THE CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SUCCESSOR
AGENCY/CALEXICO FINANCING AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON THE 20t DAY OF MAY 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 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Victor Legaspi
Mayor Pro Tem: Lorenzo Calderon
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
ABSENT:
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda
Council Member: Diana Nuricumbo - arrived at 5:32 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: No public comments.
ADJOURN TO CLOSE SESSION
City Council adjourned to closed session at 5:31 p.m. to discuss the following:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATIORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Representatives: Benjamin A. Martinez, City Manager, City Attorney Employee Organizations: Calexico Municipal Employees Association, Calexico Firefighters Association, Certified Operators Association/SEIU Local 221, Calexico Police Officers Association, Supervisors Association, Calexico Management Association.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(d)(2) & (d)(3).
Two (2) cases
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.(d)(1)
Jesus Reyes v. City of Calexico, et al.
Imperial County Superior Court, Case No. ECU004291
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.(d)(1)
Clara Manjarrez v. City of Calexico
Claim # COCD-0077
The City Council reconvened from close session at 6:44 p.m.
CALEXICO CITY COUNCIL/CALEXICO REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESOR AGENCY /CALEXICO FINANCE AUTHORITY
OPEN SESSION - 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE |2 MAY 20, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Legaspi called the open session portion of the meeting to order at 6:56 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor: Victor Legaspi
Mayor Pro Tem: Lorenzo Calderon
Council Member: Adriana Marquez
Council Member: Diana Nuricumbo
ABSENT:
Council Member: Lisa Tylenda - arrived at 9:06 p.m. - left at 9:56 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Nuricumbo led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Legaspi led those present in prayer.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Attorney Mitchell A. Driskill stated that council agreed to settle Item No. 5 of close session, a worker's compensation claim.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Legaspi stated that under advice of the City Attorney, he will recuse himself from Items No. 15 and No. 16 under the discussion and action items.
Council Member Nuricumbo requested to pull Item No. 12 for discussion.
City Manager Martinez stated that staff requested to pull Item No. 14 from consent and place it for discussion after Item No. 17.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve the agenda with the requested changes. Motion passed with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
PRESENTATIONS
6. Proclamation Declaring May 17-23, 2026 as National Public Works Week.
7. Receive and File 2024-2025 Audited Financial Statement.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Legaspi announced National Police Week took place from May 10-16, 2026. On behalf of the city council, he recognized and expressed appreciation to the men and woman of the Calexico Police Department who protect and serve our community. Mayor Legaspi also invited the public to attend the Memorial Day event at the cemetery this coming Monday, May 25, 2026.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 3 MAY 20, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Ben Horton, Tyler Brinkerhoff, Enrique Alvarado, Juan Moran, Joong Kim, Norma Aguilar, Lewis Pacheco, Maritza Hurtado.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT - Nothing to report at this time.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
Commissioners Patricia Urena and Christina Rojas reported on the Commission's recent Monday meeting. The report noted that registration is open for all park and recreation services, and the Summer Program Guide has been released The Commission discussed the reallocation of ARPA funding, noting remaining balances of approximately $80,000 Memorial High School regarding the Rodriguez Park MOU, and preliminary discussions on expanding recreation activities and reviewing the department's fee structure.
Councilmember Nuricumbo requested an update regarding the establishment of a separate non-profit organization by the commission. Commissioner Urena reported that following a meeting with the City Attorney to address formation Do Averts to, i gate tiny burn pant to
intends to present its plan to the City Council in the future. The organization's goal is to secure corporate civic funding and state grants-such as the newly opened California State Parks Proposition 40 grants-to supplement depleted municipal programs and support the Heber Park expansion. In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Nuricumbo regarding city commissioners serving on the non-profit board, Commissioner Urena clarified that three current city commissioners from various bodies serve on the board. She noted they will consult further with the City Attorney regarding board composition, emphasizing that the non-profit is entirely separate from the city and has two grant writers available to volunteer their services at no cost to the city.
Commissioner Blanca Morales reported on the April 9th commission meeting, noting discussions regarding downtown code enforcement, Oktoberfest discussion, the "Adopt-an-Alley" program, and having activities on vacant lots with food trucks. Congratulated the city on the new transportation center and requested that an item be placed on the next agenda regarding installing new downtown trash cans. She also highlighted concerns regarding downtown infrastructure, specifically broken valves and concrete lids on sidewalks. The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 28th.
CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Council Member Nuricumbo - Nothing to report at this time.
Council Member Marquez reported on the following items: attended the Calexico Intermodal Transportation Center ribbon cutting, the Special City Council Priority Workshop, and a New River Project tour and roundtable discussion featuring Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz; participated in a meeting with the Calexico Parent Athletic Association and the Mexican Consulate regarding a planned Binational Soccer Tournament; reporting on the Community Services Commission meeting, she noted the receipt of trees from the Imperial Irrigation District (ID) and requested information regarding their long-term maintenance and upkeep responsibility.
