THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 19T" 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 5:32 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 Attorney Carlos Campos stated that two (2) items were being added to the close session portion of the agenda.
The Calexico Management Association was being added to Item No. 1 and Public Appointment of HR Director was being added as Item No. 4B.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to add the two closed session items. Motion passed unanimously.
City Council adjourned to closed session at 5:33 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 Attorney Employee Organizations: Certified Operators Association/SEIU Local 221, Calexico Management Association
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)/(e)(1) Two (2) Potential Cases
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Title: City Attorney
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: Portion of W. 6th Street
Agency negotiator: City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Marco Parking
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
4B. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager
Unrepresented Employee: HR Director
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The City Council reconvened from close session at 6:39 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 6:40 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Diana Nuricumbo
Mavor Pro Tem:
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Lorenzo Calderon
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Marquez led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MISSION STATEMENT
Mayor Nuricumbo led those present in the Mission Statement.
INVOCATION
Pastor Ceceña led those present in prayer.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Attorney Carlos Campos reported council met in closed session and did not finish discussing the items and will be returning to closed session at the end of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
City Attorney Campos stated there was one revision to the agenda, which is to table Item No. 16. Mayor Nuricumbo requested to table Item No. 9 and bring it back at a future date.
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Council Member Calderon to approve the agenda and table both Item No. 9 and Item 16 to a later date. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
5. Presentation by Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez Regarding the New Prop 36 Law.
Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez provided a brief presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following persons provided public comments to council: Yolanda Cunningham, Eugenio Ramos, David Saunders, Jessica Gonzalez Perez, Joong Kim, Carmen Estrada, Johnna Clark, Alexis Rangel, Maritza Hurtado, Julio Rocha, and Jesus Escobar.
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CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Acting City Manager Contreras reported on the following items: thanked those in attendance and for their concerns; thanked department heads for their hard work; met with Supervisor Escobar and Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi hosted by the District Attorney's Office regarding Prop 36; stated CPAA is having inauguration today; Public Works Department has trimmed palm trees along 2nd Street; Great Western Recreation visited Cordova Park, took measurements and pictures of the playground in order to provide a quote; staff attended local training regarding State Highway and Relinquishment; graffiti removal at Cordova Park and at various city locations has started along with the cleaning of pieces; invited everyone to the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center to participate in the painting of the Art Cow that will be displayed at the fairgrounds; Mardi Gras dance on Friday the 28th; International Woman's Day paint night on March 4"; met with Mayor Nuricumbo, Council Member Tylenda, California Strategic Growth Council and the Institute of Local Government; Finance Department is working on the quarterly report; received two resignation letters this week from Fire Department personnel, and overall the City is losing four paramedics to other agencies; drafting a mutual aid contract; mentioned the upcoming ribbon cutting for the Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center Project and asked Mr. David Aguirre from ICTC to provide a brief status update. Mr. Aguirre provided a brief update and invited the community to the groundbreaking ceremony next Friday at 11:00 am.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi reported on the following items: met with the District Attorney's Office regarding Prop 36; met with Imperial County Board of Supervisors regarding the repairs of County roads; participated in Zoom meeting with Mayor Nuricumbo, Acting City Manager Contreras, Chief Orozco and Social Services regarding the assistance that will be provided to the unhoused individuals and Chief Orozco will be working on an ordinance regarding the unhoused individuals and providing some form of services; attended the Imperial County Office of Education Early Educational Program; met with Mayor Nuricumbo and Mr. Arguelles at the Calexico Airport regarding a future venture; visited the old Chamber of Commerce building.
Council Member Tylenda reported on the following items: met with Planning and Building Director and Acting City Manager to brainstorm on a workshop to discuss the fees; reminded the community on the groundbreaking ceremony on February 28th at 11:00 a.m. for the Transit Station; communicating with Chief of Police regarding multiple concerns expressed by residents in the East part of the City regarding racing.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: met with community members regarding renovations needed at the Calexico Animal Shelter; met with community members regarding concerns with Rodriguez Park restrooms; attended the Valley Urgent Care Grand Opening; met with community members regarding concerns with Council Member Calderon reported on the following items: attended the Black and White Art Exhibit; met with the members of the Woman's Improvement Club who are willing to help in whatever we need; attended the Valley Urgent Care Grand Opening.
Mayor Nuricumbo reported on the following items: was advised we are in the quote phase for Nosotros Park and repairs should be done soon; met with City Manager and Councilmember Tylenda, with the assistance of Senator Steve Padilla's staff, with the California Strategic Growth Council and Institute for Local Government regarding assistance with the completion of Heber Park; met with Council Member Calderon, School District Superintendent and City Manager regarding impact fees and discussed the possibility of utilizing school properties for community sports; thanked Supervisor Escobar for assisting in setting up meetings with Imperial County Behavioral Health and the Department of Social Services regarding addressing the homeless issue in our city; visited the Calexico Airport and are working on a plan to possibly making it a cargo airport; receiving assistance from the California Strategic Growth Council and the Institute for Local Government on training staff on applying for grants.
