Salinas Historic Resources Board approves minutes, prioritizes Mills Act outreach and plaque program for 2026

At its January meeting the Salinas Historic Resources Board approved the minutes of the Dec. 1 meeting and outlined priorities for 2026, including stepped-up public outreach for the Mills Act and a multi-tier plaque program to recognize historic properties.

During public comment, Denise Estrada said overnight damage from a fire at the historic Southern Pacific Freight Depot was still being assessed and reported that the city provided no funding this year for the First Mayor’s House after a 26-year public–private partnership. "This is our second fire...we've been very fortunate that this historic building is still with us," Estrada said, and added that donors were providing interim support for the First Mayor’s House.

A motion to accept the minutes was made by Larry and seconded by Sal; the board voted by roll call with Board member Munoz, Board member Calendar, Board member Shim, Board member Hirahara and Chair Masgay voting yes. The motion passed and the minutes were approved.

Staff planning manager Grant Leonard reviewed accomplishments from 2025 and proposed priorities for 2026. He said the board recorded one Mills Act contract in 2025, completed a certificate-of-appreciation program and registered the board for training with the California Preservation Foundation. For 2026 staff recommended completing the survey update, increasing awareness of the Mills Act and the certificate program, starting a plaque program with multiple cost tiers, advancing general-plan implementation for historic preservation, and expanding training opportunities.

Board members pressed staff on outreach methods for the Mills Act and the public-notification timeline. Staff said the consideration deadline for Mills Act applications is July 31. Chair Masgay said he "remember[s] a 100,000" as an annual cap on Mills Act tax-revenue incentives but acknowledged uncertainty about the figure; staff told members the exact cap and details are listed in the Mills Act guidelines on the city's website.

On plaques, members favored offering three cost-tier options (from basic wood to bronze) so property owners could choose an option that fit their budget. Board members also discussed whether the city should subsidize plaques or expect homeowners to pay; the board asked staff to prepare visuals and cost estimates for 3–4 plaque options for a future meeting.

Members also requested a presentation on the historic preservation portion of the general plan update when the draft is ready and encouraged staff to use existing city notification systems to publicize programs and deadlines. The board concluded with agreement to add items to next month’s agenda after staff circulates the consultant report referenced in members’ earlier recommendations.

The board adjourned with no further formal actions recorded.