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REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023 11:30 A.M.
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11:35 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 City Clerk Wyles, City Manager Ceseña, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: Council: Garcia
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Marroquin, second by Oliva, 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 pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) or that the City will initiate litigation pursuant to Govt.
Code Section 54956.9(d)(4).
LABOR NEGOTIATIONS
The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 for the following purposes of considering employee compensation in the form of fringe benefits, or, as applicable, other related matters within the scope of representation to consider compensation for the librarian, police commanders and finance manager. Any compensation increases will be presented for a vote in open session.
REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION:
The City Council will recess to closed session pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54956.8 to give instructions to the City's negotiator, Cedric Cesena, City Manager, regarding negotiations with the Imperial County Office of Education, which instructions concern price, terms of payment or both, including use restrictions, development obligations and other monetary consideration, concerning the purchase, sale, exchange and/or lease o that portion of the property known as the former City library location on Parcel 2 of Valley Center Plaza.
EXISTING LITIGATION
The City Council will recess to closed session to consider existing matters in the Maruti v. City of El Centro, ECU0016 eminent domain case.
ADDED ITEMS TO CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Oliva, second by Carter to add one item to closed session:
EXISTING LITIGATION:
Seaman vs. City of El Centro
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Motion unanimously carried. (Council Member Garcia absent) Closed Session concluded at 1:00 p.m.
City Council recessed to 6:00 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a joint regular session on Tuesday, August, 2023 at 6:01 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 Mrs. Oliva and Invocation was given by Council Member Carter.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
During closed session the City Council discussed compensation for variety of positions within the City, including one on the agenda tonight, for the library director. We discussed lawsuit settlement and the name of the case is Maruti (eminent domain case) v. City of El Centro.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments were made by Tony Ramos and Marci Morales.
PRESENTATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MAYOR:
1. Senior Appreciation Day – August 21, 2023 – Presented by Adriana Nava, Director of Community Services and Leah Arellano, Adult Coordinator.
2. Recognition of City of El Centro Board Members for Library & Community Services Board, Friends of El Centro Community Services Foundation and Planning Commission.
3. Certificate of Appreciation presented to Anne Irigoyen, past president of IV Chamber of Commerce.
4. Certificate of Recognition to Valley All Stars Basketball Team, received by Coach Michael Estrada.
5. Certificate of Recognition to El Centro Dance Groups, We Don’t Play and Pink Spice, received by Brianna Estrada and Melissa Leon, dance instructors.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS
6. Introduction of New IV Regional Chamber of Commerce President – Sherry Cowie
CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Garcia, second by Marroquin, approving consent items #7 – 12.
7. Approved Warrant Registers for the Month of July 2023.
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8. Approval of Payroll Registers for the Month of July 2023.
9. Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the Month of July 2023.
10. 2nd Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 23-04, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING CHAPTER 22.1 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO REGARDING TEMPORARY NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNAGE, MURAL, AND DISPLAY WINDOW SIGNS, waive reading and adopt by title only.
11. Adoption of Resolution No. 23-78, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO APPROVING A CONSULTING AGREEMENT WITH DYNAMIC CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. FOR JACARANDA OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
12. Adoption of Resolution No. 23-79, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN IMPERIAL COUNTY CHILDREN AND
FAMILIES FIRST COMMISSION FOR WATER SAFETY AND PEDIATRIC FIRST AID FOR STEPPING STONES PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
PUBLIC HEARING
13. This was the date and time set for a public hearing for discussion and related action regarding naming of Dog Park, to be located at 670 Park Avenue to “Heald Family’s El Centro Dog Park”. Presentation by Adriana Nava, Community Services Director. Mayor Cardenas-Singh opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished speak on this item. Mr. Heald spoke regarding his contribution for the park and how El Centro and dog lovers will enjoy using the park. The mayor closed the hearing and brought it back to Council. Council Member Oliva commented that he was against naming the dog park after Phil & Elise Heald just because they donated money to build the park.
Moved by Garcia, no second was received, motion failed.
Our City Attorney, Ms. Martyn, suggested to bring this item back in December, once the park is completed. Ms. Nava will bring the item back to Council once she receives recommendations from the Library and Community Services board.
Comments were received by Ms. Adriana Garcia-Ruiz. She commented that Mr. & Mrs. Heald have donated money to Heber for various activities. She wanted to make a statement that their contributions are recognized and they donate throughout the valley.
NEW BUSINESS
14. Moved by Garcia, second by Carter, approved community sponsorship from El Centro Police Explorer Program Post 1908 in the amount of $1,908.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
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15. Moved by Cardenas-Singh, second by Marroquin, approved community sponsorship for Proyecto Heber in the amount of $500.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
16. Moved by Garcia, second by Oliva, approved community sponsorship for the Imperial 9/11 Stair Climb Committee in the amount of $911.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
17. Moved by Marroquin, second by Garcia, adoption of Resolution No. 23-80, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ESTABLISHING THE COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYMENT TERMS FOR THE POSITION OF LIBRARY DIRECTOR.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
18. Motion by Marroquin, second by Oliva, adopting Resolution No. 23-81, RESOLUTION OF
INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION, CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED:None
19. Moved by Carter, second by Oliva, adopting Resolution No. 23-82, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY AND COMITE CIVICO FOR FOUR ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS ATT HE EL CENTRO LIBRARY.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
20. Moved by Marroquin, second by Cardenas-Singh, adopting Resolution No. 23-83, RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. 00000A200 TO THE ADMINISTERING AGENCY-STATE AGREEMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
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21. Moved by Cardenas-Singh, second by Marroquin, adopted Resolution No. 23-84, RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ORDERING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF PUBLIC UTILITYEASEMENT PARTIALLY LOCATED ON PARCEL 3 OF PARCEL MAP NO. 54-050-025, ADJACENT TO THE ABANDONED JACKSON COURT IN THE CITY OF EL CENTRO.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
22. Presentation by Council Member Edgard Garcia, approve a yearly commitment of Measure P funding in the amount of $45,000 for youth sports programs.
Moved by Garcia, second by Oliva, approval of a yearly commitment of Measure P funding commitment request for youth sports programs. Mayor Cardenas-Singh asked that 1) a criteria be developed for next year so other non-profits to be able to apply and 2) that we have a process of the accountability of the funds and where they went as far as reporting back to City Council. Council Member Oliva and Mayor Pro-Tem Marroquin made comments on these items. Mayor CardenasSingh also suggested that a committee be formed for selection of future recipients of this funding.
Comments were received by Rosendo Garcia and El Centro Police Chief Sawyer.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
23. Moved by Marroquin, and second by Garcia, appointment of voting delegate, Council Member Tomás Oliva and alternate, Council Member Sonia Carter, for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo to be held September 20-22, 2023 in Sacramento, CA.
AYES: Carter, Oliva, Cardenas-Singh, Marroquin, Garcia
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION
None
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
24. Imperial and Villa local emergency update.
25. Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License – AXIS-MSO LLC Jackson 6844, 760 Imperial Hwy, El Centro, CA 92243-1736.
26. Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License – ECE Entertainment, LLC Chuck E. Cheese’s, 803 Danenberg Dr., El Centro, CA 92243- 5806.
27. Received and filed notification of Southern California Gas Company notification of Request of Compensation through the Gas Cost Incentive Mechanism.
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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.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Reported on activities.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. __________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Martha Cardenas-Singh, Mayor