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CONSENT AGENDA !
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi 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 February 5, 2025; City Warrants Report from December 28, 2024 to January 31, 2025; and City Salaries Report from December 28, 2024 to January 31, 2025. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 10 SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT (GRANT ST., CALEXICO ST., AND VAN DE GRAAFF AVE.) FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CML-5168(036):
A. AWARD BID PROPOSAL FROM ROVE ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $647,289.00 B. AUTHORIZE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND ROVE ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $647,289.00 FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT (GRANT ST., CALEXICO ST., AND VAN DE GRAAFF AVE.) FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CML-5168(036).
C. AUTHORIZE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE ANY FUTURE CHANGE ORDERS NOT-TO-EXCEED $64,728.90 (10% OF ROVE ENGINEERING, INC. BASE BID + ALTERNATE BID) AS PER CITY ORDINANCE NO. 1218.
The following persons provided public comments to council: Joong Kim, and Jose Hinojosa.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Marquez to table Item No. 10 and bring it back in two weeks. Motion passed with the following vote:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Marquez
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM NO. 11 AUTHORIZE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND NICKLAUS ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $97,902.06 FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, GEOTECHNICAL AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT (GRANT ST., CALEXICO ST., AND VAN DE GRAAFF AVE.) FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CMIL-5168(036).
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to table Item No. 11 and bring it back in two weeks. Motion passed with the following vote to-wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Marquez
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Nuricumbo gave direction to Acting City Manager to bring back Item No. 10 and Item No. 11 in two weeks with all the necessary information.
ITEM NO. 12 AUTHORIZE THE RECRUITMENT AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDING FOR THE
GRANTS MANAGER POSITION TO ENHANCE THE CITY'S ABILITY TO SECURE, MANAGE, AND MAXIMIZE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES.
The following persons provided public comments to council: Bill Maxon, Bertha Carreno, Jose Hinojosa, and Joong Kim.
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Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi recused himself and left the Chambers at 8:22 p.m. Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 12. Motion passed with the following vote to AYES: Nuricumbo, Tylenda, Marquez.
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: Legaspi
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi returned to the chambers at 8:58 p.m.
ITEM NO. 13 AUTHORIZE THE REVISED SALARY SCHEDULE AND APPROVE THE ALLOCATION
OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE CITY MANAGER POSITION TO ENSURE COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION, ATTRACT TOP-TIER CANDIDATES, AND RETAIN EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP.
The following person provided public comments to council: Supervisor Jesus Escobar.
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Item No. 13.
Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Marquez
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM NO. 14 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR THE FORENSIC AUDIT OF THE FINANCE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO FOR THE TERM PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2014 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024.
The following persons provided public comments to council: Bill Maxon, Joong Kim, and Jose Hinojosa.
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 14. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Marquez
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to extend the meeting past 9:30 p.m. for one hour. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 15 APPROVAL OF THE MAILING OF PROPOSITION 218 NOTICE FOR COMMERCIAL
AND RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY REPUBLIC SERVICES (ALLIED).
City Attorney Campos provided a brief explanation of Proposition 218.
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 15.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 16 APPROVE THE RECRUITMENT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANAGEMENT
DIRECTOR POSITION TO REPLACE THE HUMAN RECOURCES MANAGER ROLE, ENHANCING
THE CITY'S CAPACITY TO MANAGE PERSONNEL EFFECTIVELY, MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH LABOR LAWS, AND FOSTER ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH.
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This item was tabled for a later date.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi requested the following items: requested that the Acting City Manager look into gasoline taxes for fixing roadways by next council meeting; complaints by residents regarding owners not cleaning after their pets and requested signage reminding the citizens of the city ordinance violations.
Council Member Tylenda requested the following items: informational/discussion/action item regarding the agenda policy; update on a plan regarding the transient and unhoused population; update on the old Orthopedic Clinic building; report on the AB1379 fee that is collected on the building permits, how much is in the fund and how it's being used; expressed her appreciation to City staff.
Council Member Marquez requested the following items: status on the approved pavement projects for the Community Center, Library and Police Department parking lots; requested to see the possibility of fixing the unfinished sidewalks on Cole Road.
Council Member Calderon requested the following items: financial fiscal status report of the City; repair the unfinished sidewalks on the corner of Cole Road and Meadows.
Mayor Nuricumbo requested the following items: sidewalks on Cloe Road be repaired; trash cans at Cordova Park to be replaced with proper ones; commented that there is an intention that if the restrooms at Rodriguez Park are not completed, there will be porta potty's, reach out and advise the community that there is a plan B; invited the public to apply for City commissions; requested to move forward with the MOU with San Diego State University; consider the removal of the trash cans from the downtown area and revise the trash pickup schedule in downtown area.
CLOSED SESSION
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to adjourn to close session at 9:48 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Council reconvened from close session at 10:46 p.m.
City Attorney Campos reported council met in closed session, no reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 10:48 p.m.
Diana Nuricumbo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica L. Alvarado, City Clerk