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 30, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Sandoval joined the meeting via Zoom in accordance with California Government Code section 54953.
Councilmember Jose Barajas
Councilmember Tony Barrera
Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo
Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa
Councilmember Aurelio Salazar
Councilmember Jose Andrew Sandoval
Mayor Dennis Donohue
Present: 7 -
NEW EMPLOYEE WELCOME AND PROMOTIONS
Department Directors welcomed and introduced new staff and promotions for the month of June.
PROCLAMATIONS
The City Council proclaimed:
Park and Recreation Month, July 2026
California Rodeo Salinas, 116th Anniversary
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
Continued to August 4, 2026
Alisal High School Girls Softball Team
Palma High School Boys Baseball Team
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS
Received public comment from members of the public in attendance and on Zoom.
June 30, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ID#26-273 Time Extension 2026-003 (TE 2026-003); Request for 36-Month Time Extension to Tentative Map 2022-001 located at the southeast corner of the John Street and Abbott Street intersection in the Commercial Office - Abbott Street Focused Growth Overlay (CO-FG-4) and Industrial - General (IG) Zoning District.
Received report from Associate Planner Robert Latino regarding the UniKool Partners, Applicant and Property Owner, request for a 36-month extension to Tentative Map 2022-001 to extend the expiration date from June 11, 2026 to June 11, 2029. Tentative Map 2022-001 was approved by City Council on June 11, 2024, which reconfigures fourteen (14) lots into nine (9) lots in connection with a proposed mixed use development project. The time extension is requested to allow additional time to process civil drawings submitted for on- and off-site infrastructure improvements and a building application for the construction of the hotel which cannot be issued prior to Final Map recordation. More time is also needed to undertake additional testing required for compliance with mitigations measures identified in the adopted Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 31-401.11, extensions to approved tentative maps require a recommendation from the Planning Commission and final determination by the City Council. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution finding the project consistent with the Initial Study Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted by the City Council on June 11, 2024, affirming the findings, and approving a 36-month Time Extension to Tentative Map 2022-001 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Recused: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-114
ID#26-286 Annual Levy of Assessments for Landscape and Maintenance Districts Received report from Public Works Administrative Supervisor Cristina Gonzalez regarding the annual assessments for the City’s six Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The assessments fund a variety of ongoing maintenance items within the districts. Approval of the Engineer’s Reports, including the assessment diagrams and levy amounts, is required to comply with state law. Council action also includes approving General Fund transfers to cover maintenance costs for areas outside district boundaries that receive special benefits. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
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The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Daniel Munoz
Eric Petersen
Antonio Rabago
Mary Ann Worden
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution related to the annual levy and maintenance funding for the City's Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts (LMAD) approving the Engineer's Reports for the City's six LMAD's for Fiscal Year 2026-2027; confirm the assessment diagrams and levy amounts as detailed in the Engineer's Reports; authorize the levy and collection of annual assessments in compliance with California Streets and Highways Code Sections 22620-22641; and approve General Fund transfers to cover the cost of parks and open space maintenance associated with the special benefits received by parcels outside the LMAD boundaries was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-115 - 2026-120
ID#26-326 An Urgency Interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Issuance of Tobacco Retailers’ Licenses
Received report from Assistant to the City Manager Ernesto Lizaola regarding the temporary moratorium on the issuance of additional Tobacco Retailers’ Licenses in order to provide the City time to study and to develop a more comprehensive regulatory framework for tobacco retailers that better protects public health and prevents youth exposure in accordance with the City’s strategic goals. This interim ordinance would not affect existing licenses or the renewal of existing licenses. If adopted by the City Council, it would have an initial effective period of forty-five (45) days and may be extended thereafter by the City Council upon notice for an additional ten months and fifteen days and then for an additional one year. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Daniel Munoz
Eric Petersen
Greg Hamer
Eloise Shimm
Anne Wheelis
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Ordinance Interim Ordinance prohibiting the issuance of Tobacco Retailers' Licenses citywide was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: ORD 2697
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CONSIDERATION
ID#26-311 Adopt the Salinas One Water Roadmap
Received report from Lidia Holems, Consultant, regarding the One Water Plan to improve water reliability for current and future growth needs of the City and to identify ways to manage the water resources that are available. The One Water Roadmap is the first phase of the plan and includes recommendations for the first year.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Daniel Munoz
Jose Guerra
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Mayor Donohue, Resolution to adopt the Salinas One Water Roadmap was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-121
ID#26-333 Technology Disruption Policy
Received report from Assistant City Clerk Alexis Mejia regarding the California Legislature Senate Bill 707, amending the Ralph M. Brown Act which require local legislative bodies to provide two-way remote public access for meetings and to adopt formal policies addressing disruptions of telephonic or internet services during meetings.
