Summary

City Council approves extended leave for Councilmember Barajas; receives staffing and fire department reports; remaining items continued to May 12, 2026

SalinasMay 5, 20263 min read

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At the May 5, 2026 Salinas City Council meeting the Council approved an extended leave of absence for Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas through June 30, 2026; recessed to closed session for labor negotiations; received an AB 2561 annual vacancy/recruitment update and the Salinas Fire Department 2025 Annual Report (informational); issued proclamations for heritage, military appreciation, and Small Business Week; and adjourned, continuing remaining agenda and consent items to the May 12, 2026 meeting.

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Approved a motion to excuse Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas’ absences (April 7, April 21, May 5) and to approve an extended leave of absence through June 30, 2026.
Recessed to closed session at 4:22 p.m. for labor negotiations under California Government Code §54957.6 with designated labor representatives regarding multiple employee organizations.
Received the Annual Position Vacancy Update and Recruitment and Retention Efforts presentation (AB 2561) for informational purposes; no action taken.
Received the Salinas Fire Department 2025 Annual Report (informational), noting SFD responded to more than 17,800 emergency incidents in 2025 and ongoing staffing and response challenges.
Proclaimed Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2026); National Military Appreciation Month (May 2026); and Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026).
Adjourned the May 5, 2026 meeting and continued the remaining scheduled agenda items, including the Consent Agenda (IDs 26-189, 26-124, 26-168, 26-178, 26-177, 26-186), to the May 12, 2026 City Council meeting.

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