organization’s compliance with their bylaws.
Successor Agency of the Scotts Valley Redevelopment Agency
The Successor Agency meets as need on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm.
Traffic Safety Committee
The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee does not have regular meeting dates, therefore, all meetings are special meetings as defined under the Government Code §54956 and will be noticed at least 24 hours in advance.
The Scotts Valley Traffic Safety Advisory Committee is a Standing Local City Council Committee.
The purpose of the Traffic Safety Committee is to review and analyze traffic safety issues and concerns raised by residents, and if necessary make recommendations to the City Council.
City of Watsonville
The Board of Library Trustees meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm.
The Board of Library Trustees’ powers and duties are defined in the City of Watsonville Charter Section 910. The Board of Library Trustees consists of 7 members who are appointed by the City Council. The Library Trustees are in charge of the administration of the City Libraries.
Other duties and powers include:
Consider the annual budget and make recommendations
Accept money, personal property, or real estate donated to the City for library purposes
Contract with other agencies and any other duties relating to library matters as directed by the Council not inconsistent with the provisions of the City Charter
Parks and Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission meets monthly on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.
Powers and Duties of the Parks and Recreation Commission are defined in the City of Watsonville Charter Section 911 and 912. The Parks and Recreation Commission consist of 7 members appointed by the City Council. This Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Council and the City Manager in all matters pertaining to recreation and parks.
The duties of this commission include:
- Provision of the annual budget
- Recommend new recreation and parks programs for the community
- Formulate new policies for acquisition and development of parks
- Care and removal of trees; acceptance or rejection of offers of donations of money
- Personal property or real estate to be used for recreation and parks
- Other duties relating to recreation and park matters as directed by the Council not inconsistent with the provisions of the Charter
The Personnel Commission’s powers and duties are defined in the City of Watsonville Charter Section 909. The Personnel Commission consists of 7 members who are appointed by the City Council. The Personnel Commissioners act in an advisory role in matters regarding personnel administration.
Other duties and powers include:
- Recommending changes to personnel rules and regulations
- Hear appeals of any officer or employee holding a regular position in the competitive service pertaining to suspension, demotion, dismissal or disciplinary action
- Conduct investigations regarding personnel
- Any other duties relating to Personnel matters as may be prescribed by the Council not inconsistent with the provisions of the Charter
The Planning Commission meets Monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 4:30 pm.
The powers and duties of the Planning Commission are outlined in the City of Watsonville Charter Section 906 and 907.
The Planning Commission consists of 7 members who are appointed by the City Council.
This commission makes recommendations to the Council after a public hearing to amend or repeal a general plan or a specific plan that affects the physical development of the City.
The Planning Commission is charged with listing and classifying public improvements, make recommendations with respect of Land use including planning, zoning, subdivisions, public buildings, recreation and parks, streets and housing; or any other duties as prescribed by the Council not inconsistent with the provision of the Charter.
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