I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT - CLOSED SESSION
IV. CLOSED SESSION
CITY OF SOLEDAD
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR
HOUSING AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:00 PM
The public meeting will open at 6:00 p.m. and, after taking public comment for Closed Session items, the Council will immediately recess to Closed Session.
The regular public open meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and any reportable action taken during the Closed Session will be reported out at that time.
https://cityofsoledad.zoom.us/j/86034384914
Or Call:
1-669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 860 3438 4914
Welcome to your City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Meeting. Your City Councilmembers/Agencymembers are:
Mayor Anna Velazquez
Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez
Councilmember Fernando Cabrera
Councilmember Evarista Bañuelos
Councilmember Ben Caldera
At this time, any member of the public may address the Council/Agency on Closed Session items appearing on the agenda. Speakers shall have limited time of three (3) minutes. Please be brief and to the point.
1. The City Council will recess to Closed Session to consider personnel matters pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(B)(1) - City Manager Evaluation. 1 1
V. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
VI. ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
VII. CERTIFICATION OF JUNE 03, 2026, PRIMARY ELECTION
1. Resolution No. 6399, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Declaring Canvass of Returns and Results of the Statewide Direct Primary Election Held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026
VIII. PUBLC COMMENT
IX. CONSENT
1. Resolution No. 6397, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad, Approving a Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment for Certain Executive Management Positions Effective July 4, 2026 (First Full Pay Period in FY 26/27)
2. Resolution No. 6398, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving the Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Items of business may be added to the agenda upon a motion adopted by a minimum 2/3 vote finding that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. Items may be deleted from the agenda upon request of staff or upon action of the Council.
Attachments:
Staff Report
Resolution No. 6399
Attachment A
At this time any member of the public may address the City Council on items not appearing on the agenda and items of interest to the public that are within the jurisdiction of the Council. A public comment card should be filled out completely to ensure the speaker is called upon to give comment. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes; the mayor may further limit the time for public comments depending on the agenda schedule. Please be brief and to the point.
No action or discussion shall be taken on an item not appearing on the agenda.
Attachments:
Staff Report
Resolution No. 6397
Exhibit A
Attachments:
Staff Report
Resolution No. 6398
Exhibit A.
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X. BUSINESS
1. Direction Regarding Participation in a Proposed Congressional Directed Spending Request for South Monterey County Public Safety Technology and City’s Potential Role as Fiscal Agent
2. Direction Regarding Outcome Report for Hacienda Apartments Sewer Consolidation Project XI. ADJOURNMENT
Attachments:
Staff Report
Draft South Monterey County Congressional Earmark Request COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________
Attachments:
Staff Report
Attachment 1 - Draft Extension Request Letter for Outcome Report Attachment 2 - Draft Outcome Report
COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Deputy City Clerk Darlene Noriega at (831) 223-5014. Notification of at least 48hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (RCRF 35.102-35.104).
Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 248 Main Street, Soledad, California during normal business hours.
En caso que usted necesite ayuda en leer o en entender este aviso de Junta Publica, usted puede ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Edificio Municipal en 248 Calle Main o llamar al número (831) 223-5014, y el aviso será traducido para usted.
Cualquier escrito o documento proporcionado a la mayoría del Concejo Municipal con respecto a cualquier asunto en esta agenda se pondrá a disposición para inspección pública en el Ayuntamiento ubicado en 248 Main Street, Soledad, California durante el horario laboral.
Advanced submittal of public comments via email are due by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the scheduled meeting to the Deputy City Clerk at [email protected] Comments are limited to 250 words or less and effort will be made to read your comment into the record, but some comments may not be read due to time limitations. The City Clerk will read email comments, provided that the reading shall not exceed three (3) minutes. The email comments submitted shall become part of the record.
La entrega anticipada de comentarios públicos por correo electrónico debe presentarse antes de las 2:00 p.m. del día de la reunión programada a la Secretaria Municipal al email [email protected]. Los comentarios están limitados a 250 palabras o menos y se hará un esfuerzo para leer su comentario en el registro, pero es posible que algunos comentarios no se lean debido a limitaciones de tiempo. La Secretaria Municipal leerá los comentarios del correo electrónico, siempre que la lectura no exceda los tres (3) minutos. Los comentarios enviados por correo electrónico pasarán a formar parte del registro.
3 3
07/13/2026
CERTIFICATION
I, Megan Hunter, City Clerk of the City of Soledad, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall by Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Megan Hunter, City Clerk/Manager
4 SUBJECT: Resolution No. 6399, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Declaring Canvass of Returns and Results of the Statewide Direct Primary Election Held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Mike Rodriquez, City Attorney
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
THROUGH: Megan Hunter City Manager
MEETING
DATE: July 14, 2026
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.
5
RESOLUTION NO. 6399
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD
DECLARING CANVASS OF RETURNS AND RESULTS OF THE
STATEWIDE DIRECT PRIMARY ELECTION HELD ON
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Soledad adopted Resolution No. 6329 on February 18, 2026, submitting to the voters at an election to be held in the City on June 2, 2026, a Measure that would implement a special parcel tax to be levied on properties within the City based on land use to fund fire and emergency medical services provided in the City, (“Measure A”), ; and
WHEREAS, as a “special parcel tax, “Measure A” required a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote to be passed; and
WHEREAS, the Statewide Direct Primary Election was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in accordance with law, and the votes cast were received, canvassed, and the returns ascertained, determined, and declared in all respects as required by law; and WHEREAS, the “Statement of Votes Cast” in the June 2, 2026 election, prepared by the Monterey County Elections Department, was delivered to the City Clerk on July 2, 2026 and is attached as Attachment A.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Soledad that:
1. The total number of voters cast in the City of Soledad at its Statewide Direct Primary Election was 2,260.
2. The ballot measure that appeared and was printed upon the ballots used at said election was as follows:
Measure A: “To ensure fire/emergency medical 911 response, including 24-hour staffing, updated lifesaving equipment/training, and disaster preparedness, shall the City of Soledad's measure, levying an annual parcel tax of $233.00/single family unit, $174.00/multi-unit, $99-$134 plus $.07 per building square foot for non-residential parcels, adjusted annually, providing approximately $1,000,000 per year until ended by voters, with funds dedicated exclusively to reliable 911 emergency medical/fire response and requiring local control/oversight, be adopted?
Votes cast: YES NO
1,105 1,155
As a result of this vote, Measure A did not pass.
6
3. The City Clerk is hereby instructed to enter this Resolution in the official records of the City as a statement of the results of said Primary Election.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a special meeting of the City Council of the City of Soledad duly held on the 14th day of July, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Anna M. Velazquez, The Honorable Mayor
ATTEST:
I, the undersigned Deputy City Clerk, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly adopted and passed by the City Council of the City of Soledad, California, at a special meeting thereof held on the 14th day of July, 2026, by the above-stated vote of the members thereof, a majority being present.
