THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 18TH DAY OF MARCH 2026 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 Legaspi called the closed session portion of the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Victor Legaspi
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Diana Nuricumbo
ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tem: Lorenzo Calderon
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda - arrived at 5:40 p.m.
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 LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Cal. Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) Case No. LA-CE-1795-M Service Employees International Union Local 221 v. City of Calexico The City Council adjourned from closed session at 6:10 p.m.
CALEXICO CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESOR AGENCY /CALEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY
OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Legaspi called the open session portion of the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Victor Legaspi
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Diana Nuricumbo
ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tem: Lorenzo Calderon
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda arrived at 6:34 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Nuricumbo led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 2 MARCH 18, 2026
INVOCATION
Pastor Frank Zazueta led those present in prayer.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Attorney Henry G. Castillo stated council met in closed session, no reportable action.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESENTATIONS:
2. Proclamation Honoring Ricardo Calatayud for 8 Years of Service to the City of Calexico.
3. Proclamation Declaring the Month of April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2026, as World Autism Acceptance Day.
4. Proclamation Declaring March 21, 2026, as World Down Syndrome Day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Carmen Estrada, Juan Moran, Joong Kim, Fausto Valenzuela, Lewis Pacheco.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - (1) Fire Chief Contreras provided a report on the exterior fire at Walmart that occurred earlier today; thanked the Public Works Department staff for raising the water pressure in that area to extinguish the fire; thanked the Calexico Police Department for their due diligence and reviewing the video tapes with Walmart staff to identify a person and later place in custody, and a big shout-out to Traffic Control for closing the area; (2) Police Chief Orozco provided a report on the suspect in custody related to the Walmart fire and congratulated police department staff for their hard work, and city staff for the great work.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT - Javier Gonzalez, Police Advisory, Traffic Control and Code Enforcement Commission, congratulated the Police Chief, the City and the Council for being the sixth safest city in California according to a report from Adelante Valle Imperial Valley Press; the commission went through a reorganization in the vice-chair position and they have appointed a new vice-chair; the commission is working on traffic issues and public safety; stated the upcoming Community Clean-Up Event will be held on April 25, 2026, focusing on the downtown area and invited the public to participate; the Public Safety Workshops are scheduled for June 2026, at the Women's Improvement Club.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Council Member Nuricumbo requested that the City Manager note several items for follow-up. She reported significant overgrowth of weeds and brush along the sidewalks on Cole Road, from Bowker Road to the railroad tracks, as well as in the residential area north of Cole Road, stating that the vegetation has become excessive. She reminded staff of the recently adopted encampment ordinance and noted an increase in encampments, particularly in the area near the Walmart fire incident, requesting continued monitoring and enforcement. She asked that Caltrans be contacted regarding the traffic signal at Ollie Avenue and Highway 98, stating that the signal cycle is excessively long and contributes to traffic congestion. She also referenced a public comment regarding restricted access for northbound traffic entering Cesar Chavez Boulevard from Mexico and requested a future report explaining the rationale for closing access to the outlets and Second Street, expressing concern about potential impacts on local commerce. Lastly, she announced that the Calexico Unified School District will hold a town hall meeting on March 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Family Resource Center (formerly Aurora High School) to discuss potential school consolidation and encouraged community participation.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE 3 MARCH 18, 2026
Council Member Tylenda thanked everyone for joining them and offered several comments. She noted ongoing concerns regarding public drug use in the downtown area and requested an update on relevant local and state laws.
She stated that such information would help the council and the community better understand external factors affecting enforcement, in addition to the city's need to continue investing in the police department. She reminded the public of the special joint meeting with the school board scheduled for March 25t. Council Member Tylenda also shared that she and Council Member Nuricumbo have been conducting public outreach through a weekly Facebook Live platform called Tea Time with Lisa and Diana. It has been running for approximately three months and takes place every Tuesday, allowing real-time engagement with residents throughout the city and the broader valley. She described the sessions as productive and transparent and encouraged community members to participate. She concluded her remarks by thanking everyone for their time.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following: was invited by ICOE to participate in Read Across America.
She visited a preschool classroom at the invitation of Mr. Castillo, where she met students and read to them as part of efforts to promote early childhood literacy. She also attended a meeting with a community center collective group alongside Council Member Calderon. The purpose of the meeting was to hear residents' concerns regarding services, facility needs, and future community events. Met with Mayor Legaspi, Public Works Director Villegas, City Manager Martinez and IID representatives to discuss lighting needs at Nosotros Park and Casitas Park, as well as the installation of pumps in various city basins. She additionally met with the Calexico Parents Athletics Association to hear concerns related to soccer field conditions and lighting needs. Lastly, she reported that she met with Mayor Legaspi and City Manager Martinez to discuss Fire and Police Department funding and departmental needs.
Mayor Pro Tem Calderon was absent.
