Title
Receive a preliminary response by the Assistant County Administrative Officer to Board Referral No. 2025.12 (Church) regarding the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee for the Salinas Intermodal Transportation Center between the City of Salinas and County of Monterey.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary response to Board Referral No. 2025.12; and
b. Direct staff to:
a. Proceed with completion of referral; or
b. Return to the Board with more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or
c. Receive referral response as complete; and
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
Referral 2025.12 was submitted by Supervisor Church and assigned to the County Administrative Office and Public Works on 10/14/2025. The referral seeks to form an Ad Hoc Committee for the purposes of coordinating a unified plan for economic development, policy direction, and tourism for the Salinas Intermodal Transportation Center.
DISCUSSION:
Proposed project description: The County of Monterey and the City of Salinas would form an Ad Hoc Committee aimed at coordinating a unified effort for economic development, policy, tourism and funding strategies to ensure the center reaches its full economic potential. County Economic Development staff in conjunction with City of Salinas staff would partner to clerk and provide administrative support for the Ad Hoc Committee.
Estimated Project Cost: There are no anticipated costs to the County other than staff time.
Staff time: The amount of staff time is undetermined currently as there is no anticipated frequency of meetings available.
Departmental challenges: The departmental challenges would consist of additional workload and potential need for external services. Should professional services outside of the expertise of staff be required there is not sufficient funding allocated to Economic Development to cover costs for consultants.
Proposed response date: Depending on Board direction, staff proposes a response back to the Board in the first quarter of 2026.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
Staff has consulted with County Counsel.
FINANCING:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended actions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The opportunity for the County and City to participate in an Ad Hoc Committee to ensure the success of the Salinas Intermodal Train Station supports Board approved strategic initiatives.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
___ Well-Being and Quality of Life
___ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
___ Safe and Resilient Communities
_X_ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Richard Vaughn, Economic Development Manager, Ext. 5602
Approved by: Deborah Paolinelli, Assistant County Administrative Officer, Ext. 5309
Attachments:
Board Referral 2025.12 PowerPoint