[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6660566,"mediaKeyId","2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493","parentId",2434836,"title","Salinas approves conveyance of Ensign Park (Car Lake) from Big Sur Land Trust","audioSeconds",3005,"startMs",4224000,"endMs",7229000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493&start=4224&end=7229","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493/thumbnail_4224000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6660566/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-approves-conveyance-of-Ensign-Park-Car-Lake-from-Big-Sur-Land-Trust","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660566-36975b04abaa6b4697c45a4e959a8b3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127200&Signature=K689WiVG17qbqT84nbFwoUc6wzU-U791u8siq3D-gnH8Hpiak37xSDAh~NOaR9O9GtpPJ6Ey8jfNQ6QIQvv1nTk6HAJmMM8xNbgIyi~TGw~TpxgenfzCXXOTm5tMHwWfUsrFapjukjCNqyRUJhKnqsuKM3uSrIfSRr8Cb-zMQgIO5mNWvXOsvqbN3ycDelQW6rJWcQBeAecmL0PuxS9MpqwmqwQC-2z8TLSFUJmG0lUpqlD8mIO9iQyRmYhGWTizQJpN3Si9mBmzQSX6g2at04u4rCkiAQmVpxmd8FKLNjXJL9wr6QnaTxIvMcU1sdxYiOLzXbA6~0PKM28JsIkTmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salinas","date","2025-02-27T19:14:15.663Z","article","The Salinas City Council voted to accept a donation of approximately 73 acres known as Ensign Park (Car Lake) from the Big Sur Land Trust and authorized the mayor to execute a conveyance agreement to transfer the site to the city.

Library and Community Services Director Kristen Lundquist told the council the conveyance covers a two‑phase project: phase 1 is a six‑acre neighborhood park with a front house deed‑restricted for moderate‑workforce affordable housing and a second house reserved for park‑related uses. Phase 1 must be conveyed by March 2025; staff said the city and the land trust are working to open the park in summer 2025. Phase 2 will add restoration work on roughly 67 acres, with construction expected to begin in spring 2025 and public access planned for spring 2026.

Lundquist said the Big Sur Land Trust will complete the phase 1 and phase 2 improvements and transfer the land to the city for $0. The trust will retain access for restoration work during phase 2, may hold up to four events per year, and will be permitted to install public art and signage. Staff told the council that the conveyance is consistent with the city’s general plan and that an initial study and mitigated negative declaration adopted Sept. 14, 2021 found no significant environmental impacts after mitigation.

Speakers who addressed the council in support included Margaret D'Arrigo and Councilmember Gloria De La Rosa, both of whom described site tours and praised design and community input, and Jeanette Tuitteilli Lewis of the Big Sur Land Trust, who said the project leveraged grants and private philanthropy. Council members asked about long‑term maintenance funding and staff said a range of funding options and a friends group will be developed; staff said a staffing plan to reach standard acreage‑per‑maintenance‑worker ratios is already in progress.

The conveyance resolution passed on a roll‑call vote. Council members Barajas, Barrera, Dirigo, De La Rosa, Salazar and Sandoval recorded yes votes and Mayor Donahue cast the mayoral vote; staff recorded the motion as approved.

Why it matters: the transfer adds park acreage to a city that staff described as having a park‑acreage shortfall, creates an on‑site workforce housing restriction for the front house, and establishes a multi‑year restoration and public‑access program on a property that has been in development since the early 2000s.

Implementation notes: staff told the council they will return with funding recommendations and possible stewardship arrangements to support maintenance needs, and that grant and philanthropic relationships will be used to seed long‑term stewardship.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02.25.25 Salinas City Council Meeting of February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Salinas City Council voted to accept a donation of approximately 73 acres known as Ensign Park (Car Lake) from the Big Sur Land Trust and authorized the mayor to execute a conveyance agreement to transfer the site to the city.","taxTitle","Salinas, Monterey County, California","taxId",4681,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6660547,"Votes at a glance: Salinas City Council actions on Feb. 25, 2025",3769,3460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493&start=3460&end=7229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493/thumbnail_3460000.jpg","/articles/6660547/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Salinas-City-Council-actions-on-Feb-25-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660547-4635e544c12b904cf517ba45610107e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127200&Signature=YtxLMIzIrPdeRnLphJWgPh4rrM7Ob0mgZKF3dUKEXtHs7AHZYIJSSwWMt2Tp3fWv9orFkUD2xhG-r5X6K5LMZnywWEAjh~qo6FLPy3tHXFwDuVIIeZIPUqy0XNwfaLkuuUQ4xAYxtHoUffD~mm7IschVnHo1xy~P8unxV8wyDBI0kqtiE1KGofMyf5P-b7e16ve2zEBO5Xmmw18DWCWTKHdr42kTbmAppThgBDDyAvxtf2gbUDLK0nAzXOhKlo0AVk10dctHaAgPpZUyOgAJb4LbXSEFfNl9QOdKx2eJ1KdhiQSsxlgYHIw2NlPH9X2-kuaUr2vzel~ZFLSOZBDTOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Below are the formal motions and outcomes recorded during the Feb. 25, 2025 Salinas City Council meeting as reflected in the transcript. Where a roll‑call vote was recorded, the council roll call is shown; some motions lacked named movers/second but were recorded by roll call.