Mayor Legaspi reported on the following: met with Council Member Marquez, City Manager Ben Martinez, Public Works Director Villegas, and Chief Orozco to discuss future projects with IID Director Mr. Pacheco. He noted that the City is pursuing the GLOW grant, which would allow for the replacement of park lighting with LED fixtures, and thanked staff for their work on the application. Met with City Manager Martinez and State Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, to discuss ongoing efforts related to transportation within Imperial Valley and other regional initiatives.
Mayor Legaspi participated in Read Across America at the Little Trojans Preschool through ICOE and thanked Michael Castillo for the invitation. He and Chief Orozco also spoke with a youth group at City Hall regarding homelessness as part of a presentation the students will deliver at SDSU. He met with Little League President Jose Carrillo to discuss an upcoming binational baseball league involving fourteen teams from Imperial County and Baja California, scheduled to begin on April 7, with flyers forthcoming. Attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sun Community branch on Cole Road. He also attended the Women's Art Event hosted by Parks and Recreation, commending Manager Norma Gerardo for her work and noting he had the opportunity to met author Jazz Ledbetter.
He concluded by announcing the Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt on March 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Crummett Park, noting that admission is free and 11,000 eggs will be available.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Council Member Nuricumbo, 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 Special and Regular Meetings of January 21, 2026; City Warrants Report from February 1, 2026 thru February 28, 2026; City Salaries Report from February 1, 2026 thru February 28, 2026; Second and Final Reading by Title Only and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Calexico Municipal Code Section 2.04.060 Regarding City Council Agenda Order of Business; 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 2025 to the California Office of Planning & Research and Department of Housing & Community Development. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 10. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FM3 RESEARCH TO CONDUCT PUBLIC OPINION RESEARCH FOR THE CITY OF CALEXICO.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Jonathan Rangel.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 4 MARCH 18, 2026
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to not approve Item No. 10. Motion failed with the following vote to wit:
AYES: Tylenda, Nuricumbo
NOES: Legaspi, Marquez
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Calderon
Council Member Marquez and Mayor Legaspi called to take their votes back. City Attorney Castillo stated that in order to reopen it, a motion was needed to reopen the hearing for this portion of the agenda and then they would be able to vote again.
Motion by Mayor Legaspi, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to reopen the hearing for Item No. 10.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to not approve the contract. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 11. ADOPT A RESOLUTION NO. 2026- APPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH LAURA ESTRADA FOR APPOINTMENT AS CITY ATTORNEY OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Item No. 11. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 12. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026- APPROVING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MITCHELL A. DRISKILL TO PROVIDE AS NEEDED LEGAL SERVICES TO THE CITY OF CALEXICO.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Mayor Legaspi to approve Item No. 12. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 13. AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH REDSKY EMERGENCY VEHICLES FOR THE ACQUISITION OF ONE (1) TYPE II XL AMBULANCE FOR THE
CALEXICO FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE ADOPTION OF A BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION ALLOCATING FUNDS.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 13. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 14. DISCUSSION ON MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) FOR SPORTS GROUPS.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Alexis Rangel.
Motion by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 14. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 15. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO DECLARE THE
IDENTIFIED POLICE UNITS AS SURPLUS AND OBSOLETE, AND TO AUTHORIZE THEIR DISPOSAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS AND CITY POLICY. FURTHER, APPROVE THE DONATION OF TWENTY-THREE (23) SURPLUS VEHICLES AND THREE (3) SURPLUS
MOTORCYCLES TO THE GOBIERNO DE MEXICALI AND THE GABINETE DEL AYUNTAMIENTO DE MEXICALI, CONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS ESTABLISHED BY CITY LAW.
Motion by Council Member Tylenda, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 15. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 16. SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT (GRANT ST., CALEXICO ST., AND VAN DE GRAAFF AVE.) FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CML-5168(036):
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE 5 MARCH 18, 2026
A. AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AMENDMENT NO. 1 BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND NICKLAUS ENGINEERING INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,224.83 FOR
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, GEOTECHNICAL AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT (GRANT ST., CALEXICO ST., AND VAN DE GRAFF AVE.) FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CML-5168(036).
B. ADOPT A BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION FOR FUND NO. 233 - MEASURE "D".
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Item No. 16. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 17. AUTHORIZE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO SIGN DEDUCTIVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 4 WITH ROVE ENGINEERING INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $89,923.81 FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT (GRANT ST., CALEXICO ST., AND VAN DE GRAAFF AVE.) FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CML-5168(036).
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 17. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEM NO. 18. AUTHORIZE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER TO SIGN AND FILE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT (GRANT ST., CALEXICO ST., AND VAN DE GRAAFF AVE.) FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CML-5168(036).
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda to approve Item No. 18. Motion passed unanimously.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - none
ADJOURNMENT
MariLy Corneil Member Naricumbo, seconded by Mayor Legaspi to adjoum meting. Mation passed Meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
Victor Legaspi, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica Luna-Alvarado, City Clerk