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, September 1, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
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 -
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to closed session at 4:10 p.m. pursuant to:
ID#26-424 a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - California Government Code section 54957, City Manager.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
The City Council reconvened in the Rotunda at 5:00 p.m. and Mayor Donohue announced that the CIty Council will reconvene in closed session at the end of the opens session meeting.
NEW EMPLOYEE WELCOME AND PROMOTIONS
Department Directors introduced new employees and announce promotions for the month of August.
PROCLAMATION
The City Council proclaimed:
September 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
National Library Card Sign Up Month
National Recovery Month
CITY OF CHAMPIONS
The City Council recognized the following as City of Champions:
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Watch Parties at Salinas Regional Sports Complex Larry Hirahara, Honorary Mayor of Chinatown
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 members and their engagement around the Williams Road Project and the Harden Parkway Traffic Calming Project. They provided a report regarding activities and events among all the local high schools and middle schools.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-422 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, the minutes of August 8, 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#26-378 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.
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, 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) was adopted. 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 2699
September 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial ID#26-355 Memorandum of Understanding with United Way of Monterey County for the Financial Empowerment Center
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution delegating authority to the City Manager to execute a two-year service provider agreement with United Way of Monterey County (UWMC) to operate the Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) beginning September 1, 2026; delegating authority to the City Manager, or designee, to pursue, accept, and execute all necessary documents, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund for up to $150,000; and authorizing an expenditure appropriation and corresponding revenue appropriation for the CFE Fund implementation grant, General Fund contribution, and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation supporting the program 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 2026-156
ID#26-396 Project Acceptance of the Garner Avenue Bus Bulb Out, CIP No. 9503 Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution accepting the Garner Avenue Bus Bulb Out, CIP No. 9503 for maintenance and responsibility 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 2026-157
ID#26-398 Project Acceptance of the Coventry Street and Victor Street Traffic Calming Devices, CIP No. 9163
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution accepting the Coventry Street and Victor Street Traffic Calming Devices, CIP No. 9163 for maintenance and responsibility 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 2026-158
ID#26-403 Support for Pilot Rail Service between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area for the Summer 2028 Olympics
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution supporting the Transportation Agency for Monterey County’s efforts to bring a pilot rail services connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco Bay Area for the Summer 2028 Olympics was approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
September 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
Enactment No: RES 2026-159
ID#26-420 Cal Cities Voting Delegates
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, appointment of Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas as the voting delegate for the annual Cal Cities business meeting on policy resolutions and further authorize the City’s delegate to vote in support/opposition of the Cal Cities’ proposed Policy Resolutions 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 -
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Mendez announced that the Alebrijese Nahuales closing ceremony will take place on Friday, Septmeber 4 at 1 Main Street and encouraged everyone to attend. He reported that although Governor Newsom has not signed the new state budget allocations, Salinas is likely to received $1.6 million to support the Stormwater Improvement and $1.2 million for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. City Manager Mendez reported that 24 applications have been received for the Small Business Grants program and of the applications received 10 have been funded. A total of 40 applications for the Community Sponsorship Program have also been received. The Neighborhood Grant Program deadline was extended for an additional two weeks. A total of 14 applications have been received.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Sandoval reported that he attended the Barcelona Circle neighborhood event, engaged with residents, and spoke with a Hartnell College representative about a partnership with the city's construction program. Participated in the first North Salinas High School Mock Trials, Monterey Bay Air Resources District meeting, and the Closter Park Grand Opening.
Councilmember Barrera reported that he attended the Ruggedized Conference at Reservoir Farms. Noted the absence of essential field workers at these events and is working on hosting a workshop for them to discuss technology's role in agriculture. He announced the EL Grito Festival taking place on September 13, 2026 and reported that he attended the Closter Park Grand Opening.
Councilmember Barajas stated that he is working with the City Manager to schedule a neighborhood meeting regarding permitted parking. He reported that he attended the Central Coast Community Energy Risk Management Committee meeting and the Ruggedized Conference at Reservoir Farms. Plans to attend the Siembra Latinos event on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Councilmember Salazar reported that he attended the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority meeting, PAL Car Show, and announced the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event scheduled for 9/19. He highlighted housing-related measures on the city
September 1, 2026City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial and state ballot.
Councilmember De La Rosa reported that she attended Relay for Life "Paint the Town Purple" and the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority employee dinner. She announced that the Community Human Services Board meetings will rotate throughout the region, with Salinas hosting on October 15. She added that she participated in the Closter Park Grand Opening, an event at Toro Park supporting the Chinese community, and the Hartnell Community College Foundation Gala. She requested a report on the mobile vendor ordinance due to complaints from brick-and-mortar businesses and asked for a code enforcement update.
Councilmember D’Arrigo announced the East of Eden Car Show at Heritage Park taking place in October to support and raise funds for the Heritage Park operations. She requested a presentation from the Monterey County Ag Commissioner (seconded by Councilmember Barajas). She also requested Salinas consider a spay/neuter ordinance, an update on the Chinatown renovation project, and requested a street re-striping to improve pedestrian/vehicle safety. In closing, she requested support for a Central Park Renovations Project, a presentation for Heritage Park at the Historic Resources Board, and staff to pursue innovative traffic calming methods.
MayorDonohue announced Gil Basketball Academy upcoming trip to Oaxaca to connect with the Alebrijes arts and culture to Salinas. He reported that he also attended the Ruggedized Conference, noting its focus on 20 start-up technology companies and opportunities for economic development in the region.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned open session at 6:53 p.m. and reconvened in closed session at 7:00 p.m. Closed session adjourned at 9:15 p.m.