THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 17 DAY OF APRIL 2024 AT 5:30 P.M. AT THE FERNANDO "NENE" TORRES COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 608 HEBER AVENUE, CALEXICO, CALIFORNIA. THE DATE, HOUR AND PLACE DULY ESTABLISHED FOR THE HOLDING OF SAID MEETING.
CLOSED SESSION - 5:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Romo called the closed session of the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Gloria Romo
Council Member: Javier Moreno
Council Member: Camilo Garcia
ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tem: Gilberto Manzanarez
Council Member: Raul Ureña
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
No public comments.
ADJOURN TO CLOSE SESSION
City Council adjourn to closed session at 5:32 p.m. to discuss the following:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Representatives: Esperanza Colio Warren, City Manager, Carlos Campos, City Attorney
Employee Organizations: Calexico Firefighters Association, Certified Operators Association/ SEIU Local 221
The City Council reconvened from close session at 6:30 p.m.
CALEXICO CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESOR AGENCY /CALEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 2 APRIL 17, 2024
OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Romo called the open session portion of the special meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Gloria Romo
Council Member: Javier Moreno
Council Member: Camilo Garcia
ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tem: Gilberto Manzanarez
Council Member: Raul Ureña
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Romo led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MISSION STATEMENT PLEDGE
Council Member Garcia led those present in the Mission Statement Pledge.
INVOCATION
Council Member Moreno led those present in prayer.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Attorney Carlos Campos reported council met in closed session, direction was received, no reportable action.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Moreno, seconded by Council Member Garcia to approve the agenda and remove Item No.18. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Moreno, Garcia
NOES: Romo
ABSENT: Manzanarez, Ureña
ABSTAIN: None
Council Member Ureña arrived at 6:35 p.m.
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City Manager Colio requested to add emergency item to the agenda regarding a resolution for additional $500,000.00 for rehabilitation of Fire Station No. 2.
Motion was made by Council Member Garcia, seconded by Council Member Moreno to amend the agenda and add the emergency item as Item No. 13A. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, Moreno, Garcia
NOES: Ureña
ABSENT: Manzanarez
ABSTAIN: None
PRESENTATIONS
Motion was made by Council Member Garcia, seconded by Council Member Moreno to add an item to the Presentations for Dispatcher Appreciation Week. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, Moreno, Garcia, Urena
NOES: None
ABSENT: Manzanarez
ABSTAIN: None
2. Proclamation in Observance of Arbor Day.
The Proclamation was presented by Council Member Garcia and was accepted by Javier Gonzalez on behalf of IID and SDSU-Imperial Valley.
3. Proclamation in Observance of Provider Appreciation Day.
The proclamation was presented by Council Member Garcia and was accepted by Anette Carrillo a local child care provider.
4. Mayoral Recognition to Antonio "Tony" Dominguez.
The proclamation was presented by Mayor Romo and was accepted by Antonio "Tony" Dominguez of "El Lechugon" weekly magazine.
5. Mayoral Recognition to Stella Jimenez.
The Recognition was presented by Mayor Romo and was accepted by Stella Jimenez.
5.1 Recognition to City of Calexico Dispatchers.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 4 APRIL 17, 2024
Police Chief Orozco expressed his sincere appreciation and deepest gratitude to the Calexico Dispatchers for their hard work, dedication, and service to the community. The Recognition was accepted by Liz Valenzuela on behalf of the first responders of the City of Calexico.
6. Presentation by Gil Rebollar - Transforming Local Government.
Presentation by Gil Rebollar regarding the Local Government 2030 Promised Pathway Initiative.
7. Presentation by Noelle Leon - NHHA's Community Care Campus - Calexico.
Presentation by Mr. Leon from the National Healthcare Housing Advisors.
Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez arrived at 7:49 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following persons provided public comments to the City Council: Maria Teresa Rios, Maria Cabuto, Jesus Solano, Jesus Manuel Solano, Graciela Batani, Joceline Moreles, Leslie Lara, Abdel Hafez Hamand, Diana Noricumbo.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Colio-Warren introduced new Acting Fire Chief Mathew Bush.
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Blanca Morales, Chair of the Business Improvement District (BID) Commission recommended the following: have two (2) trashcan pick-ups a day in the downtown area; have lighting in the corner of Second Street and Rockwood Avenue and also on Second Street and Heffernan Avenue; and to steam-clean the sidewalks every other day.
Patricia Ureña, Chair of the Community Services Commission recommended the following: have an MOU with the Calexico Unified School District for summer pool program; place donated art work by Eduardo Auyon at the Cultural Center; and have a joint meeting with City Council regarding parks.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Council Member Garcia asked for a moment of silence for Bonifacio Fabela, a former city employee that worked for Public Works Department and gave the family his condolences.
Council Member Moreno mentioned a letter he received today and wanted the city attorney to explain the letter. He also requested to have the letter published so everyone can read it. • CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 5 APRIL 17, 2024
City Attorney Carlos Campos explained that the recall was a special election and the initial results are in but need to be confirmed by the County Registrar of Voters. Once the results are confirmed, they need to be presented to the City Council and the three Council Members that are not recalled would certify the election. The government code section provides that between the date of the recall election and the certification of the election, the recalled council members cannot participate in any decision that has a financial impact with the City, and that is governed by State Law. Mr.
Campos stated So, if any item on tonight's agenda has financial impact, the recalled council members will need to recuse themselves. City Attorney Campos also mentioned that once the election is certified and when the vacancies officially happen, at that point the City goes from a five-member council to a three-member council and has two options; (1) call a special election, and (2) appoint individuals to the vacant positions.
Mayor Romo thanked the people who helped celebrate the 116th Anniversary of the City of Calexico.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Moreno and was seconded by Council Member Garcia to pull Item No. 11 for discussion and approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the following items:
Ratification of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Calexico Pursuant to Public Contract Code (PCC) Section 20168 Finding that an Emergency Existed Due to the Need to Repair One (1) Collapsed Sewer Manhole Well at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Authorizing Contracting Without Competitive Bidding Contract Pursuant to PCC Section 22050 in the Amount of $149,447.77; Approval and Adoption of the Public Works Analyst Job Description and Relevant Salary Range; Second and Final Reading by Tittle only of Correction of an Ordinance Adopting New Hours of Traffic Meters. Amendment Amending Ordinances 10.24 Parking, and 10.28 Meters; Approval and Adoption of the Utility Billing Officer Job Description and Relevant Salary and Approval and Adoption of the Revised Revenue Officer Job Description. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Garcia, Moreno
NOES : Romo
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Ureña, Manzanarez
City Attorney Carlos Campos explained that the items in the consent agenda that have expenditure of funds will need to have a 3-0 vote to pass. He stated Item No. 8 did not pass, due to the 2-1 vote, and there is no action being that three affirmative votes are needed to pass a financial item.
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT FOR DISCUSSION
City Attorney Carlos Campos asked Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez and Council Member Ureña to recuse themselves, as Item No. 11 has financial impact to the city.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 6 APRIL 17, 2024
ITEM NO. 11 APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AND RATIFY THE MEMORAMDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (M.O.U.) BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND THE CALEXICO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (C.P.O.A.) FOR THE TERM BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2024.
The following persons provided public comments to the City Council: Michael Gonzalez and Griselda Gonzalez.
Motion was made by Council Member Garcia, seconded by Council Member Moreno to approve Item No. 11. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, Garcia, Moreno
NOES : None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Ureña, Manzanarez
City Manager Colio-Warren asked the council why Item No. 8 had a 2-1 vote. She stated that during the last storm, the City had an issue with a manhole that was collapsing and would have left the citizens of Calexico with issues of sewer and water. Therefore, she passed an Emergency declaration, in which Council approved and ratified. She stated that with the emergency declaration the City can immediately hire a contractor to fix the problem so the citizens do not have problems with sewer and water. City manager Colio-Warren stated that if the item did not pass, then the City would not be paying the contractor who immediately helped the City.
