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, August 18, 2026
TELECONFERENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Councilmember D'Arrigo joined the meeting after Roll Call at 4:08 p.m. and left the meeting at 5:34 p.m.
Councilmember Jose Barajas
Councilmember Tony Barrera
Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa
Councilmember Aurelio Salazar
Councilmember Jose Andrew Sandoval
Mayor Dennis Donohue
Present: 6 -
Councilmember Margaret D'ArrigoAbsent: 1 -
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
The City Council commended the Alisal High School Girls Softball Team as City of Champions.
Alisal HIgh School Girls Softball Team
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 the Salinas Youth Council new leadership Andres Martinez, Nathaly Morales and Arjun Gakhal. They highlighted a number of projects including the Sherwood Recreation Center, Closter Park Revitalization Project, Measure G Audit Report and the Tobacco Retailer License moratorium.
August 18, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
PRESENTATION
ID#26-404 Monterey One Water: Informational Update on Capital Projects, Rates, and Strategic Priorities
Received presentation from Executive Officer Paul Scuito regarding Monterey One Water highlighting their services and facilities to include their water conveyance system, wastewater treatment, renewal and replacement projects throughout the community. He reported that they are in the process of replacing ageing equipment over the next years.
Capital projects and infrastructure priorities include electrical reliability, treatment master plan and bio solids management. M1W supports the various customer groups including municipal water, potable water non-potable and energy related services. Mrs. Scuito highlighted the Rate Study and rate adjustments effective 2026 through 2030 and residential support programs for the community.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ID#26-378 Zoning Code Update Phase 1 - an ordinance amending Chapters 17 (Housing) and 37 (Zoning) of the Salinas Municipal Code to align with state and federal law and address short term priorities.
Received report from Senior Planner Jonathan Moore regarding the City of Salinas’ Zoning Code update. As the City is in the process of completing a comprehensive General Plan Update (GPU) and adopted a new Housing Element in December of 2023, the City launched a multi-phase Zoning Code Update (ZCU) in 2025. Phase 1 ordinance amend Chapters 17 (Housing) and 37 (Zoning) of the Salinas Municipal Code for compliance with State housing law, the City’s Housing Element, other state and federal legal compliance requirements, and priority items. The Planning Commission approved a resolution on July 15, 2026, recommending adoption of the Phase 1 ordinance. Report file with the City Clerk's Office as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Linda
Introduced Ordinance exempt as a “common-sense” exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(b)(3); and adopt the Ordinance amending Chapter 17 Article IV of the Salinas Municipal Code (Housing) and amending various provisions of Chapter 37 of the Salinas Municipal Code (Zoning).
CONSIDERATION
ID#26-380 Biennial (2026/27 - 2027/28) Budget Update
Received report from Finance Director Selina Andrews regarding the additional funding recommendations for city initiatives and further investment in the City’s infrastructure.
She added that the Finance Committee discussed the various initiatives and made the recommendations presented to the City Council for consideration. The recommended
August 18, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial initiatives are incorporated in this staff report which is filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Lucina, Parks and Recreation Coalition
Benjamin Mancias
Daniel Munoz
Unidentified audience member
Unidentified audience member
Concepcion Navarro, Friends of Ensen
Norma Aedo, CCA, Big Sur Land Trust
Azucena Barrios, CCA, Friends of Ensen
Eric Petersen
MaryAnn Worden
Nidia Soto
Sal Tavares
Lisa
Jose Guerra
Gabriela Camacho
Adriana Garcia
MOTION
Councilmember Sandoval motioned to approve a resolution authorizing budget adjustments as follows through the use of fund balance and the infrastructure maintenance reserve and further directed staff to bring back the East Laurel and Granada Street crosswalk Rapid Flashing Beacons project and other similar request for further consideration and approval. Motion was second by Councilmember De La Rosa.
Fund Balance:
Sr. Park Maintenance Worker (Year 1 & 2) $258,800
Park Maintenance Worker (Year 1 & 2) $227,800
Community Sponsorship Program $50,000
City-Wide Small Business Grants $105,000
Infrastructure Maintenance Reserve:
Striping $500,000
Street Lighting & Solar $500,000
Potholes $400,000
Adopt a Tree Program $100,000
SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Councilmember Barajas motioned to approve a resolution authorizing budget adjustments as recommended by the Finance Committee and staff through the use of fund balance and the infrastructure maintenance reserve. Motion was second by Councilmember De La Rosa. After further discussion, Councilmember De La Rosa withdrew here second to the substitute motion. Motion died due to lack of second.
Upon motion by Councilmember Sandoval, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing budget adjustments through the use of fund balance to include Sr. Park Maintenance Worker (Year 1 & 2) $258,800, Park Maintenance Worker (Year 1 & 2) $227,800, Community Sponsorship Program $50,000, City-Wide Small Business Grants $105,000; and infrastructure maintenance reserve adjustments to include Striping $500,000, Street Lighting & Solar $500,000, Potholes $400,000, and Adopt a Tree Program $100,000; and further directed staff to bring back the East Laurel and Granada Street crosswalk Rapid
August 18, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Flashing Beacons project and other similar request for further consideration was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
5 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Abstain: Councilmember Barajas1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-143
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
ID#26-366 2026 Fireworks Enforcement After-Action Report Received report from Administrative Analyst Jessica Bardwaj regarding the After-Action Report which provided a comprehensive overview of the strategies utilized to enforce laws and ordinances regarding illegal fireworks in the City of Salinas. It outlines both the successes achieved and areas for improvement, guiding future enforcement efforts.
