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 16, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Sandoval joined the meeting via Zoom in accordance with California Government Code section 54953.
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 -
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 4:05 pursuant to:
ID#26-305 a. Labor Negotiations - California Government Code Section §54957.6 with its designated labor representatives Rene Mendez, City Manager; Lisa G. Murphy, Assistant 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 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
June 16, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
There were no reportable action in accordance with California Government Code section 54957.1.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN THE ROTUNDA AT 4:30 P.M.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Received public comment from members of the public in attendance and on Zoom.
PRESENTATION
This item was continued indefinitely.
ID#26-303 Monterey One Water: Informational Update on Capital Projects, Rate Study and Strategic Priorities
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ID#26-221 Planned Unit Development Permit 2025-003 (PUD 2025-003) and Conditional Use Permit 2025-025 (CUP 2025-025); Request to construct 88 affordable multifamily housing units with a 4,335 square-foot daycare center located at 200 Casentini Street in the Residential High Density - Flood Overlay (R-H-2.1 - F) Zoning District
Received report from Planning Manager Courtney Grossman highlighting a project would facilitate development of 88 multifamily units (87 affordable/one manager unit), consisting of five (5) three-story residential buildings, a 2,400-square-foot leasing and amenity building for a total of six (6) buildings on a 4.59-acre site located at 200 Casentini Street.
The project includes an Amendment to Planned Unit Development (PUD 1992-006) to increase residential dwelling units from 50 to 88, subject to Site Plan Review and a Conditional Use Permit to construct and operate 4,335 square foot daycare center.
Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Nicky Santos, MAOF
Jose Guerra
Wayne Cunningham
Ed Valdez
Jose Marquez
Jesus Estrada, Center for Community Advocacy
Robert Reyes
Maria Chavez
Nidia Soto, Building Healthy Community
Sabino Lopez, Center for Community Advocacy
Elenore Elliot
John Aron
Erin Lawrence
Daniel Munoz
June 16, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Bernardo Cordova
Adriana Garcia
Mary Ann Worden
Gabriela Camacho
David Maisonneuve
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution affirming the findings that the City Council Find the project exempt pursuant to Sections 15165, 15303 and 15332 of the CEQA Guidelines; approve a Planned Unit Development Permit (PUD 2025-003) to construct 88 multifamily residential units with a 2,400 square foot leasing/amenity building and related site improvements, subject to administrative consideration through the Site Plan Review process and a day care facility, subject to a Conditional Use Permit; and approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 2025-025) to construct and operate a 4,335 square foot daycare center with related site improvements 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 2026-096
CONSIDERATION
ID#26-233 Biennial (FY2026/27-2027/28) Operating Budget Received report from Finance Director Selina Andrews regarding The Proposed Biennial (FY2026/27 (Year 1) – 2027/28 (Year 2)) Operating Budget was developed to continue efforts to address the highest community and organizational priorities. Guided by City Council’s strategic priorities, this Proposed Budget prioritizes and reallocates the City’s General Funds and other fund resources for some of the City’s most challenging issues – including community safety, planning and permitting services, code enforcement, infrastructure, and economic and housing development. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Unidentified audience member
Yahaira, Gavilan View Middle School Student
Elena, Everett Alvarez High School Student, Building Healthy Communities Nidia Soto, Building Healthy Communities
Elenor Elliot, Building Healthy Communities
Representative of Salinas Parks and Recreation Coalition Representative of Big Sur Land Trust
Erin Lawrence, Monterey Water Keeper
Jose, Monterey Water Keeper
Juan Gomez, Center for Community Advocacy
Daniel Munoz
Larry Hirahara
Jesus Estrada
Peter Szalai
Sabino Lopez, Center for Community Advocacy
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MOTION
Motion made by Mayor Donohue to approve the budget as presented with the addition of allocations in the following additions: 1 Community Outreach Assistant position at $156,000, addition of Park Maintenance Worker at $130,000, increase in contribution to Ciclovia in the amount of $45,000 for a total of $60,00, and an increase in allocation to the rental assistance program by $100,000 for a total of $600,000. Motion failed for lack of second.
MOTION
Motion made by Mayor Donohue, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo to approve a Resolution adopting the the City of Salinas and Successor Agency to the former Salinas Redevelopment Agency Proposed Biennial (FY 2026/27-2027/28) Operating Budget; and approve a Resolution establishing the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2026/27 at $362,368,159.
MOTION
Motion made by Mayor Donohue, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo to approve the addition of one (1) Community Outreach Assistant position and direct the City Manager to consider additional funding allocations for the rental asstistant program, addition of a senior park maintenance worker position, addition of a community outreach worker position for Salinas Police Department, contribution to Ciclovia, contribution to Water Keepers, and increase to the Neighborhood Business Grant program by August 2026.
