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JOINT REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY
TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/
SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022 11:30 A.M.
The El Centro City Council met in an all virtual joint regular session on February 15, 2022 at 11:32 a.m. in Conference Room A, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California for the purpose of closed session.
PRESENT: Council: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin City Clerk Wyles, City Manager Piedra, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: None
Closed Session Public Comment
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Marroquin, second by Viegas-Walker, to adjourn into closed session for:
PUBLIC SAFETY
Upon the advice of legal counsel, the City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54957(a) regarding matters that pose a threat to essential public services and the public's right of access to such services.
POSSIBLE LITIGATION INITIATED BY THE CITY
A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the City Council upon the advice of its legal counsel, based upon existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant possibility of litigation initiated by the City regarding a public agency's failure to obtain City grading approval.
POSSIBLE LITIGATION AGAINST THE CITY
A point has been reached where, in the opinion of the City Council upon the advice of its legal counsel, and based upon existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant possibility of initiation of litigation against the City under Govt. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) based upon the Granite Construction Company claim arising from the La Brucherie project.
Motion unanimously carried.
Closed Session concluded at 12:45 p.m.
City Council recessed to 6:00 p.m.
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OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in an all virtual joint regular session on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
PRESENT: Council: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin City Clerk Wyles, City Manager Piedra, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: None
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Pro-Tem Cardenas-Singh, and Invocation was given by Council Member Viegas-Walker.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Martyn stated that there was no reportable action coming out of closed session.
SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation – National FFA Week, February 19-26, 2022, received by Daniela Bastidas of Southwest High School.
2. National Engineers Week – February 20-26, 2022. Certificate was received by Abraham Campos, Director of Public Works/City Engineer.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comment was received by Pete Rodriguez.
CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, approving consent agenda items #3 – #6.
3. Approval of Warrant Registers for the Month of January 2022.
4. Approval of Payroll Registers for the Month of January 2022.
5. Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the Month of January 2022.
6. Approval of City Council minutes of January 18, 2022 and February 1, 2022.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding Conditional Use Permit No. 21-06 for Telecommunications Tower at 486 S.
Dogwood Avenue. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Interim Community Development Director.
Mayor Oliva declared the public hearing opened and asked if anyone wish to speak in favor or opposition to come forward. Seeing no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Council Member Viegas-Walker, Council Member Marroquin and Mayor Pro-Tem Cardenas-Singh had several questions regarding the project. Council Member Viegas Walker asked to report back on a future Council meeting as to what that internal process is going to look like. Garry Ferrara, representing Vertical Bridge, spoke regarding the tower.
Moved by Oliva, second by Garcia, adoption of Resolution No. 22-09, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 21-06 FOR AN 85-FOOT TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER AT 3486 S.
DOGWOOD AVENUE.
AYES: Garcia, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh
NOES: Viegas- Walker, Marroquin
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
8. This was the date and time set for a public hearing for the purpose discussion and necessary action regarding the Zoning Variance 21-02 for Telecommunications Tower at 3486 S. Dogwood Avenue.
Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Interim Community Development Director. Mayor Oliva declared the public hearing opened and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or opposition to come forward. Seeing no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Garcia, adoption of Resolution No. 22-10, RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING ZONING VARIANCE 21-02 ALLOWING AN INCREASE TO THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT LIMIT FOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER AT 3486 S. DOGWOOD AVENUE
AYES: Garcia, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh
NOES: Viegas-Walker, Marroquin
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS
9. Presentation by Elizabeth Martyn, City Attorney, DACA waiver agreement approval.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Garcia, adoption of Resolution No. 22-11, RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THE WAIVER GRANTED BY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER
AND THE TRUSTEE WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN BOND COVENANTS
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
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10. Presentation by Adriana Nava, Community Services Director, adoption of First Responders Park Honor Wall Guidelines.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 22-12, RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ADOPTING FIRST RESPONDERS
PARK HONOR WALL GUIDELINES
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. Presentation by Marcela Piedra, City Manager, discussion and any necessary action regarding approval of COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Policy. Kristi Messik spoke regarding the vaccine mandate.
Moved by Marroquin, second by Viegas-Walker, adoption of Resolution No. 22-13, RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AND ADOPTING A COVID-19 VACCINATION OR TESTING POLICY FOR CURRENT AND
FUTURE CITY EMPLOYEES
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
12. Presentation by Richard Romero, Director of Finance, Mid-Year Budget Presentation FY 2022.
For discussion only.
13. Presentation by Richard Romero, Director of Finance, approval of Transfer, Surrender and Cancellation Agreement – Successor Agency 2011 A & B Increment Bonds.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 22-14, RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE TRANSFER, SURRENDER AND CANCELLATION AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY 2011A AND 2011B TAX
ALLOCATION BONDS
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
14. Presentation by Abraham Campos, PE, Public Works Director/City Engineer, discussion and any necessary action regarding the approval of Mandatory Recycling Ordinance. City Council had a few questions and concerns regarding how this mandatory recycling ordinance was going to be handled with the various businesses and restaurants and what can the City do to support such efforts.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Garcia, approval of Ordinance No. 22-01, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO REPEALING AND READOPTING CITY CODE CHAPTER 12
IN ITS ENTIRETY TO PROVIDE FOR MANDATORY RECYCLING AND ORGANIC WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION, waive reading and approve as first reading and authorize City Clerk to place on the next agenda for reading and adoption.
