200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas,
CA 93901
www.cityofsalinas.org
City of Salinas
Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
City Council
Mayor Dennis Donohue
Councilmembers:
Jose Luis Barajas, District 1 - Tony Barrera, District 2 Margaret D'Arrigo, District 3 - Gloria De La Rosa, District 4 Andrew Sandoval, District 5 - Aurelio Salazar, District 6 Rene Mendez, City Manager
Christopher A. Callihan, City Attorney
City Clerk’s Office: (831) 758-7381
4:00 PM SALINAS ROTUNDATuesday, March 25, 2025
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Jose Barajas
Councilmember Tony Barrera
Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo
Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa
Councilmember Aurelio Salazar
Councilmember Jose Andrew Sandoval
Mayor Dennis Donohue
Present: 7 -
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
CLOSED SESSION
ID#25-093 a. Existing Litigation - California Government Code Section 54956.9(a), conference with legal counsel regarding, Suthided Livingston vs. City of Salinas, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Case Number(s): ADJ 17096835 THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN THE ROTUNDA AT 4:30 P.M.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.1, there were no reportable actions on closed session matters.
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
The City Council commended:
Relay for Life Salinas Valley
Everett Alvarez High School Boys Soccer Team
March 25, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Received public comment from members of the public in attendance and on Zoom.
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#25-076 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sanodval, the minutes of March 11, 2025 were approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
ID#25-082 Financial Claims
Councilmember Salazar recused himself due to a conflict of interest on one of the claims issued.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, the financial claims report was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Recused: Councilmember Salazar1 -
ID#25-020 Acceptance of the Infrastructure Improvements for the Alisal Greening and Beautification Project, CIP No. 9345
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution accepting the infrastructure improvements for the Alisal Greening and Beautification Project, CIP 9345 for maintenance and responsibility was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23210
ID#25-042 Application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development 2024 Continuum of Care Emergency Solutions Grant Program Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the 2024 HCD Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) CoC Program; and, if awarded, the Mayor or designee to accept 2024-2027 ESG grant funds in an amount not to exceed $1,031,517 and authorize the Mayor or designee to execute, and amend if needed, the attached City and HCD 3-year ESG Program Resolutions; the Mayor or designee to execute a standard agreement and any amendments thereto for the 2024-2027 funding years of the State ESG program, CoC Allocation NOFA; the Mayor or designee to
March 25, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial execute all applicable HCD grant documents, Subrecipient Funding Agreements, and necessary amendments to fund programs approved by the CoC #506 Leadership Council during the term of the Standard Agreement with HCD; and the adoption of the following FY 2024-25 Appropriation and Funding Sources:
establish the appropriation budget for the 2024 HCD ESG Program in the amount of $1,031,517 over the three funding years (2024-2027); and increase the estimated revenue from the State Grants Program was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23211
ID#25-060 Transfer of Funds for Professional Services Agreement related to the Salinas Business Park, LLC, DTSC Voluntary Cleanup Agreement
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution approving the transfer of $87,000 from the Airport Enterprise Fund Balance (6100) to CIP No. 9050, Core Area Development was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23212
ID#25-069 Annual Public Art Update
Received and accepted the annual public art update.
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
ID#25-071 Historic Resources Board Certificate of Appreciation Program Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution approving the Historic Resources Board Certificate of Appreciation Program was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23213
ID#25-073 Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Willdan Engineering
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Willdan Engineering for Code Enforcement Services to increase the not to exceed compensation amount to $295,000 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
March 25, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23214
ID#24-732 2024 Pavement Improvements on Various Streets Project, CIP No. 9981 Acceptance
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution accepting the 2024 Pavement Improvements on Various Streets Project, CIP 9981 for maintenance and responsibility was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23215
ID#25-091 Modification to the Classification - Salary Schedule and Workforce Adjustment
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution to amend the Classification-Salary Schedule for regular classifications to re-activate and include the classification of Plan Checker I and temporary employee classifications to include Retired Annuitant - Fire Inspector I was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23216
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ID#25-037 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
Received report from Community Development Analyst's Luis Rodriguez and Monica Flores regarding the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. Section 65400 of the California Government Code requires local jurisdictions to submit an Housing Element Annual Progress Report addressing the status and progress made toward implementing its goals and policies. This report covers the first year of the new City of Salinas 2023-2031 HE and focuses on calendar year 2024 with highlights & accomplishments related to housing production and program implementation. The report must be submitted to HCD and LCI no later than April 1st of each year.
