THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 17" DAY OF SEPTEMBER 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 5:33 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 5:33 p.m. to discuss the following:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Representatives: Benjamin A. Martinez, 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.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Representatives: Benjamin A. Martinez, City Manager, Carlos Campos, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Title: City Attorney
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 352 1st Street (Former Orthopedic Clinic) Parking Lot, APN: 058-535-001 Agency Negotiator: Benjamin A. Martinez, 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: Benjamin A. Martinez, City Manager and Carlos Campos, City Attorney Negotiating Parties: Michael Choutka, Hensel Phelps
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
6. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 2 SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 549.56.9(c) One (1) Potential Case
The City Council reconvened from close session at 6:38 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 6:43 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 Pro Tem Legaspi led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Pastor Ceceña led those present in prayer.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Attorney Carlos Campos stated there was no reportable action and were not finished with closed session items; will reconvene at the end of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Nuricumbo requested to move Item No. 19 right before Item No. 14, as the first item for discussion.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve the agenda with the requested changes. Motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Jesus Solano, Victor Rocha, Carmen Estrada, Jonathan Rangel and Yolanda Cunningham.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Martinez reported on the following: suggested a "Priorities Workshop" within the next few weeks and invite the Institute of Local Government (ILG) to assist; met with department heads the last several weeks to determine the priorities and have them ready for discussion.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT: None
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CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi attended the following: 1) Heber Park expansion bi-weekly meeting; 2) the 9/11 Mass in memory of our fallen heroes; 3) "El Grito" event at Crummett Park; 4) the Police Commissioner's Ad-Hoc committee regarding future and upcoming events; 5) met with Council Member Marquez and Fire Chief Contreras regarding what he is doing to increase revenues through public services.
Council Member Tylenda reported on the following items: working with the Mayor and met with senators regarding the New River; has upcoming meeting with assemblyman regarding the Heber Park project; thanked residents for coming to the meeting regarding the Cordova Park project, the goal is not to demolish anything and her goal is to understand all this history and what the community at large and immediately impacted want.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: attended the Heber Park expansion bi-weekly meeting; attended and observed the Economic Development/Financial Advisory Commission; met with Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi and Fire Chief Contreras; met with the Chair of the Community Services Commission regarding projects the commission is working on; and met with members of the community regarding Cordova Park.
Council Member Calderon reported on the following items: attended the 9/11 Mass at Lady of Guadalupe; met with staff and county officials addressing the truck traffic on Cole Road; and met with Supervisor Jesus Escobar, County Public Works Department staff, City Manager and city staff to address the Anza Bridge problem.
Mayor Nuricumbo reported on the following item: a very important item regarding California's Proposition 4 that was passed last year, where $46 million dollars were allocated to the cross border rivers. There are only two in California, the Tijuana River and the New River, which crosses our city and goes all the way up to the Salton Sea and is one of the most severely polluted rivers in the country. A delegation will be created and will consist of County Supervisor, IID Director and State Representatives that will fight for our share of that funding.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following item: Approval of City Council/Calexico Community Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency/Calexico Finance Authority/Planning Commission Minutes for Meeting of September 3, 2025; City Salaries Report from July 1, 2025 thru July 31, 2025; City Salaries Report from August 1, 2025 thru August 31, 2025; City Warrants Report from July 1, 2025 thru July 31, 20225; City Warrants Report from August 1, 2025 thru August 31, 2025; Authorize Public Works Director/City Engineer to Sign and File Notice of Completion for New River Improvement Project - Calexico Reach. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 19 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCEED WITH AN RFP FOR A
CONCEPTUAL PARK DESIGN TO PROVIDE CONCEPTUAL PLANS AND COST ESTIMATE FOR THE CHANGES TO CORDOVA PARK, AS PER THE WORKSHOP HELD ON JUNE 10TH, 2025.
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi asked the City Attorney if this was a conflict of interest for him to be present during this item.
City Attorney Campos stated the following: that the Fair Political Practices Commission provides that there are certain presumptions that are built into when an official has real property in proximity to a decision that will impact it. The rules provide that if you live further than 1,000 feet, the presumption is that there is no conflict. If you live within 500 to 1,000 feet, it's a grey area, doesn't say, it can go either way. The rules also state if you live within 500 feet, there's a presumption that there is a conflict. You could overcome the presumption, but you need clear and convincing evidence to rebut the presumption. The idea being here that because you own property that's close to the item, that's why it's a presumption and the impact can be positive or negative. Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi asked if his advice was for him to abstain. City Attorney replied that the recommendation in these cases is always to abstain.
