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, August 12, 2025
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Jose Barajas
Councilmember Tony Barrera
Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo
Councilmember Aurelio Salazar
Councilmember Jose Andrew Sandoval
Mayor Dennis Donohue
Present: 6 -
Councilmember Gloria De La RosaAbsent: 1 -
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 4:05 p.m.
ID#25-327 a. Real Property Negotiations - California Government Code section §54956.8. Conference with real property negotiators René Mendez, City Manager; Lisa Murphy, Assistant City Manager, and Christopher A. Callihan, City Attorney regarding discussions with Monterey County Office of Education on the price and terms of payment for 342 Front Street (APN 002 -213-028-000) and 323 California Street (APN 002-213-017-000) in the city of Salinas.
b. Labor Negotiations - California Government Code Section §54957.6 with its designated labor representatives Rene Mendez, City Manager; Christopher A. Callihan, City Attorney; Katherine Hogan, Assistant City Attorney; Selina Andrews, Finance Director; Marina Horta-Gallegos, Human Resources Director; Sylvia Enriquez, Human Resources Manager; and Che Johnson, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, regarding labor relations with Service Employees
August 12, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial International Union (SEIU), SEIU Supervisors, Salinas Municipal Employees Association/SEIU, Association of Management Personnel, Police Officers Association, Police Management Association, International Association of Firefighters, Fire Supervisors Association, Confidential Non-Management Employees, Confidential Management Employees, and Department Directors.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN THE ROTUNDA AT 5 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 for the month of July.
PRESENTATION
Alliance on Aging, Local Aging and Disabilities Action Plan Received presentation from Teresa Sullivan regarding the LADAP project area focusing on the rural areas of north Monterey County, South County and rural community areas.
Alliance on Aging engaged in the LADAP process which included establishment of an advisory council, asset inventory, community assessment, solutions summits, working groups and final creation of the LADAP identifying priority goals and key recommendations. Priority work recommendations include civic participation, employment opportunities, communication and information, disaster preparedness and services, health services, community supports, housing and outdoor spaces. The LADAP serves as Master Plan on aging and the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
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.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ID#25-242 2025 Turner Scholar Intern Program
Received report from the 2025 Turner Scholar Intern Program through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Through partnership with ICMA, the youth intern program has allowed the City to bring a structured youth intern program to Salinas to create opportunity to learn about local government administration and gain professional work experience, while supporting the City with advancement of projects and initiatives through research, outreach and engagement. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
August 12, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial The following members of the public in attendance commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Unidentified audience member
Gabriela Lopez Chavez
Yolanda Hayes
Unidentified audience member
Ricardo Garcia
Received report on the 2025 Turner Scholar Intern Program. No action required.
ID#25-340 Proposal to Develop a Pilot Pop-Up Business Program Received report from Economic Development Interns Rylee Jue and Aessa Lynn regarding the pilot Pop-up Business Program, a new economic development initiative – “From StreetFront to StoreFront” – to support home-based and emerging entrepreneurs by connecting them with underutilized commercial spaces in Downtown Salinas. The program aims to stimulate local business growth, enhance public safety, and increase downtown foot traffic through temporary retail activations in vacant storefronts. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
Received report regarding the Pilot Pop-Up Business Program. No action required.
