Joint City Council/Successor Agency/Housing Authority and Successor Housing Agency

I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA V. PUBLIC COMMENT CITY OF SOLEDAD JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 6:00 PM The public meeting will open at 6:00 p.m. https://cityofsoledad.zoom.us/j/85160504311 Or Call: 1-669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 851 6050 4311 Welcome to your City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Meeting. Your City Councilmembers/Agencymembers are: Mayor Anna Velazquez Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez Councilmember Fernando Cabrera Councilmember Evarista Bañuelos Councilmember Ben Caldera Items of business may be added to the agenda upon a motion adopted by a minimum 2/3 vote finding that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. Items may be deleted from the agenda upon request of staff or upon action of the Council. At this time any member of the public may address the City Council on items not appearing on the agenda and items of interest to the public that are within the jurisdiction of the Council. A public comment card should be filled out completely to ensure the speaker is called upon to give comment. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes; the mayor may further limit 1

VI. YOUTH COUNCIL REPORT 1. Soledad Youth Council – Program Update and Street Safety Initiative VII. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes 2. Warrants the time for public comments depending on the agenda schedule. Please be brief and to the point. No action or discussion shall be taken on an item not appearing on the agenda. Attachments: Staff Report 1. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Honoring American Red Cross Month, 2026 2. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Proclaiming March as Women's History Month 3. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Proclaiming March as National Nutrition Month This proclamation will be published on the City of Soledad website: https://www.cityofsoledad.com. No formal presentation will be made during the meeting. 4. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Proclaiming March 15th - 21st as National Agriculture Week This proclamation will be published on the City of Soledad website: https://www.cityofsoledad.com. No formal presentation will be made during the meeting. All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Councilmember has any questions or wishes to make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Attachments: Staff Report Minutes of 02/18/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 02/13/2026 - 02/25/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ 2

3. Human Resources Activity Report 4. Parks and Recreation Activity Report 5. Public Works Activity Report 6. Fire Department Activity Report - February 2026 7. Community and Economic Development Department Activity Report 8. Police Department Activity Report 9. Community Engagement Activity Report February 2026 Attachments: Staff Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report January 2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report PW Activity Report Water Conservation Summary COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Soledad Activity Report 2/2026 Call Volume 2/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Building Permits Issued - Feb. 2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Police Department Activity Report - 02/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Action Report Community Engagement 02/2026 3

10. Resolution No. 6330, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Accepting the Soledad Community Center Building Modernization Project as Complete by David Construction & Management, Inc., and Authorizing the Release of Retention in the Amount of $28,029.26 11. Resolution No. 6331, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Consulting Services Agreement With Robin Warbey to Increase Compensation by $50,000 for a Total Amount Not To Exceed $80,000 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement 12. Resolution No. 6336 , A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Terminating the Existing Consulting Services Agreement After Close Out of Invoices and Approving a New Consulting Services Agreement with Monterey Computer Corporation in an Amount Not to Exceed $108,800 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement IX. BUSINESS 1. Resolution No. 6332, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Sponsorship and Street Closure of Front Street Between Main Street and Soledad Street for the New El Mercadito - South Monterey County Regional Market 2. Resolution No. 6333, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving and COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6330 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6331 Exhibit A - Robin Warbey Contract Amendment No. 1 - 2026 Attachment No. 1 - Consulting Services Agreement COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6336 Exhibit A - MCC Consulting Services Agreement Attachment No. 1 - Executed Monterey Computer Corp Agreement - 7/24/2025 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6332 Attachment No. 1 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ 4

