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 29, 2026 4:00 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 -
PROCLAMATION
The City Council proclaimed:
National Fire Prevention Week
Code Enforcement Office Appreciation 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 Salinas Youth Commissioner Natalie Morales who reported that the Youth Council supports investment in youth literacy programs and requested that the city promote available library services and programs on social media. She invited the community to attend Alisal HIgh School's Homecoming on October 2, and Ciclovia on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in support of the Youth Council.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 - LEVINE ACT
No disclosures reported.
CONSIDERATION
City of Salinas Page 1
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 29, 2026 ID#26-450 2026-27 El Niño and Flood Readiness Update; Proclamation Establishing the Threatened Existence of a Local Emergency
Received report from Salinas Fire Chief Sam Klemek regarding preparations related to the 2026-27 El Niño season and the potential for flooding, severe storms, power outages, transportation disruptions, and related community impacts. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong event during fall and winter 2026-27, and a 75 percent chance of historic strength during October 2026 through March 2027. City departments are coordinating drainage and infrastructure work, emergency operations, evacuation and shelter planning, workforce continuity, airport readiness, and multilingual public information. The seasonal outlook increases the need for early preparation but does not predict the timing or severity of individual storms in Salinas. According to NOAA Monterey Bay Area meteorologists, effects of the El Niño conditions are expected to peak for the central coast region January through March 2027. Additionally, on September 21, 2026, the State of California issued a state-wide “state of emergency” declaration in anticipation of the forecasted El Nino season. Similarly, it is recommended that the City Council consider and approve a proclamation establishing the existence of a local emergency. Report filed with the City Clerk as the official record.
The following members of the public commented on the report:
Jose Guerra
Eric Petersen
Daniel Munoz
Sharon Field
Unidentified audience member
May Ann Worden
Peter Szalai
Salvado Tavares
Yolanda Hayes
Lisa
Upon motion by Councilmember De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember D'Arrigo, Proclamation establishing the threatened existence of a local emergency (Salinas Municipal Code Section 11A-6.A(1)) 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: 2026 LOCAL EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION
The City Council recessed for a break at 7:13 p.m and reconvened in the Rotunda at 7:30 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
ID#26-460 Minutes
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, the minutes of September 15, 2026 were approved. The motion carried by the following vote:
City of Salinas Page 2
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 29, 2026 Ayes: Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember Barrera, Councilmember D'Arrigo, Councilmember De La Rosa, Councilmember Salazar, Councilmember Sandoval and Mayor Donohue
7 -
ID#26-393 Professional Services Agreement for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Update
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement, and any amendments or extensions thereto, with Bureau Veritas Technical Assessments, LLC, to conduct a comprehensive ADA Self-Evaluation and ADA Transition Plan update, in a not-to-exceed amount of $563,830 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 2026-164
ID#26-431 FY 26-27 Homeless Services Funding Agreements for the Rental Assistance Program
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Homeless Services Funding Agreement with the Monterey County Office of Education for the administration of the Rental Assistance Program in an amount not to exceed $300,000, and execute an amendment to a Homeless Services Funding Agreement No. 26GF03 with the Eden Council for Hope and Opportunity for the administration of the Rental Assistance Program to increase the funding by $100,000 for an amount not to exceed $200,000 for FY 26-27, funded through General Fund appropriations, and to execute any associated documents necessary to effectuate the agreement, subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney 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 2026-165
ID#26-432 Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services with BKF (formerly MNS Engineers, Inc)
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services with BKF (formerly MNS Engineers Inc) for construction management services of the Boronda Road Congestion Relief Project-Phase 1 to increase the total compensation amount by $306,900 for a maximum compensation amount not to exceed $2,136,148 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 of Salinas Page 3
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 29, 2026
Enactment No: RES 2026-166
ID#26-435 New Street Public Utility Easement
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the reservation of a Public Utility Easement (PUE) over and across the northerly 124 feet of New Street right-of-way, retroactive to October 14, 2025; and authorizing the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute all the
necessary documents to effectuate the easement 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 2026-167
ID#26-436 Project Acceptance of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) of Sanitary Sewer Project
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution accepting the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) of Sanitary Sewer Project 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 2026-168
ID#26-439 California Library Literacy Services Adult and Family Literacy Grant Award Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution accepting the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) block grant award in support of Adult Literacy and Family Literacy, for a total award of $217,832; authorizing the establishment of the CLLS – Adult and Family Literacy fund expenditure appropriation totaling $217,832 and corresponding revenue appropriation to support grant activities; and authorizing the City Manager to execute all grant acceptance documents with the California State Library 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 2026-169
ID#26-452 Amendment No. 4 to the On-Call Streetlight Maintenance Agreement with St.
Francis Electric, LLC.