1) Check 482152 payment to Leadership Monterey County (financial claims).
- Motion: Approve check number 482152 payment to Leadership Monterey County.
- Outcome: Approved (roll call). Recusal: Councilmember Barajas recused for check 482152 but participated in the remainder of financial claims. Vote recorded in transcript as: Barrera—yes; D'Arrigo—yes; Salazar—yes; Sandoval—yes; Mayor Donahue—yes. (Barajas out/recused.)

2) Remaining financial claims (balance of claims report).
- Motion: Approve remaining financial claims report.
- Outcome: Approved (roll call). Vote recorded as: Barajas—yes; Barrera—yes; D'Arrigo—yes; De La Rosa—yes; Salazar—yes; Sandoval—yes; Mayor Donahue—yes.

3) Item 25 — Recreation center restroom renovation / Closter Park project (CIP)
- Motion: Award/approve work as presented (consent/contract action described at item 25).
- Outcome: Approved (recorded roll call: Barajas—yes; Barrera—yes; Dirigo—yes; De La Rosa—yes; Salazar—yes; Sandoval—yes; Mayor Donahue—yes).

4) Item 26 — Contract extension/reappropriation with BFS for Cluster Park and Northgate universal playground (additional $100,000 appropriation from infrastructure maintenance reserve).
- Motion: Approve extension and reappropriation.
- Outcome: Approved (recorded roll call: Barajas—yes; Barrera—yes; Dirigo—yes; De La Rosa—yes; Salazar—yes; Sandoval—yes; Mayor Donahue—yes).

5) Item 32 and minutes — Letter of support for SB 48 and approval of minutes.
- Motion: Approve letter of support for SB 48 and minutes as presented.
- Outcome: Approved (recorded roll call: Barajas—yes; Barrera—yes; Dirigo—yes; De La Rosa—yes; Salazar—yes; Sandoval—yes; Mayor Donahue—yes).

6) Car Lake / Ensign Park conveyance (major item).
- Motion: Approve resolution authorizing conveyance agreement between Big Sur Land Trust and City of Salinas to transfer approximately 73 acres (Ensign Park/Car Lake) for public park use and management.
- Outcome: Approved (recorded roll call: Barajas—yes; Barrera—yes; Dirigo—yes; De La Rosa—yes; Salazar—yes; Sandoval—yes; Mayor Donahue—yes).

7) Midyear budget review and supplemental appropriations.
- Motion: Receive midyear budget report and authorize recommended budget adjustments (supplemental appropriations ~ $727,000).
- Outcome: Approved (recorded roll call: Barajas—yes; Barrera—yes; Dirigo—yes; De La Rosa—yes; Salazar—yes; Sandoval—yes; Mayor Donahue—yes).

Notes: Transcript shows most votes were unanimous in favor; individual recusal (Barajas) was recorded for a specific check on the financial claims. For items where the transcript did not capture a named mover/second, the roll‑call vote was used to confirm the outcome. For details on each action (motions text, contracts, appropriation amounts and conditions), see the linked staff reports and the related articles in this package.","The City Council approved several items Feb. 25, including a conveyance of Ensign Park from the Big Sur Land Trust, midyear budget adjustments, and multiple park and consent items. This roundup lists formal actions, outcomes and vote tallies recorded in the meeting.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6660552,"Multiple council members disclose Taylor Fresh Foods contributions; one council member recuses from closed session",103,89000,192000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493&start=89&end=192","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493/thumbnail_89000.jpg","/articles/6660552/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Multiple-council-members-disclose-Taylor-Fresh-Foods-contributions-one-council-member-recuses-from-closed-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660552-a6fd349622ee5924c855fb48149fc059/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127200&Signature=biLBRZGTG0GzpojBmUmEPWhwo-oMutdLlP~ZYvW6ZSBzco~FJUpcsEjbaNCCyjHVgVGYQI4ocKBhVgiBj80BPgyiTXLFqLskO84Rdc~6r231VrSMLcjT6N5briJZJIcvoaIlzTUaa4iHjpTxVT4cBUVciz6OeRPCLfbDGz4pLxzbw25Hc3l4PlQ8vSuN412IbrQXDZ-E-Sgl947axtKlSmAl2f0Nhuf5VsS99XMW8R~9A4DRLme2OB0hDwh-7DbayL54JfkZsc90WTVtn-EaHEKdvr1ZOGFg31NyYTP3SHTU9TQGIx1kOwwSzpUT-4rgGw1JQMz6hiPtjX8ZV3h0CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several council members disclosed campaign contributions tied to Taylor Fresh Foods and Bruce Taylor during Levine Act disclosures at the start of the Feb. 25 Salinas City Council meeting.

