DRAFT MINUTES
SALINAS CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
2:00 P.M.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmember Orlando Osornio and Councilmember Anthony Rocha.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Steve Carrigan, Finance Director Mark Roberts, Public Works Director David Jacobs, Fire Chief Michele Vaughn, Human Resources Director Marina Horta-Gallegos, Management Analyst Tonya Erickson, Traffic Engineer Andrew Easterling, and Senior Accountant Abe Pedroza.
Councilmember Anthony Rocha called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
1. PUBLIC ATTENDANCE / COMMENT
None.
2. MINUTES
The minutes of the November 2, 2021 meeting were approved by motion of Committee Member Osornio, second by Committee Member Rocha.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Salinas Plan – Animal Shelter (SS02)
Assistant City Manager Jim Pia introduced the topic as part of the Salinas Plan, which includes 32 recommendations from the National Resource Network (NRN) intended to help the City address its structural budget deficit and housing crisis. Mr. Pia highlighted the history of the animal services agreement with Monterey County, which began the process in the fall of 2015. Ultimately, the two agencies consolidated services on Hitchcock Road, filling an administrator position and sharing additional staff. The current MOA is set to expire on December 31, 2021.
Mr. Pia detailed various challenges ahead, notably identifying possible entities in the region who would participate in a potential Joint Powers Agreement. In the interim, staff recommended Council approve an agreement that would extend the City-County service for 2022, at a cost not to exceed $665,000 by the City. Councilmember Anthony Rocha, citing other examples, expressed interest in a future JPA as a separate entity with its own employees/retirement. Councilmember Rocha further inquired upon the financial specifics of the agreement, how vacancies would be filled, an after-hours emergency component, and a desire to include North County/Castroville.
Councilmember Orlando Osornio motioned to approve the agreement as recommended by staff, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Rocha.
B. ARPA Traffic Safety Allocation for Williams Rd. Crosswalk Improvements
Public Works Director David Jacobs delivered a presentation regarding a crosswalk on Williams Road between Del Monte and Monte Bella, neighboring a local school. Currently, the crosswalk does not meet City policy with options to either remove it or allocate $750,000 from ARPA funds. Councilmember Orlando Osornio inquired if outreach was done with the adjacent school and if measuring of foot traffic had occurred. Traffic Engineer Andrew Easterling stated that the school district was interested in improving the crosswalk, but could not dedicate any funds towards the project. Additionally, Mr. Easterling indicated that staff was unable to secure grant funding at this time.
Cameras were set up at the crosswalk to collect data which confirmed high foot traffic. Councilmember Anthony Rocha asked if installation of a sign/barrier would be appropriate after removal of the crosswalk. Mr. Easterling confirmed that per City policy, a barrier could be installed with a sign directing pedestrians to the nearest available crosswalk. Councilmember Anthony Rocha advocated for removing the crosswalk, adding a sign/barrier, and continuing to seek grant funding for improvements at a later date. Councilmember Orlando Osornio supported allocating $750K in ARPA funds towards improving the project in the immediate future. Due to the conflicting opinions, the item will be presented to full Council for further discussion.
C. Committee Member Reports
None.
4. NEXT MEETING
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:39 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY:
Abe Pedroza, Senior Accountant