Upon motion by Mayor Donohue, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution adopting the Proposed Biennial (FY2026/27-2027/28) Operating Budget for the City of Salinas and Successor Agency to the former Salinas Redevelopment Agency; and a Resolution establishing the appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2026/27 at $362,368,159; approve the addition of one (1) Community Outreach Assistant position; and direct the City Manager to consider additional funding allocations to the rental assistance program, addition of one (1) senior park maintenance worker position, addition of one (1) community outreach assistant position for Salinas Police Department, increase contribution to Ciclovia, contribution to Water Keepers, and increase to the Neighborhood Business Grant program by August 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 2026-097; SA 46
ID#26-298 Biennial (FY2026/27-2027/28) Capital Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Program
Received report from Finance Director Selina Andrews regarding the Proposed Biennial (FY 2026/27 (Year 1) – 2027/28 (Year 2)) Capital Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) presented to Council for adoption. Included within this report are recommendations for the Biennial Capital Budget from all funding sources. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Peter Szalai
Sharon Field
Mary Ann Worden
June 16, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Unidentified audience member
Daniel Munoz
Jose Guerra
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution adopting the Proposed Biennial (FY 2026/27-2027/28) Capital Budget and approving the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program for the City of Salinas; and approving the additional $1.5 million to be funded from SB1 fund balance to complete rehabilitation of Year 2 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 2026-099
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-306 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, the minutes of May 12, 2026 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 -
ID#26-304 Minutes
Approve minutes of June 2, 2026.
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 De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Ordinance amending Salinas Municipal Code sections 5-05.16 and 5-05.017 to allow for an increase in the number of gambling tables operated within a licensed card room was adopted. 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: ORD 2696
ID#26-185 Award of a Design-Build Contract to GSE Construction for the Lake Street Lift Station Replacement
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution awarding a design-build contract to GSE Construction for the
June 16, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
first phase of the Lake Street Lift Station Replacement Project in an amount not to exceed $918,241 and authorizing the Mayor to execute the Contract on behalf of the City; authorizing the establishment of a new Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project, "Lake Street Lift Station Replacement"; and appropriating sewer funds to new CIP 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 2026-100
ID#26-200 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Assessment and Maintenance District Levies Transmittal to the Monterey County Tax Collector
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to transmit the list of Fiscal Year 2026-27 maintenance districts, special tax districts, and assessment district levies to the Monterey County Tax Collector 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 2026-101
ID#26-247 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of Monterey for Mobile Crisis Services
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution delegating authority to the City Manager to execute a two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Monterey for the Mobile Crisis Services Program in an amount not to exceed $818,296 from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028 ($401,375 for year one and $416,921 for year two) 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 2026-102
ID#26-250 Master Service Agreements for On-Call Street Sweeping “No Parking” Signage Community Outreach Program
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution delegating authority to the City Manager to execute a Master Service Agreements with MIG and Modern Times, Inc to provide on-call street sweeping "No Parking" signage community outreach support from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2031 in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 over the 5-year term, or $200,000 annually per consultant, subject to appropriation of funds was approved.
The motion carried by the following vote:
June 16, 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 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-103
ID#26-256 2026 Engineering and Traffic Survey for Speed Limits Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution establishing speed limits as recommended by the 2026 Engineering and Traffic Survey for Speed Limits Technical Report 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 2026-104
ID#26-264 Award Design of Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project Phase 2 (CIP 9510) to Wallace Group
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution awarding a contract to Wallace Group for the design and related services for the Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project Phase 2 (CIP 9510) in an amount not to exceed $4,285,958; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement and/or modifications to the Agreement 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 2026-105
ID#26-265 Acceptance of the City Hall Gas Service Relocation Project, CIP No. 9612.01 Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution accepting the City Hall Gas Service Relocation Project, CIP No. 9612.01, for maintenance and responsibility 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 2026-106
ID#26-270 Acceptance of the Hebbron Family Center Project Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution accepting the Hebbron Family Center Project for maintenance and responsibility was approved. The motion carried by the
June 16, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
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 2026-107
ID#26-272 Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project Phase 2b (CIP 9510) - Sparling Ranch Credits Purchase
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with South Bay Conservation Resources, LLC for the purchase of 9.7 Sparling Ranch Conservation Credits in an amount not to exceed $582,000 for the Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project Phase 2b 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 2026-108
ID#26-276 Authorization to Submit FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Application for Lifepak 35 Cardiac Monitors
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the Salinas Fire Department to submit a Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application for 11 Stryker LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitor/defibrillators 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 2026-109
ID#26-278 Sublease Agreement with Victory Mission for 115, 119, and 125 East Lake Street
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the Sublease Agreement between the City of Salinas and Victory Mission for the City Leased property located at 115, 119 and 125 East Lake Street 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 2026-110
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ID#26-281 Authorization to Submit FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) regional application for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs) Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the Salinas Fire Department to submit or participate in a FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Regional application for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) with Monterey County partner agencies 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 2026-111
ID#26-282 Authorization to Submit FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Personnel (SAFER) Grant Application for 9 Firefighter Positions Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the Salinas Fire Department to submit a FY 2025 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant application for nine firefighter positions 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 2026-112
ID#26-288 Authorization to submit FY 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Application for Commercial Inspection Program
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, Resolution authorizing the Salinas Fire Department to submit a FY 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant application which has a local match requirement for a Commercial Inspection 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 2026-113
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
No report.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
June 16, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial