THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 16T" DAY OF APRIL 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 5:37 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 5:37 p.m. to discuss the following:
CONFERENCE 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
The City Council reconvened from close session at 6:27 p.m.
CALEXICO CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESOR
AGENCY /CALEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION
OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nuricumbo called the open session portion of the meeting to order at 6:32 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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Nuricumbo led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MISSION STATEMENT
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Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi 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 approved the settlement agreement with the Housing Authority of Calexico.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation Memorializing Isabel Perrone.
Proclamation was presented to the Perrone Family.
Proclamation Honoring the 117h Anniversary of the City of Calexico.
Proclamation was presented by Council.
Proclamation Honoring Joe "Buck" Buchanan for 23 Years of Service to the City of Calexico.
Proclamation was presented by Council.
Recognition to Azul Trujillo - NFL Flag National Champion and MVP - US 15U Girls Flag National Team.
Ms. Trujillo was not present.
Presentation by Tim Kelly - Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation Program Update, Ahead Grant, Jobs First Initiative.
Tim Kelly provided brief presentation.
Receive and File 2023-24 Audited Financial Statement.
Andrew Roth, The Pun Group, provided brief presentation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following persons provided public comments to council: Joong Kim, Yolanda Cunningham, Oscar Pesqueira, Erika Castro, Jessica Perez, Tony Roldan, Stephen Swatkowski, Carmen Estrada and David Barbera.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
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City Manager Rick Daniels reported on the following: strongly encouraged council to appoint a representative to attend the International Conference of Shopping Centers; conducted interviews for HR Manager; gathering information regarding Cordova Park; no pending litigation against the City relating to Cordova Park; letters received from the community regarding terrible sections of City streets that need repair; Water Board violations the City is obligated to pay; Water Quality Control Board issued a very impressive report congratulating the City on having high quality, certified licensed personnel that operate the Wastewater Treatment Plant; status of Chamber of Commerce building; CalPERS audit; met with David Aguirre and Supervisor Escobar regarding the Second Street Bridge repairs; met with Jessica Perez, Calexico Little League and is planning a public workshop with the community regarding Cordova Park; met with the swap meet operator regarding the requirement that every vendor needs to have a business license; met with Carmen Estrada regarding soccer activities; met with Council Member Tylenda and IID representative regarding grant opportunities; proposed that Council hold a workshop in the next months to identify top priorities; issues with water meters not transmitting the water consumption to Finance; met with Republic Services; and the condition of the Community Center building.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi reported on the following items: met with the Mayor, City Manager and Supervisor Escobar regarding county roadways that lead to the City and the possibility of rerouting truck traffic on Cole Road between M.L. King and Bowker Road; met via Zoom with Mayor, City Manager and Cal City's San Diego regarding economic development; attended a resource event at the Camarena Memorial Library Literacy Day Fair which was part of the National Library Week Celebration; the Carpenter's Union Local 609 is assisting the Camerena Memorial Library with the interior painting of the building; attended the unveiling of the mural at the Library which was provided by a local artist; attended the Lego World Art Exhibit at the Cultural Arts Center; this week is Dispatcher Appreciation Week; and today is National Library Day.
Council Member Tylenda reported on the following items: working on ways to find funding to light up the City and thanked IID representatives for informative and productive meeting; commented Cordova Park issue is complex and is being reviewed by the City Manager who will have a report in two weeks.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: attended the McKinney-Vento new Academic and Wellness Center for the youth; attended the Easter Celebration; met with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, City Manager and Calexico Little League Association to discuss the use of city parks; attended the Border Relations Council meeting which coordinates activities between the local communities of Mexico and California border; met with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi and City Manager regarding city projects; attended the unveiling of the mural at the Library by local artist Mia Salinas.
Council Member Calderon reported on the following items: spoke with citizens from the west side of the city regarding the poor conditions of the streets, poor lighting, dead trees on SR 98 and Canal Street, and sidewalks that need to be fixed; thanked Public Works Manager Falomir for including the item regarding street improvements and would also like Ollie Street to be included; thanked the Calexico Board of Trustees and Superintendent Arturo Jimenez for opening green spaces for the children to practice; thanked Jessica Perez, Little League President, for taking responsibility to ensure that the collaboration with the School District continues; thanked Water System Supervisor Jose Saldana and staff for repairing the water flow at the Reisen Field water basin; thanked IID Directors Karin Eugenio and Lewis Pacheco for their assistance regarding Reisin Field water basin; requested to look into the possibility of rerouting truck traffic on Cole Road.
Mayor Nuricumbo reported on the following items: attended the California Mexico Border Relations Council meeting at the IVC Campus with City Manager Daniels and Public Works Manager Falomir regarding environmental issues, Ms. Falomir provided an update on the New River Project, and after the meeting they toured the New River Project Site; reported on a probable renegotiation of the maintenance cost of the New River; a solution is being worked on regarding the Cordova Park issue.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Items 8, 9, 10, 11, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 4 APRIL 16, 2025
12, 13,14, 17, and pull Items No. 15, 16, 18 and 19 for discussion, consent agenda consists of the following items:
Approval of City Council/Calexico Community Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency/Calexico Finance Authority/Planning Commission Minutes for Meetings of July 5, 2023, July 19, 2023 and April 2, 2025; City Salaries Report from March 1, 2025 thru March 31, 2025; City Warrants Report from March 1, 2025 thru March 31, 2025; Authorize Interim City Manager or his Designee to Sign Employer Worksite Agreement with Equus Workforce Solutions for the Placement of Program Participants in City Departments for the Period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; Authorize Interim City Manager or his Designee to Sign Work Site Agreement with the Department of Rehabilitation to Place Career Catalyst Program Participants in City Departments for the Period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026; Authorize Interim City Manager or his Designee to Sign Training Agreement with the Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program (IVROP) to Place Project Connect Program Participants in City of Calexico's Departments for the Period Ending on June 30, 2026; Ratification of Letter of Support for Congressionally Directed Spending for Community Funded Projects - Imperial Valley Nursing Expansion; Adopt a Resolution ratifying the Grant Application in the Amount of $42,289.63 Accepting Funding from T-Mobile USA, Inc., and Authorizing the Acting City Manager to Execute the Visual Content License Agreement and any Documents) Related to the Implementation of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Legaspi, Marquez, Calderon
NOES: Nuricumbo, Tylenda
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 15 ADOPTION OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND CERTIFIED OPERATORS/SEIU LOCAL 221 FOR THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 15. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 16 2025 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON DESIGNATED STREETS:
a) ATHORIZE ITERIM CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN CITY OF CALEXICO AND WEST & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $152,816.00 FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2025 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON DESIGNATED STREETS.
b) ADOPT BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION FOR FUND NO. 402 - LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 2018B BOND.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 16 with no change orders. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 18 APPROVAL OF SIDE LETTER TO THE CALEXICO FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2025 AND RETROACTIVE TO JANUARY 2, 2003, TO ADDRESS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH AN INTERNAL AUDIT FINDING IDENTIFIED BY THE CALPERS OFFICE OF AUDIT SERVICES.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 18.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 19 APPROVAL OF A SIDE LETTER TO THE CALEXICO SUPERVISORS' ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2022 TO JUNE 30, 2025, RETROACTIVE TO JULY 1, 2022, TO ADDRESS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH AN INTERNAL AUDIT FINDING IDENTIFIED BY THE CALPERS OFFICE OF AUDIT SERVICES.
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Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 19.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO.20 HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ADOPTING INCREASES TO SOLID WASTE SERVICE CHARGES.
City Attorney Campos explained the requirements of Proposition 218 and the proposed adoption of the solid waste rates.
Interim City Manager Daniels offered a brief summary of the staff report.
Mayor Nuricumbo opened the public hearing at 9:30 p.m.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to extend meeting past 9:30 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
The following persons provided comments to council: Bertha Carreño, Joong Kim and Marian Ortega.
Mayor Nuricumbo closed the public hearing at 9:40 p.m.
City Clerk stated that prior to the close of the public hearing, a total of 96 written protest letters regarding the rates for the solid waste service charges were received. A majority of the property owners or tenants of the parcels receiving solid waste service would equal 2,608, for that reason a majority protest does not exist to the proposed rates for the solid waste collection service fees.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to continue this item. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 21 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO SUMMARILY
VACATING A PORITON OF HEFFERNAN AVENUE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE A PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT AND QUITCLAIM SAID PORTION OF
HEFFERNAN AVENUE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION FOR THE TEMPORARY PEDESTRIAN PROCESSING FACILITY OF THE CALEXICO WEST LAND PORT OF ENTRY EXPANSION AND RECONFIGURATION PROJECT.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 21.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 22 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO AUTHORIZING
SUBMISSION OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 TO THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF PLANNING & RESEARCH AND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 22. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 23 REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF CURRENT APPOINTEE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION WITH A NEW APPOINTMENT TO THE SAME COMMISSION.
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi removed Jesus Solano and appointed Christina Rojas to the Community Services Commission.
ITEM NO. 24 APPOINTMENT BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE FOLLOWING COMMISSIONS/BOARDS/COMMITTEES:
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a) COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
POLICE ADVISORY, TRAFFIC & CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)
•
d) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/FINANCIAL ADIVSORY COMMISSION
e) LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
g) SALES TAX CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MEASURE H)
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi appointed the following commissioners:
• • Roberto Neri to the Business Improvement District (BID) • Stacy Yvette Olguin to the Library Board of Trustees
• Karla Ibarra to the Economic Development/Financial Advisory Commission • Claudia D. Carrillo to the Sales Tax Citizen Advisory Committee (Measure H) Council Member Tylenda appointed the following commissioner:
• Erika D. Castro to the Library Board of Trustees
Council Member Marquez appointed the following commissioner:
• Roxsanna Pacheco to the Library Board of Trustees
Council Member Calderon appointed the following commissioner:
• Ana Corona Vizcarra to the Sales Tax Citizen Advisory Committee (Measure H) ITEM NO. 25 APPROVAL OF LETTER OF SUPPORT OPPOSING GOVERNOR NEWSOM'S
PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY (SCSU) AND THE UNIVIERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (UC) SYSTEM.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 25.
Motion passed unanimously.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi requested the following items: update report on delinquent business licenses; look into dead trees and overgrown bushes before the start of the fire season; update on the cleaning of the old Chamber of Commerce building.
Council Member Tylenda requested the following items: reminded everyone of some items that she was told would be on the May agenda which were the business license fees from the Finance, and impact fees, building permit fees from Development Services; had previously requested a workshop regarding fees.
Council Member Marquez requested the following items: requested to look into filling the two positions needed at the Fire Department and a report to see what we can do in order to attract firefighters and EMT's; inquired about the town hall for Cordova Park; a report of the business licenses that are in violation; options on rerouting truck traffic on Cole Road; schedule City Council workshop in reference to Council priorities; would like to know who is the person taking care of the parks and what is the maintenance schedule and plant some trees around our city in memory of Mr. Levy.
Council Member Calderon requested the following items: a report on cannabis businesses; status report on the water and wastewater departments; follow up on truck traffic on Cole Road.
Mayor Nuricumbo requested the following items: look into filling the two positions at the Fire Department; an item on the next agenda to appoint a council member to attend the International Conference of Shopping Centers; a council workshop to identify council priorities; look into an empty property located behind Kennedy Gardens Elementary School that has a For Sale sign, would like to know if it belongs to the city; an item on the next agenda regarding the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 7 APRIL 16, 2025
CFD oversight committee so council can start appointing commissioners; the locks on the barriers at Nosotros Park be replaced within the next 48 hours; an item on the next agenda for council's consideration on removing the Mission Statement reading from the agenda; requested that once the staff member who is repairing the Community Center be sent to the Chamber of Commerce building to start repairs; to restart the cleanup of the alleys by Republic Services; look into hiring another code enforcement officer with the funds provided by Republic Services annually; have a staff member drive around the streets at least once a week to identify and report dumping of big furniture on public spaces.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to adjourn meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
Whit
Diane Nulicumbo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica L. Alvarado, City Clerk