Dated: July 14, 2026
Darlene Noriega, Deputy City Clerk
7 8
9 SUBJECT: Resolution No. 6397, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad, Approving a Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment for Certain Executive Management Positions Effective July 4, 2026 (First Full Pay Period in FY 26/27)
TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Francine Uy, Human Resources Manager
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
CITY OF SOLEDAD
STAFF REPORT
THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Soledad adopt Resolution No.6397, Approving a Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment for Certain Executive Management Positions Effective July 4, 2026 (First Full Pay Period in FY 26/27).
Executive Summary
The City Council previously approved cost-of-living salary adjustments effective the first full pay period in July 2026 for the following employee groups: a three percent (3.0%) increase for the Unrepresented Confidential Group and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 521 General and Mid-Management Groups, and a three and one-quarter percent (3.25%) increase for the Soledad Police Officers Association (SPOA). Historically, the City Council has approved a Cost-ofLiving Salary Adjustment for certain executive management employees consistent with the other employee groups. Staff is recommending the approval of a Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment of three percent (3.0%) for certain executive management employees, effective July 4, 2026, the first full pay period of FY 26/27 to ensure internal pay equity and competitive compensation in a challenging recruitment environment.
Background
In July 2024, the City Council approved Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustments (COLAs) effective the first full pay period in July 2026 for various employee groups, including a three percent (3.0%) increase for the Unrepresented Confidential Group and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 521 General and Mid-Management Groups, and a three and one-quarter percent (3.25%) increase for the Soledad Police Officers Association (SPOA).
Historically, executive management employees have been considered for comparable salary 10 adjustments to maintain internal equity and support recruitment and retention of executive leadership positions. Consistent with this standard practice, staff is recommending approval of a three percent (3.0%) COLA for eligible executive management employees effective July 4, 2026.
Review & Analysis
Consistent with prior City Council actions and existing labor agreements, employees in the Unrepresented Confidential Group, SEIU Local 521 General and Mid-Management bargaining units, and the Soledad Police Officers Association received a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 4, 2026. The City Manager and Assistant City Manager also received a 3% COLA under their employment agreements, effective May 2026.
As a result, four executive management positions—the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Community and Economic Development Director, and Parks and Recreation Director—are the only positions without a scheduled COLA in fiscal year 2026/27.
Although the City continues to face fiscal challenges, a modest cost-of-living adjustment for executive management is consistent with compensation practices in the Monterey Bay region. For example, the City of Salinas approved a 3% COLA for executive management employees in January 2026. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation has increased living costs, making periodic salary adjustments important to preserving the value of employee compensation.
These executive positions require specialized education, technical expertise, and substantial leadership experience, and they are among the most difficult classifications to recruit and retain. Competitive compensation helps the City attract and keep qualified professionals who oversee critical municipal services and carry out City Council priorities. When executive employees leave, recruitment and onboarding costs can exceed the cost of the proposed COLA.
A review of comparable agencies shows that the City's executive salaries remain generally competitive while fiscally conservative. Soledad's executive salaries are generally 6% to 18% lower than comparable positions in Salinas and generally comparable to those in Greenfield, depending on the classification. Executive compensation in Monterey Peninsula communities is substantially higher, with some director-level positions in cities such as Marina exceeding $268,000 annually.
Staff therefore recommends approving a 3.0% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Community and Economic Development Director, and Parks and Recreation Director, effective July 4, 2026. This recommendation promotes internal pay equity by aligning these executive positions with adjustments provided to other City employee groups and supports competitive compensation in a challenging recruitment environment.
Future Cost-of-Living Adjustments for executive management positions will continue to be evaluated annually based on the City's fiscal condition, labor market competitiveness, and City Council budget priorities. Approval of this adjustment should not be interpreted as creating an ongoing or automatic entitlement to future COLAs.
Financial Considerations
The estimated cost of the Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment for the executive management positions is approximately $30,000. By comparison, if a director leaves because compensation has not kept pace with inflation, executive recruitment costs can range from $15,000 to $30,000 per position. Providing modest COLAs may therefore be more cost-effective over the long term than recruiting and onboarding 11 Resolution No. 6397
Exhibit A
replacement directors.
Strategic Plan Alignment
This Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment is consistent with Strategic Plan Objective 10.3.2 - Align employee policies and performance systems with strategic priorities. The adjustment supports the City’s ongoing efforts to recruit, retain, and develop a highly qualified workforce by maintaining competitive compensation and fostering organizational stability.
Alternatives
Adopt the Resolution; or
Modify the Resolution; or
Do not adopt the Resolution.
Planning/CEQA
The approval of the Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment for certain executive management positions is not considered a project for the purposes of CEQA since it has no potential for resulting in either a direct or indirect impact to the environment. (See CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.) Public Notice Requirements
None.