Accepting the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and Authorizing Submittal to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation 3. Resolution No. 6334, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving and Accepting the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Authorizing Submittal to The State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Innovation 4. Resolution No. 6335, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving the State Legislative Platform for 2026-2027 X. MAYOR'S REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XI. COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT XIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS XIV. ADJOURNMENT Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6333 Exhibit A - 2025 GPU APR Presentation 1- General Plan Annual Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6334 Exhibit A - 2025 Housing Element APR COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6335 Ex. A - 2026/2027 Legislative Platform Ex. B - 2017 Legislative Platform COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Deputy City Clerk Darlene Noriega at (831) 223-5014. Notification of at least 48hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (RCRF 35.102-35.104). Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 248 Main Street, Soledad, California 5

during normal business hours. En caso que usted necesite ayuda en leer o en entender este aviso de Junta Publica, usted puede ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Edificio Municipal en 248 Calle Main o llamar al número (831) 223-5014, y el aviso será traducido para usted. Cualquier escrito o documento proporcionado a la mayoría del Concejo Municipal con respecto a cualquier asunto en esta agenda se pondrá a disposición para inspección pública en el Ayuntamiento ubicado en 248 Main Street, Soledad, California durante el horario laboral. Advanced submittal of public comments via email are due by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the scheduled meeting to the Deputy City Clerk at darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com Comments are limited to 250 words or less and effort will be made to read your comment into the record, but some comments may not be read due to time limitations. The City Clerk will read email comments, provided that the reading shall not exceed three (3) minutes. The email comments submitted shall become part of the record. La entrega anticipada de comentarios públicos por correo electrónico debe presentarse antes de las 2:00 p.m. del día de la reunión programada a la Secretaria Municipal al email darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com. Los comentarios están limitados a 250 palabras o menos y se hará un esfuerzo para leer su comentario en el registro, pero es posible que algunos comentarios no se lean debido a limitaciones de tiempo. La Secretaria Municipal leerá los comentarios del correo electrónico, siempre que la lectura no exceda los tres (3) minutos. Los comentarios enviados por correo electrónico pasarán a formar parte del registro. . 6

02/27/2026 CERTIFICATION I, Megan Hunter, City Clerk of the City of Soledad, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall by Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Megan Hunter, City Clerk/Manager

I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA V. PUBLIC COMMENT CITY OF SOLEDAD JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 6:00 PM The public meeting will open at 6:00 p.m. https://cityofsoledad.zoom.us/j/85160504311 Or Call: 1-669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 851 6050 4311 Welcome to your City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Meeting. Your City Councilmembers/Agencymembers are: Mayor Anna Velazquez Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez Councilmember Fernando Cabrera Councilmember Evarista Bañuelos Councilmember Ben Caldera Items of business may be added to the agenda upon a motion adopted by a minimum 2/3 vote finding that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. Items may be deleted from the agenda upon request of staff or upon action of the Council. At this time any member of the public may address the City Council on items not appearing on the agenda and items of interest to the public that are within the jurisdiction of the Council. A public comment card should be filled out completely to ensure the speaker is called upon to give comment. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes; the mayor may further limit 1 1

VI. YOUTH COUNCIL REPORT 1. Soledad Youth Council – Program Update and Street Safety Initiative VII. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes 2. Warrants the time for public comments depending on the agenda schedule. Please be brief and to the point. No action or discussion shall be taken on an item not appearing on the agenda. Attachments: Staff Report 1. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Honoring American Red Cross Month, 2026 2. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Proclaiming March as Women's History Month 3. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Proclaiming March as National Nutrition Month This proclamation will be published on the City of Soledad website: https://www.cityofsoledad.com. No formal presentation will be made during the meeting. 4. A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Soledad Proclaiming March 15th - 21st as National Agriculture Week This proclamation will be published on the City of Soledad website: https://www.cityofsoledad.com. No formal presentation will be made during the meeting. All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the City Council and will be adopted by one action of the Council unless any Councilmember has any questions or wishes to make a statement or discuss an item. In that event, the Mayor will remove the item from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Attachments: Staff Report Minutes of 02/18/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report 02/13/2026 - 02/25/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ 2 2

