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REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 11:30 A.M.
The El Centro City Council met in an all virtual joint regular session on March 1, 2022 at 11:32 a.m. in the RDA Conference Room, 1249 Main Street, El Centro, California for the purpose of closed session.
PRESENT: Council: Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin City Clerk Wyles, City Manager Piedra, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: Garcia (Arrived at 11:50 a.m.)
Closed Session Public Comment
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Cardenas-Singh, second by Viegas-Walker, to adjourn into closed session for:
LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code 54957.6 to meet with Agency Representatives Marcela Piedra, City Manager, Dulce Bedolla, Human Resources Director and Patrick Clark, consulting negotiator, for the purpose of considering employee compensation in the form of fringe benefits, or, as applicable, other matters dealing with mandatory subjects within the scope of representation pursuant to Government Code 3504; negotiating with all bargaining units within the City.
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 two claims, both for accidents involving their vehicles and City vehicles: 1) Dana Sharpe; and 2) Courtney Kastoll.
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 facilities and services and that could affect public access to such facilities or services.
ADDED ITEM TO CLOSED SESSION:
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Cardenas-Singh, to add Claim for Damages for Alexa Juarez as Possible Litigation Against the City.
Motion unanimously carried. (Council Member Garcia arrived at 11:50 a.m.) Closed Session concluded at 1:40 p.m.
City Council recessed to 6:00 p.m.
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OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, March 1, 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 Council Member Garcia, and Council Member Viegas-Walker suggested a moment of silence for the people of the Ukraine.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Martyn stated that City Council discussed Labor Negotiations for some time in the hope of making offers to the various bargaining groups that will assist you in reaching MOU’s in the near future and also discussed claims against the City has been settled in the Information section of the agenda.
SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS
* Item moved out of order
*2. Presentation by Captain Perkins from Naval Air Facility – Moved to #1 by Mayor Oliva.
1. Retirement recognition for Luis Hernandez, Police Officer for 27 year of service.
3. Presentation by Dr. Lennor Johnson, Imperial Valley College President.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment was received by Jacob Rodriguez regarding cell tower and public safety.
CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Garcia, approving consent agenda items #4 – #5.
4. 2nd Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 22-01, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL 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 adopt by title only.
5. Adoption of Resolution No. 22-17, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO CONFIRMING THE CONTINUATION OF THE LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY AND THE STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY GOVERNOR NEWSOM ON MARCH 4, 2020 AND AUTHORIZING REMOTE TELECONFERENCE MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PERIOD MARCH 1, 2022 THROUGH APRIL 1, 2022.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
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PUBLIC HEARING
6. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to increase taxicab rates. Presentation by Richard Romero, Director of Finance. Mayor Oliva declared the public hearing opened and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or opposition to come forward. Froilan Medina came forward and commented on rising gas prices which are making hard for taxicab drivers to stay in business.
Council had several questions regarding how taxis are charging above the amount agreed to by the City.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Garcia, adoption of Resolution No. 22-18, RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO SETTING THE MAXIMUM TAXICAB RATES IN THE CITY OF EL CENTRO PURSUANT TO ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 27 OF THE EL CENTRO CITY CODE.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin
NOES: Oliva
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS
7. Presentation by Richard Romero, Director of Finance, and Ben Zing, accountant, with Moss, Levy & Hartzheim. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2021.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Oliva, to accept the independent auditor’s report (Moss, Levy & Hartzheim) for the fiscal year end June 30, 2021 financial statements for the City of El Centro (the City).
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
8. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Interim Community Development Director, discussion and any necessary action regarding the acceptance of 221 Housing Element Annual Report.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Garcia, accepting the City’s Annual Housing Element Progress Report to be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
9. Presentation by Abraham Campos, Public Works Director/City Engineer, discussion and any necessary action regarding the adoption of revised City Policy Statement 112 regarding Environmental Preferable Procurement.
Moved by Oliva, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 22-19, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO RESCINDING PRIOR RESOLUTIONS AND ADOPTING THIS RESOLUTION AMENDING POLICY NO. 112 REGARDING
ENVIRONMENTAL PREFERABLE PROCUREMENT
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, discussion and any necessary action regarding the submittal of the 2020-2021 HOME presentation Investment Partnerships Program Grant Application.
Moved by Garcia, second by Viegas-Walker, adoption of Resolution No. 22-20, A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF
AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM; IF SELECTED FOR SUCH FINDING, AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT, ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND OF ANY
RELATED DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
11. Presentation by Adriana Nava, Community Services Director, discussion and related action regarding the conversion of baseball/softball diamonds to football fields at Swarthout Park.
Moved by Viegas-Walker, second by Marroquin, for 1 football field and 1 baseball/softball field.
Motion failed.
AYES: Viegas-Walker, Marroquin
NOES: Garcia, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Mayor Oliva asked to re-ballot.
Moved by Oliva, second by Garcia, for the consideration of two baseball/softball fields at Swarthout and the use of Measure P funding for the necessary repurposing projects.
AYES: Garcia, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh,
NOES: Viegas-Walker, Marroquin
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
City Council recessed at 8:51 p.m. and reconvened at 8:56 p.m. with all Council Members present.
12. Presentation by Chief Brian Johnson, Police Department, approve sale of obsolete firearms.
Moved by Garcia, second by Marroquin, approval of Resolution No. 22-21, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 12-116 SECTION 8 AND PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF SURPLUS AND OBSOLETE FIREARMS.
AYES: Garcia, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin
NOES: Viegas-Walker
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
13. Moved by Garcia, second by Marroquin, to cancel the meeting of March 15, 2022.
AYES: Garcia, Viegas-Walker, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
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LEGISLATIVE ACTION
None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
14. Utility box art program update was given by Adriana Nava, Director of Community Services. Per Ms.
Nava the City of El Centro has 5 boxes that are completed. City is working with the Sign Factory and 1 or 2 utility boxes are being completed per week. Report only, no action taken.
15. Report by Elizabeth Martyn, City Attorney, asking for direction regarding upcoming policies and ordinances for the April 5, 2022 City Council meeting agenda.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
16. Claimed filed with the City of El Centro by Dana L. Sharpe on January 11, 2022.
17. Claim filed with the City of El Centro by Courtney R. Kastoll on January 5, 2022.
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 to 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 10:10 p.m. __________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Tomas Oliva, Mayor