Book 37
REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023, 11:30 A.M.
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 11:33 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, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia City Clerk Wyles, Interim City Manager Ceseña, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: Council: Oliva (arrived at 11:42 a.m.)
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Marroquin, second by Carter, to adjourn into closed session for:
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).
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 against LAFCO and Jurg Heuberger Govt Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
Motion carried.
Closed Session concluded at 1:45 p.m.
City Council recessed to 6:00 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 6:03 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 Police Chief Robert Sawyer, and Invocation was given by Council Member Carter.
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CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
During closed session the Council discussed a variety of matters. One of the matters discussed was weather or not City should initiate litigation against LAFCO as a result of their moving forward with a negative declaration at the LAFCO meeting on May 25th. The instruction provided by the Council was us to move forward with that, which we will be doing. Before that occurs, we will try to work our differences with LAFCO and others who may be involved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS
1. Teacher, Counselor and Administrator of the Year –Received by El Centro Elementary School District - Annabelle Alvarez – Counselor of the Year, Sunflower & Martin Luther King Elementary Schools. - Lillian Vera- Counselor for Wilson Jr. High School
- Rene Valenzuela – Teacher of the Year - Harding Elementary School - Dennis Borland – Teacher of the Year - Wilson Jr. High School - Jason Sanchez – Teacher - Kennedy Middle School
- Christina Gomez – Teacher - Imperial Valley Home School Academy - Sylvia Baltazar – Special Education Teacher Sunflower Elementary, ICOE - David Rodriguez – Teacher of the Year – B.T. Washington Elementary School
2. Center for Social Justice – Juneteenth Presentation by Marlene Thomas & Adrianne Lawson.
3. Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center – Presentation by Rosa Diaz.
CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Garcia, second by Oliva, approving consent items #4 - 7.
4. Approval of Contract Change Order #3 – Dogwood Road Improvements at Wake Avenue & Danenberg Rd.
5. Approval of Transportation Development Act Program – Claims
6. Adoption of Resolution No. 23-57, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE DONATION OF KEYBOARDS AND MICE TO
THE EL CENTRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
7. Adoption of Resolution No. 23-58, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO DECLARING CONTINUING WATER SHORTAGE AND MOVING FROM STAGE 2 TO STAGE 1 OF THE CITY’S WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
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CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. This was the date and time set for a continued public hearing for the purpose of approving the Engineer’s Report regarding Legacy Ranch Landscaping and Lighting District and authorizing the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing in fiscal year 2023/2024. Presentation by Karla Chaparro, Director of Finance. Mayor Cardenas-Singh 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. Council Member Oliva asked if the increase can be a gradual increase of 35% one year and 35% the next year. Council Member Garcia made the motion to go with 35% the first year and 35% the next year.
Motion by Garcia, second by Oliva, adoption of Resolution No. 23-59, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT
REGARDING LEGACY RANCH LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT AND
AUTHORIZING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO COMMENCING IN FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to consider the approval of a rate increase for the collection, transportation, recycling, processing and disposal of solid waste. Presentation by Abraham Campos, PE, Public Works Director/City Engineer.
Mayor Cardenas-Singh 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.
Council member Oliva had a few questions regarding smaller containers but was told by Mr. Campos that that program is not offered here in Imperial Valley, but senior citizens can receive a 10% discount.
Motion by Carter, second by Cardenas-Singh, Adoption of Resolution No. 23-60, RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ESTABLISHING RATES FOR THE
INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION, RECYCLING, PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS
10. Presentation by Karla Chaparro, Budget Workshop Fiscal Year 2024 – General Fund.
For discussion only. Council members had questions about how priorities are chosen for funding.
Mayor Pro-Tem Marroquin asked how it was determined which Fire department request would be recommended and Ms. Chaparro explained that she and the City Manager discuss the requests and they determined which item/items will be recommended for approval. Mayor Cardenas-Singh recommended that the final budgets for the department go back to the department heads so they can review what was approved. Council Member Garcia asked about the position for the civilian supervisor for the Police department and wanted to know what are the benefits of having that position Book 37
as opposed to having a sworn officer. Ms. Chaparro explained that Chief Sawyer preferred the civilian supervisor position be a priority. Chief Sawyer explained why he needs that position to be filled.
Council Member Oliva asked about the General Fund being on salaries and asked Ms. Chaparro what was her industry normal. Ms. Chaparro explained that it has always been in the 70’s and it in a good acceptable range. Council Member Carter asked regarding the re-classifications and asked if they are always approved. Ms. Chaparro explained that most of the reclassifications have been requested on prior budgets.
11. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Director of Community Development, approval of Code Enforcement Office Safety Policy.
Motion by Garcia, second by Oliva, adoption of Resolution No. 23-61, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING A CONSULTING AGREEMENT WITH KTUA FOR THE IMPERIAL AVENUE COMPLETE STREETS PLAN.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
12. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Director of Community Development, approval of Code Enforcement Officer Safety Policy
Motion by Carter, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 23-62, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ADOPTING A SAFETY STANDARDS POLICY FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ASTAINED: None
13. Award of Construction Management Services for the Police Station Project – City Council continued this item to the next City Council meeting of June 20, 2023.
14. Moved by Carter, second by Marroquin, appointments of Sedalia Sanders and Michael Minnix to the Personnel Appeals Board to fill two scheduled vacancies with terms ending April 15, 2027.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
15. Moved by Garcia, second by Marroquin, cancellation of the City Council regular meeting of July 4, 2023.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
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LEGISLATIVE ACTION
16. Moved by Garcia, second by Oliva, for the formation of Legislative Matters Standing Committee Chairperson: Edgard Garcia Co-Chairperson: Tomás Oliva
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
17. Moved by Garcia, second by Oliva, to send letter of support to Imperial Irrigation District and Coachella Valley Association of Governments Grant Application.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
18. Moved by Carter, second by Marroquin, to send a letter of support for AB 1657 – The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2024.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
19. Update on Imperial Avenue at Adams Avenue Local Emergency Proclamation.
20. Received and referred to Community Development Department/Planning Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License regarding the following: Karisma Resorts Imperial Valley LP, Home2 Suites, 3105 S. Dogwood Rd., El Centro, California
TASK FORCE AND MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTS
Mayor and Council Members reported on their activities since last City Council meeting and upcoming events.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Reported on activities.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. __________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Martha Cardenas-Singh, Mayor