Attachment(s):
12 RESOLUTION NO. 6397
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD
APPROVING A COST-OF-LIVING SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR CERTAIN EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT POSITIONS EFFECTIVE JULY 4, 2026 (FIRST FULL PAY PERIOD IN FY 26/27)
WHEREAS, the City Council previously approved Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustments (COLAs) for employees in the Unrepresented Confidential Group, SEIU Local 521 General and Mid-Management bargaining units, and the Soledad Police Officers Association, effective July 4, 2026, and the employment agreements for the City Manager and Assistant City Manager provide for a three percent (3.0%) COLA effective May 2026; and WHEREAS, the Police Chief, Public Works Director, Community and Economic Development Director, and Parks and Recreation Director are the only positions that did not receive a scheduled COLA during Fiscal Year 2026/27; and WHEREAS, providing a modest Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment promotes internal pay equity, helps maintain the competitiveness of executive compensation, and supports the recruitment and retention of highly qualified professionals responsible for delivering essential municipal services; and
WHEREAS, despite the City's fiscal challenges, executive salaries remain fiscally responsible and generally below comparable positions in neighboring jurisdictions, and staff recommends a three percent (3.0%) COLA effective July 4, 2026, consistent with adjustments previously approved for other employee groups; and
WHEREAS, the new salary schedule for certain executive management positions will be reflected in the FY 26/27 Classification and Compensation Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that future Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustments for executive management will continue to be considered annually based on the City's financial condition, labor market competitiveness, and budget priorities, and this action does not create an entitlement to future adjustments.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Soledad hereby approves a three percent (3.0%) Cost-of-Living Salary Adjustment for certain executive management positions, in the manner set forth in the document attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, and further ratifies any and all actions taken to implement said approval from the effective date of July 4, 2026.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a special meeting duly held on the 14th day of July 2026, by the following vote:
AYES, and in favor thereof Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
13 ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
MEGAN HUNTER, City Clerk
14 EXHIBIT A
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT (EM)
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN
FY 2026/27
Classification Range Frequency Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Parks and Recreation Director 78 Yearly $141,043.34 $147,390.29 $154,022.85 $160,953.88 $168,196.80 Monthly $11,753.61 $12,282.52 $12,835.24 $13,412.82 $14,016.40 Bi-Weekly $5,424.74 $5,668.86 $5,923.96 $6,190.53 $6,469.11 Hourly $67.81 $70.86 $74.05 $77.38 $80.86
Community and Economic Development Director 91 Yearly $166,404.92 $173,893.14 $181,718.34 $189,895.66 $198,440.97 Monthly $13,867.08 $14,491.10 $15,143.19 $15,824.64 $16,536.75 Bi-Weekly $6,400.19 $6,688.20 $6,989.17 $7,303.68 $7,632.34 Hourly $80.00 $83.60 $87.36 $91.30 $95.40
Public Works Director 96 Yearly $181,030.65 $189,177.03 $197,689.99 $206,586.05 $215,882.42 Monthly $15,085.89 $15,764.75 $16,474.17 $17,215.50 $17,990.20 Bi-Weekly $6,962.72 $7,276.04 $7,603.46 $7,945.62 $8,303.17 Hourly $87.03 $90.95 $95.04 $99.32 $103.79
Police Chief 86 Yearly $188,309.05 $196,782.97 $205,638.21 $214,891.92 $224,562.04 Monthly $15,692.42 $16,398.58 $17,136.52 $17,907.66 $18,713.50 Bi-Weekly $7,242.66 $7,568.58 $7,909.16 $8,265.07 $8,637.00 Hourly $90.53 $94.61 $98.86 $103.31 $107.96
15 SUBJECT: Resolution No. 6398, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving the Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27
TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Francine Uy, Human Resources Manager
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
CITY OF SOLEDAD
STAFF REPORT
THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Soledad adopt Resolution No.6398, Approving the Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Executive Summary
The proposed FY 2026–27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule establishes the compensation schedule for all City job classifications and reflects salary adjustments approved through the City’s labor agreements, budget adoption process, and administrative updates. Adoption of the salary schedule ensures compliance with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) requirements and Government Code regulations governing publicly available pay schedules.
The FY 2026-27 Salary Schedule includes updates to positions, classifications, and compensation changes approved by the City Council and/or established through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with recognized employee groups.
Background
The City of Soledad maintains a Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule to identify authorized classifications and corresponding salary ranges for City positions. Periodic updates are required to reflect organizational changes, negotiated compensation adjustments, classification studies, and Council-approved modifications.
California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5 requires public agencies participating in CalPERS to maintain and publicly approve a salary schedule that identifies each position classification and corresponding pay rates. The salary schedule must be approved by the governing body and made publicly available.
16 The proposed FY 2026–27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule incorporates the following previously approved items in FY 2025-26:
Salary adjustments approved pursuant to negotiated labor agreements and resolutions; Revisions associated with classification and compensation updates; and Newly established or modified classifications approved by the City Council Adoption of the salary schedule ensures the City remains compliant with applicable legal and retirement reporting requirements and provides transparency regarding employee compensation.
Review & Analysis
The FY 2026–27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule was prepared in coordination with Human Resources and Finance to ensure consistency with authorized staffing and adopted compensation structures.
The schedule identifies each City classification and corresponding salary range and reflects approved compensation adjustments effective during FY 2026–27. Staff has reviewed the schedule to ensure alignment with current Memoranda of Understanding, employment agreements, and personnel policies.
Approval of the salary schedule provides the City with an updated compensation framework for payroll administration, recruitment, retention, and compliance purposes.
Financial Considerations
The fiscal impact associated with the FY 2026–27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule will be incorporated into the proposed FY 2026–27 Operating Budget. Any salary modifications reflected in the schedule are consistent with approved labor agreements, Council actions, and authorized appropriations.
Strategic Plan Alignment
This staffing plan is consistent with Strategic Plan Objective 10.3.2 - Align employee policies and performance systems with strategic priorities. The plan supports the City’s ongoing efforts to recruit, retain, and develop a highly qualified workforce by maintaining competitive compensation and fostering organizational stability.
Alternatives
Adopt the resolution; or
Modify the resolution; or
Do not adopt the resolution. This is not recommended as providing the Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule is a CalPERS requirement.
Planning/CEQA
The adoption of the FY 2026-27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule is not considered a project for the purposes of CEQA and has no potential for resulting in either a direct or indirect impact on the environment.
17 Resolution No. 6398
Exhibit A.
Public Notice Requirements
None required.
Attachment(s):
18 RESOLUTION NO. 6398
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDADAPPROVING
THE SUMMARY OF JOB CLASSIFICATIONS AND SALARY SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
WHEREAS, the City of Soledad maintains a Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule to identify authorized classifications and corresponding salary ranges for City positions; and
WHEREAS, periodic updates to the City’s Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule are necessary to reflect organizational changes, negotiated compensation adjustments, classification studies, and Council-approved modifications; and WHEREAS, California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 570.5 requires public agencies participating in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (“CalPERS”) to maintain and publicly approve a salary schedule identifying each position classification and corresponding pay rates; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2026–27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule reflects salary adjustments approved through labor agreements, budget adoption, prior City Council action, and administrative updates necessary to maintain consistency with the City’s adopted staffing plan and compensation structure; and WHEREAS, the FY 2026–27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule incorporates updates that were previously approved in FY 2025-26; and WHEREAS, the fiscal impacts associated with the FY 2026–27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule will be incorporated into the proposed FY 2026–27 Operating Budget and are consistent with approved appropriations and labor agreements; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Soledad hereby approves the City’s FY 2026-27 Summary of Job Classifications and Salary Schedule in the form attached hereto as “Exhibit A”, and by this reference, incorporated herein.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a special meeting duly held on the 14th day of July 2026, by the following vote:
AYES, and in favor thereof Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
19 ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
MEGAN HUNTER, City Clerk
20 21
22 SUBJECT: Direction Regarding Participation in a Proposed Congressional Directed Spending Request for South Monterey County Public Safety Technology and City’s Potential Role as Fiscal Agent
TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Megan Hunter, City Manager
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
CITY OF SOLEDAD
STAFF REPORT
THROUGH:
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached letter from Supervisor Lopez requesting a $3 million Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) Request for South Monterey County Public Safety Technology; and
2. Provide direction on the City’s participation in this request and proposed role as fiscal agent.
Executive Summary
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez is coordinating a regional Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) request through Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren seeking $3 million to improve public safety throughout South Monterey County. The proposal would establish a regional partnership among the Cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Soledad, and Monterey County to deploy public safety technology utilizing the Flock Safety platform. Under the proposal, the City of Soledad would serve as the regional fiscal administrator, receiving and administering federal grant funds on behalf of participating agencies while each jurisdiction maintains independent authority over its own contracts, policies, deployment locations, and operations. Staff is seeking direction on whether the Council authorizes the Mayor to sign the attached draft letter.