3. Human Resources Activity Report 4. Parks and Recreation Activity Report 5. Public Works Activity Report 6. Fire Department Activity Report - February 2026 7. Community and Economic Development Department Activity Report 8. Police Department Activity Report 9. Community Engagement Activity Report February 2026 Attachments: Staff Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report January 2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report PW Activity Report Water Conservation Summary COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Soledad Activity Report 2/2026 Call Volume 2/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Building Permits Issued - Feb. 2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Police Department Activity Report - 02/2026 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Action Report Community Engagement 02/2026 3 3

10. Resolution No. 6330, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Accepting the Soledad Community Center Building Modernization Project as Complete by David Construction & Management, Inc., and Authorizing the Release of Retention in the Amount of $28,029.26 11. Resolution No. 6331, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Consulting Services Agreement With Robin Warbey to Increase Compensation by $50,000 for a Total Amount Not To Exceed $80,000 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement 12. Resolution No. 6336 , A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Terminating the Existing Consulting Services Agreement After Close Out of Invoices and Approving a New Consulting Services Agreement with Monterey Computer Corporation in an Amount Not to Exceed $108,800 and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Said Agreement IX. BUSINESS 1. Resolution No. 6332, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving Sponsorship and Street Closure of Front Street Between Main Street and Soledad Street for the New El Mercadito - South Monterey County Regional Market 2. Resolution No. 6333, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving and COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6330 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6331 Exhibit A - Robin Warbey Contract Amendment No. 1 - 2026 Attachment No. 1 - Consulting Services Agreement COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6336 Exhibit A - MCC Consulting Services Agreement Attachment No. 1 - Executed Monterey Computer Corp Agreement - 7/24/2025 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6332 Attachment No. 1 COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ 4 4

Accepting the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and Authorizing Submittal to the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation 3. Resolution No. 6334, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving and Accepting the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and Authorizing Submittal to The State of California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Innovation 4. Resolution No. 6335, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving the State Legislative Platform for 2026-2027 X. MAYOR'S REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XI. COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XII. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT XIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS XIV. ADJOURNMENT Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6333 Exhibit A - 2025 GPU APR Presentation 1- General Plan Annual Report COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6334 Exhibit A - 2025 Housing Element APR COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ Attachments: Staff Report Resolution No. 6335 Ex. A - 2026/2027 Legislative Platform Ex. B - 2017 Legislative Platform COUNCIL ACTION: _______________________________ In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Deputy City Clerk Darlene Noriega at (831) 223-5014. Notification of at least 48hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (RCRF 35.102-35.104). Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 248 Main Street, Soledad, California 5 5

during normal business hours. En caso que usted necesite ayuda en leer o en entender este aviso de Junta Publica, usted puede ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Edificio Municipal en 248 Calle Main o llamar al número (831) 223-5014, y el aviso será traducido para usted. Cualquier escrito o documento proporcionado a la mayoría del Concejo Municipal con respecto a cualquier asunto en esta agenda se pondrá a disposición para inspección pública en el Ayuntamiento ubicado en 248 Main Street, Soledad, California durante el horario laboral. Advanced submittal of public comments via email are due by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the scheduled meeting to the Deputy City Clerk at darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com Comments are limited to 250 words or less and effort will be made to read your comment into the record, but some comments may not be read due to time limitations. The City Clerk will read email comments, provided that the reading shall not exceed three (3) minutes. The email comments submitted shall become part of the record. La entrega anticipada de comentarios públicos por correo electrónico debe presentarse antes de las 2:00 p.m. del día de la reunión programada a la Secretaria Municipal al email darlene.noriega@cityofsoledad.com. Los comentarios están limitados a 250 palabras o menos y se hará un esfuerzo para leer su comentario en el registro, pero es posible que algunos comentarios no se lean debido a limitaciones de tiempo. La Secretaria Municipal leerá los comentarios del correo electrónico, siempre que la lectura no exceda los tres (3) minutos. Los comentarios enviados por correo electrónico pasarán a formar parte del registro. . 6 6