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AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
15. Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 22-15, RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING A CONSULTANT AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH COMSITE PACIFIC, INC. DBA
PEGASUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING GROUP FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATING TO THE CITY OF EL CENTRO POLICE STATION PROJECT. Mel Samples thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to serve the City of El Centro.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
16. Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Cardenas-Singh, adoption of Resolution No. 22-16,
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AWARDING THE BID
AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT RAW WATER ELECTRICAL PANEL REPLACEMENT PROJECT.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
17. Presentation by Abraham Campos, PE – Public Works Director/City Engineer, presentation regarding under billed water consumption affecting roughly three percent of water customers in El Centro.
Council Member Marroquin recommended that a letter be sent to residents to contact the City regarding their water bills and establish a payment plan. For direction only.
18. Presentation by Abraham Campos, PE – Public Works Director/City Engineer, presentation regarding unauthorized sewer connections to City sewer infrastructure. Recommendation by City Council is to extend financing to five (5) years for sewer connections. For direction only.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
None
DEPARTMENT REPORT
19. Special event report presented by Adriana Nava, Director of Community Services. Ms. Nava gave an update for Council to let them know how the events are being planned. She also talked about the events that are coming up in March and in April. Council Member Viegas-Walker asked for a revised personnel cost report from Ms. Nava.
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City Council recessed and convened as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency at 8:30 p.m.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PRESENT: Agency Members: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin Secretary Wyles, Executive Officer Manager Piedra, Agency Counsel Martyn Evans
20. Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, Adoption of Resolution No. SA 22-02,
RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE TRANSFER, SURRENDER AND CANCELLATION AGREEMENT WITH U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY 2011A AND 2011B TAX ALLOCATION BONDS
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency adjourned at 8:32 p.m. and reconvened as City Council.
City Council recessed and convened as the Financing Authority at 8:35 p.m.
FINANCING AUTHORITY
PRESENT: Council: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin Secretary Wyles, Executive Director Piedra, Attorney Martyn Evans
FINANCING AUTHORITY - CONSENT AGENDA
1. Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, approval of the Financing Authority Minutes of May 18, 2021.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
FINANCING AUTHORITY - NEW BUSINESS
2. Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. FA 22-01, RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY EL CENTRO FINANCING AUTHORITY APPROVING THE
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THE WAIVER GRANTED BY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER AND
THE TRUSTEES WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN BOND COVENANTS
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Finance Authority adjourned at 8:35 p.m. and reconvened as City Council.
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TASK FORCE AND MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTS
Mayor and Council Members reported on their activities since last City Council meeting and upcoming events. Task Force and Mayor Report from Mayor Oliva is attached and is an addition of the minutes.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager reported on activities since last City Council meeting and upcoming events.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before City Council, Mayor Oliva adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. __________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Tomas Oliva, Mayor
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MEMORANDUM TO THE CITY OF EL CENTRO
To: City Clerk
From: Tomás Oliva, Mayor
Date: 02/15/2022
RE: Council Member Report for February 15, 2022
COMMUNITY MEETINGS:
COEC Parks & Recreation:
Meeting w/ Joey Imperial and Adriana Nava via Zoom (Oliva): At the request of Joey Imperial, Staff and myself met to clarify a misunderstanding on the process by which the city allocates fields to different leagues and organizations.
Media Interviews:
KYMA and Univision (Oliva): New media outlets reached out to discuss and ask my opinion on the update to the mask mandates related to COVID-19.
Imperial Regional Detention Facility:
Meet and Greet w/ New Warden (Oliva & Cardenas-Singh): The Imperial Regional Detention Facility reached out to introduce us to the new Warden of the Immigrant Detention Facility. He is from Texas and is excited to be part of the Valley. The Warden offered to give Council Members a Tour of the facility, should there be interest.
__________________________________________________________________ STANDING COMMITTEES:
ECRMC Board of Trustee:
Board of Trustee Board Meeting (Oliva & Marroquin): An Emergency meeting was called for February 10th to discuss the receipt of a letter addressed to ECRMC and requested a vote of no confidence against the CEO of the hospital. Details were discussed in Closed Session. __________________________________________________________________ AD-HOC, COMMITTEES & TASK FORCES:
COVID-19 Pandemic Response & Economic Recovery Task Force:
Meeting On XX/XX/XX (Oliva): Chief Ceseña presented to Members an update on Covid Case Rates, Recovery rates, and made projects for the weeks to come based on previous years data. Staff also gives an overview on COEC Employee status and City rules/procedures. __________________________________________________________________ CERTIFICATES/PROCLAMATIONS:
Proclamation to Central Baptist Church – El Centro (Oliva & Marroquin): On the Council meeting on February 1, 2022, we virtually presented a Proclamation to the Central Baptist Church in celebrating their 70th Anniversary. On February 12, 2022 – Oliva & Marroquin were present in person to present the Proclamation to the Pastor at the Church’s Anniversary Celebration. __________________________________________________________________