Evarista Bañuelos

The meeting agenda includes recognition of the Soledad Parks and Recreation Department with the CPRS Award of Excellence, a presentation regarding changes to California single-use plastic bag laws, and the consent calendar featuring resolutions related to street closures for community events, the acceptance of a highway safety improvement project, and a memorandum of understanding with the Alliance on Aging. Business items include an ordinance amendment regarding secondary residential units, a resolution for the Downtown Container Village Project, adoption of amendments to the Police Department's policy manual concerning automated license plate readers, and the approval of a construction contract for the potable storage tank cleaning project.

This strategic plan, adopted in January 2026, outlines a five-year roadmap for the City of Soledad, focusing on ten key pillars to guide city operations, budgeting, and growth. The plan aims to foster a sustainable local economy, revitalize downtown, and enhance the quality of life through initiatives such as the Recycled Water Project. Core pillars include economic development, housing, infrastructure, environmental justice, safety, and investments in youth, health, and education.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgments regarding technology flexibility before being formally called to order. Agenda item modifications included correcting the title and financial details for a consent calendar item (C1) concerning the increase of a consultant agreement by $30,000, leading to a total not to exceed $80,000. Another modification concerned the legislative platform, clarifying additions that were obscured by a printing glitch. The public comment period was held, emphasizing participation guidelines for those joining via Zoom or phone to ensure comments are part of the public record. The Youth Council provided an extensive report on their 'Safer Streets, Safer Futures' initiative, which addresses pedestrian and street safety issues such as faded crosswalks and signage. They detailed a presentation given to public works staff and the TAMY organization, and plans to collaborate on a grant application. The Youth Council also scheduled a 'sidewalk art day' on March 28th in collaboration with TAMY to promote street safety artistically. Additionally, the Youth Council is planning a youth summit for May 2nd in collaboration with neighboring youth councils. The meeting then included a formal proclamation designating March 2026 as Red Cross Month, honoring the local chapter's humanitarian mission, including providing disaster relief and support to armed forces families. A council member inquired about including safety considerations for electric scooters and bikes in the initiative research, which the Youth Council confirmed they are addressing through collaboration with the Vision Zero program.

The meeting included administrative items such as roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion centered on agenda modifications, specifically a corrected resolution (6329) concerning a special parcel tax measure to be consolidated with the June 2, 2026, election to fund fire and emergency medical services. A correction was also noted for previous minutes regarding an SPCA vote not being unanimous (3-2). Council presentations involved recognizing outstanding veteran volunteer Tony Birueta and high-achieving student Eddie Bberto Hernandez. The meeting proceeded to approve the consent calendar (Items C1 to C4), noting the correction to the minutes regarding the SPCA vote. A public hearing was held for Ordinance Number 774, which proposes amending the Downtown Specific Plan to establish separate veterinary services and animal boarding uses, and conditionally allow small-scale veterinary services in the downtown core. The council discussed the impact of allowing these services adjacent to other businesses, such as restaurants, within the designated downtown core zone.

The agenda for the meeting included a Youth Council Program Update and Street Safety Initiative presentation focusing on pedestrian and traffic safety improvements, site assessments at priority locations, and collaboration with Public Works and TAMC. The Consent Calendar covered routine items such as the approval of warrants and activity reports from various departments (HR, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Fire, Community and Economic Development, Police, Community Engagement). Key resolutions addressed the completion of the Soledad Community Center Building Modernization Project and the release of retention, amendments to consulting services agreements, and the approval of a new agreement with Monterey Computer Corporation. Business items included approving sponsorship and street closure for the New El Mercadito Market, and approving the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. The Council also reviewed and modified a resolution regarding a proposed special parcel tax for Fire and Emergency Medical Services.