City Manager's Weekly Update

Week Ending February 2, 2019

This week, I attended my first Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC) Board meeting. VSCC is a non-profit organization that serves as the official visitor and marketing entity for Santa Cruz County.  Scotts Valley was recently selected by Santa Cruz area Mayors to serve on the Board. Having North County representation on the Board is important as Scotts Valley experienced the largest increase in 2018 hotel tax revenue compared to all of the area cities. Year-over-year, Scotts Valley's hotel tax revenue increased by 23%, followed by Watsonville with a 12% increase. Santa Cruz experienced a 10% increase and Santa Cruz County reported at 5% increase. Capitola remained flat. Lodging facilities countywide collectively generate about $23 million in hotel tax revenue, which supports local services. If these trends continue, Scotts Valley year-end hotel tax revenue could be as high as $2 million.

Town Center Community Meeting

The Town Center developers will be holding two outreach meetings on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the Community Center. The first meeting begins at 1:30 pm; the second at 8:00 pm.  

Scotts Valley Middle School Open House

The Scotts Valley Middle School open house is scheduled for Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 3 pm – 4:30 pm.  Come check out our beautiful new school and gym!

PG&E Sets Up Basecamp at Skypark

PG&E and its crews have set up a temporary basecamp at Skypark given the forecast. It is anticipated that PG&E will be there throughout the weekend.

Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC) Debuts Explore Scotts Valley Marketing Video

Santa Cruz County (VSCC), is a non-profit corporation that serves as the official visitor and marketing entity for Santa Cruz County. VSCC is funded through a countywide
Tourism Marketing District (TMD) assessment. This revenue provides tourism and marketing support to draw visitors to the Santa Cruz area and local lodging facilities, including those in Scotts Valley. Check out VSCC's "Explore Scotts Valley" marketing video." 

DARE Program Underway

The Scotts Valley Police Department (SVPD) has kicked off its DARE Program at our local elementary schools.  While graduation locations and times are still to be determined, the DARE graduation dates are tentatively scheduled for: March 23, 2019 - Vinehill; March 26, 2019 for Brook Knoll, and March 28, 2019 for Baymonte.  Stay tuned for more information.

Upcoming Council Meeting

The next City Council meeting is Wednesday, February 6, 2019. The agenda should be posted at the end of the business day.  It is anticipated that the following items will be discussed: 

• Presentation by HDL Sales Tax Consultant on Sales Tax and Retail Trends
• Public Hearing to Consider a Planned Sign Program for Two Commercial Buildings (Starbucks and Hangar)
• Adoption of FY 2019/10 Goals and Priorities
• Adoption of Resolutions Establishing a Project Specific Council Budget Subcommittee and Library Facilities Upgrade Subcommittee
• FY 2018/19 Mid-Year Budget Review