02/27/2026 CERTIFICATION I, Megan Hunter, City Clerk of the City of Soledad, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall by Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Megan Hunter, City Clerk/Manager 7

SUBJECT: Soledad Youth Council – Program Update and Street Safety Initiative TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council FROM: Jessica Potts, Parks and Recreation Director and Youth Commissioners MEETING DATE: March 4, 2026 CITY OF SOLEDAD STAFF REPORT THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager AGENDA ITEM NO. 1. Recommendation Receive a presentation providing a program update on the Soledad Youth Council and Youth Commissioner Program. Executive Summary The Soledad Youth Council continues implementation of its primary 2025–26 initiative, Safer Streets, Safer Futures, focused on pedestrian and traffic safety improvements within the City. Youth Council committees have conducted site assessments, reviewed safety programs and enhancement tools, and initiated planning for community outreach. Youth Commissioners conducted field observations at identified priority locations, presented findings and recommendations to Public Works and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), and initiated collaborations related to Safe Routes to School programming and potential grant applications. Commissioners have also begun planning efforts for the upcoming Valley Youth Council Summit in partnership with neighboring cities. Background The Soledad Youth Council program promotes civic awareness, community engagement, and leadership among local high school students. Represented by the Soledad Youth Commissioners, the program serves as a youth advisory body to the City Council and is supported by the Parks and Recreation Department. The program provides structured opportunities for youth leadership, civic engagement, and community involvement through structured projects, service activities, and collaboration with City departments and regional partners. At the beginning of the 2025–26 program year, pedestrian and street safety emerged as a priority concern among members, particularly in relation to school routes, City parks, and youth activity areas. 8

The Youth Council formally adopted Safer Streets, Safer Futures as its primary initiative and established three working committees: Assessment, Research, and Outreach. Review & Analysis Safer Streets, Safer Futures Soledad Youth Council Initiative Committee Reports Assessment Group The Assessment Group surveyed multiple locations recommended by the Youth Council body. Following review and discussion, three sites were identified as priority locations: Monterey Street and Park Street 3rd Street Orchard Lane and Metz Road These locations were selected based on pedestrian activity, proximity to schools, parks, and youth- serving areas, and observed safety concerns. Research Group The Research Group is reviewing established safety frameworks, including: Safe Routes to School Vision Zero The group also researched pedestrian safety enhancements utilized in comparable communities, including crossing beacons, lighting improvements, and visibility and signage enhancements. Outreach Group The Outreach Group has begun development of a public awareness plan to support the initiative, including social media messaging, storyboards, themed campaigns, and poster concepts to promote pedestrian safety and youth engagement. Concepts to date: Pedestrians’ role in street safety Non-distracted walking and driving Jaywalking and right-of-way awareness Commissioners Report To better understand conditions at the three identified sites, the Youth Commissioners, accompanied by the program advisor, conducted on-site visits and documented real-time observations, including: 9

Traffic flow and driver behavior Pedestrian movement patterns Faded or missing crosswalk markings Unclear right-of-way conditions Limited signage Areas of low visibility Using data collected from site visits and committee research, Commissioners developed a presentation for Public Works and TAMC. Prior to the formal presentation, Commissioners met with Alex Ramos of Public Works to gain insight into street maintenance practices, safety evaluation criteria, and infrastructure improvement processes. The Youth Council subsequently presented its findings to Don Wilcox, Public Works Director, and Ariana Green, Principal Transportation Planner with TAMC. Discussion included: Review and implementation processes for potential improvements Partnership opportunities with TAMC Safe Routes to School programming collaboration Youth participation in beta testing a TAMC survey tool Youth involvement in an upcoming TAMC grant application Exploration of potential art-based traffic calming or awareness elements The role of youth advocacy in advancing pedestrian safety projects The initiative continues to develop as a collaborative effort between the Youth Council, City staff, and regional partners. Valley Youth Council Summit Youth Commissioners and advisors met with representatives from Greenfield and Gonzales to initiate planning for a Valley Youth Council Summit. The anticipated date is May 2, 2026. Additional information will be brought forward as planning progresses. Financial Considerations No additional fiscal impact is associated with this report. Strategic Plan Alignment This item aligns with the City of Soledad Strategic Plan, Pillar: Youth, with a specific focus on Youth Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Mentorship (Objective 7.2.2). The Soledad Youth Council supports this objective by providing structured opportunities for youth to participate in civic processes, engage directly with City departments, conduct research on community issues, and develop leadership skills through service, advocacy, and public presentation. The Council’s current initiative, Safer Streets, Safer Futures, reflects this alignment by centering youth perspectives in local policy discussions related to public safety and community wellbeing. Alternatives Receive the presentation and report as recommended 10

