Salinas council rejects lowest bid for Sherwood Recreation Center, directs rebid; redirects CDBG funds to finish project

Salinas City Council members voted Sept. 9 to reject awarding the Sherwood Recreation Center building improvement contract to the apparent low bidder and directed staff to rebid the work, citing unresolved concerns about subcontractor compliance and the need for stronger oversight. The action came after staff recommended awarding the project to Auto Construction Inc., the apparent lowest responsive bidder.

The council’s decision came following lengthy public comment and detailed staff and legal briefings about bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and the city’s obligations on federally funded projects. Councilmember Gloria Dela Rosa moved to reject the staff recommendation and rebid; she told colleagues, "I would like to make a motion to not accept staff's recommendation tonight with Auto Construction, and I would like to go out again and rebid." The motion passed with six votes in favor; Councilmember Aurelio Salazar recused himself because a relative is employed by a construction company connected to the project.

Why it matters: Sherwood Hall has been under phased renovation for years, and staff told council this phase addresses roof, accessibility and window issues identified after earlier phases. The project has already consumed design and prior-phase funds, and the council…