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, September 9, 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 -
PROCLAMATION
The City Council proclaimed:
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
National Library Card Sign Up Month
National Recovery Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
CITY OF CHAMPIONS / COMMENDATIONS
The City Council commended:
Salinas Valley Charros
Tradicion Por Siempre
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 4:05 p.m.
ID#25-385 Labor Negotiations - California Government Code Section §54957.6 with its designated labor representatives Rene Mendez, City Manager; Lisa Murphy, Assistant City Manager; Christopher A. Callihan, City Attorney; Katherine Hogan,
September 9, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial 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 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.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.1, there were not reportable actions on closed session matters.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN THE ROTUNDA AT 5:00 P.M.
NEW EMPLOYEE WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The City Council welcomed and introduced new employees for the month of August.
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.
CONSIDERATION
ID#25-343 Award of the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP 9535 Councilmember Salazar recused himself from this item due potential conflict of interest resulting from a family member being employed by Otto Construction.
Received report from Senior Civil Engineer Mohammad El-Ali regarding the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP 9535. On July 15, 2025, three (3) bid proposals were received by the City from Otto Construction Inc., Marvulli Inc., and CWS Construction Group Inc. The lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Otto Construction Inc., submitted a base bid in the amount of $2,686,900. Staff recommends awarding the project to Otto Construction Inc. for the base bid amount of $2,686,900 and approving an allowance of $538,000 for construction contingencies, approximately 20% of the contract amount. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
Received public comment from the following members of the public in attendance:
Danny Rubio
Jose Guerra
Christopher Perales
Unidentified audience member (Otto Construction)
Unidentified audience member
David Vincent
September 9, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial MOTION
Motion made by Councilmember De La Rosa, second by Councilmember D'Arrigo to reject all bidsfor the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP 9535 and directed staff to re-bid the project.
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, motion to reject all bidsfor the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP 9535 and directed staff to re-bid the project was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Salazar1 -
Enactment No: RES Unassigned
ID#25-384 Referendum Against Ordinance No. 2687; City Council Action on the Referendum (Elections Code Section 9241)
Received report from City Clerk Barajas regarding the Referendum Against Ordinance No. 2687 (Repeal Ordinance). She reported that on August 26, 2025, the City Council approved a Resolution accepting the Certificate of Signature Verification related to the Referendum Against Ordinance No. 2687 (Repeal Ordinance) related to the 4 rent-related ordinance (2663 - (Residential Rental Registration Program), Ordinance No. 2681 (Rent Stabilization), Ordinance No. 2682 (Tenant Protection and Just Cause Eviction), and Ordinance No. 2683 (Tenant Anti-Harassment). The City Council was presented with the following options: repeal the Repeal Ordinance; or submit the Repeal Ordinance to the voters, either at the next regular municipal election occurring not less than 88 days after the order of the City Council, or at a special election called for that purpose, not less than 88 days after order of the City Council. Potential election dates include November 3, 2026 (General Election), June 2, 2026 (Special Election), April 16, 2026 (Special Election), or other Tuesday - Special (after Dec. 6, 2025). Election cost estimates reported as follows: General Election - $7-10 per RV (70,635) $494,445 and $706,350; or Special Election - $16-24 per RV (70,635) $1,130,160 and $1,695,240.
The following members of the public in attendance commented on the report:
Judy Myers
Cathy Andersen
Tyler Sullivan, CRLA
Bill Freeman
Unidentified audience member
James Michael Mullin
Mendoza, CCA
Alejandra Soto, CCA
Carlos Menoza, CCA
Michael Duran, CCA
Daniel Martinez, CCA
Cary Swensen
Jacob Sandoval, Protect Salinas Renters 2026
Jessica
Joel Hernandez
Colleen Bailey, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce
Unidentified audience member
Ignacio Fragoso
Robert Reyes
September 9, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Carey Appling
Unidentified audience member
Unidentified audience member, Teamsters
Lauren Walters
Eric Petersen
Mark Fullit
Graciela Gonzalez, Centro Binacional del Desarrollo Indígena Oaxaqueño Amy Salmina
Unidentified audience member
Chris Barrera
Lenoard, Salinas Chamber of Commerce
Jason Pineda
Maria Chavez (JAV Solutions)
Luis Xago Juarez
Marisol Moreno
Cristina Sotelo
Skylar Spear
Esther
Andres Martinez
Alma Loredo, Building Healthy Communities
Audrey Wardwell
Liz Camacho
Adriana Garcia
Maricela Ramirez
MOTION
Councilmember Barajas made a motion to repeal Ordinance 2687 (Repeal Ordinance).
