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
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 3:00 PM SALINAS ROTUNDA
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 3:01 p.m. pursuant to:
ID#26-440 a. Existing Litigation - California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), conference with legal counsel regarding Jason Victor vs. City of Salinas, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Case Number(s): ADJ18432303, ADJ16500784, ADJ16501060, and ADJ16501096.
b. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - California Government Code section 54957, City Manager.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.1 there were no reportable actions on closed session matters.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN THE ROTUNDA AT 5:00 P.M.
PROCLAMATIONS
The City Council proclaimed:
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 15, 2026 National Hispanic Heritage Month
Stormwater Awareness Week
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 Ximena Puga, Community Outreach Assistant on behalf of the Youth Commission.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ID#26-412 Planned Unit Development Permit 2026-001; Request to increase maximum allowed sign area for a proposed Burlington tenant within the former Sears store located at the Northridge Mall Shopping Center at 1100 Northridge Mall in the Commercial Retail (CR) Zoning District
Received report from Planning Manager Courtney Grossman regarding a the Planned Unit Development Permit 2024-001 which authorizes 131.78 square-feet of sign area for the Burlington tenant space in connection with the creation of multiple tenants within the former two-story 137,366 square-foot Sears store located at the Northridge Mall Shopping Center. Monterey Signs, Incorporated (Applicant), on behalf of Ethan Conrad Properties (Property Owner), requests approval for a Fifth Amendment to PUD 2014-001 to increase maximum allowed wall sign area from 131.78 square-feet to 287 square-feet Burlington tenant. The increase would result in a second deviation of the original maximum allowed 675.48 square-feet of sign area from 811.63 square-feet to 966.85 square-feet. 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 Barajas, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Resolution finding the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15311(a); and approving Planned Unit Development Permit 2026-001 to increase maximum allowed wall sign area from 131.78 square-feet to 287 square-feet for a proposed Burlington tenant within the former Sears store located at the Northridge Mall Shopping Center 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 2026-160
ID#26-415 HUD Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26
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City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 15, 2026 Received report from Assistant Community Development Director Orlando Reyes regarding the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) which provides a comprehensive summary of expenditures, activities, and accomplishments for each of the City’s HUD programs for the past fiscal year. The CAPER Report also serves as a mechanism and opportunity for public evaluation regarding the City’s progress in carrying out goals and objectives as stated in its FY 2025-29 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) and FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan (AAP). Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eloise Shimm
Eric Petersen
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Barajas, Resolution approving the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and authorizing the City Manager to submit the FY 2025-26 CAPER to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by September 28, 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 2026-161
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-442 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember Salazar, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, the minutes of September 1, 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#26-413 Transfer of State Coastal Conservancy Grant Agreement from Big Sur Land Trust to City of Salinas
Upon motion by Councilmember Salazar, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Novation and Amendment Number 1 to the State Coastal Conservancy Grant Agreement No. 15-128 between the State Coastal Conservancy, Big Sur Land Trust and the City of Salinas and take whatever additional steps may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this Resolution 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 2026-162
ID#26-416 2027-2028 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Application City of Salinas Page 3
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 15, 2026 Upon motion by Councilmember Salazar, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the 2027-2028 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant (STPG) with a City match of 11.47%, and if awarded; delegating authority to the City Manager to enter into a grant agreement with
STPG; accepting up to $700,000 in STPG grant funds with a local City match of up to $80,290; and approving the revenue appropriation and corresponding expenditure appropriation of the STPG grant 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 2026-163
ID#26-417 Treasurer’s Report - Quarter Ended June 30, 2026 Upon motion by Councilmember Salazar, seconded by Councilmember De La Rosa, the Treasurer's Report for FY 2025-26 fourth quarter ended June 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 -
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Mendez reported that Archer Aviation is actively engaging in dialogue with the Salinas Municipal Airport to strengthen the partnership. He added that the Amazon project construction is ongoing, and a temporary occupancy permit has been issues.
Community Development Department is actively working with the developers to address the traffic concerns as the project moves forward. He also reported that the Economic Development Department is working with Kosmont on a hotel study which will include evaluation of the City’s TOT. In closing, he noted that the City has issued conditional hire offers to 15 firefighters and 1 senior park maintenance workers.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Barrera provided an update regarding the bull riding incident at the rodeo, noting that the SPCA is conducting an investigation in coordination with the Salinas Police Department. He added that the meeting scheduled for September 21 was canceled because there was no substantive information to report.
Councilmember Barrera thanked the volunteers and community members who supported the El Grito Festival. He reported that the City, through the Mayor and City Manager, worked with the CEO of Maya Cinemas to help retain the theater in Salinas. Maya Cinemas is expected to reopen on October 9, 2026.
Councilmember Sandoval requested red curb markings on Northridge Drive be repainted and expressed concerns regarding parking enforcement and driveway expansion requirements. Councilmember Sandoval supported exploring changes to the City’s driveway expansion regulations. (Seconded by Councilmember Barrera) He additionally requested updates regarding Jackson Street and Northridge Drive improvements.
Councilmember Barajas expressed concerns regarding the cancellation of the Rodeo City of Salinas Page 4
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 15, 2026 Subcommittee and further requested that the Rodeo Oversight Committee address additional matters that are within the committees purview as stipulated in the lease agreement. He announced that he is attending the State Youth Commission Forum at the Epicenter, the Policy and Operations Board meeting with 3CE, and League of California Cities conference, and the League's Business Meeting on policy resolutions. He added that he is working with City Administration to schedule a residential parking meeting in District 1.
Councilmember Salazar also commended all who attended and supported the El Grito Festival, including representatives of the Mexican Consulate. He reported that he is scheduled to attend the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority meeting to review its annual report. He also encouraged the public to attend the Salinas Valley Relay for Life event on September 19, 2026. Councilmember Salazar stated there is a need for a traffic safety review specific to the areas around Nantucket Blvd and other locations, noting that Boronda Road is heavily traveled. He also highlighted the Salinas Valley Railroad Museum as a special community asset and encouraged residents to visit.
Councilmember Salazar also recommended the City partner with local nonprofit organizations to develop a film festival in Salinas. In closing, he thanked those who opened a dialogue regarding Flock cameras and expressed support for informed discussion with community members.
Councilmember De La Rosa requested a report from the Police Department regarding Flock cameras. (Second by Councilmembers D’Arrigo and Barajas) Councilmember De La Rosa announced the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ensen Park and invited the public to attend. Additionally, she raised concerns regarding the current food truck regulations and requested that the City work toward a solution that considers both food truck operators and brick and mortar businesses. (Second by Councilmember D’Arrigo) Councilmember D’Arrigo reported that she also attended the El Grito Festival and it was a successful event. She requested improved communication from the City related to the impacts resulting from the Amazon Project, particularly regarding future road closures.
Councilmember D’Arrigo additionally requested a presentation from the Heritage Park before the Historic Resources Board. (Second by Councilmembers De La Rosa and Barajas) In closing, she also announced that she is scheduled to attend the League of California Cities conference.
Mayor Donohue recognized the Salinas Valley Railroad Museum as community destination and encouraged the community to visit the museum. He reported that the Salinas Valley Relay for Life event in among the top three Relays nationally with respect to fundraising. He thanked the City team for its efforts regarding Maya Cinemas and noted that no public funds had been committed to the reopening and planned improvements and noted that there are opportunities to promote film and the arts in Salinas.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned open session meeting at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened in closed session at 8:10 p.m.. Closed session adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
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