Request modifications to program reporting or structure Decline to receive the presentation or report Planning/CEQA N/A Public Notice Requirements N/A 11

SUBJECT: Minutes TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council FROM: Darlene Noriega, Deputy City Clerk COUNCIL COMMUNICATION THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager MEETING DATE: March 4, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1. 12

Minutes City of Soledad Joint City Council/Successor Agency/Housing Authority/Successor Housing Agency/ Regular Meeting February 18, 2026 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Velazquez called the Joint City Council/ Successor Agency/ Housing Authority/ Successor Housing Agency/ Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL The Following Councilmembers/Agency members were present when the meeting was called to order: Mayor/Chair Anna M. Velazquez Mayor Pro Tem/Agency Member Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez Councilmember/Agency Member Fernando Cabrera Councilmember/Agency Member Evarista Bañuelos Councilmember/Agency Member Ben Caldera THE FOLLOWING COUNCILMEMBER WAS ABSENT None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Soledad High School NJROTC Color Guard presented. Chief Ronald Dunn led the Pledge of Allegiance. ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA City Manager Hunter had two modifications: 1. Business Item No. B-1, Resolution No. 6329 language has been corrected. The updated version is on the dais and available to the public. The prior version noted that it was a General Election; however, it is a statewide direct Primary election. 2. The Consent item of C-1, Minutes of 02/04/2026, Public Hearing No. 2, will be amended to show it was a 3/2 vote and not a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Soledad Rotary Club Member Tim Vanoli announced to the public that Soledad Rotary will be having a children’s event called Touching Tractors and Trucks, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. He also provided flyers for council members. There were no further public comments. 13

City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2026 Page 2 of 6 COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS 1. A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Mr. Tony Virrueta for his outstanding volunteer work towards local Veterans. Mr. Virrueta was not present at the meeting to accept. 2. A Certificate of Achievement was presented to Soledad High School Student Heriberto Hernandez. He thanked the council for the certificate. He also thanked his Family, Friends, and Teachers from Soledad High School. CONSENT CALENDAR There were no public comments. The Consent item of C-1, Minutes of 02/04/2026, Public Hearing No. 2, will be amended to reflect a 3/2 vote rather than a unanimous vote. Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Ansaldo-Sánchez motioned to approve items C-1, C-2, C-3, and C-4. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Bañuelos and passed by the following vote: Action Ayes: Ansaldo-Sánchez, Bañuelos, Caldera, Cabrera, Velazquez Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None C-1. Minutes of 02/04/2026 C-2. Warrants 01/29/2026 – 02/12/2026. C-3. Resolution 6326, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Declaring Surplus Equipment and Authorizing the Sale, Donation, or Disposal of such property. C-4. Resolution No. 6327, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Approving a Contract Change Order for Construction Services with Monterey Peninsula Engineering (MPE) for the Amount of $33,302.30 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $957,089.19 for the Soledad Fire Department Aerial Apparatus Bay (Phase 2) Sitework Project, and Approving the Respective Budget Amendments and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute said Contract Change Order on Behalf of the City of Soledad Resolution No. 6328, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Accepting the Soledad Fire Department Aerial Apparatus Bay (Phase 2) Sitework Project as Complete by Monterey Peninsula Engineering (MPE) and Authorizing the Release of Retention in the Amount of $47,854.46 PUBLIC HEARING NO. 1 PH-1. Waiver of Reading and Read by Title Only of Ordinance No. 774, Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Soledad Amending the Downtown Specific Plan Section 2.0- Zones of Chapter 5.0- Development Code and Chapter 10.0- Definitions, to Establish Separate Veterinary Services and Animal Boarding Uses and to Conditionally Allow Small-Scale Veterinary Services in the Downtown Core District Senior Planner Ariana Mora presented the staff report. Public Hearing Opened: 6:24 p.m. 14