Motion died due to lack of second.
MOTION
Motion made by Councilmember Barrera, second by Mayor Donohue, to continue the City Council's determination of the two option to September 23, 2025.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Mayor Donohue, motion to continue the City Council's determination of the two option to 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:
ID#25-378 Memorandum of Understanding with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Inc.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a memorandum of understanding accepting a $20,000 grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment, Inc. for the planning and implementation of a Financial Empowerment Center in Salinas was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
September 9, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 23326
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Future Growth Area, Central Specific Plan Zone of Benefit - Continued Indefinitely This item was continued indefinitely.
ID#25-304 First Substantial Amendment to HUD FY 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan Received report from Community Development Director Lisa Brinton regarding the Sherwood Recreation Center (SRC) Building Improvement project (CIP 9535) and reassessment of associated construction costs shortfall of approximately $595,000. To close this funding gap, the City proposes its First Substantial Amendment to the FY 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan (AAP), reallocating $550,000 in unspent Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Republic Café project and $45,000 from the Housing Referrals and Tenant/Landlord Services project. These funds, originally designated through the FY 2023-2024 AAP, would be redirected to support the SRC improvements. The reallocated CDBG funds will be used to cover administrative expenses, construction activities, and contingency costs associated with the project.
Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Eloise Shimm
Upon motion by Councilmember D'Arrigo, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP 9535; awarding a contract to Otto Construction, Inc. for the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP 9535, in an amount not to exceed $2,686,900; authorizing the Public Works Director or his designee to approve contract change orders up to an additional $538,000, approximately 20% of the contract amount for construction contingencies; and appropriating $3,623,602 from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds to CIP 9535 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 23327
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#25-394 Minutes
The minutes of August 26, 2025 were tabled.
ID#25-369 Enterprise Vehicle Leasing
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas,
September 9, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Master Equity Lease Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for the lease of ten vehicles from September 9, 2025 to December 9, 2030 in the amount of $105,600 per year for a total cost of $658,000 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 23328
ID#25-374 2024 Pavement Crack Treatment on Various Streets Project, CIP No. 9981 Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution accepting the 2024 Pavement Crack Treatment on Various Streets Project, CIP 9981 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 23329
ID#25-386 Modification to Classification - Salary Schedule Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution modifying the Classification – Salary Schedule to adjust the hourly rates for temporary classifications designated as Retired Annuitant 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 23330
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Sandoval announced he is hosting a community meeting for Small Businesses as an information session. He reported that he attended the Transportation Agency for Monterey County Rail Policy Committee (TAMC) and requested a presentation regarding the Kick-Start Project. Additionally, he reported that at the last TAMC meeting, he advocated for additional funding for the Boronda Road Project and unfortunately it was not awarded.
Councilmember Barrera announced upcoming events to include the El Grito Parade and a car show at El Sausal Middle School. He requested a presentation from Monterey-Salinas Transit. Request was second by Councilmember De La Rosa.
Councilmember Barajas reported that he joined the Advisory Board of Directors for Siembra Latinos. He also reported that he attended the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority and attended Community Human Services Day of Hope Celebration.
Additionally, he announced meetings and events he will be attending the coming days including a Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Meeting, Central Coast Community Energy Annual Conference and Policy Committee meeting, a District 1 Community meeting focusing on Public Safety and Economic Development. He invited the
September 9, 2025City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial community to attend the District 1 Clean-up on Burk Street.
Councilmember Salazar reported that he attended a number of events including a welcome back to School event at Anthem Christian School, Gil Basketball Academy, and the Ensen Community Park grand opening. He additionally reported he met with constituents, attended the Salinas Police Activities League Car show, and met with McKinnon Elementary School administrators to discuss the Boronda Road Roundabout construction project.
Councilmember De La Rosa requested the City Manager look into bringing back the first time home buyers program and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program previously managed by Community Development.
Councilmember DArrigio reported that she attended the See Monterey Annual meeting and further requested a presentation from staff to revisit the Economic Development Element.
Mayor Donohue reported that he attended the Alisal School District Community School Summit and spoke about the importance of education. He reported that he will be attending the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for a Mayor's event.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
APPROVED:
__________________________
Mayor/Chair
ATTEST:
__________________________
City Clerk/Secretary