DRAFT MINUTES
SALINAS CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE
Monday, March 4, 2025
2:00 P.M.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Donohue, Councilmember Margaret D’Arrigo and Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Rene Mendez, City Attorney Chris Callihan, Assistant City Manager Lisa Murphy, Finance Director Selina Andrews, City Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director Adriana Robles, Public Works Director David Jacobs, Community Development Director Lisa Brinton, Fire Chief Sam Klemek, Finance Management Analyst Yesenia Nunez, and Acting Assistant Finance Director Abe Pedroza.
Mayor Dennis Donohue called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
A community member spoke regarding the recent community budget meeting.
2. MINUTES
The minutes of the February 11, 2025 meeting were unanimously approved by motion of Committee Member De La Rosa, second by Committee Member D’Arrigo.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Sanitary Sewer Rate Study
City Engineer Adriana Robles delivered the presentation on the Sanitary Sewer Rate study findings, detailing an overview of the sewer system, rate study, funding shortfall, and more. Andrea Roess of DTA, the City’s consultant, detailed the proposed sewer service rates, noting two options. Scenario 1 includes an initial increase to $16.35 with a 2% annual escalation while Scenario 2 starts at $15.00 with a 4% annual escalation. Finance Director Selina Andrews commented on the City’s bond rating downgrade and the financial implications as a result. By motion of Councilmember D’Arrigo, second by Councilmember De La Rosa, the committee unanimously moved to recommend Scenario 1 to the full Council.
B. Welcome Center Quarterly Report
Community Development Director Lisa Brinton delivered the 2024 California Welcome Center update for quarters one and two.
4. NEXT MEETING
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:57 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY: ________
Abe Pedroza, Acting Assistant Finance Director