Received public comment from the following member of the public in attendance and on Zoom:
Mike Hamley
Member of the public
Member of the public
Mike Lipe
Member of the public
Judy Myers
March 25, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Lisa Myers
Patricia Rodriguez
Member of the public
Angelo
Member of the public
Member of the public
Wes White
Randy Mase
Nidia Soto – translation provided by J.A.V. Services
Audrey Wardwell
Eleanor Elliott
Juanita Aguilar – translation provided by J.A.V. Services Any Salmina
Eloise Shim
Cary Swensen
Estela
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution accepting the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and authorizing its submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research as required by Government Code Section 65400(b) was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23217
ID#25-055 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report and Visión Salinas 2040 Update Received report from Planning Manager Grant Leonard regarding the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report and Vision Salinas 2040 Update. The General Plan Annual Progress Report covers Salinas General Plan (2002) implementation activities during the calendar year 2024. Accomplishment highlights include supporting significant construction projects through over 2,900 permits and 17,800 inspections; entitling a new Hebbron Family Center and improvements to Closter Park; upstaffing of the Fire Department with new recruits; adopting a permanent Mills Act Ordinance to support historic preservation; and the continuation of construction of Ensen Community Park by the Big Sur Land Trust. The General Plan Update continued in 2024 with the preparation of administrative drafts of General Plan chapters and targeted community engagement.
Staff is continuing to work toward a Public Review Draft General Plan. Under California Government Code Section 65400, staff is required to prepare a General Plan Annual Progress Report (GP APR) for review by the City Council and submittal to LCI and HCD by April 1st of each year.
No public comment received.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution accepting the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report (GP APR) and authorizing its submittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
March 25, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23218
CONSIDERATION
ID#25-084 2024 AB 481 Annual Report, Renewal of Ordinance No. 2657, and Purchase of AB 481 Equipment
Received report from Police Chief Carlos Acosta regarding the AB 481 Annual Report, Renewal of Ordinance No. 2657, and Purchase of AB 481 Equipment. Assembly Bill 481 requires a law enforcement agency to obtain approval from the applicable governing body, by adopting a military equipment use policy by ordinance, prior to taking certain actions related to the funding, acquisition, or use of “military equipment” as defined by the Bill. City Council adopted a military equipment use policy by Ordinance on August 23, 2022, and this requires annual renewal. As required by AB 481, the Salinas Police Department (SPD) presented the 2024 AB 481 Annual Report and requesting the renewal of Ordinance No. 2657 to allow SPD to continue utilizing this necessary equipment. The department is also requesting approval to purchase AB 481 equipment identified in this report. The department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team have a need for .308 ammunition
from San Diego Police Equipment Company, and specialty SWISS P ammunition from Norma
Precision and the need for replenishment of 40MM Sponge Rounds from LC Action Police Supply and wishes to purchase the Pepper Ball system, consisting of Pepper Balls, launching equipment, and training balls, from Curtis Blue Line. The total cost for all equipment is not to exceed $66,056.91.
Received public comment from the following member of the public in attendance and on Zoom:
Maria Perez
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution to renew Ordinance No. 2657 pertaining to military equipment funding, acquisition, and use, and authorize the direct purchase of AB 481 equipment for a total cost not to exceed $66,056.91 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23219
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Sandoval invited the public to attend event throughout the City like Comedy Night at XL Public and Cars, Conchas, and Cafecito Car Show.
Councilmember Barrera invited the public to the Closter Park Groundbreaking event on April 7.
Councilmember Barajas reported on attending the Central Coast Community Energy Policy Meeting.
Councilmember De La Rosa reported on attending the Solid Waste and Community Human Services Board Meetings.
March 25, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Councilmember D'Arrigo requested information on the status of the City's infrastructure, Code Enforcement, and pending projects. Councilmember D'Arrigo reported on attending the SCCIA Board Meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned in honor of King City Police Sergeant Bryan Kennedy at 9:02 p.m. _____________________________
Alexis Mejia, Assistant City Clerk