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, April 22, 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 -
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Received public comment from members of the public in attendance and on Zoom.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#25-094 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, the minutes of March 25, 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#25-147 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, the minutes of April 8, 2025 were approved. The motion carried by the
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
ID#25-146 Rescind Financial Claims Report (April 8, 2025) Councilmember Salazar recused himself from this item due to financial conflict of interest and left the meeting.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Motion to rescind Consent Agenda Item No. 25-108, Financial Claims Report for 04-08-25, approved by the City Council on April 8, 2025 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Recused: Councilmember Salazar1 -
Abstain: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
ID#25-108 Financial Claims
The financial claims report was tabled.
ID#25-137 Financial Claims
The financial claims report was tabled.
ID#25-079 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) - Industrial Waste Collection System
Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution accepting and certifying the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) for the Industrial Waste Collection System as required by the State Water Resources Control Board 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 23225
ID#25-081 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) - Sanitary Sewer Collection System Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution accepting and certifying the attached Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) for the Sanitary Sewer Collection System as required by the State Water Resources Control Board 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 -
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Enactment No: RES 23226
ID#25-089 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution receiving and accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 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 23227
ID#25-112 Amendment No. 1 to Service Agreement with Environmental Systems, Inc. for Emergency Sherwood Hall HVAC Boiler Replacement, Chiller Maintenance and Water Treatment
Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Environmental Systems Inc. for the HVAC boiler and chiller system improvements at Sherwood Hall in an amount not to exceed $182,044.50 and increase the total compensation to an amount not to exceed $699,400.50; and delegating authority to the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 and authorizing a transfer from the Facilities Maintenance Reserve to the Recreation Department - Community Center Division fund of $182,044.50, to cover the expenses related to the improvements 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 23228
ID#25-129 Salinas Police and Fire 2025 Fireworks Enforcement Plan Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, the 2025 Fireworks Enforcement Plan per Salinas Municipal Code section 5-02.22 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 -
ID#25-136 Delegation of Settlement Authority to the City Attorney Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution delegating authority to settle claims and pending actions against the City, including liability claims and Worker's Compensation claims, that do not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) to the City Attorney 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 -
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Enactment No: RES 23229
ID#25-144 Agreement with Monterey One Water for Treatment of Pond 3 Industrial Wastewater
Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution delegating authority to the City Manager to execute agreement with Monterey One Water for the temporary diversion of industrial wastewater from the City's Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility using the pond 3 pump station to Monterey One Water 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 23230
PUBLIC HEARINGS - CONTINUED TO MAY 6, 2025
ID#25-110 Conditional Use Permit 2024-058; Request to establish and operate a proposed off-sale alcohol related use (Type 20 ABC license) at an existing food and beverage sales use located at 695 East Alisal Street in the Commercial Retail - East Alisal Street/East Market Street Focused Growth Overlay (CR-FG-5) Zoning District
Continued to May 6, 2025.
A motion to approve a resolution finding the project exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, affirming the findings, and approving Conditional Use Permit 2024-058
ID#25-036 City Development Impact Fees Annual Adjustment Continued to May 6, 2025.
Approve a Resolution increasing the City Development Impact Fees by 1.6% effective July 1, 2025.
ID#25-120 Fiscal Year 2025-26 City-Wide Schedule of Fees and Service Charges Annual Update
Continued to May 6, 2025.
Approve a Resolution authorizing adjustments and additions to the City-Wide Schedule of Fees and Service Charges effective July 1, 2025.
CONSIDERATION
ID#25-141 Report on Residential Rental Registration and Rent Stabilization Program Implementation
Received report from Community Development Director Lisa Brinton regarding the residential rental registration and rent stabilization program implementation. On March 25, 2025, Salinas City Council Meeting, the City Council directed staff to provide a report
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial to the City Council on the Residential Rental Registration, Rent Stabilization, Tenant Protection and Just Cause Eviction, and Tenant Anti-Harassment ordinances (the “Ordinances”). The report provided a summary of each ordinance, implementation actions, identified
implementation challenges and feedback, provided program data to date, and presented alternatives
for the City Council’s consideration.
Received public comment from the following members of the public in attendance and on Zoom:
Rose Clark, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Jose Guerra
Jesus Morales
Kathy Andersen
Unidentified audience member
Luis Xago Juarez, BHC/CCA/Centro Binacional/Monterey Central Business Council Josie Topete
Nidia Soto, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Ignacio Fragoso
Ahelea Alvarado
Tony
Unidentified audience member, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Bill Felting, Pacific Valley Bank
Bella Sandoval
Unidentified audience member
Dr. John Silva
Lewis Aledo
Mark Foley
Adam
Eric Phelps
Juliet Valeria, Center for Community Advocacy
Unidentified audience member
Mike Hanely, Realtor
Unidentified audience member
Unidentified audience member
Carlos Veracruz Nava, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Eric Carson
Unidentified audience member
Victor Garcia, Teamsters
Manuel Garcia, Center for Community Advocacy
Erica Cruz
Craig Toban
Jose Guzman
Audrey Wardwell
Amy Salmina
Judy Myers
Laura Renos, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Columba Rios, Center for Community Advocacy Leader, Translation provided by J.A.V.