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve Amendment No. 4 with St. Francis Electric, LLC extending the current agreement for one additional year term ending December 4, 2027, and increasing the annual not-to-exceed amount by $374,000
City of Salinas Page 4
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 29, 2026 for a revised annual compensation of $742,595 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 2026-170
ID#26-437 2027 City Council Meeting Calendar
Upon motion by Councilmember Barajas, seconded by Councilmember Barrera, the 2027 City Council Meeting Calendar 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 -
ID#26-449 Resolution to Support Proposition 1, Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026
Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution to support Proposition 1, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 on the November 2026 statewide ballot 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 2026-171
ID#26-455 Reclassification and Modification to Classification-Salary Schedule Upon motion by Councilmember Barrera, seconded by Councilmember Sandoval, Resolution approving the reclassification of four positions listed below and modify the Classification – Salary Schedule to include the classifications of Temporary - Fire Inspector I/II, Public Service Maintenance Worker – Trainee and retitling of the Business Navigator classification to Business Liaison 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 2026-172
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Mendez reported that the City received at $1.15 million dollar 2025 Fire Prevention & Safety Grant and $5.4 million dollar SAFER grant for the Salinas Fire Department. Additionally, he reported that the Airport Director is scheduled to attend the Airport Electrification Conference to reaffirm that the airport is open for business.
COUNCILMEMBERS’ REPORTS, APPOINTMENTS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Salazar reported that an e-bike safety meeting will be held on City of Salinas Page 5
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 29, 2026 September 30 at 6:00 p.m. in English, followed by another meeting on October 2 at 6:00 p.m. He added that he met with the Director of Engagement at McKinnon Elementary School addressed the Boronda Road roundabout incident. Councilmember Salazar stated that the the Newport Court and Lexington residents are scheduled to meet to discuss concerns related to street vendors, traffic control, and pedestrian and vehicle safety during the month of December. He added that he attended the SVSWA meeting on September 17 where they discussed the Authorities annual report and operations and further announced that they will be hosting a free tire-recycling event from October 1 through November 8. In closing, he stated he support for a 5:00 p.m. meeting start, with a closed session from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. and public comment at the beginning.
Councilmember De La Rosa reported that she attended the First Tee Gala, the air show, Bishop Andrew Lopez’s 30th anniversary celebration, and the Ensen Park ribbon-cutting ceremony. She further reported that in the Rossi/Rico area, city staff responded to abandoned vehicle calls and addressed other safety concerns at the Victor Street crosswalk and added that a meeting will be held with the residents on October 22 to discuss additional safety concerns in the area.
Councilmember D’Arrigo announced she also attended the Airshow, First Tee Gala, and Monterey Bay Economic Partnership meeting. She requested the city consider a spay/neuter ordinance and recommended organizing a community meeting in advance of the meeting. She requested additional information regarding how residents’ comments are documented, addressed, and communicated following the council meetings. Additionall she requested a tour of the 911 Emergency Communications Center and proposed a community meeting on disaster awareness. Councilmember D'Arrigo inquired whether the pothole-repair machine is operational and recommended scheduling a demonstration with Public Works.
Councilmember Sandoval thanked the Police Department and CHISPA for facilitating a meeting on bicycle safety. He reported that he attended the Ensen Park ribbon cutting ceremony. He reported that the pothole repair machine is now in operation and requested a follow up on curb-cut improvements at Village Heights.
Councilmember Sandoval expressed concerns regarding how committees and commissions place items on agendas and noted that as the Council considers updating its processes and procedures, those changes should also be implemented across all boards and commissions. In closing, he requested the City take an active role in providing accurate information regarding misinformation related to a ballot measure.
Councilmember Barrera reported that the lights at Closter Park are out and need to be repaired. He added that with respect to the City Council meeting start time, he concurs with Councilmember Barajas. In closing, he invited the community to attend a the ribbon-cutting ceremony for El Mercado La Plazita at Closter Park will take place on October 10 at 11 a.m.
Councilmember Barajas reported that Central Coast Community Energy approved the 2026–27 budget and noted rates will remain unchanged through spring 2027, representing a 20% savings. He added that they are also exploring opportunities for the public utility to address connection delays. He additionall reported that he attended the League of California Cities conference and business meeting and Resolution No. 1 passed unanimously. Couniclmember Barajas reported that SVSWA’s North County Recycling and Transfer Project will go before the Planning Commission on September 30 with construction to begin on the North County Transfer Station projects shortly thereafter. He also reported that he met with the disc golf teams at Natividad Creek Park to discuss City of Salinas Page 6
City Council Meeting Minutes - Unofficial September 29, 2026 ways to keep the park clean and a separate meeting with Dr. Radner to address healthcare challenges. Councilmember Barajas requested a meeting to discuss revisiting the council meeting structure and schedule. In closing he appointed Zackary Powers to the Library and Community Services Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
City of Salinas Page 7