THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 16TH DAY OF JULY 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: Adriana Marquez
ABSENT:
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda
Council Member: Lorenzo Calderon
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
ADJOURN TO CLOSE SESSION
City Council adjourned to closed session at 5:32 p.m. to discuss the following:
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Title: Interim City Manager and City Manager
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Representatives: Armando Orozco, Interim City Manager, Carlos Campos, City Attorney Employee Organizations: Calexico Municipal Employees Association, Calexico Firefighters Association, Certified Operators Association/SEIU Local 221, Calexico Police Officers Association, Supervisors Association, Calexico City Management Association.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Representative: Armando Orozco, Interim City Manager and City Attorney Unrepresented Employees: City Clerk, Community Service Director, Associate Civil Engineer, Planning & Building Services Director, City Engineer, Finance Director, Assistant City Manager/Director of Community & Economic Development, Community & Economic Development Director, City Attorney, Police Chief, Public Works Director/City Engineer, and Fire Chief
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 352 1st Street (Former Orthopedic Clinic) Parking Lot, APN: 058-535-001 Agency Negotiator: Armando Orozco, Interim City Manager and Carlos Campos, City Attorney Negotiating Parties: Michael Choutka, Hensel Phelps
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
5. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: Border Friendship Park, APN's: 058-510-004 and 058-521-006 Agency Negotiator: Armando Orozco, Interim City Manager and Carlos Campos, City Attorney Negotiating Parties: Michael Choutka, Hensel Phelps
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 2 JULY 16, 2025
The City Council reconvened from close session at 6:29 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 6:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Diana Nuricumbo
Mayor Pro Tem: Victor Legaspi
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Lorenzo Calderon
ABSENT:
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda - will participate remotely City Attorney Campos stated that in order for Council Member Tylenda to attend remotely under the emergency circumstances, it needs approval of the city council.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Tylenda to attend.
Motion passed unanimously.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Pastor Frank Zazueta led those present in prayer.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Attorney Carlos Campos stated council met in closed session, direction received, no reportable action.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
City Attorney Campos commented that for Item No. 17, there is a revised staff report which clarifies that as part of the consideration of the employment agreement with the Public Works Director/City Engineer, it is also approving the salary schedule as well.
City Clerk commented that Fire Prevention Services Inc. will not be able to provide a presentation today and Item No. 6 will be a Recognition of Appreciation.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
Certificate of Appreciation to Calexico Border Paws Rescue.
Presentation by ICTC - Proposed IVT Ride Adjustment to the General Microtransit Service.
Presentation by IV 9/11 Stair Climb Committee Member - Imperial Valley 9/11 Stair Climb Event.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - None
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 3 JULY 16, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: CMEA President Martha Gomez and Vice President Lucy Villanueva, Christine Wong Ramirez, Eugenio Ramos, Joong Kim, Martha Leticia Aldana Cota; David Saunders.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Interim City Manager Orozco reported on the following: met with Interim Fire Chief Contreras and the Chief of Staff from Congressman Ruiz's office regarding traffic issues and state and federal assistance; the Calexico Neighborhood House has opened their cooling center, which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will be open until September Sth, the Library is also a cooling center; the city hosted the Little League playoffs, which was a great effort betweer city staff, volunteers, and the Little League personnel. Games were played at Legion Field and is very proud of Ms.
Falomir and the 14 employees that took the field to basically professional status.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
Patricia Ureña and Eugenio Ramos, Community Services Commission, stated they had commission meeting last week; added an Ad-Hoc Committee to deal with specific items; will have special meeting tomorrow regarding going dark in August; attended a conceptual meeting regarding the possibility of a future soccer facility with approximately 40 acres, with the location being on the West side of town on Kloke and Cole Road; has requested to the City Clerk to provide Ethics training to those that are not familiar with the Brown Act; thanked city staff for the services they're providing and also to the public works staff who did make the little league fields look professional; date for the Calexico Christmas Parade is set for December 13 and the theme is Christmas Joy Around the World; anybody who would like to be sponsor should contact any commissioner of the Community Services Commission or the Recreation Department.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi attended the following meetings: the Imperial Valley Chamber of Commerce in El Centro and met with several agencies; the drone show at the Gran Plaza Outlets pre-July 4th; along with the city manager attended the Section Seven Little League tournament and thanked Ms. Falomir and her staff for their hard work and thanked the volunteer staff as well.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: attended the police department presentation at the library; met with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi and Little League President regarding the championship for the 12 and under and thanked the employees, volunteers and those who made donations; met with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi and community members to discuss park issues; attended the Economic Development/Financial Advisory Commission and the Community Service Commission meetings and thanked them for volunteering their time.
Council Member Calderon reported on the following items: attended the Little League playoffs; congratulated the Sweetwater Team for winning the championship; thanked Ms. Falomir and Mr. Saldana for making sure everything was ready for this event; thanked Victor, Javier, Nicolas, Luis and Jose from the Parks Department and Alvaro, Edgar, Joel, Tomas, and Eduardo from the Street Department and Eduardo, Efrain and Pablo from the Distribution Department and also Mr. Solano and Pat for the long hours and making sure everyone was taken care of and also other members of the community who were also involved. And the firefighters who went out there and spraying the kids and making it a wonderful event.