Language Solutions
Guadalupe Hernandez
Maria Chavez, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Dr. Jaime Gonzalez, Physician
Michael Sepolis
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Jason Haeida
Eloise Shimm
Bill Freeman
Elenore Elliot
Joel Hernandez, Center for Community Advocacy
Unidentified audience member, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Brian Higgins
David Maisonneuve
Unidentified audience member
Crystal
Francisco Rodriguez, Central Labor Council
Unidentified audience member
Unidentified audience member, Building Healthy Communities Unidentified Audience Member
Yatziri
Lucia Ruiz, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Marina Gomez, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Josefina Martinez, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Diego Perez, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Hap Albert
Derrick McClain, Aladdin Properties
Antonio Aguilar, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Nelson Vega
Orlando Osornio, Former District 4 Councilmember
Carla Viviana Gonzalez, Former District 1 Councilmember Rosa
Liz Camacho
Cesar
Unidentified audience member, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Omar Perez
Yadi
Sabino Lopez, Center for Community Advocacy
Sofia, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Jaime Villegas
Bonnie
Chris Barrera, Realtor and LULAC President
Eric Petersen
Miguel Pelayo
Matt Huerta
Wes White
Unidentified audience member
Erica
Lori Mazzuca
Anil Babar
Nick
Esther, Monterey County Renters United
Karla Lobo
Faraz, Physician
Jennifer Mills
Andrea Manzo
Jamie, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Alicia Metters
Juanita Agular, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Pedro Moreno
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Airam Coronado
Emily
Unidentified audience memebr
Iveth Hernandez, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Rosalyn Green
Nayeli
Alma Loredo, Padres Unidos, Translation provided by J.A.V. Language Solutions Tracy
MOTION
Councilmember D'Arrigo made a motion directing staff to return to the City Council as soon as possible with ordinances to repeal all four (4) of the Ordinances. Motion was second by Councilmember De La Rosa.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Councilmember Barajas made a motion to directing staff to return to the City Council as soon as possible with ordinances to repeal all four (4) of the Ordinances; bring back a rental assistance program and a monthly housing report to Council to hold the City accountable. Motion was second by Councilmember Salazar.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barajas, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Substitute Motion directing staff to return to the City Council as soon as possible with ordinances to repeal all four (4) of the Ordinances; bring back a rental assistance program; and a monthly housing report to Council was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Noes: Councilmember Barrera and Councilmember Sandoval2 - ID#25-104 Sanitary Sewer Rate Increase
Received report from City Engineer Adriana Robles regarding the sanitary sewer rate study (“Study”) for the wastewater enterprise program. The Study developed a ten-year financial plan to help ensure that the wastewater enterprise fund meets financial obligations for ongoing operations and maintenance, debt service, and capital improvements while maintaining prudent financial reserves. Salinas’ wastewater program is a self-supporting enterprise of the City that includes the sanitary sewer system, staff, equipment, and supplies. Rate payer fees fund ongoing costs of operations, maintenance, administration, regulatory compliance, debt service, capital improvements and maintenance. The Study anticipates an increase to $16.35 with a 2% annual escalation rate to meet the programmed capital improvement projects and maintenance costs. Proposition 218 requires a public hearing to be held for the proposed rate increase. The public hearing is proposed to be scheduled for the June 17, 2025, City Council meeting. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
Received public comment from the following members of the public in attendance and on Zoom:
Amy Salmina
Liz Camacho
Mike, Salinas Resident
Karla Lobo
Upon motion by Councilmember Barajas, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution accepting the Sewer Rate Study, approving the Sewer Rate
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Schedule, and directing staff to distribute Proposition 218 Public Hearing Notices for proposed sanitary sewer rate increases with the public hearing to be held on June 17, 2025 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Noes: Councilmember Barrera and Councilmember Sandoval2 -
Enactment No: RES 23231
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Sandoval expressed gratitude for a wonderful Easter spent with family.
He acknowledged the community's engagement at various events and commended the city's communications team for effectively updating the public through the city website.
Councilmember Barrera requested a moment of silence to honor the 50th anniversary of the thirty-two Bracero field workers who lost their lives in a bus accident. He emphasized the significance of remembering both the deceased and the survivors.
Councilmember Barajas announced that the city is accepting applications for the Community Arts Grant Program through May and urged interested individuals to apply via the city website. He invited the community to attend the inauguration of the inclusive playground at Williams Ranch on May 1 at 3 p.m. Additionally, he announced he is hosting his first "Café con Jose" event on May 3 at 10 a.m. at Natividad Creek Park. He also reported that he will be attending the California League of Cities City Leader Summit in Sacramento and the California Community Choice Aggregation Conference in Irvine. In closing, he announced other upcoming events and meetings including the Lesbian Day of Visibility on May 3 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Heirloom Pizza in downtown Salinas, organized by Salinas Valley Pride and internship opportunity with Salinas Valley Recycles for high school students interested in environmental stewardship.
Councilmember Salazar shared updates on his recent activities in including visiting with local businesses to engage with owners and discuss district matters.
Councilmember De La Rosa reported she that she attended various meetings, including a SUBA meeting, a Solid Waste Authority Board meeting in Gonzales, and a Community Human Services meeting in Del Rey Oaks. She participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Closter Park and expressed appreciation for the well-attended Easter egg hunts throughout the city. In closing, she expressed concerns regarding graffiti on private property and inquired about the time frame for property owners to remove it and requested a report on the status of streetlights on Laurel Drive.
Councilmember D'Arrigo reported that the Measure E and G Committees are functioning well, with active participation and a quorum. She also reported that she attended the CASP Awards breakfast and Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce Award Lunch with the Mayor and other members of the Council. She also reported that she will be traveling to Sacramento for the California Cities Leaders Summit.
Mayor Donohue acknowledging the busy schedule of the Councilmembers and adjourned the meeting with a moment of silence in honor of the thirty-two Bracero field workers who lost their lives in a bus accident.
April 22, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.