THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 4TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026 AT 6:30 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.
OPEN SESSION - 6:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Legaspi called the open session portion of the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Victor Legaspi
Mayor Pro Tem: Lorenzo Calderon
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda
Council Member: Diana Nuricumbo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Nuricumbo 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 council met in closed session and took no reportable actions.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of Programs Offered by SoCal Gas - Deborah McGarrey.
2. Sensory Xplorers Program - Dr. Tien Tan Vo.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Jacob Rosales, Juan Moran, Robert Gronich, Stephen Swatkowski, Jose Carrillo, Jesus Iniguez, Dulia Alvarez, Joshua Quinones, Mario Sotomayor, Marianna Carrascosa, Michelle Ayala, Samantha Encinas, Yolanda Cunningham, Omar Ibarra, Miguel Solano, Juan Cortez, Andrea Lopez-Maldonado, David Saunder, and Lisa Tylenda.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Martinez stated that he would provide a brief update on several items and that staff would return with additional information in the near future. He noted that at the March 18t meeting, the Public Works Department will present an update on park repairs and enhancements, encampment cleanups, retention basins, water plant CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 2 FEBRUARY 4, 2026
City Manager Martinez also reported that the Cordova Park RFP closes on March 6h. An update on the Heber Park RFQ will be provided at the March 17 City Council meeting.
He further noted that the City has received notice of several forthcoming grant awards; however, the funding agencies have requested that the information remain confidential at this time. He anticipates being able to make these grant announcements public at the February 18" meeting.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
Patricia Ureña, Community Services Commission, commented that there was no meeting in January due to the work being done to the council chambers; provided a list of items to be discussed at the next meeting and thanked the Public Works Department for cleaning up the tree debris at Heber Park.
Stacy Olguin, Library Board of Trustees, presented the January 2026 Monthly Activities Report. She noted that all programs, services, and initiatives offered during the month were consistent with and supported the library's mission to promote education, foster creativity, and strengthen community engagement.
Blanca Morales, representing the Business Improvement District, announced that the second BID meeting is scheduled for February 12' at 6:00 p.m. in the Nene Torres Council Chambers. She reported that the discussion will focus on the impacts of traffic on Imperial Avenue businesses, ongoing downtown cleanup efforts, and the placement of additional trash receptacles. She also noted that the façade improvements for vacant downtown buildings will be addressed and expressed appreciation to Carlos for initiating the cleanup efforts.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Mayor Legaspi asked for a moment of silence for Daniel Gutierrez.
Mayor Pro Tem Calderon reported on the following: attended the ICTC General Assembly, which included presentations from Anna Fox, Caltrans District 11 Director, Jome Ajise, Executive Director of the Southern California Association of Governments, and David Aguirre, Executive Director of ICTC; several regional projects and funding allocations for Imperial County, including many affecting the Calexico area, were discussed; attended a senior meeting with Council Member Marquez, where various concerns were addressed and planning continued for the upcoming Valentine's Day event scheduled for February 13'h; attended the ICTC meeting on January 28th, noting that progress on the 3rd Street Transportation Center remains on schedule, with completion anticipated in late April 2026; ICTC will also be removing and replacing the sidewalk from the transportation center to the port of entry; the Second Street Anza Bridge Rehabilitation Project is moving forward, with Caltrans assisting ICTC in preparing the Project Study Report (PSR) for submission to the California Transportation Committee, expected to be completed in early 2026.
Finally, he noted that ICTC will also be developing a transportation center at the Calexico East Port of Entry.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: attended the ICTC General Assembly alongside City Manager Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, and Mayor Legaspi; met with the senior community ad-hoc committee together with Mayor Pro Tem Calderon and Ms. Gerardo, noting that they were able to address several of the services requested by the seniors; participated in the special meeting regarding border circulation; attended the ICTC Commissioners meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Calderon; attended a meeting to support related services for public safety with the City Manager, Chief Contreras, and Mayor Legaspi; attended the Library Commission meeting and expressed appreciation to Ms. Legaspi for her outreach efforts, including providing free books to young children in the community and offering free lunches.
