THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 5 DAY OF NOVEMBER 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, Best Best & Krieger LLP 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 LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Exposure to Litigation, Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)/(e)(1) Three (3) Potential Cases
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
Title: City Attorney
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: Heffernan Avenue and 1s Street, Calexico, CA 92231 Agency Negotiators: Benjamin A. Martinez., City Manager, and Best Best & Krieger LLP Negotiating Parties: Unites States of America
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
The City Council reconvened from close session at 6:37 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 6:40 p.m.
ROLL CALL
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 2 NOVEMBER 5, 2025
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 Henry G. Castillo stated city council met in closed session, no reportable action.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS:
Proclamation - November 30, 2025 through December 6, 2025, as Farmworker Appreciation Week.
Proclamation - November 13, 2025 as National Night Out.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(1) Mayor Nuricumbo announced that Arturo Jimenez, Superintendent for the Calexico Unified School District will be the Grand Marshall for this year's Christmas Parade, which will be held on Saturday December 13, 2025. (2) Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi announced that the Calexico Police Department through the Calexico Rotary Club will be having the Kids and Badges Event at Chuck-E-Cheese on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to closing in which a percentage will go to the Kids and Badges program.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Brian Clapper, Norm McKenzie, and Enrique Alvarado.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Martinez stated in his report he will include Public Works Director/City Engineer, Building & Planning Director and Police Chief. City Manager Martinez shared that national clothing retailers and restaurants have expressed interest in coming to Calexico, with announcements expected later this year and potential activity by spring or summer. Public Works Director/City Engineer Villegas estimated it would cost approximately $443,000 to fully open a baseball field at Cordova Park. Building & Planning Director Coyne reported that the State has invalidated the City's ADU ordinance, requiring adherence to State ADU law and SB9, which the City is already following. He also noted that the Development Services Department is undergoing long-overdue cosmetic updates. Police Chief Orozco said the new meters have arrived and should be installed within 2-3 weeks. Regarding administrative fees, staff will propose updated rates based on comparisons with other cities, with plans for community outreach, two workshops, and public notice before the ordinance process begins.
Council Member Marquez inquired about the installation timeline for the new meters. Chief Orozco responded that installation is expected by November 17 or the following week.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 3 NOVEMBER 5, 2025
Council Member Calderon requested an update on concerns raised by two Hearthstone residents regarding the Spud Moreno project. City Manager Martinez noted that several updates have been shared via email and, per the City it Mamazer Matiner not on concerns re Attorney's guidance, detailed discussion of the project is not appropriate during council meetings. Additional information can be provided via memo or direct communication.
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi asked about truck routes and park security. Public Works Director Villegas reported that the truck route study is progressing. Traffic counters have been secured, and the study will now include Highway 98 alongside Cole Road to compare traffic volumes. The City has requested CalTrans authorization to install the counters and is awaiting a formal response, expected next week. Both the City and County are ready to proceed once approval is granted. Regarding park security, Chief Orozco shared that a 24/7 live camera has been installed at the Veterans Memorial, and additional cameras are being considered for other parks.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
Javier Gonzalez invited the public to the Community Clean-up Event on Saturday November 8t ', and to the National Night Out Event on November 13th, stated the commission is discussing traffic in schools, security at the Veteran's Monument, code enforcement, and updating the sign ordinance.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi reported on the following items: met with City Manager and stakeholders regarding Chamber of Commerce; met with City Manager, Council Member Calderon and administrators from the Catholic Church to discuss their alleyways and necessary repairs to surrounding streets; attended the Library's Halloween Carnival, the Calexico Police Department Halloween Event at Rockwood Plaza, the Library Board of Trustees Commission Meeting, the Fire Department Explorer Recruitment Event at Fire Station No. 1 and the Police Ad-Hoc Committee.; recognition was extended to the Recreation Manager for having the exceptional performance of chamber music; thanked Councilmember Marquez for coordinating the participating talent and the group's presentation was noted as exemplary, incorporating a Halloween theme and distinctive horror-film visual elements; reported that Councilmember Calderon, Councilmember Marquez and himself would provide financial assistance to support incoming Fire Explorers who are unable to cover their entry fees.
Council Member Tylenda reported on the following items: congratulated Fire Chief Contreras on the Explorer Recruitment Event; congratulated the Calexico Police Officers Association and the Calexico Cheerleaders Booster Club for organizing their Nightmare on Fifth Street Event.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: met with City Clerk and City Manager regarding renovations and updates to the council chambers; met with Council Member Calderon and City Manager regarding community member concerns and follow-ups; attended the Calexico Library Halloween Family Night, the Recreation Department Halloween Carnival, the Fire Department Explorer Event at Fire Station No. 1, the chamber music concert at the Cultural Arts Center and the Library Board of Trustees Commission Meeting, in which a pledge was made to purchase bicycles promoting literacy within the youth, both Council Member Calderon and herself have donated bicycles and extended the invitation to fellow councilmembers to participate.