City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2026 Page 3 of 6 There were no public comments. Public Hearing Closed: 6:25 p.m. Councilmembers raised various questions requiring clarification. City Manager Hunter clarified that, over the years, mobile spay and neutering service providers have been brought into the community, and the City will continue to allow these services in. Motion: Councilmember Cabrera motioned to approve Ordinance 774. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Banuelos Motion failed due to the following vote: Action Ayes: Cabrera, Bañuelos Noes: Caldera, Ansaldo-Sánchez, Velazquez Abstain: None Absent: None BUSINESS 1. Resolution No. 6329, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Considering Adoption of “A Resolution Submitting to the Voters at the General Municipal Election to Be Consolidated With the Statewide General Election Held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, A Measure That Would Implement A Special Parcel Tax to be Levied on Properties Within the City Based on Land Use to Fund Fire and Emergency Medical Services to be Provided by the City of Soledad.” City Manager Hunter presented the staff report and PowerPoint presentation. CAL FIRE Assistant Chief Jason Luckenbach was also present in the meeting and provided further clarification. Shawn Edward, representing CAL FIRE Local 2881, is in favor of the proposed parcel tax moving forward. Martin Perez gave public comment in support of placing the proposed parcel tax on the ballot. Lupita Arroyo Lozano submitted a written comment. The comment was read into the record by Deputy City Clerk Darlene Noriega. The comment was in favor of the proposed Parcel Tax moving forward on the basis that the total amount being asked is not subject to future increases and remains fixed. City Manager Hunter said the base amount is fixed; however, the annual inflation rate will be adjusted according to the CPI. Finance Director Mike Howard said there must be an escalator in place to keep up with cost-of-living increases. If the City does not have a plan in place to keep up with personnel increases, the City will end up in the same problem again. Council members asked numerous questions regarding the proposed Parcel Tax but expressed support. CAL FIRE Assistant Chief Luckenbach provided further clarification. 15

City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Regular Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2026 Page 4 of 6 Motion: Mayor Velazquez motioned to approve Resolution No. 6329 with the modification to cap at CPI or 3%, whichever is less, also modifying the resolution to reflect the cap, modifying the question that goes on the ballot, and modifying the language on the Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Bañuelos and passed by the following vote: Action Ayes: Velazquez, Bañuelos, Caldera, Cabrera, Ansaldo-Sánchez Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None MAYOR’S REPORTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mayor Velazquez reported thirteen items: 1. On 02/06, she attended a meeting with the Monterey County Mayors Association, which highlighted the Veterans Transition Center. 2. On 02/07, she attended the 10th Anniversary Mujeres en Accion Conference (ACOMI), and she gave a shout-out to the women who were there from Soledad. 3. On 02/09, she attended a meeting with City Manager Hunter to discuss the agenda. 4. On 02/09, she attended the South County Mayors and Managers Meeting. 5. On 02/11, she met with Dr. Ida Lopez Chan to discuss healthcare needs in the City of Soledad. 6. On 02/12, she met with Congresswoman Lofgren’s team to discuss critical Community project funding, the City’s initiatives, and future funding. 7. On 02/13, she met with Pastor Maria Inez Lugo-Verdugo from the Methodist Church in Soledad, Councilmember Cabrera, Community Engagement Manager Eric Mora, and representatives from