These policies must be adopted by 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 Barrera, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution adopting the Technology Disruption Policy for City Council Meetings in accordance with SB 707 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-122
The City Council recessed for a break at 6:45 p.m. and reconvened in the Rotunda at 7:05 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ID#26-275 Alisal Vibrancy Plan And Alisal Market Place Update Received report from Planning Manager Grant Leonard and Deputy Director of Economic Development Nathan Kieu regarding the Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) which provides a community driven framework to improve quality of life, strengthen cultural identity, and
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support long-term investment in East Salinas. Implementation has progressed steadily since 2019 through a combination of capital projects, neighborhood revitalization efforts, and cross departmental collaboration. The report provided a summary of completed, ongoing, and future projects, an updated implementation matrix, and a status overview of major initiatives in five priority areas: Appearance, Cleanliness, Safety & Infrastructure, Parks & Open Space, and Economic Development. The Alisal Marketplace (Marketplace) is the primary catalyst zone for economic development identified in the Alisal Vibrancy Plan. The Marketplace concept envisions a more walkable, community centered commercial corridor that includes retail centers, spaces for local entrepreneurs, and vendors. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Daniel Munoz
Mary Ann Worden
Jose Guerra
No action is required. This Report presented information to the City Council regarding Alisal Vibrancy Plan implementation and activation strategies for development of the Alisal Market Place.
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-337 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, the minutes of June 16, 2026 were approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
ID#26-304 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, the minutes of June 2, 2026 were approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
ID#26-173 Award of the 2026 Abbott St Sanitary Sewer and Pavement Improvements Project, CIP No. 9981
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution approving the plans and specifications for the 2026 Abbott St Sanitary Sewer and Pavement Improvements Project, CIP 9981; awarding a contract to The Don Chapin Co. Inc. in the amount of $11,927,000 for the 2026 Abbott St Sanitary Sewer and Pavement Improvements Project, CIP 9981; approving a 15% contingency in the amount of $1,789,050 for a total not to exceed $13,716,050; appropriating $309,960 from the Sanitary Sewer Fund Balance; and appropriating $1,904,040 from the Sanitary Sewer Development Impact Fee was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-123
ID#26-266 Airport Access Permit; Archer Aviation, Inc. (715 Vandenberg Street, Salinas)
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to issue an Airport Access Permit to Archer Aviation, Inc. to grant permission for Archer Aviation to taxi aircraft to and from the property located at 715 Vandenberg Street was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-124
ID#26-268
On-Airport Land Lease Agreement between the United States of America Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and the City of Salinas Municipal Airport
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an On-Airport Land Lease Agreement between the United States of America Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (USA FAA) and the City of Salinas Municipal Airport beginning October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2045 was approved.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-125
ID#26-274 Agreement for Services With Farallon Design, Inc. for Design and Installation of the Skyway Boulevard Roundabout Monument Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, 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 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-126
ID#26-277 Alisal Greening and Beautification Public Art Projects and Salinas-Based Artist Grants Pilot Program
June 30, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution to conclude the AVP Salinas-based Artist Grants Pilot Program and re-appropriate $150,000 from the Artist Grants Pilot Program to be used for future AVP Projects and Programs (Capital Improvement Program 9426 - EDE - Alisal Vibrancy Plan Implementation) was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-127
ID#26-289 Tow Service Franchise Agreement Extension
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the extension of the Salinas Police Department's FY 2025-26 Tow Service Franchise Agreements through December 31, 2026 and delegating authority to the City Manager to enter into such extensions on behalf of the City was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-128
ID#26-290 Axon Equipment and Services for Police and Community Development Departments
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Officer to complete the direct purchase and payment of Axon equipment, annual licensing and service fees utilized by the Police Department for a five-year period, with total costs not to exceed $4,159,124.42; and a Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Officer to complete the direct purchase and payment of Axon equipment, licensing and service fees utilized by Community Development Department's Code Enforcement Officers for a five-year period, with total costs not to exceed $70,876.94 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-129 and 2026-141