Background
South Monterey County law enforcement agencies continue to face increasing public safety demands while operating with limited staffing and financial resources. Criminal activity frequently crosses jurisdictional boundaries, making regional cooperation essential for effective investigations and emergency response. Supervisor Chris Lopez has proposed submitting a Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) request to secure federal funding for a coordinated public safety technology initiative benefiting South Monterey County.
23 The proposed regional partnership includes:
Monterey County
City of Gonzales
City of Greenfield
City of King
City of Soledad
Rather than each jurisdiction independently seeking funding, the proposal establishes a coordinated regional approach that leverages economies of scale while preserving local governance and operational control. Supervisor Lopez has requested that the City of Soledad serve as the lead fiscal administrator because of the City's experience managing state and federal grants and its capacity to administer regional funding.
At this time, the City Council is not being asked to approve a grant agreement, purchase equipment, or enter into a contract with Flock Safety. Instead, the Council is being asked to authorize the Mayor to sign the CDS on behalf of Soledad and approval for the City to be identified as the fiscal agent.
Review & Analysis
This item is being presented to the City Council for policy direction because the Council has previously expressed concerns regarding the use of Flock Safety technology, particularly with respect to the sharing of data with out-of-state agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Staff recognizes those concerns and is seeking direction before identifying the City of Soledad as the fiscal agent and participating jurisdiction in a proposed Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) request.
In recent months, the region has experienced a troubling increase in violent crime that has affected residents across jurisdictional boundaries. Most recently, the neighboring City of Greenfield experienced a tragic double homicide that claimed the life of a Soledad community member who was a devoted mother, local business owner, and youth dance instructor. Her death has had a significant impact beyond city boundaries and serves as a reminder that violence in one community affects the broader South County region.
The City of Soledad has also experienced several significant violent incidents within a short period.
During May 2026 alone:
A man was shot and killed in broad daylight while leaving a youth soccer game with his children, exposing families and young people to a serious act of violence.
An armored vehicle was targeted in a violent armed robbery involving multiple suspects.
Another resident was assaulted and hospitalized after suffering significant injuries.
Historically, Soledad has been recognized as a safe, close-knit community where families gather in parks, attend youth sporting events, and participate in community celebrations. It is concerning that murders and violent crimes are now occurring in broad daylight, during community events, and in the presence of children. These incidents devastate victims and their families and can erode the sense of safety that defines communities throughout South Monterey County.
Local law enforcement agencies have proactively invested in technology and regional partnerships; however, criminal activity continues to cross jurisdictional boundaries. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated regional responses supported by modern technology, effective information sharing, and strategic federal investment.
24 Congressional Directed Spending provides local governments with the opportunity to secure direct federal appropriations for projects that address significant community needs. Supervisor Chris Lopez is proposing a regional request to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for $3 million to support a coordinated public safety technology initiative benefiting the Cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King, Soledad, and Monterey County.
If awarded, the funding would provide for the purchase, installation, and operation of public safety technology over an initial three-year period. Eligible expenditures include license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, public safety video cameras, integration of existing camera systems into a unified cloud-based platform, investigative software, Drone-as-First-Responder technology, traffic analytics, artificial intelligence search capabilities, and the associated installation, maintenance, software licensing, and cloud storage necessary to operate the system. The proposal is intended to create a coordinated regional network while allowing each participating jurisdiction to determine its own operational needs, deployment locations, and governing policies.
Under the preliminary proposal, the City of Soledad would receive approximately $400,000 in federal funding, exclusive of grant administration costs. The City's proposed deployment would include twelve (12) fixed LPR cameras, two (2) mobile Flex LPR cameras, sixteen (16) pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) public safety cameras, two (2) Community Partnership cameras, and one (1) Drone-as-First-Responder system.
The proposal also identifies the City of Soledad as the regional fiscal administrator. Staff would recommend accepting this responsibility only if the grant includes sufficient funding to fully reimburse the City's administrative costs and staff time. As fiscal agent, the City would be responsible for executing grant agreements, administering grant funds, processing payments, preparing required financial reports, ensuring compliance with federal grant requirements, and coordinating with the participating agencies and the federal funding agency. Each participating jurisdiction would continue to be responsible for selecting deployment locations, entering into its own service agreements, operating and maintaining its equipment, adopting local policies governing the use of the technology, managing user access, and ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.
The proposal builds upon the strong cooperative relationships that already exist among South Monterey County law enforcement agencies. Residents regularly travel between Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, and the unincorporated areas of Monterey County for employment, education, healthcare, shopping, and recreation. Likewise, criminal activity frequently crosses jurisdictional boundaries, making regional coordination essential. By pursuing this project as a regional partnership, participating agencies would improve investigative collaboration, enhance officer safety, maximize limited public safety resources, reduce duplication of technology investments, and strengthen interoperability during major incidents while maintaining local control over deployment and operations.
Staff also recognizes that the deployment of public safety technology must be balanced with the protection of civil liberties and the preservation of public trust. In response to concerns previously expressed by the City Council, the Council adopted amendments to the City's Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Policy on March 18, 2026, to strengthen protections against the unauthorized release or sharing of ALPR data for immigration enforcement purposes. Corresponding revisions were also made to the Soledad Police Department's Lexipol Policy No. 470, which prohibits the use or sharing of ALPR information for civil immigration enforcement except as required by state or federal law. These policy changes reflect the City's commitment to ensuring that technology is used solely for legitimate public safety purposes while protecting the rights and privacy of community members. 25 Draft South Monterey County Congressional Earmark Request The action requested at this meeting does not authorize the purchase or deployment of Flock Safety technology. Rather, it provides policy direction on whether the City should participate in the Congressional funding request and serve as the regional fiscal administrator should federal funding become available. Any future acceptance of grant funding, execution of contracts, or implementation of the project would require separate City Council review and approval at a public meeting.
Financial Considerations
There is no fiscal impact associated with authorizing the Mayor to sign the CDS request letter or allowing the City to be identified as the proposed fiscal agent, because any grant agreement, cooperative agreement, procurement, or contract would return to the City Council for separate review and approval. If Congress approves the $3 million federal earmark, the City of Soledad's estimated allocation is approximately $400,000, not including administration costs, which would fully fund the City's proposed deployment and associated software, maintenance, implementation, and cloud services for a three-year period.
