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, July 1, 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 -
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 4:03 p.m. pursuant to:
ID#25-267 a. Existing Litigation - California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1).
Conference with legal counsel regarding California Department of Housing and Community Development v. ShangriLa Industries, LLC, et al. Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STCCV00629.
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.
NEW EMPLOYEE WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The City Council welcomed and introduced new employees and promotions for the month of June.
PROCLAMATIONS
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The City Council proclaimed:
Parks and Recreation Month
California Rodeo Salinas, 115th Anniversary
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
The City Council presented the following City of Champions commendations:
Joey and Lupe Martinez
Salinas High School Varsity Softball CIF Norcal Champions 2025 AAU Junior Olympics - Salinas Titans Flag Football Team
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Received public comment from members of the public in attendance and on Zoom.
PRESENTATION
Salinas Valley Health, Hospital Update
This item was tabled indefinitely.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ID#25-257 Annual Levy of Assessments for Landscape and Maintenance Districts Received report from City Engineer Adriana Robles regarding the request to approve the annual levy of assessments for the City’s six Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. She reported that the assessments fund ongoing maintenance of landscaping, parks, and open space within the districts. Approval of the Engineer’s Reports, including the assessment diagrams and levy amounts, is required to comply with state law. Council action also included approving General Fund transfers to cover maintenance costs for areas outside district boundaries that receive special benefits. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Public Comment
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Mary Ann Worden
Yolanda Hayes
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolutions approving the Engineer's Reports, confirming the diagrams and levy amounts, and authorizing the levy and collection of annual assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for the landscape maintenance assessment districts; and approving General Fund transfers to cover the parks and open space maintenance costs associated with the special benefits received by parcels outside the Landscape Maintenance Assessment District boundaries were
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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 23289-23294
ID#25-247 Vacation of Right-of-Way and Dedication of Right-of-Way at the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) and Acceptance of Completed Salinas Rail Kick-Start Package 1 Improvements for the Monterey County Rail Extension Project
Received report from City Engineer Adriana Robles regarding the Intermodal Transportation Center. She reported that on August 2022, the City Council authorized a Transfer Agreement of the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) property and completed Salinas Rail Kick-Start Package 1 improvements between the City of Salinas and TAMC, and in December 2022, the City took ownership of said property by way of nine (9) quitclaim deeds. Staff proposes to merge and subdivide the multiple parcels of the ITC property via a Parcel Map, formalizing the developed site into Parcels 1, 2, and 3, and concurrently formalizing the street vacation of the former alignment of Station Place right-of-way, portions of Railroad Avenue right-of-way, a 25-foot-wide alley, related public access and utility easements, including the dedication of the extension of Lincoln Avenue and dedication of right-of-way for new Station Place, and dedication of water line easements 1 through 5. She added that the completed Salinas Rail Kick-Start Package 1 improvements for the Monterey County Rail Extension Project needed to be accepted for maintenance and responsibility by the City. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Public Comment
Jose Guerra
Mary Ann Worden
Eric Petersen
Upon motion by Councilmember Barajas, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution vacating former alignment of Station Place right-of-way, Railroad Avenue and related access, roadway and pedestrian access, access and utilities, and water line easements, and a 25-foot-wide alley; and Renaming Railroad Avenue to Station Place; and dedicating right-of-way for new "Station Place" and extension of Lincoln Avenue; and dedicating water line easements; and Accepting the Monterey County Rail Extension Project Salinas Rail Kick-Start Package 1 completed improvements 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 23295
ID#25-256 Sanitary Sewer Rate Increases
Received report from City Engineer Adriana Robles regarding the proposed sanitary sewer rate process. She reported that on April 22, 2025, City Council approved a resolution accepting a Sewer Rate Study, approving Sewer Rate Schedule and setting the public
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hearing date for a sewer rate increase for June 17,
2025. Following distribution of the public hearing notices, some discrepancies were identified in the rate schedule. On June 17, 2025 staff presented a staff report identifying the discrepancies. This staff report provides the updated Sewer Rate Study and Sewer Rate Schedule and public hearing notices to be distributed in accordance with Proposition 218. The public hearing is proposed to be scheduled for the September 23, 2025, City Council meeting. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
David Maisonneuve
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution directing staff to distribute Proposition 218 Public Hearing Notices for proposed sanitary sewer rate increases based on the updated Sewer Rate Study and revised Sewer Rate Schedule with the public hearing to be held on September 23, 2025 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Enactment No: RES 23296
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#25-223 Award of the Natividad Creek Restroom Rehabilitation Project No. 9346 Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the Natividad Creek Restroom Project No. 9346; and awarding a contract to David Construction & Management in an amount not to exceed $137,974; and authorizing a transfer of $109,819.29 from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to CIP 9346; and authorizing the City Engineer to approve contract change orders up to an additional 20% of the contract amount for contingencies 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#25-232 T-Mobile West, LLC Communications Site Lease for 30 Mortensen Avenue, APN 003-863-036, at the Salinas Municipal Airport
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution delegating authority to the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Communications Site Lease Agreement between the City of Salinas and T-Mobile West, LLC for the structure operating the antennas at 30 Mortensen Avenue identified as APN 003-863-036, at the Salinas Municipal Airport 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 23298
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ID#25-248 Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Willdan Engineering
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Willdan Engineering for Code Enforcement Services to increase the not to exceed compensation amount to $595,000 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 23299
ID#25-250 Subrecipient Funding Agreement Between the City of Salinas and Downtown Streets Inc.
