200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas,
CA 93901
www.cityofsalinas.org
City of Salinas
Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
City Council
Mayor Kimbley Craig
Councilmembers:
Carla Viviana González, District 1 - Tony Barrera, District 2 Steve McShane, District 3 - Orlando Osornio, District 4 Andrew Sandoval, District 5 - Anthony Rocha, District 6 Jim Pia, Interim City Manager
Christopher A. Callihan, City Attorney
City Clerk’s Office: (831) 758-7381
8:00 AMSaturday, February 17, 2024
SPECIAL MEETING
Police Service of Salinas, Community Room
312 E. Alisal Street, Salinas
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Rocha arrived after Roll Call at 8:07 a.m.
Councilmember Tony Barrera
Councilmember Carla Viviana Gonzalez
Councilmember Steve McShane
Councilmember Orlando Osornio
Councilmember Anthony Rocha
Councilmember Jose Andrew Sandoval
Mayor Kimbley Craig
Present: 7 -
PUBLIC COMMENT
Received public comment from the following members in attendance:
Unidentified audience member recommended the city improve its communication with the community in efforts to improve public participation in City Council meetings and community meetings.
Victor Cervantes stated that the Salinas community and the Council is in disagreement with each other and need to come together as a community. He expressed concerns regarding the lack of meeting notification and the process specifically for open and closed session meetings and recommended staff and Council increase public notification to in efforts to increase public engagement.
Joanne Bennett stated she would like to see a City Manager with transparency, integrity, passion to do right, and who is aware of city problems and willing to develop policy and affect change. She added she would recommend the City Manager also have a clear understanding of City contracts and willing to work with the agricultural community to
February 17, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial address health and safety issues of the residents. Ms. Bennett added that a good City Manager must be able to enforce the laws, secure funding via grant writing, manage city staff efficiently, create a streamlined permitting process and passion for the City of Salinas.
Jose Guerra stated the City of Salinas and the Monte Bella community needs a good leader willing to work with the community and those who have invested time and effort to make Salinas a great community. He added that the City needs a City Manager who is willing to take a stand for everyone.
Unidentified audience member commented that he has been a resident of the City of Salinas for 37 years and during that time he has not seen any improvement on city streets. He stated that the new City Manager should be able to build relationships with the community as the residents feel they do not have a voice in local government. He added that he would like to see a City Manager that gives back to the community.
Peter Szalai, long time Salinas resident, commented that he would like to see a City Manager who is genuinely concerned and aware of how City funding is spent. He added that it is not always about having and spending more, it is how well the City is spending the money they do have and using it wisely. Mr. Szalai stated he would like to see someone who is interested in transparency and accountability without repercussions welcomes new ideas and willing to come together with the community to make things better.
Mitch Huerta, District 5 resident and Measure E Committee Member stated that the community needs new leadership and hopes that everyone has an open mind in the process and a vision to move the city forward in a positive light. Mr. Huerta stated he would like see a leader who is willing to hear and see the vision of both the City Council and the community. He commented that it is important to have a leader with a vision and a good sense of humor.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 8:17 a.m. pursuant to:
a. Public Employee Appointment - California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1), City Manager.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.1, there were no reportable actions on the closed session matter,
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
February 17, 2024City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial APPROVED:
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Mayor/Chair
ATTEST:
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City Clerk/Secretary