Acceptance of any grant funding would require future City Council approval. The City would agree to serve as fiscal agent only if administrative costs and staff time are eligible for reimbursement through the earmark. If the Congressional funding request is not approved, the City would incur no financial obligation.
Strategic Plan Alignment
Participating in the CDS is consistent with Strategic Plan Objective 6.2.2 – Modernize technology to enhance the Police Department's capacity and more specifically upgrading camera systems by "transitioning to the Flock Safety platform to enhance investigative capacity and real-time response".
Alternatives
Approve the staff recommendation and authorize the City to be identified as the proposed fiscal agent and participating jurisdiction in the Congressional Directed Spending request; or Authorize participation in the regional initiative but decline to serve as the fiscal agent; or Decline participation in the Congressional funding request; or Provide alternative direction to staff.
Planning/CEQA
This action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it consists solely of providing policy direction regarding a potential grant application and does not commit the City to a definite course of action that may result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable physical change in the environment.
Public Notice Requirements
None.
Attachment(s):
26 July 16 2026
The Honorable Zoe Lofgren
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Lofgren,
I am writing to respectfully request your support for a three million dollar Congressionally Directed Spending investment to strengthen public safety across South Monterey County. The City of Soledad would serve as the lead fiscal agent, receiving and responsibly disbursing funds on behalf of a coordinated regional partnership that includes the cities of King City, Greenfield, Soledad, and Gonzales.
This request reflects both urgency and care. Our communities are asking for safety, accountability, and opportunity. They are not asking for a single solution, but for a balanced response to a challenge that has touched families across generations and across city lines.
The requested funding would support the deployment of the suite of Flock Safety camera technologies throughout South Monterey County. Each city would enter into its own three year service contract based on local needs and council approval, while the City of Soledad would serve as the primary financial agent to ensure coordination, compliance, and timely disbursement of funds.
This structure allows us to work regionally while respecting local governance and maintaining clear fiscal accountability.
In the unincorporated areas of Monterey County, where Flock technology is already deployed, law enforcement agencies have seen how these tools strengthen their ability to investigate serious crimes. In rural communities like ours, officers often patrol large geographic areas with limited staffing. Technology that helps identify suspect vehicles, connect incidents across jurisdictions, and generate timely investigative leads has proven to be a meaningful force multiplier. It does not replace officers, but it helps them do their work more safely and more effectively.
The need for this investment is clear. The mass shooting in King City was a devastating reminder of how quickly violence can tear through a small community. Lives were lost, families were shattered, and a sense of safety was deeply shaken across the Valley. I have spoken with parents who still worry every time their children gather with friends, and with first responders who continue to carry the weight of what they witnessed. When violence occurs in South County, its impact does not stop at city boundaries.
In recent months, our South County region has experienced a troubling escalation in violent crime that has profoundly impacted our residents. The City of Greenfield experienced a tragic double homicide that claimed the life of a beloved Soledad community member, a devoted mother of young twin boys, local business owner, and dance instructor who inspired countless youth through Ballet Folklórico.
The City of Soledad has also experienced several significant violent incidents in a short period of time. During May 2026 alone:
A man was shot and killed in broad daylight while leaving a youth soccer game with his son and daughter, exposing children and families to an unimaginable act of violence. An armored vehicle was targeted in a violent armed robbery involving multiple suspects. Another resident was brutally assaulted and hospitalized after suffering significant injuries.
Attachment 1
27 Like King City, Greenfield and Soledad have been recognized as safe, close-knit communities where families gather in parks, attend youth sporting events, and participate in community celebrations without fear. It is deeply concerning that murders and violent crimes are sometimes occurring in broad daylight and in the presence of children. These incidents not only devastate victims and their families but also erode the sense of safety that defines our communities.
This funding would be used primarily for capital deployment and supporting infrastructure, allowing our cities to install and operate Flock Safety technology over a three year period. Investments in technology not only increase the likelihood of identifying and apprehending violent offenders but also help deter future criminal activity and improve the overall safety of our communities. By coordinating this investment regionally, we are able to stretch limited local tax dollars, avoid duplication, and ensure that all four cities benefit from a unified public safety approach rather than competing for scarce resources.
At the same time, we know that enforcement alone will never be enough. Real public safety begins long before a crime occurs. That is why this request is intentionally balanced with significant upstream investments already underway. Through the Bright Futures initiative housed at Hartnell College, nearly ten million dollars over five years is being invested in youth development and afterschool programming, with a focus on middle school aged students. These efforts are designed to reach young people early, provide safe and structured spaces after school, and create pathways that reduce the likelihood of future justice system involvement.
The cost of failing to intervene early is one our region knows too well. Youth and adult incarceration carry an enormous human and financial burden. Every young person we lose to violence or the justice system represents not just a statistic, but a missed opportunity to change the course of a life. Pairing smart enforcement tools with meaningful prevention efforts helps reduce recidivism, eases long-term costs to taxpayers, and strengthens families and neighborhoods.
We are also mindful of the responsibility that comes with deploying public safety technology. Any expansion of Flock Safety cameras will be governed by clear local policies related to data access, retention, and oversight.
Protecting civil liberties and maintaining public trust remain essential to this effort.
Congresswoman Lofgren, this request represents a practical, locally driven, and regionally coordinated response to a long standing public safety challenge. It builds on proven tools, supports our law enforcement professionals, and reinforces our shared commitment to prevention, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, together with the mayors and police chiefs of King City, Greenfield, Soledad, and Gonzales, to discuss this request and our collective vision for a safer South Monterey County. We would be honored to sit down with you and demonstrate how this investment can deliver measurable benefits for the families we serve.
Thank you for your continued leadership and for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
With respect,
Jose Rios, Mayor Anna Velazquez, Mayor Bob White, Mayor Mike LeBarre, Mayor City of Gonzales City of Soledad City of Greenfield City of King Chris Lopez
Monterey County Supervisor
28 SUBJECT: Direction Regarding Outcome Report for Hacienda Apartments Sewer Consolidation Project
TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Megan Hunter, City Manager
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
CITY OF SOLEDAD
STAFF REPORT
THROUGH:
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Provide direction regarding voluntary sewer consolidation with the Hacienda Apartments.
2. Authorize the City Manager to request a three-month extension of the July 29, 2026 Outcome Report deadline to allow completion of the remaining technical analyses (Attachment 1).
3. If the extension is not granted, authorize the City Manager to submit the attached Outcome Report expressing the City's conditional willingness to participate in a voluntary sewer consolidation process (Attachment 2).
Executive Summary
The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has directed the City of Soledad to submit an Outcome Report by July 29, 2026, regarding the potential extension of public sewer service to Hacienda Apartments. The Outcome Report must summarize the City's negotiations with the property owner, indicate whether the City is willing to participate in a voluntary sewer consolidation process, state whether the City intends to pursue State grant funding through the State Water Resources Control Board's Division of Financial Assistance (DFA), and explain the basis for the City's decision.