PUBLIC HEARING
ID#25-300 Time Extension 2025-003 (TE 2025-003); Request for a one (1) year Time Extension to Tentative Map 2019-002 to subdivide a 7.74-acre lot into 37 lots at 11 Hill Circle in the Residential - Low Density - Airport overlay - Flood Overlay (R-L-5.5 - AR - F) Zoning District
Received report from Planning Manager Courtney Grossman regarding John Filighera & Associates, Inc., Applicant, on behalf of U4RIC Investments, LLC, Property Owner, request for a one (1) year Time Extension to Tentative Map 2019-002 to extend the expiration date from April 13, 2025, to April 13, 2026. The Tentative Map was approved by the City Council on April 13, 2021, which includes the subdivision of a 7.74-acre lot into 37 lots with alternative street sections and street frontage design for interior roadways. As part of the project, the City Council considered and adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration along with a Mitigation Monitoring Program. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 31-401.11, extensions to approved Tentative Maps require a recommendation from the Planning Commission and final determination by the City Council. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public in attendance commented on the report:
Eric Petersen
Mary Ann Worden
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution finding the project (TE 2025-003) consistent with the Mitigated Negative Declaration approved by the City Council on April 13, 2021, affirming the findings, and approving a third one (1) year Time Extension of Tentative Map 2019-002 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
August 12, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23308
CONSIDERATION
ID#25-302 Salinas United Business Association (SUBA) FY 2025-2026 Annual Assessment
Councilmember Barajas recused himself from this item as he has received compensation over the last 12 months for work performed with SUBA as part of the Small Business Development.
Received report from Executive Director Alejandro Chavez regarding SUBA 2024-2025 Annual Report, a requirement of California Streets and Highways Code Section 36533, highlighting prior year’s activities and uses of annual assessments levied on businesses within the SUBA BIA. With Council approval, the SUBA Annual Report also provides direction for SUBA activities and use of assessment funds in the coming fiscal year. The City Council is required to adopt a resolution of intent to levy assessment that sets the public hearing date of September 23, 2025. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution of Intention to receive and accept SUBA’s 2024-2025 Annual Report and declaring the intention to levy the annual assessment in the Salinas United Business Association Business Improvement Area (BIA) for FY 2025-2026 and setting September 23, 2025, as the public hearing date to consider the levy was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Recused: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: ROI 660
ID#25-338 Compass Church Sponsorship of $100,000 for the 2025 4th of July Celebrate America Fireworks Extravaganza
This item was tabled indefinitely.
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#25-346 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, the minutes of June 17, 2025 and July 1, 2025 were approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
August 12, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial ID#25-212 Final Acceptance of the Alisal Safe Routes to School Project, CIP No. 9360 Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution accepting the Alisal SRTS Project, CIP No. 9360, State Project ATPSL-5045(040) for maintenance and responsibility was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23309
ID#25-294 Amendment No. 1 to the Lease Agreement of Real Property at 282 East Alisal Street with Dongjun Cho
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the Amendment No. 1 to the lease agreement with Dongjun Cho to operate a car and pet wash at 282 East Alisal Street (EZ Car Wash) for four (4) years through September 30, 2029 was approved.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23310
ID#25-296 Project Acceptance of the East Salinas Street Sweeping Pilot Project Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution accepting the East Salinas Street Sweeping Pilot Project for maintenance and responsibility was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23311
ID#25-301 Arcadia Way Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution approving the Arcadia Way Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan for implementation was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23312
August 12, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial ID#25-307 Arctic Wolf MDR Software Renewal
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution delegating authority to the City Manager and Purchasing Agent to renew an annual license for Arctic Wolf MDR from Savant Solutions, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $109,782.27 for the period August 27, 2025, through August 26, 2026, subject to the appropriation of funds was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23313
ID#25-308 Salinas Fire Department City Hall Tenant Improvement Project, CIP No. 9300
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution accepting the Salinas Fire Department City Hall Tenant Improvement Project, CIP No. 9300 for maintenance and responsibility was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23314
ID#25-317 Coventry Street and Victor Street Traffic Calming Devices Project, CIP No. 9163
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the Coventry Street and Victor Street Traffic Calming Devices Project, CIP No. 9163; awarding the contract to Teichert Construction in the amount of $297,839; and authorizing the City Engineer to approve all contract change orders up to an additional 15% of the contract amount, $44,675, for construction was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23315
ID#25-323 2025 Engineering and Traffic Survey for Speed Limits Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution establishing speed limits as recommended by the 2025 Engineering and Traffic Survey for Speed Limits Technical Report was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
August 12, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23316
ID#25-325 Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Ordinance adopting by reference the State of California Fire Hazard Severity Zones Map entitled "City of Salinas-Monterey County Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones" was introduced. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: ORD 2688
ID#25-341 FY 25-26 Workforce Allocation Adjustment
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution modifying the workforce allocation for the Police Department to add one Public Safety Recruitment Coordinator position and one Public Safety Communications Specialist position, respectively was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember De La Rosa1 -
Enactment No: RES 23317
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ID#25-097 Economic Opportunities Map
Received report from Community Relations Manager Sophia Rome regarding the City of Salinas efforts to fostering economic development, enhancing public engagement, and leveraging technology to improve transparency and accessibility. As part of this effort, the City Manager’s Office and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team developed an Economic Opportunities Map, an interactive tool designed to visualize key assets, such as development opportunities, recreational amenities, and plan implementation areas for previously approved specific plans. This map will serve as a dynamic resource for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to explore growth opportunities across Salinas, supporting informed decision-making and encouraging economic investment.
