DATE: MARCH 24, 2026
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATON
FROM: RENE L. MENDEZ, CITY MANAGER
LISA MURPHY, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
BY PATRICIA M. SORATOS, CITY CLERK
TITLE: HITCHCOCK ROAD ANIMAL SERVICES JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 1 RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Amendment (Amendment No. 1) to the Hitchcock Road Animal Services (HRAS)’ Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA Agreement) to clarify the JPA's insurance coverage obligations and satisfy potential carrier requirements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Salinas entered into the Joint Exercise Powers Agreement in December 2023 with the County of Monterey as a cost saving measure and to consolidate animal services. Amendment (Amendment No. 1) to the JPA Agreement is presented for consideration to clarify the JPA’s insurance coverage responsibilities The amendment would remove extraneous insurance requirements from the JPA Agreement and confirm that the JPA’s sole insurance obligation is to maintain comprehensive general liability coverage, consistent with current practice and insurer requirements. The matter was presented and approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on March 10, 2026, and is presented to the City Council for consideration.
BACKGROUND:
In the Fall of 2015, the County of Monterey and City of Salinas retained Management Partners to review the ongoing animal control services functions provided by Monterey County and the City of Salinas at separate locations in very close proximity to one another on Hitchcock Road. Management Partners presented their findings to both the County Board of Supervisors and the City Council on June 28, 2016. On December 13, 2023, the City Council, member agencies and the County of Monterey entered into the Joint Exercise Powers Agreement which established the Hitchcock Road Animal Services Agency. The JPA Board and services have continued to provide services to Salinas’ residents.
The current JPA Agreement requires that the JPA also obtain insurance coverage for automobile liability, workers’ compensation, and excess liability. (JPA Agreement at p. 9, § 3.9.) However, the County is responsible for the additional coverage as the Administrative Agency. The proposed amendments to the JPA Agreement clarify the coverage obligation related to comprehensive general liability coverage.
On November 20, 2025, the JPA Board approved the proposed revisions. Both the County and the City of Salinas must also approve the changes in order to execute the amended JPA Agreement. The proposed amended JPA Agreement is attached hereto.
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).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This action is consistent with the City Council goal of City Services by reducing risk exposure and strengthening governance and continuity of public services.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
City Administration, in collaboration with the County of Monterey coordinated this report.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Amendment No. – Clean
Amendment No. 1 – Redlined
Original JPA Agreement
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