Over the past year, City staff have actively participated in the Water Board's consolidation process by attending stakeholder meetings, submitting monthly progress reports, reviewing and providing technical comments on the Draft Hacienda Apartments Septic2Sewer Feasibility Study, coordinating with State and County agencies, and engaging with the property owner and other stakeholders. While staff remains committed to identifying a long-term wastewater solution that protects public health, significant technical, operational, regulatory, environmental, financial, and property ownership issues remain unresolved, making a final commitment to a specific consolidation alternative premature.
Accordingly, staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit the threemonth extension request (Attachment 1) to allow completion of the remaining technical analyses and 29 interagency coordination. If the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board does not grant the extension before the July 29, 2026 deadline, staff recommends authorizing submission of the Outcome Report (Attachment 2). The draft report expresses the City's conditional willingness to participate in a voluntary consolidation process, provided the final project utilizes a technically feasible alternative— such as a connection through the Camphora (Eden Housing) or CDCR systems—and does not require a direct connection to the City's high-pressure force mains.
Background
On July 29, 2025, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Coast Water Board) issued a six-month notice to the City of Soledad and Hacienda Apartments, Inc. pursuant to California Water Code section 13289(b)(1)(F)(i). The notice required the City to negotiate with the property owner regarding the extension of public sewer service, or another adequate wastewater solution, for Hacienda Apartments, located at 32097 McCoy Road in unincorporated Monterey County.
The initial negotiation period was scheduled to expire on January 29, 2026.
Following issuance of the notice, the City participated in multiple coordination meetings with representatives from the Central Coast Water Board, the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Financial Assistance (DFA), Monterey County, and technical assistance providers to discuss potential wastewater solutions, available funding opportunities, and development of the Hacienda Apartments Septic2Sewer Project Feasibility Study.
On January 22, 2026, the Central Coast Water Board granted the City a six-month extension, extending the negotiation period. The extension was conditioned upon the City's continued participation in technical stakeholder meetings, completion of technical review and comments for the feasibility study, submission of monthly progress reports, and continued negotiations with the property owner. The City has fulfilled these requirements by actively participating in stakeholder meetings, providing technical comments and infrastructure information for the feasibility study, and submitting the required monthly progress reports.
As part of the extension, the Central Coast Water Board also required the City to submit an Outcome Report by July 29, 2026. The report must summarize the City's negotiations with the property owner, indicate whether the City supports a voluntary approach to providing sewer service to Hacienda Apartments, state whether the City intends to pursue available grant funding through the Division of Financial Assistance, and explain the basis for the City's decision.
Staff has scheduled this July 14 City Council meeting to present options regarding the Outcome Report, receive direction from the Council, and make a formal decision on whether the City should agree to the voluntary approach to extend sewer service to Hacienda Apartments.
The Central Coast Water Board has indicated that it prefers voluntary consolidation. If the City Council agrees to voluntary consolidation by July 29, 2026, the City may be eligible for a no-interest Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to support broader system improvements, including upgrades to the Water Reclamation Facility.
Review & Analysis
Since receiving the Central Coast Water Board's six-month notice, City staff have actively participated in the Hacienda Apartments wastewater planning process by attending stakeholder meetings, coordinating with the Central Coast Water Board, the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Financial Assistance (DFA), Monterey County, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), 30 Blackwater Consulting Engineers, Eden Housing, and the property owner, and by providing detailed technical comments on the Draft Hacienda Apartments Septic2Sewer Report. Staff also fulfilled all conditions of the Water Board's extension by submitting monthly progress reports, providing technical data, and engaging in ongoing discussions regarding potential wastewater solutions.
On June 15, 2026, City staff submitted both its formal technical review of the Draft Hacienda Apartments Septic2Sewer Report and a public comment letter regarding the proposed forced sewer consolidation. In its public comments, the City expressed significant concern that the July 29, 2026 deadline for submitting the required Outcome Report is premature and does not provide sufficient time to resolve the numerous outstanding technical, operational, regulatory, environmental, and property ownership issues necessary for an informed policy decision.
The City has consistently communicated these concerns during stakeholder meetings, including discussions on June 11 and July 9, 2026, with RCAC, Blackwater Consulting, and representatives of the Regional and State Water Boards. During those meetings, City staff emphasized that the feasibility study remains incomplete and that Blackwater continues to request additional technical information necessary to evaluate several alternatives. Staff expressed concern that the City is effectively being asked to determine whether to voluntarily consolidate before the technical evaluation has been completed and validated.
Based on its technical review, the City concluded that while adequate wastewater treatment capacity exists at the City's Water Reclamation Facility to serve Hacienda Apartments, capacity alone does not determine project feasibility. Each alternative must also be evaluated based on engineering feasibility, regulatory requirements, environmental review, operational responsibilities, ownership, long-term maintenance obligations, financial impacts, public health risks, and legal liability. The City further determined that several key technical and regulatory questions remain unanswered, making it premature to identify a preferred alternative without additional analysis.
The feasibility study evaluated five alternatives. The City believes the No Project Alternative warrants additional evaluation because the report does not adequately document why replacement onsite wastewater treatment was eliminated as a potential solution.
Of the alternatives involving public sewer service, Alternative 2 (Connection to the Camphora Pump Station) currently appears to be the most technically feasible and cost-effective option because it utilizes infrastructure originally intended to serve Hacienda Apartments, minimizes construction of new infrastructure, and provides the opportunity for Eden Housing to acquire the property and simultaneously address both the wastewater deficiencies and the longstanding substandard housing conditions. However, implementation remains dependent upon property acquisition and approvals from multiple lenders and stakeholders.
Alternative 4 (Connection to the CDCR Pump Station) also remains a potentially viable alternative.
However, City staff believe this option was not fully evaluated because there was insufficient time for Blackwater to coordinate with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Additional discussions with CDCR are necessary to evaluate ownership, operations and maintenance responsibilities, costs, liability allocation, and long-term feasibility before this alternative can be fully assessed.
The City does not support Alternatives 3 and 5, which propose direct connections to the City's existing high-pressure force mains. Staff concluded that these alternatives present unacceptable operational, environmental, and public health risks due to the potential for backflow, sanitary sewer overflows, 31 emergency response limitations, and regulatory liability. The City is particularly concerned that the Draft Report identifies Alternative 3 as the preferred alternative even though critical hydraulic information, flow data, operational analyses, and long-term maintenance responsibilities remain incomplete. Based on the information currently available, the City does not believe there is sufficient evidence to conclude that Alternative 3 is technically feasible or that the associated risks can be adequately mitigated.
City staff also believe the feasibility study failed to evaluate several potentially viable alternatives.