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi recused himself and left the chambers at 7:14 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 4 SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Jesus Solano, Liliana Cordova Canez, Alejandrina Rangel, Jose Leon, Yolanda Cunningham, Julia Benitez, Claudia Martinez, Monica Valdivia, Rommel Sandoval, Carolina Campos, Carter Santa, Maria Silva, Sara Anguiano, Victor Anguiano, Victor Rocha, Jorge Garcia, Guillermo Villaverde, Wendy Aello, Kasey Cazarez, Juan Angulo, Olga Garcia, Lorena Ibarra, Sandra Cano, Alejandra Ayala, Pat Urena, Brenda Estrada, Cesar Rodriguez, Carmen Estrada, Eric Luesma, Maritza Martin del Campo, Maria Ayala, and Jennifer Lopez.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 19. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Tylenda, Marquez
NOES: Calderon
ABSTAIN: Legaspi
ABSENT: None
Mayor Nuricumbo requested a five-minute recess at 9:00 p.m.
Council reconvened at 9:12 p.m.
ITEM NO. 14 APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL COMMISSIONER TO THE CALEXICO HOUSING AUTHORITY.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon to appoint Mariano Valenzuela, due to lack of second, motion failed.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Marquez to appoint Juan Ortiz. Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Nuricumbo, Legaspi, Tylenda, Marquez
NOES: Calderon
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM NO. 15 CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE 2025 CHRISTMAS PARADE.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 15 as is on staff report with the addition that honorably discharged veterans and sponsors will not have to pay the fee. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 16 SET A DATE, TIME AND LOCATION WITHIN 30 DAYS FOR THE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOP TO IDENTIFY THE CITY'S PRIORITIES, DEADLINES AND FUNDING AND POST PUBLIC NOTICE.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Calderon to approve Item No. 16 and set the workshop within 60 days. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 17 DISCUSSION REGARDING ADOPTING A ZERO-BASED BUDGET POLICY TO BE IN PLACE FOR THE 2026/27 FISCAL YEAR.
Discussion was held. No action taken as this was a discussion item only.
Motion was made by Mayor Nuricumbo, seconded by Councilmember Marquez to extend meeting past 9:30 p.m. for an additional thirty minutes. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 18 CREATE AN AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR THE CALEXICO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND APPOINT TWO COUNCILMEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE |5 SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Nuricumbo to table Item No. 18 and bring back on October 15, 2025. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 20 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LAND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HENSEL PHELPS FOR TEMPORARY USE OF BORDER FRIENDSHIP PARK AND THE EAST "ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC"
PARKING LOT IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW PEDESTRIAN PROCESSING FACILITY AT THE CALEXICO WEST LAND PORT OF ENTRY.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Calderon to approve Item No. 20.
Motion passed unanimously.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ITEM NO. 21. RECEIVE AND FILE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES FOR MEETING ON JULY 7, 2025.
ITEM NO. 22. CITY MANAGER TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE CITY'S PARKING METERS,
PROJECTED DATE OF INSTALLATION, AND HOW THE CITY EXPECTS TO OFFSET THE REVENUE PROJECTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS FISCAL YEAR.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi requested the following items: 1) informational item from the Police Chief to find ways to bring in revenue for the next meeting.
Council Member Tylenda requested the following items: None Council Member Marquez requested the following items: 1) informational item regarding update on Rodriguez Park restrooms for next meeting; 2) downtown cleaning schedule; 3) park maintenance and equipment schedule; 4) report on Cordova Park regarding what is broken/missing.
Council Member Calderon requested the following items: 1) report on cannabis industry regarding dues and certification; 2) grant status report from the Grant's Manager.
Mayor Nuricumbo requested the following items: None
Closed Session Items:
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to table the rest of closed session items to the next council meeting. Motion passed unanimously. City Attorney Campos stated that there were no reportable actions from earlier discussion in close session.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to adjourn meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 10:42 p.m.
Diana Nuricumbo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica Luna-Alvarado, City Clerk