ID#26-292 Acceptance of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) Grant
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the acceptance of the $390,484 California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) Grant administered by CHP; and delegating authority to the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to effectuate the grant; and establishment of the CHP CTFGP Grant expense appropriation and corresponding revenue appropriation up to $390,484 to support grant activities was approved. The motion carried by
June 30, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-130
ID#26-299 Amendment No. 5 to Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Salinas and PlaceWorks, Inc.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement for Professional Services with PlaceWorks, Inc. to increase the total compensation amount by $59,700 for a maximum compensation amount not to exceed $1,208,081 and to extend the term to June 30, 2027 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-131
ID#26-300 Salinas City Center Improvement Association 2025 Report Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution accepting and approving the Salinas City Center Improvement Association (SCCIA) 2025 Annual Report was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-132
ID#26-307 Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP No. 9535; Increasing Construction Contingencies
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution approving an increase in the construction contingency amount by $60,000 for a revised contingency amount not to exceed $710,000 for the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement (CIP 9535); and appropriating $60,000 from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds to CIP 9535 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-133
ID#26-308 Closter Park Revitalization Project, CIP No. 9350; Increasing Construction Contingencies
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution approving an increase in the construction contingency amount by
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$125,000 for a revised contingency amount not to exceed $540,000 for the Closter Park Revitalization Project (CIP 9350); and reallocating $100,000 funds from Playground Improvements at Parks CIP (9060) to Closter Park Revitalization CIP (9350) was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-134
ID#26-310 Amendment No. 4 to Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Downtown Parking Lots 8 and 12 and Chinatown Property Acquisition Consulting Services
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for continued consulting services related to the Downtown Parking Lots 8 and 12 Land Disposition Agreement and Chinatown property acquisitions to increase the not-to-exceed compensation amount by $72,403, for a revised total not-to-exceed amount of $358,578, and extend the term of the Agreement through August 30, 2026 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-135
ID#26-317 Microsoft Software Assurance Licensing Renewal Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager and Purchasing Agent to complete the purchase of Microsoft Software Assurance Licensing for a three-year term, paid in annual payments, from CDW LLC in an amount not to exceed $256,103.43 from May 31, 2026 to May 31, 2029 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-136
ID#26-318 Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement between E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. and the City of Salinas
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. to increase the compensation for a revised not to exceed amount of $386,488 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
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Enactment No: RES 2026-137
ID#26-320 Association of Management Personnel of Salinas Memorandum of Understanding; Modification to Classification - Salary Schedule Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of Management Personnel of Salinas (AMPS) and approving modification to the Classification - Salary Schedule was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-138
ID#26-332 Extension of Agreement for Services for Workers’ Compensation Third Party Claims Administrator
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution delegating authority to the City Manager to negotiate and execute a three-year extension of the contract between the City of Salinas and CorVel Enterprise Claims, Inc. ("CorVel") for the administration of the City's Workers' Compensation Program in an amount not to exceed $769,634 from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-139
ID#26-336 Appointments to the Salinas Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board of Directors
Upon motion by Mayor Donohue, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution appointing Mayor Dennis Donohue to serve as the City's primary representative, and Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas as alternate to serve on the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) Board of Directors
JPA was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Noes: Councilmember Sandoval1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-140
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Received report from City Manager highlighting the launch of the Citybot Sali, updates related to the streetlight repairs and additional information related to the efforts the City is engaging in to support the unsheltered.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
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ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. with a moment of silence in honor of George Sigala of the Crusaders Car Club.