Most notably, the report did not assess a direct connection to the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) wastewater collection system located less than 100 feet from Hacienda Apartments. Based on available information, the CTF system already serves non-CDCR entities and appears to have sufficient capacity to accommodate Hacienda Apartments. Given its proximity and existing infrastructure, staff believe this alternative may ultimately prove to be one of the quickest and most cost-effective solutions and should be fully evaluated before a final recommendation is made. Likewise, the City believes additional analysis should be conducted regarding replacement onsite wastewater treatment, as the basis for eliminating this option was not documented in the feasibility study.
Beyond the engineering analysis, the City remains concerned that several fundamental regulatory issues remain unresolved. Hacienda Apartments is located within unincorporated Monterey County, and neither Monterey County nor the Monterey County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) appear to have been fully engaged regarding land use authority, environmental review, permitting responsibilities, extraterritorial sewer service, or service boundary considerations. It would not be appropriate for the City to serve as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) lead agency for a project outside its jurisdiction. In the example of the Camphora Apartments, Monterey County served as the CEQA Lead and guided the LAFCO process.
City staff have also continued discussions with Eden Housing, CDCR, and the Hacienda Apartments property owner regarding potential acquisition of the property and implementation of Alternative 2.
Although the property owner has expressed a willingness to sell, no purchase price or formal proposal has been provided despite discussions dating back to February 2026. Staff remain concerned that insufficient emphasis has been placed on requiring the property owner to address the longstanding deficiencies affecting the residents.
On July 9, 2026, City staff met with representatives from RCAC, Blackwater Consulting, and the Regional and State Water Boards to reiterate that submission of the Outcome Report remains premature because the technical feasibility study is still incomplete. During the meeting, Arwen Wyatt-Mair, P.E., Senior Water Resource Control Engineer and Wastewater Consolidation Program Manager for the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, indicated that she would consult with the Executive Officer regarding the City's request for an extension of the July 29, 2026 deadline.
To formalize this request, staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit the extension request included as Attachment 1. The proposed request seeks a three-month extension; however, staff may revise the requested extension period based on the updated project schedule that RCAC is expected to provide for completion of the remaining technical analyses and evaluation of the outstanding alternatives.
Despite these unresolved issues, the City has worked diligently and in good faith throughout the process by participating in stakeholder meetings, submitting monthly progress reports, providing technical information, reviewing the feasibility study, and engaging with the property owner and other stakeholders. However, significant technical and regulatory questions remain unanswered, and even 32 Blackwater has acknowledged that portions of the feasibility analysis were constrained by project deadlines and require additional information.
Accordingly, because an extension has not yet been granted, staff recommends that the City submit the required Outcome Report (Attachment 2) by the July 29, 2026 deadline while making clear that the City's support for voluntary consolidation is conditional. Specifically, staff recommends that the City express its willingness to pursue a voluntary consolidation only if the final project utilizes a technically feasible alternative, such as Alternative 2 or another acceptable connection identified through the ongoing analysis, and does not require a direct connection to the City's high-pressure force mains (Alternatives 3 or 5). Staff further recommends that the Outcome Report emphasize the need for additional technical analysis, continued coordination with CDCR, Monterey County, LAFCO, and other stakeholders, and completion of the feasibility study before any final commitment is made.
By consenting to the voluntary consolidation process, the City would be expected to apply for grant funding and to retain a contractor to construct the necessary improvements for consolidation. The State Water Resources Control Board Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) has indicated that the City would also receive funding for staff time and other affiliated administration expenses related to this project.
Financial Considerations
The Central Coast Water Board through RCAC has agreed to reimburse the City of Soledad up to $60,000 for costs related to participating in coordination meetings, preparing reports, and completing technical review up to the decision on the Outcome Report.
A grant would pay for the construction of the project and related staff time. Should the City Council agree to the voluntary consolidation, the City may be eligible for a 0% interest loan for our wastewater capital projects with a term of 20-30 years.
Strategic Plan Alignment
Although this project falls outside the City's jurisdiction, staff have insisted that the City's costs be reimbursed, and after much pressure, the Water Boards agreed. This is consistent with Objective 10.5.1 – Maintain fiscal stability and responsible financial management.
In addition, the City would be eligible for a 0% interest loan for other upgrades to our water and wastewater systems if the consolidation is voluntary. This could help advance Objective 3.4.1 – Upgrade and modernize water, wastewater, and stormwater systems for long-term sustainability and efficiency.
Alternatives
City staff is seeking Council direction on this matter. Council may:
Approve the submittal of the extension request (Attachment 1).
Approve the voluntary consolidation and the submittal of the Outcome Report (Attachment 2).
Decline the voluntary consolidation and not submit an Outcome Report by the July 29, 2026 deadline.
Direct staff to make revisions to the attachments; or
Provide other direction to staff.
33 Attachment 1 - Draft Extension Request Letter for Outcome Report Attachment 2 - Draft Outcome Report
Planning/CEQA
The City of Soledad has determined that the proposed action is not a "project" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it consists solely of providing policy direction regarding the submission of an extension request and an Outcome Report to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Alternatively, even if the action were determined to be a project, it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (the common sense exemption), because it can be seen with certainty that the action has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment.
Should a future sewer consolidation project proceed, it will be subject to separate environmental review under CEQA. At that time, the appropriate lead agency will be determined based on the nature of the project and the applicable permitting and approval authorities. Funding for the project is anticipated to include resources necessary to complete the required environmental review.
Public Notice Requirements
Not required for this item. However, the Central Coast Water Board was required to hold a public hearing on the sewer consolidation and the City Council and the City Manager submitted formal written comment letters by June 15, 2026. Future public hearings may be required of the regional water board.
Attachment(s):
34 July 15, 2026
Ryan E. Lodge, Executive Officer
Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
895 Aerovista Place, Suite 101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Delivered via email: [email protected]
Subject: 3-Month Extension Request to Submit Outcome Report for the City of Soledad Dear Mr. Lodge:
On behalf of the City of Soledad and at the direction of the City Council, I respectfully request a three-month extension of the July 29, 2026 deadline to submit the Outcome Report and determine whether the City will voluntarily agree to provide sewer service to Hacienda Apartments, located at 32097 McCoy Road in Monterey County.
Since the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board issued its July 29, 2025 notice pursuant to California Water Code section 13289(b)(1)(F)(i), the City has participated in this process in good faith. City staff have attended numerous coordination meetings, submitted monthly progress reports, provided technical comments on the Septic2Sewer Feasibility Study, supplied infrastructure and operational data, and worked collaboratively with the Central Coast Water Board, the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Financial Assistance, RCAC, Blackwater Consulting, Monterey County, and the property owner.