Mayor Nuricumbo reported on the following items: introduced the new Grants Manager, Laura Bowen, who has already identified three grants;
CONSENT AGENDA
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Joong Kim.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 4 JULY 16, 2025
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following: Approval of City Council/Calexico Community Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency/Calexico Finance Authority/Planning Commission Minutes for Meetings of June 24, 2025, June 26, 2025, and Two (2) of June 30, 2025; City Warrants Report from June 1, 2025 thru June 30, 2025; City Salaries Report from June 1, 2025 thru June 30, 2025; Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending the Calexico Municipal Code Sections 10.28.070 and 10.28.185 Related to the Regulation of Parking Meters and Council Approval of Action Report on the Implementation to Re-Establish the Downtown Meters; Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the Grant Application in the Amount of $215,092.11; Transportation Development Act: a) TDA Article 8(e) Application, Claim and Resolution for $16,708.00, b) TDA Article 8(e) Application, Claim and Resolution for $25,000.00, c) TDA Article 3 Application, Claim and Resolution for $38,292.00; Approval of the Employment Agreement between the City of Calexico and Juan A. Contreras as Fire Chief of the City of Calexico for a Three (3) Year Term, beginning July 16, 2025; Approval of the Employment Agreement between the City of Calexico and Jesus Villegas as Public Works Director/City Engineer for a three (3) Year Term, beginning August 11, 2025. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 18 ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO APPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH BENJAMIN A. MARTINEZ AND APPOINTING HIM AS CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Yolanda Cunningham, Joong Kim, and David Saunders.
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, to approve Item No. 18.
Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Marquez
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM NO. 19 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LAND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HENSEL PHELPS FOR A
PORTION OF HEFFERNAN AVENUE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW PEDESTRIAN PROCESSING FACILITY AT THE CALEXICO WEST PORT OF ENTRY.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Joong Kim.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez, to approve Item No. 19.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 20 APPOINTMENT OF RESIDENTIAL COMMISSIONER TO THE CALEXICO HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD.
Mayor Nuricumbo stated that due to no nomination, this item will be brought back at a later meeting.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon to appoint Alfonso Reynoso; however, due to the lack of a second, the motion failed.
Mayor Nuricumbo stated that this item will be brought back at a later meeting.
ITEM NO. 21 APPOINTMENT BY MAYOR NURICUMBO TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Mayor Nuricumbo appointed Richard Romero to the Economic Development/Financial Advisory Committee.
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PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM NO. 22. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ACTION REGARDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00169: A)
APPROVE CLOSEOUT AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE FINAL PROJECT COMPLETED UNDER GRANT NO. 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00169 FUNDED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. B) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CLOSEOUT CERTFICATION AND SIMILAR DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO THIS GRANT.
Mayor Nuricumbo opened the Public Hearing at 7:57 p.m.
The Public Works Manager provided an overview of the item.
Mayor Nuricumbo closed the public comment portion of the hearing at 8:01 p.m.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Calderon to approve Item No. 22.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 23. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ACTION REGARDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00374: A)
APPROVE CLOSEOUT AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE FINAL PROJECT COMPLETED UNDER GRANT NO. 20-CDBG-CV2-3-00374 FUNDED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. B) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CLOSEOUT CERTFICATION AND SIMILAR DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO THIS GRANT.
Mayor Nuricumbo opened the Public Hearing at 8:01 p.m.
The Public Works Manager provided an overview of the item.
Mayor Nuricumbo closed the public comment portion of the hearing at 8:02 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Council Member Calderon to approve Item No. 23.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 24. PUBLIC HEARING ON A RESOLUTION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO VACATING A PORTION OF WEST 6TH STREET AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO QUITCLAIM SAID PORTION.
Mayor Nuricumbo opened the Public Hearing at 8:03 p.m.
The Planning & Building Director provided an overview of the item.
Mayor Nuricumbo closed the public comment portion of the hearing at 8:04 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 24 with the added stipulation that the resolution includes a condition prohibiting inoperable vehicles and junk material on the property. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 25. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT MODIFICATION AND DENSITY BONUS FOR THE HOLLIES AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT.
Mayor Nuricumbo opened the Public Hearing at 8:05 p.m.
The Planning & Building Director provided an overview of the item.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 6 JULY 16, 2025
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Maritza Hurtado and Karla Ibarra.
Mayor Nuricumbo closed the public comment portion of the hearing at 8:28 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to table Item No. 25 and bring back on July 30, 2025. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Legaspi, Marquez, Calderon
NOES: Nuricumbo
ABSENT: Tylenda
ABSTAIN: None
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ITEM NO. 26. RECEIVE AND FILE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING OT NOVEMBER 13, 2024.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi requested the following items: would like to know if the city has charged the wrong business Council Member Marquez requested the following items: status update regarding the restroom installation at Rodriguez Park and balance amount remaining.
Council Member Calderon requested the following items: for the next agenda would like item for discussion regarding attorney services; status regarding putting the RV's for auction.
Mayor Nuricumbo requested the following items: clarification was made that there will be no meetings in August and possibly a special meeting on July 30th.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to adjourn meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Alit
Diana Nuricumbo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica Luna-Alvarado, City Clerk