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, April 21, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Tony Barrera
Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo
Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa
Councilmember Aurelio Salazar
Councilmember Jose Andrew Sandoval
Mayor Dennis Donohue
Present: 6 -
Councilmember Jose BarajasAbsent: 1 -
PROCLAMATIONS
The City Council proclaimed:
National Fair Housing Month, April 2026
Youth Violence Prevention Week, April 20-26, 2026
Distracted Driving Awareness Month, April 2026
National Poppy Day, May 22, 2026
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Received public comment from members of the public in attendance and on Zoom.
SALINAS YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES AND COMMENTS
Received presentation from Youth Councilmembers Marisol Mederos and Andres Martinez.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
April 21, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial ID#26-136 Second Substantial Amendment to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan
Received report from Assistant Community Development Director Orlando Reyes regarding Substantial Amendment to Housing and Urban Development FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan. On February 9, 2026, the City received $1,173,419 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income from the sale of City-owned property located at 342 Front Street, Salinas. Staff recommend allocating $1,085,000 of these funds toward the acquisition of real property in the Chinatown Neighborhood to support future housing and/or economic development goals consistent with the Chinatown Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The remaining $88,419 is proposed to be allocated to the Alisal Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Sidewalk Improvements project and eligible CDBG program administration costs. Approval of these allocations requires a Substantial Amendment to the FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. Report filed with the CIty Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Marina Zarate, Building Healthy Communities (JAV Language Solutions) Jesus Verduzco, Building Healthy Communities (JAV Language Solutions) Olga Reyna
Adriana Garcia, Building Healthy Communities (JAV Langauge Solutions) Kevin, Building Healthy Communities
Eloise Shim
Nidia Soto, Building Healthy Communities (JAV Language Solutions) Karen Cameny
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the submission of the Second Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorize the allocation of $1,173,419 in Community Development Block Grant Program Income funds from FY 2025-2026 AAP to projects described in the Summary of Second Substantial Amendment to HUD FY 2025-2026 AAP; and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to incorporate any necessary modifications to the Substantial Amendment based on community feedback, and to execute any agreements and related documents for HUD-funded projects and activities as outlined in the Summary of Second Substantial Amendment to HUD 2025-2026 AAP was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-048
ID#26-074 Fiscal Year 2026-27 City-Wide Schedule of Fees and Service Charges Received report from Assistant Finance Director Abe Pedroza regarding the proposed Citywide fees and service charges schedule for various services and permits. The schedule ensures transparency and consistency in fees charged for services to provide cost-recovery to the General Fund and other funds. Adjusting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) ensures fees and charges keep pace with inflation and sufficient cost recovery for the City. The updated Schedule
April 21, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial of Fees and Charges will be effective 60 days after City Council adoption and will begin July 1, 2026. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Daniel Munoz
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution authorizing adjustments and additions to the City-Wide Schedule of Fees and Service Charges effective July 1, 2026 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-049
ID#26-056 City Development Impact Fees Annual Adjustment Received report from Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer Adriana Robles regarding the impact fees on new development collected and used by jurisdictions to fund the cost of public facilities to serve new growth. The City of Salinas has adjusted its Development Impact Fees annually to account for fluctuation in construction costs and to keep pace with inflation, with one exception during the onset of COVID. The proposed Development Impact Fees increase of 2.8% is consistent with the Engineering News Record’s Construction Cost Index, effective July 1, 2026. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution increasing the Development Impact Fees by 2.8% effective July 1, 2026 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-050
ID#26-154 Parking Citation Fines Update
Received report from Assistant Engineer Gerardo Rodriguez regarding the City's parking citation fines schedule adjustment recommending an update to the parking citation fines schedule to ensure fines remain consistent with nearby agencies. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
April 21, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution adopting the updated Schedule of Parking Citation Fines was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-051
ID#26-162 Republic Services Garbage & Recycling Rates FY 26-27 Received report from Sustainability Analyst Bryan Garcia regarding Republic Services' proposed rates for Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics (Green Waste) Collection Services for Fiscal Year 2026-27 reflecting a total increase of 3.73% (or $1.36) for the typical 32-gallon Single-Family Residential customer and an average of 3.76% for Multi-Family Residential customers. Commercial services monthly rate for a customer with a 3-cubic yard bin collected once per week reflects a 3.79% (or $21.58) increase.
Rate adjustments are driven by Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment, City franchise fees, and increased processing costs from regional waste authorities. The proposed rates become effective July 1, 2026. Mr. Garcia requested the City Council also consider and amendment to the street sweeping provisions of the Collection Services Agreement to allow the City to resume the responsibility for providing street sweeping services.
Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Daniel Munoz
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution finding Republic Services of Salinas’ (Republic Services) proposed annual adjustments to the Schedule of Service Fees and Schedule of Rates for Residential and Commercial Customers effective July 1, 2026, to be approved and consistent with the terms of the Collection Services Agreement; and approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to the Collection Services Agreement with Republic Services to allow for the City to assume responsibility for performing street sweeping services was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-052
CONSIDERATION
ID#26-167 2025-2028 City of Salinas Strategic Plan - Implementation Update Received report from Assistant City Manager Lisa Murphy highlighting the 2025-2028 City of Salinas Strategic Plan and identified key initiatives. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
April 21, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eloise Shim
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Administrative Report related to the 2025-2028 City of Salinas Strategic Plan implementation update was received and accepted. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
The City Council recessed for a beak at 7:19 p.m. and reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ID#26-164 Biennial Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets for Fiscal Years 2026/27-2027/28
Received report from Finance Director Selina Andrews regarding the proposed development of a biennial Operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets for Fiscal Years 2026/27 – 2027/28. A multi-year approach enables the City to better set meaningful objectives with realistic time frames for completion.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Received report on the benefits of producing a Biennial Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budget for Fiscal Years 2026/27-2027/28.
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-139 Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution authorizing the submission of the Second Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorize the allocation of $1,173,419 in Community Development Block Grant Program Income funds from FY 2025-2026 AAP to projects described in the Summary of Second Substantial Amendment to HUD FY 2025-2026 AAP; and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to incorporate any necessary modifications to the Substantial Amendment based on community feedback, and to execute any agreements and related documents for HUD-funded projects and activities as outlined in the Summary of Second Substantial Amendment to HUD 2025-2026 AAP was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
April 21, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Enactment No: RES 2026-053
ID#26-140 Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with Shums Coda Associates, Inc.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Shums Coda Associates to increase the total compensation amount by $200,000 for a maximum compensation amount of $400,000 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-054
ID#26-155 Amendment No. 5 to Agreement for Professional Services with TEF Architecture and Interior Design, Inc. for Architectural Services Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement for Professional Services with TEF Architecture and Interior Design, Inc. for architectural services to expand the scope of services and increase the compensation
amount by $51,235 for a maximum compensation amount not to exceed $1,365,734 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-055
ID#26-161 Amendment No. 3 to Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Environmental Consulting Services Related to Downtown Parking Lots 8 and 12
Upon motion by Mayor Donohue, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution approving Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for consulting services including Phase II Environmental Site Assessment activities related to Downtown Parking Lots 8 and 12 to amend the scope of services and increase the not-to-exceed compensation amount by $40,000, for a revised total not-to-exceed amount of $286,175; and authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 on behalf of the City was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-056
April 21, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Received a brief oral report from City Manager Mendez highlighting the new Proactive Code Enforcement program across all City Council Districts.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.