A legal ruling has caused Santa Clara to claw back rules requiring that all new construction be entirely electric.
A 9th Circuit Court ruling against the city of Berkley found that such environmental regulations are illegal.
Since Santa Clara’s regulations, known as its reach code, were modeled after Berkley’s, City Attorney Glen Googins said it is “highly vulnerable to legal challenge.”
The reach code, which has more ambitious requirements than state mandates, was an attempt by the city to meet California’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2045.
The change to the code would still require that new construction be capable of being wired for fully electric capabilities.
“We shouldn’t be running from a lawsuit; we should be running toward a climate action plan that gets us to where we want to be in 2045, carbon neutrality,” said Council Member Kevin Park.
Council Member Suds Jain referred to city employees exploring an ordinance that would require air conditioners to be replaced with heat pumps and measures to reduce indoor nitrogen oxide. That additional motion passed unanimously.
Public Turns Out to Support Swim Center
During public comments, many community members turned out to speak about the ongoing saga at the George Haines International Swim Center (ISC).
With the passing of a $400 million bond measure in November, Santa Clara has earmarked roughly $45 million for a new pool, addressing the concerns of many in the swim community.
“Rebuilding the ISC doesn’t just mean rebuilding our pools, it means rebuilding the community and future of aquatics in Santa Clara,” said Tanay Gupta, a local swimmer.
Many applauded the passing of the bond, saying it was a step in the right direction toward maintaining the ISC’s legacy of excellence.
City Manager Jovan Grogan called the construction a “multi-year project,” adding that “it won’t get done overnight.” While the dive board will remain out of commission until the new pool is built, the replastering at the ISC is slated for completion in April, he said.
Despite the influx of public money, Grogan said a new pool may still require private money to get built. Grogan said the city is “excited to dive right into” getting the new swim center built.
Many commenters stressed the importance of getting the pool operational as soon as possible.
“When it closed down, it just seemed like a core, fundamental piece of our lives was taken away,” said Sean Musil, another youth swimmer.
The council also appointed newcomer Council Member Kelly Cox to vice mayor and Council Member Karen Hardy to chaplain.
Consent Calendar Spending
The council approved the following spending in one motion via the consent calendar:
- Two four-year $1 million contracts with Allied Power Group and Erwin Services Corporation for as-needed millwright services.
- A $3.75 million amendment to a contract with Unique Scaffold and Liberty Industrial Group, Inc. for scaffolding services. Total contract amount: $5 million.
- A $2.5 million purchase order for Dell for computers and peripherals for the citywide hardware refresh.
- A $2.1 million purchase order with Trayer Engineering Corporation for switchgear needed for Silicon Valley Power projects.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1500 Warburton Ave. in Santa Clara.
Members of the public can participate in the City Council meetings on Zoom at https://santaclaraca.zoom.us/j/99706759306; Meeting ID: 997-0675-9306 or call 1 (669) 900-6833, via the City’s eComment (available during the meeting) or by email to PublicComment@santaclaraca.gov.
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