DATE: JULY 1, 2025
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
FROM: LISA MURPHY, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
SOPHIA ROME, COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER
TITLE: RESPONSE TO 2024-2025 MONTEREY COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter responding to the 2024-2025 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Final Report titled “Road Safety in Monterey County: Where to Report a Problem.” EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On April 28, 2025, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) issued its final report titled “Road Safety in Monterey County: Where to Report a Problem.” The CGJ found that it is challenging for residents to determine where to report concerns regarding traffic safety, road maintenance, and/or road development projects throughout Monterey County. The City of Salinas (City) was asked to review and respond to Finding F6 and Recommendation R6. Staff has taken actions to update the City of Salinas’ website consistent with Recommendation R6 and has drafted the attached letter in response to the CGJ Final Report for the Council’s review and consideration for submission.
BACKGROUND:
The 2024-2025 CGJ received a complaint relating to an injury accident in Monterey County. Through the CGJ investigation and research, it was determined that the County of Monterey, cities within the County and state agencies had different reporting mechanisms, which created confusion for residents. The City of Salinas (City) was identified as having a service request link on the homepage and a mobile application (SalinasCONNECT) for residents to report issues to the City. However, in the CGJ Final Report, it was recommended that the City also make the SalinasCONNECT application prominent on the Public Works Department webpage, other department webpages and include promotion on the City’s social media pages.
After review of the City’s website, the SalinasCONNECT application was on the City’s homepage and some department and division pages. Based on the CGJ Report, staff has added a Quick Link section with a button labeled “Report an Issue (SalinasCONNECT)” to each City department webpage. The City periodically shares information how to report issues using SalinasCONNECT on social media as it relates to specific topics or service request types. Starting July 2025, staff will include regular recurring posts on the City’s social platform with information on how to use and where to access SalinasCONNECT.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This aligns with the City Council Strategic Goal of City Services focused on providing high quality customer service, engaging residents, and improving communication with the community.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
City Administration coordinated with the Public Works to review the CGJ Final Report and with the City Attorney’s Office for review of the response.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the City Council’s consideration of this item.
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Draft Resolution
Draft Response to the 2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury Final Report Letter from Monterey County dated April 28, 2025
2024-2025 Civil Grand Jury Final Report on “Road Safety in Monterey County: Where to Report a Problem” Page | 3
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