Council Member Tylenda reported on the following items: attended the Police, Traffic, and Code Enforcement Commission meeting and expressed the view that the presence of the City Attorney at these meetings should be considered; stated that commissioners would benefit from Brown Act training and requested clarification on whether commissioners have been informed of their sphere of influence and emphasized the importance of ensuring commissioners receive appropriate training and have access to legal counsel or, when appropriate, the City Manager, in order to fully support and empower them in their roles; stated that the commission is an important body and should be provided with the necessary tools, resources, and staffing to carry out its responsibilities effectively; stated that the Chief and the commissioners are doing excellent work; reported on conducting extensive public outreach, noting that it has been going well; expressed hope that the Council will continue working collectively to advance the community's interests.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE |3 FEBRUARY 4, 2026
Council Member Nuricumbo reported on the following item: the concerns raised by parents and families during public comment regarding park access and conditions; she noted her appreciation for their participation and emphasized that the issue is not about closing parks but about ensuring a balance between access and safety for all users, including children participating in various sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, track and field, and football; she stated that she had requested an update from the City Manager on the status of Cordova Park and Heber Park, as well as on other city parks; she highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues given the high demand for shared recreational spaces.
Mayor Legaspi reported on the following items: met with Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, and Police Commissioner Rangel and addressed traffic concerns along Imperial Avenue and met with a local business and ICOE representative Mike Castillo regarding traffic issues near the school at 900 Heber Avenue, and noted that efforts to resolve these matters are ongoing; attended the Little League tryouts; attended the Police Commission meeting, where he presented certificates related to the National Night Out and community clean-up events; toured the ICT Transportation Facility with BID Commissioner Carlos Fonseca, ICTC Director David Aguirre, and Traffic Supervisor Lorena Minor; met with Mayor Pro Tem Calderon and Republic Services to inspect downtown alleyways near the Jack in the Box area, noting concerns about trash, odor, and general conditions and stated that hopefully the City can explore options for power-washing services to begin cleaning the alleyways; made a presentation at Vincent Memorial High School; attended the Library Board meeting; announced that future trainings, including Brown Act and Ethics trainings for commissioners, are being coordinated, and noted that commissioners have begun receiving related information.
Council Member Tylenda stated they have requested department memos to keep them informed and would like to know if they will be receiving those. City Manager responded that he would place a discussion item on a future agenda to clarify what information the Council would like to receive and noted that he provided a newsletter and now city manager reports.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following items: Approval of City Council/Calexico Community Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency/Calexico Financing Authority/Planning Commission Minutes for Meeting of November 5, 2025; Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Calexico, California, Adding Chapter 17.22 to the City of Calexico Municipal Code Regulating Wireless Telecommunications Facilities; Approval of 2026-2028 CalWORKs PREP Program Renewal Agreement with the County of Imperial and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Agreement. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 6 ACCEPT AND ADOPT CITY COUNCIL AGENDA POLICY HANDBOOK.
Motion by Mayor Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo, to table Item No. 6 to the February 18t' meeting.
Motion passed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Legaspi, Marquez, Tylenda, Nuricumbo
NOES: Calderon
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEM NO. 7 REQUEST TO PRIORITIZE AND REALLOCATE LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (LTA) FUNDS FOR STREET AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
DOWNTOWN CORE, AROUND SCHOOLS, AND SURROUNDING CHURCHES, INCLUDING A "LIGHT-UP-DOWNTOWN" SAFETY INITIATIVE.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Robert Gronich and Karla Ibarra.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda, to direct staff to evaluate how the remaining LTA funds may be refocused toward downtown improvements and return in the near future with a detailed presentation outlining proposed downtown improvements. Motion failed with the following vote to wit:
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE |4 FEBRUARY 4, 2026
AYES: Tylenda, Nuricumbo
NOES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEM NO. 8 STRATEGIC REDUCTION OF PLANNING & BUILDING PERMIT FEES TO
ENCOURAGE LEGAL CONSTRUCTION, SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENHANCE SAFETY, AND OFFSET CUMULATIVE COST BURDENS INCLUDING HIGH SCHOOL IMPACT FEES.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Juan Moran, Robert Gronich and Karla Ibarra.
