200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas,
CA 93901
www.salinas.gov
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, June 2, 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 -
NEW EMPLOYEE WELCOME AND PROMOTIONS
Department Directors welcomed and announce promotions for the month of May.
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
The City Council recognized Nianti Rojas-Mendoza as youth of the year.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America Pacific Region Youth of the Year
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Received public comment from members of the public in attendance and on Zoom.
SALINAS YOUTH COUNCIL UPDATES AND COMMENTS
Received report from the Salinas Youth Council.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
June 2, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
CONSIDERATION
ID#26-251 Referendum Against Ordinance No. 2687; November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
Received report from City Attorney Christopher A. Callihan regarding the City Council's September 9, 2025, action to submit Ordinance No. 2687 to the voters at the next regular municipal election to be held on November 3, 2026. In order to have Ordinance No. 2687 presented to the voters of Salinas, the City Council must approve and submit a resolution to the Monterey County Registrar of Voters by August 7, 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
Janet Valdez
Adam Pinterits
Amy Salmina
Ignacio Fregoso
Daniel Munoz
Rose Clark
Matt Huerta
Wes White, Salinas Monterey County Homeless Union
Maria Chavez, Building Healthy Communtiies
Jason Pineda
Jasmin
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to ask the voters of the City of Salinas whether an ordinance repealing four rent-related ordinances should be adopted; and requesting that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Monterey consolidate the election with the established election to be held on the date pursuant to California Elections Code section 10403 on the City's behalf 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 2026-066
ID#26-258 Measure G Transaction and Use Tax Renewal; November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
Received report from City Clerk Patricia M. Soratos regarding the ballot measure polling, public outreach and education related to placing the renewal of Measure G on the ballot in this November 3, 2026. Presentations have been provided to the Finance Committee, Council, and Measure G and Measure E, held community meetings and shared information to stakeholder groups regarding revenue, expenditures, projects, city services. and the anticipated challenge to reduce the City budget by $47 million.
Administration staff continue to work collaboratively to share information through our communication and social media avenues. Additional educational information is also available on the City website. Staff requested the City Council consider approving a
June 2, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Resolution calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to ask the voters of the City of Salinas to approve, restate, and amend an ordinance enacting a general transactions and use tax of one cent to remain in effect until ended by the voters, with the use of the tax revenue to be reviewed and reported on by a citizens’ oversight committee; and requesting that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Monterey consolidate the election with the established election to be held on the date on the City’s behalf. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Mrs. Navarro
Ms. Vasquez
Peter Szalai
Mary Ann Worden
Daniel Munoz
Jacob Sandoval
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to ask the voters of the City of Salinas to ask the voters of the City of Salinas to approve, restate and amend an ordinance enacting a general transactions and use tax of one cent to remain in effect until ended by the voters, with the use of the tax revenue to be reviewed and reported on by a citizens oversight committee; and requesting that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Monterey consolidate the election with the established election to be held on the date pursuant to California Elections Code section 10403 on the City's behalf 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 2026-067
The City Council recessed for a break at 6:56 p.m. and reconvened at 7:10 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ID#26-201 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development PY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan
Councilmember Salazar recused himself from this item and left the meeting due to financial conflict of interest.
Received report from Orlando Reyes Rodas regarding the HUD entitlement programs, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), which support projects benefiting low and moderate-income households and neighborhoods. To remain eligible for annual allocations of its entitlement funds, the City must prepare and submit the PY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan in support of its five-year Program Years (PY) 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan). The Annual Action Plan identifies the specific activities
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and funding priorities the City will undertake during the program year. The HUD submission deadline for the City’s PY 2026-2027 AAP is June 4, 2026. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Marina Zarate
Nidia Soto
Claudia Rosas
Adriana Garcia
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution approving the City of Salinas' United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Program Year (PY) 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and its submittal to HUD; authorizing the City Manager to incorporate any necessary modifications based upon community feedback and final HUD allocation prior to submissions to HUD; authorizing the Mayor to execute any related agreements, contracts, certifications, or amendments related to the funding allocations set forth in the PY 2026-2027 AAP; and authorizing the expense appropriation of HUD funds to projects and activities described in the PY 2026-2027 AAP was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Recused: Councilmember Salazar1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-068
ID#26-246 Request for name change of the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) to Salinas City Heritage Park
Received report from Assistant City Manager Lisa Murphy regarding the City owned Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) located at Station Place. The ITC, a 9-acre area located around the City’s central passenger rail and bus station that encompasses several historic attractions and parking for the transit station. A request to rename the site to Salinas City Heritage Park was submitted by the Heritage Park Stakeholders.
Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Mary Ann Worden
Eloise Shimm
Mr. Smith
Salvador Munoz
Kent Seeley
Don Chapin
Collene Bailey
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, the request from Heritage Park Stakeholders to rename the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) to include “Salinas City Heritage Park” and either approve or deny the request was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
June 2, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-172 Amendment No. 3 to the 2025 Parking Enforcement Agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolutio authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the 2025 Parking Enforcement Agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC increasing the not to exceed amount by $204,541.72 for a revised not to exceed amount of $812,217.72 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 2026-069
ID#26-187 Agreement with Future Citizens Foundation dba The First Tee of Monterey County for Operation of the Twin Creeks Municipal Golf Course Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a Sublease Agreement between the City of Salinas and Future Citizens Foundation, a California not-for-profit corporation doing business as The First Tee of Monterey County (TFTMC), for the continued operation of the Twin Creeks Municipal Golf Course as a youth golf learning center and fee-based public golf course, for a twenty-year term commencing July 1, 2026, with one ten-year option to extend 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 2026-070
ID#26-188 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Acceptance and Equipment Purchase Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution accepting the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award in the amount of $207,086.26 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); approving an agreement with Air Exchange Inc. for the purchase and installation of exhaust removal systems in an amount not to exceed $314,710.02 and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City; and approving the reallocation of budget within CIP projects specifically designated for fire station repairs and renovations (CIP 9235 and 9541) 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 -
June 2, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Absent: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-071
ID#26-198 3-Year License Agreement for Nearmap Software Program Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent to enter into a license agreement with Nearmap for an amount not to exceed $232,026.87 from February 23, 2027 to February 22, 2030 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 2026-072
ID#26-202 Sanitary Sewer Spot Repair and Improvements; CIP No. 9010 Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the transfer of $217,100 from Sewer Fund Balance (Fund 6400) to CIP No. 9010 (Sanitary Sewer Spot Repair and Improvements); and increasing the project contingency in the amount of $217,100 for the Sanitary Sewer Spot Repair and Improvements; CIP No. 9010 for a total construction contingency of $719,926
(21.5%) 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 2026-073
ID#26-207 CalRecycle Rubberized Asphalt Grant Acceptance Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the acceptance of CalRecycle funds in the amount of $216,120; the adoption of a new CIP account named "Bike Path Improvements" and the adoption of the 2025-26 Appropriation and Funding Sources in the Capital Improvement
Program 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 2026-074
ID#26-211 3-Year License Agreement for ESRI Software Program Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent to enter into a three-year license agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) in
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a total amount not to exceed $476,952 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 2026-075
ID#26-216 Master Agreement for the use of Regional Transportation Funds Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) for the use of TAMC-administered transportation funds was approved. The motion failed 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 2026-076
ID#26-219 An Ordinance amending sections 5-05.16 and 5-05.17 of the Salinas Municipal Code to allow for an increase in the number of gambling tables operated within a licensed card room
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Ordinance was introduced. 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 -
ID#26-220 Acceptance of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Grant Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the acceptance of the $100,000 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Grant administered by the City of San Jose; delegating authority to the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectuate the grant; and establishing the ICAC Grant expense appropriation and corresponding revenue budget up to $100,000 to support grant activities 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 2026-077
ID#26-222 Setting Public Hearing Date for the Landscape and Maintenance Assessment District’s Annual Levy
June 2, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution(s) initiating the proceedings for the annual levy of assessments, declaring the City's intention to levy and collect an assessment, setting a public hearing date for June 30, 2026, and preliminary approving the Engineer's Reports for the Landscape and Maintenance Districts were 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: ROI 662-667; RES 2026-078 - 2026-089
ID#26-224 Treasurer’s Report - Quarter Ended March 31, 2026 Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, the Treasurer's Report for FY 2025-26 third quarter ended March 31, 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 -
ID#26-236 November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution ordering the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election for the City of Salinas and requesting consolidation with the November 3, 2026 General Election; and requesting the County of Monterey Department of Elections conduct the election 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 2026-090
ID#26-239 Amendment No. 3 to Professional Services Agreement with TRB and Associates, Inc.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Professional Services with TRB and Associates, Inc., increasing the total by $900,000 for a revised not-to-exceed amount of $3,500,000 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 2026-091
ID#26-242 SB 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act - Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects
June 2, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution adopting a list of projects for fiscal year 2026-27 funded by SB 1:
The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 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 2026-092
ID#26-243 Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP No. 9535 Additional Construction Contingencies
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution approving an increase in the contingency amount by $200,000 for a revised contingency amount not to exceed $650,000 for the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement (CIP 9535); and appropriating $240,000 from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds to CIP 9535 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 2026-093
ID#26-245 Agreement with the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the City of Santa Clara
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Municipal Hazardous Materials Response Services Agreement with the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the City of Santa Clara for the performance of supplemental hazardous materials response services during major events at the Santa Clara Stadium site 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 2026-094
ID#26-271 Modification to the Classification - Salary Schedule and Reclassification Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution modifying the Classification - Salary Schedule, recommended reclassifications, and bargaining unit changes as follows add the classification of Police Services Specialist I/II, Supervising Police Services Specialist, and Police Services
Administrative Specialist; reclassify the recommended Police Services Technicians to Police Services Specialist I or II; reclassify the Senior Police Services Technicians to Police Services Administrative Specialist; reclassify the Supervising Police Services Technician classification to Supervising Police
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Services Specialist; move the Investigative Specialist, Crime Analyst, and Stormwater Compliance Inspector from the Association of Management Personnel of Salinas (AMPS) unit to Salinas Municipal Employees Association (SMEA); move the Assistant City Clerk classification from the Confidential Non-Management Unit to the Confidential Management Unit; add the classification of Airport Director to the Department Directors Compensation Plan; and add the classification of Deputy City Manager/City Clerk to the Department Directors Compensation Plan 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 2026-095
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Received brief oral report from the City Manager.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.