Development News for Capitola, California

City Council Discusses Transition to District Elections and Updated Timeline

The City Council held its first public hearing on transitioning to district-based elections, discussing an updated timeline and the process for drawing new district maps. The proposed timeline includes additional public outreach meetings and a community outreach meeting on Saturday, June 20th. Council members discussed the potential for four or five districts and the implications of electing a city-wide mayor. The process aims to ensure compliance with the California Voting Rights Act, with public input being sought on district composition and number before maps are drawn. The city also received a 30-day extension to the original timeline, pushing the final map adoption to August 25th.

Council Debates Remaining Utility Undergrounding Funds, Prioritizes Intersection Project

The City Council discussed the remaining opportunities for undergrounding utilities using Rule 28 credits, which are set to sunset in 2023. The city has approximately $3 million in remaining credits, with District 6A1 (Bay Ave and Capatola Ave intersection) being the most advanced project but facing potential cost increases if not bid soon. District 6B (Capatola Ave to City Hall) is also an option, but would require restarting the process. District 6A2 (Monterey Ave into the village) is deemed fiscally infeasible. Council members debated prioritizing the intersection project due to its safety improvements and prior planning versus continuing undergrounding along Capatola Avenue for better aesthetic continuity. The council ultimately directed staff to move forward with bidding District 6A1, while also exploring the feasibility and costs of District 6B.