Council Member Calderon reported on the following items: attended the ICT meeting of October 22, 2025 which included an update on the construction of the downtown transit station which remains on schedule for completion in March 2026; ICTC is coordinating with Caltrans to develop a strategy for advancing the Anza Bridge rehabilitation project; ICTC will initiate construction of a smaller transportation center at the East Port of Entry; was informed by a Sergeant from Centinela State Prison that inmates, upon learning of the theft at the Veterans Memorial, intend to hold a fundraiser with proceeds to be donated to the Memorial; attended the Fire Department Explorer Recruitment Event was also reported.
Mayor Nuricumbo reported on the following item: attended the Imperial County New River Community Action Day on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and expressed gratitude to Keep America Beautiful, Keep California Beautiful, California Climate Action Corps, Imperial Irrigation District, the City of Imperial, Barret Biological Enterprise, Jose Angel Environmental and staff from the Public Works Department; stated that Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez also pledged to replace all the stolen plaques from the Veteran's Memorial and thanked everyone who has come forward CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 4 NOVEMBER 5, 2025
City Manager Martinez stated that several names from prior veteran applications have been recovered, although the list is not believed to be complete. The public was encouraged to provide any available information regarding veterans whose names previously appeared on the plaques at the Veterans Memorial.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following items: Approval of City Council/Calexico Community Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency/Calexico Finance Authority/Planning Commission Minutes for Meetings of September 17, 2025, and October 29,2025; Ratify Acceptance of Grant Award GEN-25-25337 from the California Arts Council and Adopt Budget Amendment Resolution in the Amount of $12,600; Authorize Public Works Director/City Engineer to Sign Change Order No. 3 with Rove Engineering, Inc. in the Amount of $40,004.40 for Sidewalk Improvement (Grant St., Calexico St. and Van de Graaff Ave.) Federal Project No. CML-5168(036); Authorize City Manager to Issue Purchase Order to Sierra Energy Solutions in the Amount of $36,624.58 to Purchase Sport Lights for Nosotros Park Multi-Purpose Field; Approval of Bid Documents for Community Center and Senior Hall Kitchen Upgrade Project No. 2025-600 and Authorize the Public Works Department to Send the Project Out to Bid; Authorize the Planning & Building Department to Advertise a Request for Proposals (RFP) for On-Call Building Plan Check and Inspection Services. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 13. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE TO SURPLUS
DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY - CALEXICO FIRE DEPARTMENT AMBULANCE UNIT Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 13.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 14. APPOINTMENT OF TWO (2) RESIDENTIAL COMMISSIONERS TO THE CALEXICO HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to appoint both candidates, Gloria Tovar and Fernando Garcia as Residential Commissioners. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 15. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2025-_ REQUESTING EQUITABLE ALLOCATION OF PROPOSITION 4 FUNDING FOR NEW RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROJECTS.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to approve Item No. 15.
Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM NO. 16. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) USER FEE SCHEDULE PER THE EMS RATE STUDY DATED APRIL 2018 AND ADOPTION OF UPDATED EMS USER FEE SCHEDULE WITH CPI/ECI ADJUSTMENTS THROUGH 2025 AND
APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING FEES AND CHARGES FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND TAKING CERTAIN ACTIONS RELATING THERETO.
Mayor Nuricumbo opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m.
Fire Chief Contreras provided an overview of the item and discussion was held.
No public comments were received. Mayor Nuricumbo closed the public comment portion of the hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Calderon, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 16.
Motion passed unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 5 NOVEMBER 5, 2025
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ITEM NO. 17. RECEIVE AND FILE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES FOR MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2025.
ITEM NO. 18. RECEIVE AND FILE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2025.
ITEM NO. 19 STATUS UPDATE ON PARKS FUNDING ALLOCATED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET AND REMAINING UNSPENT BALANCES.
Finance Director Chaparro provided brief explanation.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Yolanda Cunningham.
ITEM NO. 20. INFORMATIONAL ITEM: MOSQUITO ABATEMENT UPDATE.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Villegas provided brief explanation.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi requested the following items: none.
Council Member Tylenda requested the following items: none.
Council Member Marquez requested the following items: none.
Council Member Calderon requested the following items: did have an item but at the advice of the city attorney he will not address the Hearthstone construction but did thank the two residents that came up and informed them.
Mayor Nuricumbo reminded the council that they created a Community Facilities District (CFD) Commission, and the purpose of that commission was precisely to address the question that was just presented and reminded the council make their appointments to the Community Facilities District (CFD) Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Legaspi to adjourn meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Diana Nuricumbo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica Luna-Alvarado, City Clerk