THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 5TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2025 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 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nuricumbo called the closed session portion of the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Diana Nuricumbo
Mayor Pro Tem: Victor Legaspi
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Lorenzo Calderon
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
No public comments.
ADJOURN TO CLOSE SESSION
City Council adjourned 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: Juan Contreras, Acting City Manager, Carlos Campos, City Attorne Employee Organizations: Calexico Firefighters Association, Certified Operators Association/SEIU Local 221 Calexico Management Association.
2. CONFERRENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
The City of Calexico v. The Housing Authority of Calexico, et al.
Imperial County Superior Court, Case No. ECU003183
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)/(c)(1) One (1) Potential Case
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Olugrenga Solomon-Oduyale v. City of Calexico
Imperial County Superior Court, Case No. ECU002838
5. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency Designated Representatives: City Attorney
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
6. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager
Unrepresented Employee: HR Director
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7. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: Heffernan Ave. & 1" Street Bus Station
Agency negotiator: Acting City Manager and City Attorney Negotiating Parties: United States of America
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
8. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: Birch Street (Frontage Road) between Lacy Avenue and Eady Avenue Agency Negotiator: Acting City Manager and City Attorney Negotiating Parties: Imperial County Office of Education Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
9. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
The City Council reconvened from close session at 7:37 p.m.
CALEXICO CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESOR AGENCY /CALEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY
OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nuricumbo called the open session portion of the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Diana Nuricumbo
Mayor Pro Tem: Victor Legaspi
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Lorenzo Calderon
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Calderon led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MISSION STATEMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi led those present in the Mission Statement.
INVOCATION
Pastor Ed Chung 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
Mayor Nuricumbo stated that Item No. 11 will be postponed to a later date.
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Council Member Tylenda requested to move Item No. 24 right before consent agenda.
City Attorney Campos stated that staff recommended to table Item No. 20.
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve the agenda with the following changes: postpone Item No. 11 to a later date; move Item No. 24 placing it right before consent agenda; and table Item No. 20. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
10. Proclamation - Human Trafficking Awareness for the Month of January.
Mayor Nuricumbo presented the Proclamation.
11. Presentation by Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez Regarding the New Prop 36 Law.
This item was postponed to a later date.
12. Presentation by Mayor Nuricumbo and Chief Orozco Regarding Commendation Recognition to Calexico Police Department Staff.
Mayor Nuricumbo and Chief Orozco presented recognitions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following persons provided public comments to council: Susan Giller, Fausto Valenzuela, Yolanda Cunningham, Victor Rocha, Carmen Estrada, and Joong Kim.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Acting City Manager Contreras reported on the following items: stated for the record that since his appointment as Acting City Manager, he has recused himself from the Calexico Firefighters Association (CFFA) negotiations; congratulated the Firefighters who were sworn-in and stated he did not participate or involved in the testing/hiring/promotion process and the outside agencies involved were Imperial County Fire Department, El Centro Fire Department, Holtville Fire Department, Calipatria Fire Department, and Centinela Fire Department; Finance Director Chaparro will provide warrants and city salaries reports separately; the annual internal audit will begin on Monday February 10, 2025; congratulated and thanked the Calexico Police Department, Parks & Recreation, Library, Public Works, and city staff and for their hard work and dedication; weekly sweeps in the downtown area by the Police Department, Public Works and Code Enforcement; Cesar Chavez demolition completed; Alley Improvement Project Phase Two completed; the purchase of a bucket truck (approved by council in December 2021) has been delivered and is now is use; the completion of Heffernan Avenue and Second Street Alley Improvement Project; work completed at Legion Field; graffiti removal at Heber Park restrooms, city playgrounds, along Highway 98 and D. Navarro, Cordova park playgrounds, sidewalks and benches; water distribution crew installed an 8" and 6" tee's at the San Diego State housing project; Public Works removed trash and debris from water tower in downtown area and staff received training from CalTrans Construction Oversight Program; congratulated Miguel Munoz on welcoming a baby girl last week; Wing Stop and EV Chargers at the Crossroads Shopping Center passed their final inspection; Chick- fil-A submitted their construction plans, building and grading permit application, which have been expedited; the New River Project; was contacted by David Aguirre from ICTC regarding the ribbon cutting for the Transit Center which will be in the next couple of weeks; graffiti on Cordova Park; removal of posts at Nosotros Park; Development Services: issued 46 building permits and 33 notices of code enforcement violations in the past month; California Department of Housing and Community Development was contacted regarding the housing element and a three-month grace period was granted; public outreach including property owners notification, council member workshops will follow; code enforcement website page updated; staff is looking into the development of a downloadable application CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 4 FEBRUARY 5, 2025
and the director will bring forth ordinance changes to further regulate sidewalk vending, trash dumpsters management and enhancing the Municipal Code by having in sync the California Street and Highway Code.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi reported on the following items: attended conference with Mayor Nuricumbo and Library Manager in Mexicali Baja California, Mexico regarding the Lunar Chinese New Year; attended four grand openings in Calexico: Wing Stop, Income Tax Rapido Services, EV Charging Station and Spud Moreno Housing Project; attended a promotion and swear-in ceremony for Calexico Firefighters; working with school officials regarding school impact fees; invited everyone to the Chinese Lunar New Year Event at the Camarena Memorial Library on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Council Member Tylenda reported on the following items: the ICTC Southern Imperial County Transportation Commission meeting was held on January 22, 2025, in which funding was approved for the construction of the Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center and the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for February 28, 2025; updates were shared by CalTrans regarding short and long range plans for our traffic congestions for the border crossing; attended the Mayor and Council Member Academy hosted by the California League of Cities.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: toured the Calexico Police Department, which included the traffic control building along with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi and thanked Chief Orozco; attended the Mayor and Council Member Academy; attended a Chinese New Year celebration at the Golden Dragon with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi and members of the community; thanked and met with Recreation Manager Gerardo along with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi regarding future celebrations.