Councilmember De La Rosa announced her conflict of interest with the agreement with Downtown Streets Inc as he husband Leo De La Rosa was employed with Downtown Streets Inc and left the Rotunda.
MOTION
Councilmember Sandoval made a motion to approve the contract with the addition of expanding Downtown Streets Inc. services to District 5. Motion was second by Barrera.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Councilmember Barajas made a substitute motion to approve the contract with Downtown Streets Inc as presented. Motion was second by Mayor Donohue.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barajas, seconded by Mayor Donohue, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Subrecipient Funding Agreement with Downtown Streets, Inc., to provide a work experience program with street outreach services for a total compensation amount not to exceed $663,000 for FY 2025-26 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23300
ID#25-252 Amendment No. 2 to Agreement for Professional Services with TEF Architecture and Interior Design, Inc. for Architectural Services Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Professional Services with TEF Architecture and Interior Design, Inc. for architectural services to increase the compensation by $484,270.00 for a maximum amount not to exceed $736,560.00 and to extend the term of the agreement to December 31, 2026 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23301
ID#25-254 2024 Justice Assistance Grant Acceptance and Memorandum of Understanding with County of Monterey
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing acceptance of the 2024 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG); establishment of the 2024 JAG Grant expense appropriation and corresponding revenue budget of up to $74,970; and authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Monterey for activities related to the 2024 JAG 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 23302
ID#25-260 Notice of Withdrawal Guidelines
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution establishing a set of Notice of Withdrawal Guidelines for incidents occurring at facilities managed by the Library & Community Services Department; and authorizing the City Manager to make subsequent updates to the Notice of Withdrawal Guidelines as necessary 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 23303
ID#25-263 Approval of Agreements for Occupational Medicine Services Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with Agile Occupational Medicine and ProActive Work Health Services for provision of occupational medical services from August 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $90,000 per agreement 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 23303
ID#25-264 Modification to Classification - Salary Schedule; Workforce Adjustment and Over Hire
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution modifying the classification - Salary Schedule to reflect new
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classifications added through the FY 25-26 budget process, classification changes, and previously approved cost of living adjustments and approved one over hire Combination Building Inspector in the Community Development Department 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 23304
ID#25-265 Response to 2024-25 Civil Grand Jury Final Report Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter responding to the 2024-2025 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Final Report regarding "Road Safety in Monterey County: Where to Report a Problem" 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 23306
ID#25-266 Investment Policy Adoption
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution adopting the City of Salinas Investment Policy 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 23307
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember D’Arrgio requested a presentation from the Fire Department regarding the Salinas Fire Annual Report. She stated she is looking forward to serving on the Animal Shelter JPA as the city's representative.
Councilmember De La Rosa reported she attended the Community Human Services Board meeting and Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority meeting. She requested a report from the Monterey County Litter Abatement. She reported she attended the Portuguese Festival, Festa Italia, and the Dia De La Familia event. She requested a report to Council regading the food vendor program.
Councilmember Salazar reported that he attended the Festa Italia, encourage residents to attend the California Rodeo Salinas and the 4th of July Celebrate America event. He wished everyone a safe and sane 4th of July holiday.
Councilmember Barajas reported he had an opportunity to participate in a homeless services tour and received a broad perspective on the services being provided to the unsheltered. He recommended Council consider appointing Mr. Fragoso to any vacancies on commissions as he has expressed interest in serving. Additionally, he stated that he
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attended the Solid Waste Authority, Central Coast Community Energy and Salinas Regional Sports Authority meetings. He requested the City withdraw the $500,000 funding from Monterey Bay Economic Partnership for their Local Housing Trust Fund. Request second by Councilmember Salazar.
Councilmember Barrera expressed concerns regarding quorum issues on the various city commission and boards. He reported that Monterey-Salinas Transit had a ground breaking event. He invited the community to attend the Celebrate America Fireworks Extravaganza event. Requested that council be limited to two-minutes for comments as well as the public.
Councilmember Sandoval reported that he attended the Junteenth event, visited Northgate Park, and shared the good work the Historic Resources Board is doing. He recommended appointment of Mr. Fragoso to Measure E to represent District 6.
Requested a moment of silence in honor of Florence Guerrero, Al Espindola, and Manuel Valencia.
Mayor Donohue reported that he attended and threw the opening pitch for the Jr. Giants.
He request a sponsorship for Compass Church for the fireworks show. Request was second by Barrera and De La Rosa.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.