Capitola City Council 06/25/2026

The Capitola City Council meeting on June 25, 2026, covered a range of topics including community events, youth transit surveys, staffing updates, and several key procurement and budget-related discussions. Notably, the council reviewed a $10,000 budget allocation for conceptual planning of a new play space at Monterey Park, with community input favoring nature-based play structures over traditional playgrounds. The council also approved the 2026-2027 salary schedule reflecting existing labor agreements and discussed recruitment and retention challenges, particularly within the police department, highlighting staffing shortages and competitive pay issues. Additionally, the council considered the Capital Village and Wharf Business Improvement Area assessments, approving a contract not to exceed $91,000 for marketing and business district improvements. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed city-owned property leasing policy, specifically regarding leases for three longstanding businesses on the Wharf. Public comments expressed strong opposition to issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that could jeopardize these businesses, emphasizing their community value and economic contributions. Council members acknowledged the concerns and indicated a preference for case-by-case lease negotiations rather than a standardized RFP process. The meeting also included a detailed presentation on the city’s public records act request process and cost management strategies, with council support for legislative advocacy to shift some costs to requesters. Finally, the council discussed the redistricting process with multiple map options under consideration and plans for further public engagement before final decisions.