Councilmember Barajas, Councilmember De La Rosa and Councilmember Salazar each said they received and returned contributions of $5,500; Councilmember Sandoval said he received none but raised concerns and read a series of contribution entries into the record. Mayor Donahue said he received $5,500 and was returning funds (Mayor said $5,250 in a comment). Councilmember Dirigo announced he would recuse himself from the council’s closed‑session discussion about terms for sale of city lots 8 and 12 to Taylor Fresh Foods because he had performed consulting work for Taylor Fresh Foods within the previous 12 months, receiving compensation in excess of $10,000. City staff confirmed the closed‑session real‑property negotiations were not concluded and there was no reportable action after closed session.

City Attorney answered procedural questions about the Levine Act and noted the statute allows a 30‑day cure period to return contributions to avoid certain disqualification consequences; the city attorney declined to make fact‑specific judgments during the meeting, saying such inquiries are fact dependent. Councilmember Sandoval pressed colleagues to show evidence that returned funds were, in fact, returned and asked them to recuse if they had actual knowledge before 30 days of a financial interest. Council did proceed to closed session after the disclosures; the city attorney later reported no reportable action.

Why it matters: Levine Act disclosures protect public confidence by requiring elected officials to state campaign contributions and potential conflicts before the body considers matters that could create a financial interest. A councilmember’s recusal from a closed real‑estate negotiation was recorded publicly.","At the start of the Salinas City Council meeting several members disclosed $5,500 campaign contributions from Taylor Fresh Foods (reported to be from Bruce Taylor). Councilmember Dirigo announced he would recuse from closed session negotiations over sale terms for lots to Taylor Fresh Foods because he performed consulting work for the company in",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6660557,"City staff updates council on East Area specific plan; Barton Ranch developer outlines 852‑unit concept",1801,9040000,10841000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493&start=9040&end=10841","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493/thumbnail_9040000.jpg","/articles/6660557/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/City-staff-updates-council-on-East-Area-specific-plan-Barton-Ranch-developer-outlines-852unit-concept","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660557-85b6bd341c31a4c5c578a4c9d8882dc9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127200&Signature=dlQTkMogQfWW-SpzW90B0ZMt98mte3JvGekZAci5hMkjG1dGZwaDJuad73EKyyhPb6I0DpfP14gtVqE8pt5qZvDvZfOCksTSzYTn9ER6I-3LTEufoNtTH4rNMWqrUCoClMRUekixbDwvAD9zB~dAmMsvVi3BYQ3qoPl0zMTQ2ZXQnt1ktZSP~xeVgozH5hNtOiinCzpiSMCker2GXpVdpDBuF~6h4nQ9hcTBrLjevwPw3krKrdU5MK5AM-~1Rw3ELvnXED22nMa8GxjCyx~5MsM9biOwHxXYKzXHKaXj7YxyiDYxJq9I~WSqLL3Z-32HmfnbCnCnSxehRlnXUYztmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff updated the Salinas City Council on progress toward an East Area specific plan, the last portion of the city's Future Growth Area. The plan will translate the general plan’s policy updates into detailed land‑use and infrastructure directions for largely under‑developed agricultural land north of Veranda Road.

Planner Monica (project lead) and consultant PlaceWorks described outreach completed in 2024, a preferred land‑use alternative tied to the general plan’s new “place type” designations (including hillside neighborhoods and mixed‑use centers), and a draft schedule that calls for a second community meeting in spring 2025, a public review draft this summer and potential adoption by late 2025. Staff said the plan reserves land for parks, greenways and four school sites and that a fiscal analysis and circulation studies remain underway.

Developer representatives from Meritage Homes (Chris Stumpf) described a concept called Barton Ranch — a proposed residential development northeast of Veranda Road with roughly 852 dwelling units and a 15% affordable‑unit commitment (about 128 units). Stumpf said the project team has submitted preliminary applications and is coordinating technical studies; staff noted the project may proceed under SB 330 provisions and that environmental review and tentative‑map review are in process.

