DATE: JUNE 30, 2026
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: LISA BRINTON, DIRECTOR
DAVID JACOBS, DIRECTOR
BY: GRANT LEONARD, PLANNING MANAGER
MICHAELLE MOWERY, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ANALYST
TITLE: AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES WITH FARALLON DESIGN, INC. FOR DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF THE SKYWAY BLVD/EAST ALISAL ST ROUNDABOUT MONUMENT RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Servies with Farallon Design, Inc. for the design and installation of the Skyway Blvd/East Alisal Street Roundabout Monument, with a maximum compensation amount not to exceed $700,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Approval of the Agreement for Services with Farallon Desing, Inc. will allow for the design and installation of a new artistic monument in the Skyway Blvd./East Alisal St. Roundabout, located at the intersection of East Alisal Street and Skyway Boulevard. Installation of a new artistic monument in the Skyway Blvd/East Alisal St. Roundabout is part of the scope of work for the Clean California Local Grant and supports the implementation of the Alisal Vibrancy Plan by increasing the amount of public art in the Alisal neighborhood.
BACKGROUND:
In November 2019, the City Council unanimously accepted the Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) as a strategic planning document. The AVP is an action-oriented, comprehensive strategy for Salinas’ Alisal (East Salinas) neighborhoods. In 2022, the City was awarded $2,147,958 from the Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP) for the Alisal Greening, Beautification and Safety Project. Clean California which undertook infrastructure and beautification projects along the East Alisal Corridor.
Included in the scope of work for the Clean California grant is the installation of a new artistic monument in the Skyway Blvd./East Alisal St. Roundabout. In the Spring of 2026, the City released a Request for Proposals on PlanetBids for the Skyway Blvd./ East Alisal St. Roundabout (attached). The application period was February 6, 2026, through March 31, 2026, the City extended the deadline by two weeks to allow additional artists, including local artists, more time to prepare and submit bids for this project.
The City received three proposals in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP). Proposals were evaluated by a selection committee comprised of members of the AVP Implementation Committee and City staff from Library and Community Services, the Airport, and the Public Works department. Selection was based on a scoring criteria identified in the RFP, which included items such as artistic quality, alignment with the project vision, project feasibility, durability and maintenance considerations, experience with similar public art projects, and overall implementation approach.
The three proposals reflected a range of artistic concepts, including a contemporary sculptural design, a sign-style gateway concept with customizable elements, and a mosaic sculpture. Following review and scoring, the committee determined that Farallon Design, Inc.’s proposal best aligned with the City’s vision and project goals. Farallon Design’s proposed concept (attached), “Kaleidoscope of Life,” was selected based on its strong artistic presentation, cultural and community-centered design approach, visibility and placemaking potential, and the team’s demonstrated experience delivering large-scale public art projects. The proposal also scored highly for its detailed implementation strategy, durability and maintenance considerations, and ability to create a visually impactful landmark that reflects the identity and vibrancy of the Alisal community.
Following approval of the Agreement for Services, the City and Farallon Design, Inc. will proceed with completing the design and construction of the monument in the Summer of 2026, with installation of the new monument anticipated in the Fall of 2026.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The City of Salinas has determined that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Section15301-Existing Facilities, Class 1, and Section 15304 – Minor Alterations to Land, Class 4) because the project proposes landscaping improvements to an existing public road roundabout. Noise created by the construction will take place during daylight hours and will be of short duration. Additionally, current operations of the public facilities shall not be affected as the proposed scope of work is entirely within the center of the roundabout.
Furthermore, the project does not qualify for any of the exceptions to the categorical exemptions found at CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 because the improvements are limited to installation of new artwork and landscaping within an existing public road roundabout, and will not contribute to significant or cumulative impacts to the environment, nor will it affect any scenic highways, hazardous waste sites, or historic resources.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
Yes.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The Skyway Blvd/East Alisal St. Roundabout Monument advances the City’s Strategic Plan Initiatives of Economic Growth and Infrastructure by supporting the neighborhood revitalization and enhancement of roadway infrastructure in the Alisal.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Skyway Blvd/East Alisal St. Roundabout Monument is an effort made by both the Community Development and Public Works Departments, with support from Library and Community Services, Finance, and the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The Skyway Blvd/East Alisal St. Roundabout is funded primarily by Clean California Local Program Grant funds, with supplemental funding from the AVP CIP (9246), including a portion of the $150,000 previously allocated to the Salinas-Based Artist Grant Pilot Program.
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
5800
30.9246-63.5900
Outside services-Other professional
$1,256,090
$33,957
5800
30.9345.66.4000
Capital Outlay Improvements Other Than Bldg.
$712,686.65
$666,043
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Exhibit A-Proposal
Agreement for Services
Request for proposal (RFP)
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