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REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023, 11:30 A.M.
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11:32 a.m. in Conference Room “A”, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California for the purpose of closed session.
PRESENT: Council: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia City Clerk Wyles, Interim City Manager Ceseña, City Attorney Martyn Evans
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Oliva, second by Cardenas-Singh, to adjourn into closed session for:
ADDED CLOSED SESSION ITEM
Motion to add closed session Hospital Trade Secrets was moved by Oliva, second by Marroquin:
ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
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) - 1 case
POSSIBLE LITIGATION
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 that the City will initiate litigation under Govt Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
HOSPITAL TRADE SECRETS
Pursuant to Govt. Code 37606.1(b), the City Council will conduct a closed session for the purposes only of discussion and deliberation on reports involving hospital trade secrets as defined in Civil Code Section 3426.1(d) which, if prematurely disclosed, would create the probability of depriving the hospital of a substantial economic benefit. There will be discussion of three (3) items: hospital service, hospital programs and hospital facilities.
Discussion of:
Number of Items: Estimated Date of Public Disclosure:
__1__ hospital service February or March 2023
__1__ program Same
__1__ facilities Same
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Motion unanimously carried.
Closed Session concluded at 1:30 p.m.
City Council recessed to 6:00 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
PRESENT: Council: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia City Clerk Wyles, City Manager Ceseña, City Attorney Martyn Evans Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member Garcia, and Invocation was given by Council Member Carter.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
The City Council had a relatively brief closed session starting at 11:30 a.m. today and there is no reportable action at this time for that closed session.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments were received.
SCHEDULED PRESENTATION
1. Presentation by Esperanza Colio, Calexico City Manager, Declaration of State of Emergency – Asylum Seekers.
2. Introduction of New Community Relations Unit Officer Carlos Bernal by Chief Sawyer.
CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Oliva, second by Marroquin, approving consent items #3 to #6.
3. Approval of Warrant Registers for the Month of January 2023.
4. Approval Payroll Registers for the Month of January 2023.
5. Approval Treasurer’s Report for the Month of January 2023.
6. Adoption of Resolution No. 23-09, 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 FEBRUARY 16, 2023 THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2023.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. Presentation by Adriana Nava, Community Services Director, discussion and necessary action related to proposals received for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2023-2024.
Mayor Pro-Tem Marroquin asked if the funding that has not been spent, include the funds for the street to work program. Ms. Nava confirmed that it does not include the street to work program funding.
Council member Carter asked if Ms. Nava had communicated with Catholic Charities and Ms. Nava said they had communicated with them. Vino Pajanor, CEO, Catholic Charities, spoke regarding the Homeless Day Center and what has been done and how the money has been spent at the Homeless Day Center. He said the CDBG funds that they have received will be spent before June 30, 2023 deadline.
Grand opening of the Homeless Day Center will be in mid-April. Mayor Cardenas-Singh asked for clarification, that the services have commenced and are already being provided to individuals seeking the services. Mr. Pajanor commented that the services start on February 15, 2023. Council members congratulated Mr. Pajanor and commented how much is the Homeless Day Care Center in needed in Imperial Valley. Council Member Garcia suggested a third option for how the CDBG funding will be disbursed. Council Member Oliva commented that it be best to leave the allocation for Senior Nutrition to stay the same. Council Member Oliva asked for clarification on how the $12,000 for the Homeless Day Care Center was going to be used. Mr. Pajanor explained that the monies would be spent for staffing, supplies and miscellaneous expenses. Council Member Oliva asked council Member Garcia is he would entertain giving the Homeless Day Center $6,000 to be spent on utilities and the other $6,000 to be allocated to the Senior Nutrition Program.
Moved by Garcia, second by Oliva, approval of discussed funding for the CDBG Program year 2023- 2024.
Fair Housing - $47,250
Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition $18,000
Catholic Charities Homeless Day Center $ 6,000
Sure Helpline Center $ 5,344
El Centro PAL (PNB) $10,000
Total: $86,594
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
NEW BUSINESS
8. Presentation by Adriana Nava, Community Service Director, discussion and any necessary action regarding the award of bid and authorizing the execution of a contract for the Debbie Pittman Field Lighting Project. Council Member Garcia asked what can be seen coming down the road in terms of lighting requirements that we will need to upgrade for other parks and fields. Ms. Nava explained that we do have a couple of light fixtures that we have not been funded, including Frazier and Stark Field.
Swarthout Field is in the process of completion. Debbie Pittman and Gomez are being funded through a grant. Lighting is also being done in Buena Vista and funded through a grant. Some lighting projects are pending. Council Member Garcia asked if Council can take a closed look at Frazier Field, considering that it is the home of the Little League and it is a very high traffic field. It handles a variety of kids ages using the field. Council Member Oliva shared the same sentiment as Mr. Garcia and asked if the lighting has not been updated because of joint ownership with the school district. Ms. Nava Book 37
explained that is not the reason and that Frazier Park has new sidewalks and a new snack bar. Frazier Parks is an area of concern because the lights are very old and need to be upgraded. Mayor CardenasSingh suggested that this concern can be brought up with the El Centro Elementary School District.
Moved by Marroquin, second by Garcia, adoption of Resolution No. 23-10, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AWARDING THE BID AND AUTHORIZING
THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR THE DEBBIE PITTMAN FIELD LIGHTING PROJECT.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
9. Presentation by Adriana Nava, Community Service Director, approval of agreement with Securitas for Security Services at various City facilities. Council member Garcia asked Chief Sawyer what he believes what needs would be for an armed guard at Bucklin Park. Chief Sawyer said the need for the armed guard stems from the calls for service need at Bucklin Park. The incidents of violence are much higher at this park than any other park. Having a presence at these parks would decrease the calls for service for the police assistance. Council member Garcia asked what the differences were with and armed or unarmed guard. Chief Sawyer explained that armed guards have the ability to protect their own life and intervene in certain circumstances. Council member Oliva asked if the transit center would have an armed or unarmed guard and Ms. Nava confirmed it would be an unarmed guard. Activities have improved in the location and an armed guard is no longer necessary at this location.
Council Member Carter suggested that this item be brought back to City Council in six month and discuss the pros and the cons of how this is working out. Mayor Cardenas-Singh has received numerous phone calls from individuals who access our parks and who have children that play and coaches that use the facilities who are concerned is the restrooms. There has been some illegal activity or some drug use that may be happening in the restrooms so they feel their youth are at risk. Having a guard at these parks provides a sense of safety. Contract for these services are for one year. Mrs. Winters from Securitas for Security Services spoke about the services that will be provided and they are willing to check in with Ms. Nava on a monthly basis to see how the services are working out. Abraham Campos, Public Works Director/City Engineer spoke about the funding that the City receives from ICTC for the transfer terminal to manage and maintain our bus system since its regional service.
Moved by Carter, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 23-11, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AWARDING THE BID AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR SECURITAS SECURITY SERVICES USA, INC. FOR SECURITY SERVICES FOR CITY FACILITIES.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
10. Moved by Oliva, Second by Garcia, adoption of Resolution No. 23-12, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE
PROCLAMATION AND RATIFICATION OF A LOCAL STORM EMERGENCY IN THE CITY OF EL CENTRO.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
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Item #12 was moved up by Mayor Cardenas-Singh
12. Moved by Cardenas-Singh, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 23-14, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, TERMINATING POLICY NO. 218 SETTING A COVID-19 VACCINATION OR TESTING POLICY FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE CITY EMPLOYEES.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
11. Moved by Carter, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 23-13, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, TERMINATING POLICY NO. 218 SETTING A COVID-19 VACCINATION OR TESTING POLICY FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE CITY EMPLOYEES.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
13. Moved by Carter, second by Cardenas-Singh, adoption of Resolution No. 23-15, RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ESTABLISHING THE COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYMENT TERMS FOR THE POSITION OF DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
14. Presentation by Mayor Cardenas-Singh for Mayors appointment to the IID 2 on 2 Meeting Board.
Appointed were Mayor Martha Cardenas-Singh and Council Member Edgard Garcia.
Moved by Oliva, second by Marroquin, to approve Mayors recommendation to this board.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
City Attorney Martyn would like to discuss Zoom meeting attendance for the public versus broadcasting. Mayor Cardenas-Singh would like this item to be added to the March 7, 2023 City Council meeting.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
15. Received Imperial Avenue/Euclid Avenue sink hole emergency work update.
16. Received Imperial Avenue /Scott Avenue sink hole emergency work update.
TASK FORCE AND MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTS
Mayor and Council Members reported on their activities since last City Council meeting and upcoming events.
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CITY MANAGER REPORT
Reported on activities.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before City Council, Mayor Cardenas-Singh adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
__________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Martha Cardenas-Singh, Mayor