Public commenters and several council members raised recurring concerns: water supply and groundwater sustainability in the Salinas Valley; traffic, particularly on Veranda Road and Natividad Road; parking density in new neighborhoods; and whether new housing would prioritize residents who already live and work in Salinas. Staff said developers are responsible for infrastructure funding and that the city will do a fiscal analysis and further circulation planning; a tentative date of April 30 was given for the next community meeting.

Why it matters: the East Area plan will guide future development for thousands of units (staff estimates range‑wide for the entire Future Growth Area), with implications for housing supply, infrastructure, schools and the city’s obligation to plan for affordable units.

Next steps: staff will hold further community outreach (April 30 tentative), complete fiscal and circulation analyses, progress the CEQA review and return to council with draft plan materials and environmental review.","City staff and consultants presented progress on the East Area specific plan (the final portion of the city’s Future Growth Area). Developer Meritage Homes described a proposal called Barton Ranch for 852 homes with 15% set aside as affordable units; the council and public raised questions about traffic, water and prioritizing local residents for",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6660562,"Salinas council accepts FY24 midyear budget review; staff urges early start on Measure G renewal",3613,7200000,10813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493&start=7200&end=10813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2434836-c14ec1614812e600db6e57ed2c011493/thumbnail_7200000.jpg","/articles/6660562/Salinas/Monterey-County/California/Salinas-council-accepts-FY24-midyear-budget-review-staff-urges-early-start-on-Measure-G-renewal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6660562-11c10dd73f489525b04272e6db4ab034/orig.mp4?Expires=1771127200&Signature=JnxmTcA3ysnh5YuE1lfpoef9oye7t4EXOUuXjjav-zoyORG1ACOsyq4IPcRvvxnqf71kkgXiP-EZyMAEk8V7ujY7Zq5L-cc3W5XzAhXnb0YAnDvZWOnaSXJ5ZUd6pG38paMZSDd1-2di5KnjTmTHU2Ri~EptFBYKvqQx2XxYcx6eHbQpoB4L3Zl0arwVXhm1E21sQAt8Us1WMlvi6tYn5vBp4YtRoyoD8MNZU-5KO3QSKPW~sIuo78bU1PacW2q3NzbrkZ-gKuDzXxPZxTSkQklhOSWYzExzXrYs2V3MhePB2YSTL2KUYs2inklfPQ9ecoQJ76GU8wHhWhK6LyYM~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salinas City Council received the fiscal year 2024 midyear budget review and approved a set of limited midyear appropriations and budget adjustments recommended by finance staff.

Finance Director Selena Andrews and Acting Assistant Finance Director A. Pedroza presented the report. Staff said operating revenues and expenditures are tracking near expectations through the first half of the fiscal year but highlighted that a multi‑year forecast shows a sizeable structural shortfall if Measure G is not extended beyond fiscal year 2030–31. The staff forecast incorporated conservative assumptions and included projected Amazon‑related revenues beginning in 2026–27; staff and the city’s financial advisor urged the council to begin work this year on timing and strategy for renewing or extending Measure G.

Recommended midyear appropriations to the General Fund totaled roughly $727,000 and included the fully loaded cost for a partial‑year forensics specialist in the police department, replacement furniture and technology in fire administration tied to a City Hall wing remodel, added capacity for fire plan checks and hydrant repairs, vehicle maintenance related to a temporary Fire Station 1 closure, compost procurement to comply with SB 1383, professional services for a Republic Services audit, and increased urban forestry contract funds. Staff described $178,000 of the request as supplementing contingency for urgent program needs.

Councilmembers asked multiple questions about revenue sources, online sales tax shares, cannabis revenue shortfalls and options for revenue enhancement (transient‑occupancy tax, public facilities districts and others). Staff said they will return with further analysis and recommended thresholds for a Measure G renewal campaign if council directs. The midyear adjustments were approved on a roll‑call vote.

Why it matters: the report frames an early timeline for a potential renewal of Measure G, identifies limited near‑term budget requests tied to operational needs and highlights areas (cannabis and other revenues) where receipts are under budgeted expectations.

Implementation: staff will return with additional revenue‑enhancement options, follow‑up details for the SB 1383 compost cost allocation and proposed next steps on Measure G timing and outreach.","City staff presented a FY24 midyear financial review, recommended roughly $727,000 in limited midyear appropriations and warned the council that, without extension of local revenue measure G by 2030–31, the city faces a significant multi‑year shortfall. Council approved the midyear adjustments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Salinas approves conveyance of Ensign Park (Car Lake) from Big Sur Land Trust

Votes at a glance: Salinas City Council actions on Feb. 25, 2025

Multiple council members disclose Taylor Fresh Foods contributions; one council member recuses from closed session

City staff updates council on East Area specific plan; Barton Ranch developer outlines 852‑unit concept

Salinas council accepts FY24 midyear budget review; staff urges early start on Measure G renewal