Council Member Calderon reported on the following items: attended the Mayor and Council Member Academy; on January 22nd toured the Calexico Police Department; congratulated the Calexico Firefighters on their promotion; and congratulated the Police Officers that were recognized during the presentation portion of the meeting.
Mayor Nuricumbo reported on the following items: invited everyone to the Chinese Lunar New Year Event at the Camarena Memorial Library on February 8' and also to the Intermodal Transportation Center groundbreaking ceremony on February 28, 2025; ribbon cutting for New River Project coming in the next weeks; working with Acting City Manager regarding permits and business licenses; met with Council Member Tylenda and local representatives for State Senator Steve Padilla on several issues and making Heber Park a top priority; met with local representatives for Congressman Raul Ruiz on other issues; have good communication with CalTrans regarding road repairs and border traffic; and repairing the Anza bridge.
ITEM NO. 24 ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO
AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A TEMPORARY EXCLUSIVE
EASEMENT TO THE UNITES STATES OF AMERICA, GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION FOR
THE TEMPORARY PEDESTRIAN PROCESSING FACILITY OF THE CALEXICO WEST PORT OF ENTRY EXPANSION AND RECONFIGURATION PROJECT.
The following persons provided public comments to council: Victor Rocha, and Joong Kim.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 24.
Motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following persons provided public comments to council: Victor Rocha, Yolanda Cunningham, Joong Kim, Bertha Careno, Carmen Estrada, Ray Roben, Belinda Alvarado and Johnna Martinez.
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Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following items: Approval of City Council/Calexico Community Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency/Calexico Finance Authority Minutes for Meeting of January 15, 2025; Warrants from November 30, 2024 to December 13, 2024 and City Salaries from November 30, 2024 to December 13, 2024; Warrants from December 14, 2024 to December 27, 2024 and City Salaries from December 14, 2024 to December 27, 2024; Authorize Acting City Manager to Sign Partnership Agreement with Imperial Community College District/Imperial Valley College for FY 2024-25 through FY 2027-28; Approval of Agreement between San Diego State University and the Learning Activity Site; Authorize Acting City Manager to Sign and File Notice of Completion for Demolition and Asbestos Abatement Services at 311 Cesar Chavez Boulevard; Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-1241 An Ordinance Amending Calexico Municipal Code Chapters 2.19, 2.27, 2.28, 2.31 and 2.56 Regarding General Commission Procedures, Community Service Commission, Planning Commission and Community Police Advisory, Traffic and Code Enforcement Commission, and Adding a Community Facilities District Commission; and Adoption of Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Calexico and the Firefighters Association (CFFA) for the term beginning in July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025. Motion passed by the following vote to-wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Marquez, Calderon
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Calderon (Items 14 & 15)
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to extend the council meeting past 9:30 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 22 ADOPT BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION FOR FUND NO. 299 - ENERGY
EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT (EECG) PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $76,300.00 TO PURCHASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS CITY FACILITIES.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Item No. 22.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 23 ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO
AUTHORIZING A JOINT APPLICATION TO AND PARTICIPATION IN THE HOMEKEY PROGRAM
AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO, EXECUTE, AND DELIVER HOMEKEY PROGRAM DOCUMENTS.
The following persons provided public comments to council: Ray Roben, and Johnna Martinez.
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 23. Motion passed with the following vote to-wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Marquez
ITEM NO. 25 APPROVE THE ESTABLISHMENT AND RECRUITMENT OF A GRANTS MANAGER POSITION.
The following persons provided public comments to council: Joong Kim and Victor Rocha.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 25. Motion fails due to lack of a second.
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Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 25. Motion did not pass with the following vote to-wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Tylenda
NOES: Legaspi, Marquez., Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Council Member Calderon to table Item No. 25. Motion passed with the following vote to-wit:
AYES: Legaspi, Marquez, Calderon
NOES: Nuricumbo, Tylenda
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM NO. 26 APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR GREATER CALEXICO.
The following persons provided public comments to council: Victor Rocha, Johnna Martinez., Daniel Romero.
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 26. Motion passed with the following vote:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Calderon
NOES: Marquez
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM NO. 27 APPROVAL OF THE RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE 25-26 A AND
B OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 2025 THRUGH JUNE 2026.
Steve Dukett, Managing Director of Development Services for TKE Engineering provided brief presentation.
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 27.
Motion passed unanimously.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi requested the following items: status update on the speed bumps, and Nosotros Park restrooms.
Council Member Tylenda requested the following items: RFP for the forensic audit on the next agenda; a potential moratorium on development impact fees and a list of items where the money has been used on; a list of activities that the Police Advisory Commission can authorize.
Council Member Marquez requested the following items: place more trash cans in Cordova Park and find a way if possible to fix the playgrounds; and have Acting City Manager and the City Attorney provide proper recommendations to the Mayor and to council when items are being presented.
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Council Member Calderon requested the following items: update on CFD's Hearthstone and Victoria Communities; presentation of the City's financial status; to look into the possibility of sending a newsletter with the water bill; stated that Rodriguez park has been cleaned up and looks beautiful thanks to the volunteer groups. social media; the Acting City Manager contact the IID General Manager to assist with the cleanup of the homeless encampment on IID property; and to have quarterly financial reports.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to adjourn meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 10:48 p.m.
Diana Nuticumbo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Karla Gomez Silva, Deputy City Clerk