Mayor Pro Tem Calderon reported on the following items: met with Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz's staff on May 7th to coordinate an upcoming meeting, and attended a New River roundtable where the Congressman heard testimonies from Calexico Street residents; attended the ad-hoc committee meetings with Councilmember Tylenda regarding a potential November public safety ballot measure; attended the Intermodal Transportation Center ribbon cutting, the Special City Council Priority Session, and a meeting with the Mayor and Gran Plaza staff regarding outlet shuttle services; announced an FPPC complaint filed against him for abstaining from a prior street improvement vote, clarifying that he did not select the streets and abstained solely because he owns property on one of the project sites to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE 4 MAY 20, 2026
Mayor Legaspi reported on the following items: commended commissioners Pat Ureña and Blanca Morales for their community cleanup efforts; met with staff regarding traffic issues and the left-turn lane at Second Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard; participated in a Police Commission ad-hoc committee meeting regarding community cleanups, public safety, and National Night Out; attended the Intermodal Transportation Center ribbon cutting, thanking Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz for his support; attended a student fundraising event at the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center with Councilmember Marquez; and met with Councilmember Marquez and the Mexican Consul to discuss a binational soccer tournament.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to approve the consent agenda consisting of the following items: City Salaries Report from April 1, 2026 thru April 30, 2026; City Warrants Report from April 1, 2026 thru April 30, 2029; Acceptance of Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Tree for All Grant Awards for Multiple City Parks; Approval of Budget Amendment Resolution; Ratification of Authorization to Submit Grant Applications and Ratification of City Manager Authority to Execute Agreements; Adopt a Resolution and Authorize Submission of a Grant Application to the California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Grant Program; City Endorsement and Support of the Community Public Safety Meeting. Motion passed with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
ITEM NO. 12. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO ACCEPTING THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA CITIZENS' OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) FUNDS FOR FY 2025/2026.
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon to approve Item No. 12. Motion passed, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
ITEM NO. 15. DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR REDESIGN SERVICES FOR ADRIAN C. CORDOVA MEMORIAL PARK (RFP NO. 2025-900).
Mayor Legaspi recused himself and left the chambers at 8:08 p.m.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Jesus Solano, Alejandrina Rangel, Ismael Arvizu, Claudia Martinez, Manny Hernandez, Santa Carter, Carolina Campos, Jose Escoto, Diana Garzon, Bertha Carreno, Daniela Flores, Luis Romero, Monica Rico, Maritza Hurtado, Joong Kim, Yolanda Cunningham, Angela Moreno, Emma Flores, Brenda Estrada, Carmen Estrada, Eugenio Ramos.
Council Member Tylenda arrived at 9:06 p.m.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to extend the meeting past 9:30 p.m. and continue up to 11:00 p.m. Motion passed with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Calderon, Marquez, Tylenda, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: Legaspi
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE | 5 MAY 20, 2026
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to resubmit the RFP for redesign services and address all the issues expressed so the city can have a correct RFP and price. Motion passed with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Calderon, Marquez, Tylenda, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: Legaspi
ITEM NO. 16. ADRIAN C. CORDOVA MEMORIAL PARK - TEMPORARY FENCING.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Joong Kim, Yolanda Cunningham.
Motion by Council Member Marquez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon to approve Item No. 16 and remove the temporary fencing and clear the area. Motion did not pass, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Calderon, Marquez
NOES: Tylenda, Nuricumbo
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: Legaspi
Motion by Council Member Nuricumbo, seconded by Council Member Tylenda for the city to purchase a fence to avoid the rental and close the area completely. Motion did not pass, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Tylenda, Nuricumbo
NOES: Calderon, Marquez
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: Legaspi
Council Member Tylenda left the chambers at 9:56 p.m. and Mayor Legaspi returned to the dais at 9:56 p.m.
ITEM NO. 17. ADOPT BUDGET AMENDMENT RESOLUTION REALLOCATING $43,382.81 WITHIN FUND NO. 255 (FEMA/ARPA) TO SUPPORT THE COSTS OF ACQUISITION AND OUTFITTING OF UNMARKED EMERGENCY VEHICLES FOR THE CALEXICO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Ismael Arvizu. •Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to approve Item No. 17. Motion passed, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
ITEM NO. 14. PURCHASE AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ACQUISITION AND OUTFITTING OF FIVE (5) UNMARKED POLICE VEHICLES.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Ismael Arvizu.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Item No. 14. Motion passed, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES PAGE, 6 MAY 20, 2026
ITEM NO. 18. 2025-2026 3RD QUARTER BUDGET STATUS REPORT AND RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE 2025-26 BUDGET.
The following person(s) provided public comments to council: Joong Kim.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Item No. 18. Motion passed, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
ITEM NO. 19. AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF CALEXICO AND LEE & RO, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $318,223.00 FOR
ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR CHLORINE CONVERSION PROJECT - GASEOUS
CHLORINE FEED SYSTEM TO LIQUID HYPOCHLORITE FEED SYSTEM AT WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND EASTSIDE RESERVOIR.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Marquez to approve Item No. 19. Motion passed, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
ITEM NO. 20. INFORMATIONAL ITEM: OVERVIEW AND REVIEW OF HEARTHSTONE CFD NO. 2005-1.
Mayor Legaspi acknowledged receipt.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Legaspi thanked Commissioners Eugenio Ramos, Javier Gonzalez and Carlos Fonseca for an outstanding job in cleaning the downtown area on a weekly basis.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Calderon, seconded by Council Member Nuricumbo to adjourn meeting. Motion passed, with the vote recorded as follows:
AYES: Legaspi, Calderon, Marquez, Nuricumbo
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Tylenda
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
crans
Victor Legaspi, Mayor
ATTEST:
Veronica Luna-Alvarado, City Clerk