Discussion was held by council.
Motion by Mayor Legaspi to table this item.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to go past 9:30 p.m. for another hour.
Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion continued by council.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo to have our in-house Building and Planning Director work on this fee study with our Finance and Economic Development Commission and bring back in 30-60 days. City Attorney made clarification that it only applies to planning and building permit fees, it is not a fee study of all the fees.
City Attorney clarified that Mayor Legaspi had made a motion to table this item, there was no second, neither him nor the city clerk did not hear a second and then there was a substitute motion by Council Member Nuricumbo to direct staff to bring back a planning and building permit fee study conducted by the staff and there was no second.
Motion was seconded by Council Member Tylenda. City Clerk asked if there was a time frame, in which Council Member Nuricumbo stated her motion was 60 days. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 9 SPECIAL PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX - DETAILED EXPENDITURE PLAN AND COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Robert Gronich, Alexis Rangel, Josh Paddock, Karla Ibarra and Jonathan Rangel.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 9. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 10 DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION TO DIRECT CITY MANAGER TO DEVELOP
A DOWNTOWN BUSINESS PARKING PASS PROGRAM PROVIDING TWO TO THREE FREE PARKING PASSES PER BUSINESS.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Robert Gronich, Alexis Rangel and Carlos Fonseca.
Discussion held by council.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to direct the Traffic Commission and the BID Commission to have a meeting within the next 60 days to discuss this item and bring back a proposal to council. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Mayor Legaspi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon to go past 10:30 p.m. for another hour. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 11. COMMUNITY CENTER AND SENIOR HALL KITCHEN UPGRADE PROJECT NO. 2025- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 5 FEBRUARY 4, 2026
a) AWARD BID PROPOSAL AND AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND LZ CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,800.00 FOR COMMUNITY CENTER AND SENIOR HALL KITCHEN UPGRADE PROJECT NO. 2025-600.
b) AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE ANY FUTURE CHANGE ORDERS NOT-TO- EXCEED $9,280.00 (10% OF LZ CONSTRUCTION, INC. BASE BID) AS PER CITY ORDINANCE NO. 1218.
c) REJECT BID PROPOSALS FROM ANDRADE CONSTRUCTION AND TB HIGH PERFORMANCE DUE TO NON-RESPONSIVE BID.
d) ADOPT BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION FOR FUND NO. 255 IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,480.00 FOR COMMUNITY CENTER AND SENIOR HALL KITCHEN UPGRADE PROJECT NO. 2025-600.
Mayor Legaspi requested a five-minute recess at 11:03 p.m. due to technical difficulties.
Meeting was reconvened at 11:10 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo, to approve Item No. 11. Motion passed unanimously.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ITEM NO. 12 RECEIVE AND FILE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MINUTES FOR MEETING ON DECEMBER 2, 2025.
Mayor Legaspi acknowledged receipt of the informational item.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Calderon: update on Heber Park, City Manager stated that he will have that on the second meeting in March.
Council Member Marquez: (1) update on available funds for Rodriguez Park; (2) report back to council on citizens' concerns and complaints - can a system been developed? City Manager stated he will do that directly with council; (3) share with council the agenda and notes from the department meetings so that they are all informed as to what is going on; (4) would like to know how they can share information with each other without violating the Brown Act, maybe the City Manager can report to them as informational.
Council Member Tylenda: (1) for next meeting an informal item regarding an update on CDBG Grants; (2) informational item regarding department memos: (3) form for citizen's concerns Council Member Nuricumbo: None.
Mayor Legaspi requested the following for the next council meeting: (1) installation of security cameras; (2) truck route update; (3) update on the Veteran Memorial plaques.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business meeting was adjourned at 11:23 p.m. crea
ATTEST:
Veronica Luna-Alvarado, City Clerk