Council Member Garcia asked City Attorney Campos if Mayor Romo can reconsider her vote based on the explanation given by the City Manager. City Attorney responded that Mayor Romo can ask for reconsideration of her vote and it would change the outcome of the consent agenda, but it has to be Mayor Romo who makes the motion.
Motion was made by Mayor Romo, seconded by Council Member Garcia to reconsider her vote on Item No. 8. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez and Council Member Ureña rejoined the session at 9:15 p.m.
13. CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13.01 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WATER SERVICE, A RESOLUTION UPDATING
LATE FEES FOR UTILITY BILLS, AND ADOPTION OF A POLICY ON
DISCONTINUATION OF RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH SB998, THE WATER SHUTOFF PROTECTION ACT.
The following persons provided public comments to the City Council: Hisel Bailon.
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Motion was made by Council Member Ureña to approve Item No. 13 and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, ManzanareZ, , Ureña, Garcia
NOES : Moreno
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Council Member Moreno left the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Ureña, seconded by Council Member Garcia to extend the meeting for one hour. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, Manzanarez, Ureña, Garcia
NOES : None
ABSENT: Moreno
ABSTAIN: None
Council Member Moreno returned to the meeting at 9:33 p.m. 13A -EMERGENCY ITEM
APPROVE A RESOLUTION FOR ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT - CORONA VIRUS ALLOCATION OF REMAINING FUNDING TO
THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000.00 FOR THE REHABILITATION TO THE FIRE STATION NO. 2.
Motion was made by Council Member Garcia, seconded by Council Member Manzanarez to approve the Emergency Item. Motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Campos asked Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez and Council Member Ureña to recuse themselves as Items No.14 and No.16 have a fiscal impact to the city.
14. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 2.27.035 TO THE CALEXICO MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONS MEETINGS.
The following persons provided public comments to the City Council: Patricia Ureña.
Motion was made by Mayor Romo, seconded by Council Member Gracia to approve Item No. 14.
Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, Moreno, Garcia
NOES: None
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ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Manzanarez, Urena
16. REALLOCATION OF $457,612.57 FROM ESSENTIAL WORKERS RELIEF PROGRAM FUNDED BY THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA).
The following persons provided public comments to the City Council: Patricia Ureña, Diana Nuricumbo, Victor Legazpi, and Hortencia Armendariz.
Motion was made by Council Member Garcia, seconded by Council Member Moreno to approve the reallocation of $457,612.57 for several activities and put on hold the amount of $120,000.00 to be distributed on a later date. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, Moreno, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Manzanarez, Ureña
Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez and Council Member Ureña rejoined the session.
15. ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING BOTH A 0.47-ACRE AND 0.27-ACRE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 330 EAST 3RD STREET (APNs 058-484-002 AND 058-484-003)
AS SURPLUS LAND AND AUTHORIZE THE INITIATION OF THE NOTIFICATION PROCESS AS PRESCRIBED BY THE SURPLUS LAND ACT.
Motion was made by Council Member Garcia, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez to approve Item No. 15. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Romo, Manzanarez, Ureña, Garcia
NOES : Moreno
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
17. RECOMMEND AND APPROVE THE CANCELLATION OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF MAY 1, 2024.
Motion was made by Council Member Ureña, seconded by Mayor Romo to approve the cancellation of regularly scheduled meeting of May 1, 2024. Motion passed unanimously.
FUTURE AGENDA
Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez requested a special meeting on April 22, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss Item No. 18, which was removed from this agenda.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, on a motion by Mayor Romo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Manzanarez, and passed unanimously.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:28 p.m.
seca Is dorms
Gloria G. Romo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica L. Alvarado, City Clerk