Additionally, the report presents statistical data on the sale of 'Safe-n-Sane' fireworks and evaluates the effectiveness of our outreach and enforcement initiatives in curbing illegal fireworks use in Salinas. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
Received and accept the 2026 Fireworks Enforcement After-Action Report presented by the Salinas Fire and Police Departments.
ID#26-381 Measure G Subcommittee Public Report on FY 2025 Independent Audit Received report from Finance Director Selina Andrews regarding the Measure G Audit Report as required by the Salinas Municipal Code. The three member Measure G Audit Subcommittee met to review and provide and independent audit present the findings to the City Council. The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) was issued by the City’s independent auditors in January of 2026. Report and audit findings filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report.
Sharon Field
Received and accepted the Measure G Subcommittee Public Report on the FY 2025 Independent Audit.
CONSENT AGENDA - CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 4, 2026
ID#26-379 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, the minutes of June 30, 2026 were approved. The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
ID#26-344 California International Airshow Permit at the Salinas Municipal Airport
August 18, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Airport Use Permit for the 2026 California International Airshow, to be conducted by the Monterey County Airshow Association, Inc. at the Salinas Municipal Airport, in accordance with the terms of said permit; waiving the Airport Use Permit fees for the 2026 California International Airshow; and waiving the cost of City Airport staff time associated with the 2026 California International Airshow 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-144
ID#26-351 3-Year License Renewal for Microsoft Office 365 Government G3 and Additional Software
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager and Purchasing Agent to complete the purchase of Microsoft Office 365 Government G3 and additional software from SHI International Corporation, in an amount not to exceed $1,371,675.42; and approve a software contingency of $68,583.77 for a total amount not to exceed $1,440,259.19 from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2029 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-145
ID#26-352 Direct Purchase of a 2026 Vac-Con Truck
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent to complete the direct purchase of one (1) 2026 Vac-Con V312HE/1300 Mounted on a Peterbilt chassis from Municipal Maintenance Equipment (MME) at a cost of $849,903.30 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-146
ID#26-353 Direct Purchase of A 2026 Ford Transit CCTV Van Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agency to complete the direct purchase of one 2026 Ford Transit CCTV van from Municipal Maintenance Equipment (MME) at a total cost of $497,486.56 was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
August 18, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-147
ID#26-356 Amendment No. 6 to Agreement for Professional Services with TEF Architecture and Interior Design, Inc. for Architectural Services Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 6 to Agreement for Professional Services with TEF Architecture and Interior Design, Inc. for architectural services to expand the scope of services and to increase the total compensation amount by $49,000 for a maximum compensation amount not to exceed $1,414,734 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-148
ID#26-364 Amendment No. 5 to Agreement for Services with California Premier Restoration for Emergency Clean-Up and Stabilization of 37 and 39 Soledad Street
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement for Services with California Premier Restoration for emergency clean-up and stabilization of 37 and 39 Soledad Street to increase the total compensation amount by $2,904, for a maximum compensation amount not to exceed $454,224 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-149
ID#26-368 Direct Purchase of Speed Cushions for Traffic Calming Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the Purchasing Agent to complete the direct purchase of speed cushions from Traffic Logix for traffic calming projects for a not to exceed total of $1,000,000 for the Traffic Calming Program CIP 9163 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-150
August 18, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-405 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, the minutes of August 4, 2026 were 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
ID#26-370 Amendment No. 3 to Agreement for Professional Services with Willdan Engineering
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement of Professional Services with Willdan Engineering for code enforcement services to increase the compensation by $194,400 for a total not to exceed amount of $789,400 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-151
ID#26-373 Acceptance of 2027 California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Grant Awards Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the acceptance of the 2027 OTS Grants - the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant in the amount of $83,000 and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (PBSP) Grant in the amount of $100,000 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-152; 2026-153
ID#26-374 DOJ National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Modernization Program
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution authorizing the acceptance of the $300,000 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Modernization Program Grant, if awarded; delegating authority to the City Manager to execute all grant-related documents; and establishing the grant expense appropriation and corresponding revenue budget for up to $300,000 to support grant activities; delegating authority to the City Manager or designee to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
August 18, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and authorizing the direct purchase and payment for the LeadsOnline IBIS BrassTrax ballistic imaging equipment, licensing, and services, for a term of seven (7) years at a cost not to exceed $300,000 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 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-154
ID#26-382 Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement, CIP No. 9535; Increasing Construction Contingencies
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Salazar, Resolution approving an increase in the construction contingency amount by $40,000 for a revised contingency amount not to exceed $750,000 for the Sherwood Recreation Center Building Improvement (CIP 9535); and appropriating $40,000 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 De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue 6 -
Absent: Councilmember D'Arrigo1 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-155
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
The City Manager provided updates on several key activities and initiatives. Highlights include the upcoming Closter Park Grand Opening and Amor Salinas five year anniversary as well as involvement in community meetings focused on rental ordinances in partnership with Echo. The City Manager also announced upcoming EOC (Emergency Operations Center) training sessions for staff and City Council, emphasizing the importance of re-engaging with the community during emergencies. Additional updates included overnight work at Boronda and McKinnon, early outreach efforts related to the Williams Road Project, ongoing engagement related to community projects, and noted the City continues to receive positive feedback regarding the Alebrijes.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.