Despite these efforts, the City does not believe sufficient information exists to make an informed decision regarding voluntary consolidation by the current July 29 deadline. Several significant issues remain unresolved. Most importantly, the technical evaluation of potential wastewater alternatives is still incomplete. The current feasibility study identifies a preferred alternative despite acknowledged gaps in operational data, flow analysis, and long-term maintenance considerations. At the same time, additional alternatives including connections through the Camphora system and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation collections system at the Correctional Training Facility have not been fully evaluated because additional coordination and technical analysis are still underway.
The City remains willing to consider feasible alternatives that protect the long-term integrity of its wastewater system. However, without complete technical information, the City cannot responsibly determine whether a particular alternative is operationally, financially, or legally appropriate.
In addition to the technical uncertainties, several regulatory and property ownership issues remain unresolved. Discussions with the Hacienda Apartments property owner regarding a potential sale of the property have not resulted in an actual purchase price, and the roles and responsibilities for permitting, ownership, construction, operation, and maintenance of any required on-site improvements have not been clearly established. Likewise, land use and environmental review Attachment 1
35 responsibilities involving Monterey County and other agencies require additional clarification before the City can responsibly commit to a voluntary consolidation.
The City is concerned that it is being asked to make a long-term commitment before the technical analysis and regulatory review have been completed. Additional time would allow the feasibility study to be finalized, alternatives to be fully evaluated, coordination with affected agencies to continue, and outstanding property issues to be better understood before the City reaches a decision with significant operational and financial implications.
The City remains committed to working collaboratively with the Water Board and all project partners to identify a long-term wastewater solution that protects public health while ensuring that any decision is based on complete and reliable information.
For these reasons, the City respectfully requests that the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board grant a three-month extension of the July 29, 2026 Outcome Report deadline to October 30, 2026. We believe this additional time will result in a more informed, technically sound, and sustainable solution for the Hacienda Apartments residents and all participating agencies.
Thank you for your consideration. We appreciate the Water Board's continued partnership and look forward to working together toward a successful resolution.
Sincerely,
Megan Hunter, City Manager
36 July 28, 2026
Ryan E. Lodge, Executive Officer
Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
895 Aerovista Place, Suite 101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Delivered via email: [email protected]
Re: Outcome Report – Hacienda Apartments Sewer Consolidation Process Dear Mr. Lodge:
On January 22, 2026, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board granted the City of Soledad a six-month extension to continue negotiations regarding the potential extension of public sewer service to Hacienda Apartments pursuant to California Water Code section 13289(b)(1)(F)(i). As part of that extension, the City was directed to submit an Outcome Report by July 29, 2026. This report responds to the four items requested by the Water Board.
1. Description of the City's Efforts to Negotiate with The Hacienda Apartments, Inc.
Since receiving the initial six-month notice on July 29, 2025, the City has actively participated in the consolidation process and has worked collaboratively with the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Financial Assistance (DFA), Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), Blackwater Consulting Engineers, Monterey County, Eden Housing, and Hacienda Apartments, Inc. Throughout the extension period, City staff fulfilled all conditions established by the Water Board by participating in technical stakeholder meetings, submitting monthly progress reports, providing detailed technical information regarding the City's wastewater collection system, reviewing and commenting on the Draft Hacienda Apartments Septic2Sewer Feasibility Study, and participating in discussions regarding potential wastewater alternatives.
The City also met directly with representatives of The Hacienda Apartments, Inc. to discuss potential solutions, including the possibility of transferring ownership of the property to Monterey County or Eden Housing. While the property owner expressed a willingness to consider selling the property, no purchase price or formal proposal has been provided despite ongoing discussions beginning in February 2026. The City has continued to encourage productive negotiations while also emphasizing the need for the property owner to address the longstanding deficiencies affecting the residents.
2. Will the City Agree to a Voluntary Approach to Extend Sewer Service? Following consideration by the Soledad City Council, the City is willing to participate in a voluntary consolidation process provided that the final project utilizes a technically feasible alternative that protects the integrity of the City's wastewater collection system and that the remaining technical, regulatory, environmental, financial, and property ownership issues are satisfactorily resolved.
Attachment 2
37 The City's support is conditional because the Draft Hacienda Apartments Septic2Sewer Feasibility Study remains incomplete and several viable alternatives require additional evaluation. Based upon the information currently available, the City believes Alternative 2 (Camphora Pump Station) and Alternative 4 (CDCR Pump Station) warrant further consideration, along with a potential connection to the Correctional Training Facility wastewater collection system. Conversely, the City does not support Alternatives 3 or 5 because direct connections to the City's high-pressure force mains present unacceptable operational, environmental, and public health risks.
Accordingly, the City's willingness to participate in voluntary consolidation should not be interpreted as approval of any specific alternative or as acceptance of Alternatives 3 or 5.
3. Will the City Submit a Grant Application for DFA Assistance? Yes. If a technically feasible alternative is identified and the remaining technical, regulatory, environmental, property ownership, and funding issues are satisfactorily resolved, the City intends to work cooperatively with the Division of Financial Assistance to pursue available grant funding for the design and construction of the selected project.
The City understands that participation in the voluntary consolidation process would include submitting the appropriate DFA grant application and administering the project in accordance with applicable funding requirements, subject to execution of appropriate funding agreements and any required City Council approvals.
4. Explanation of the City's Decision
The City supports a conditional voluntary approach because it remains committed to identifying a long-term wastewater solution that protects public health and benefits the residents of Hacienda Apartments. Throughout this process, the City has worked diligently and in good faith by participating in stakeholder meetings, providing technical expertise, reviewing engineering analyses, submitting required reports, and coordinating with all participating agencies.
However, the City cannot provide unconditional support at this time because significant issues remain unresolved. The current feasibility study does not contain sufficient technical information to identify a preferred alternative with confidence, several potentially viable alternatives have not been fully evaluated, and important questions regarding ownership, permitting, environmental review, operations and maintenance responsibilities, long-term liability, and project implementation remain outstanding. Additionally, discussions regarding potential acquisition of the property have not progressed sufficiently to fully evaluate Alternative 2, and coordination with CDCR regarding Alternative 4 and potential connection at the Correctional Training Facility’s collection system remains ongoing.
For these reasons, the City believes that a conditional voluntary approach represents the most responsible course of action. This approach allows technical evaluation and interagency coordination to continue while preserving the opportunity to pursue state funding for a project that is ultimately demonstrated to be technically feasible, financially responsible, and protective of public health and the City's wastewater infrastructure. 38 The City appreciates the continued collaboration of the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, DFA, RCAC, Blackwater Consulting Engineers, Monterey County, Eden Housing, and other project partners. We remain committed to working cooperatively toward a successful long-term solution for the residents of Hacienda Apartments.
Sincerely,
Megan Hunter, City Manager
39