Received report on the City of Salinas Economic Opportunities Map. No action required.
ID#25-096 City of Salinas Communication, Outreach & Engagement Strategy Received report from Community Relations Manager Sophia Rome regarding the City's Communication, Outreach & Engagement Strategy (Communication Strategy) designed to establish standards and best practices in communication. The Communication
August 12, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Strategy includes tools and strategies for staff to facilitate inclusive outreach and engagement with the community. The Communication Strategy also provides a framework for citywide communications aimed at strengthening consistency, increasing reach to the community and stakeholders, and serving as a foundation for staff training grounded in proven strategies and best practices in local government communication and community relations.
Received a report on City's Communication, Outreach & Engagement Strategy.
No action required.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Sandoval commended Joey Alvarado for facilitating the Neihgborhood Grant process and recommended the City consider addressing up-front costs for certain projects as it may not be feasible for some applicants. He requested the City host a future community meeting to educate residents on the rental increase notices. He requested the sign at Baldwin Street sign needs to be replaced and requested the list of future agenda items. He announced upcoming events and reported that he will be attended the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority and Transportation Agency for Monterey County meetings.
Councilmember Barrera reported that he attended Back to School Day event, National Night Out and the Monterey Salinas Transit Board strategic planning session. He invited the community to attend the Flying Artichoke Patio grand opening on August 20, grand opening for Ensen Community Park on August 17, Councilmember Barajas’ District 1 Community meeting, and the Salinas PAL Car Show on August 23.
Councilmember Barajas announced that the City now has a new website domain, salinas.gov and City emails will also be transitioning to salinas.gov. He commended the Salinas Regional Sports Authority for hosting the Chevron Soccer Academy with Alianza de Futbol and the Alianza de Futbol Tournament with over 150 teams and over 6,000 in attendance. He reported that he attended the Alisal City Elementary School District Back to School event and announced the Aquarium is offering free admission for Monterey County residents September 2 -14. He announced he will be hosting a District 1 community meeting at Alisal High School on August 19. In closing, he requested the City further the Sister City conversation with Morelia, Mexico. Request was second by Councilmember Barrera.
Councilmember Salazar reported that he attended the Youth Council and had an opportunity to meet the youth and staff. He reported that he attended National Night Out and the end of the year event at the Boys and Girls Club. He requested a crosswalks installation at Maryal Drive and expressed concerns regarding people living at the Gabilan Creek as the winter months approach.
Councilmember D’Arrigo reported that she also attended the Salinas City Elementary School District Back to School events. She reported that she attended the Salinas Valley Speaks with Mayor Donohue. Councilmember D’Arrigo appointed JP Mendoza to the Measure G Oversight Committee. In closing, she reported she is working with the Holiday Parade of Lights and Veteran’s Parade committees to support their upcoming events.
She requested a presentation from staff regarding code enforcement to better understand the process to address code enforcement issues
ADJOURNMENT