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REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025, 4:00 P.M.
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 4:05 p.m. in Conference Room A, El Centro City Hall, 1275 W. Main Street, El Centro, California for the purpose of closed session.
PRESENT: Council: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena City Clerk Wyles, Interim City Manager Paramo, City Attorney Martyn Evans
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Carter, second by Marroquin, to adjourn into closed session for:
REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Closed Session Pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54956.8 – Closed Session with Negotiator Regarding Real Property Transactions.
Property Address: 1415 Ross Avenue and related properties Negotiating with: IVHD and UCSD representatives
Under Negotiation: Terms & Conditions
POSSIBLE LITIGATION AGAINST THE CITY
Closed Session Pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54956.9 (b)(2) – potential litigation against the City – 2 items CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54957
Closed Session pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54957 – Public Employee Appointment – City Manager Recruitment
Motion unanimously carried.
Closed Session concluded at 5.55 p.m. with all members present.
City Council Reconvened at 6:00 p.m. for Open Session.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 6:02 p.m. in Council Chambers, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
PRESENT: Council: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena City Clerk Wyles, Interim City Manager Paramo, City Attorney Martyn Evans
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Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Oliva and Invocation was given by Mayor Pro-Tem Carter.
CITY ATTORNEY REORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PRESENTATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MAYOR
1. Certificate of Recognition – El Centro Little League District 22 – Section 7 Champs, received by Mr. Ivan Murillo, Robert Cruz, Guadalupe Valenzuela and Julian Jimenez.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 2-3)
Moved by Marroquin, second by Camarena, approving consent items (# 2-3).
2. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-06, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH AVIAT U.S., INC. AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE STATION PROJECT.
3. Approval of City Council meeting minutes of January 21, 2025.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
4. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding the approving an Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Willow Bend Tentative Subdivision Map. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director.
Mayor Oliva declared the public hearings opened and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor or opposition to come forward. Mr. Marty Coyne, applicant and owner of the property, presented the item to Council and asked if there were any questions. Seeing no other speakers, Mayor Oliva closed the public hearing and brought it back to Council. Council Member Ellett and other council members raised various questions about the project, which were addressed by Mr. Hernandez and Mr. Campos, the Public Works Director/City Engineer. A key concern was the inability to make a left turn onto Highway 86Mr.
Campos explained that traffic studies are currently being conducted to ensure that traffic will not be a problem in the future. A partnership between the City and the developer will be formed to ensure that traffic is properly dispersed and does not become an issue. It was discussed that the property for the planned subdivision is in the process of being annexed into El Centro. Mayor Oliva inquired whether the city would adopt a lighting and landscaping district to cover the installation of future traffic lights.
Mr. Campos clarified that while a lighting and landscaping district is proposed for the development, it will not cover the cost of installing traffic lights. Currently, the traffic study indicates that a four-way stop will be implemented.
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Moved by Ellett, second by Marroquin, adoption of Resolution No. 25-07, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ADOPTING AN ADDENDUM TO EIR.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
5. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission Amending Resolution07-17 revising and updating conditions for the Willow Bend Subdivision. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Oliva opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to address this item, seeing no one come forward the public hearing was closed and brought back to City Council for a motion.
Moved by Ellett, second by Carter, adoption of Resolution No. 25-08, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING RESOLUTION 07-17 AND UPDATING CONDITIONS FOR THE WILLOW BEND SUBDIVISION.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
6. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to consider amending the Zoning Map of the City of El Centro pertaining to Annexation EC 1-24 (Willow Bend Subdivision Annexation). Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Oliva opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to address this item, seeing no one come forward the public hearing was closed and brought back to City Council for a motion.
Moved by Marroquin, second by Camarena, introduction of Ordinance No. 25-01, ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO PERTAINING TO EC 1-24 (WILLOW BEND SUBDIVISION ANNEXATION), waive reading and approve as first reading and authorize City Clerk to place on the next agenda for second reading and adoption.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
7. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to consider a resolution approving Annexation EC 1- 24 (Willow Bend Subdivision Annexation). Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Oliva opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to address this item, seeing no one come forward the public hearing was closed and brought back to City Council for a motion.
Moved by Marroquin, second by Carter, adoption of Resolution No. 25-09, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING ANNEXATION EC 1-24 (WILLOW BEND SUBDIVISION ANNEXATION).
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AYES: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS
8. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director, discussion and any necessary action regarding the Imperial Avenue Complete Streets Plan. Presented by Jacob Leon from KTUA Group.
Motion by Marroquin, second by Carter, adoption of the Imperial Avenue Complete Streets Plan.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
9. Moved by Marroquin, Second by Carter, adoption of Resolution No. 25-10, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A WORK TRUCK FOR PARKS DIVISION BASED UPON INFORMAL BIDS.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Oliva, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
LEGISLATIVE
None
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 8:41 p.m. __________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Tomás Oliva, Mayor
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2024-280)
Item: 9.
Meeting: 2/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: Community Services
Category: Action Item
Prepared by: Clara Obeso, Comm.
Services Speciliast
Department Head: Adriana Nava
DOC ID: 2024-280
Discussion Regarding 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Proposals Received
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
Discussion and necessary action related to proposals received for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2025-2026
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City's estimated allocation for the Community Development Block Grant Program Program Year 2025/26 is $526,655. The City also anticipates receiving approximately $25,000 in Program Income funds generated by previous state-awarded grants.
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
Recreation & Lifelong Learning
City Beautification, Engagement & Civic Pride
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The CDBG Citizen Participation Plan requires staff to prepare and publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) wherein the community and City departments are invited to submit projects and programs for funding consideration. Staff conducted the RFP process from December 9, 2024, through January 7, 2025, in order to prepare the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. Two publicly noticed meetings were conducted; one at the El Centro Adult Center on November 25, 2024, with no residents in attendance, and a second meeting at the El Centro Council Chambers on December 16, 2024, with no residents in attendance.
Additionally, the Request for Proposal packet was mailed to an established list of non-profit organizations located in El Centro and the information was posted on the City's website.
DISCUSSION:
As previously mentioned, organizations were invited to submit proposals that could potentially be funded through the CDBG program. A total of eleven (11) proposals were received as follows:
• Six (6) for Public Services (including Fair Housing); • Three (3) for Housing Activities
• One (1) for Program Administration; and
• One (1) for Code Enforcement
Included with this agenda item is a summary of all proposals received.
Any proposal being considered for funding must meet one of the three National Objectives set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as follows:
1. Benefit at least 51% of low and moderate-income persons
2. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slum or blight
3. Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency As part of this agenda presentation, staff will be asking the Council to determine which projects and/or programs are to be funded and for how much. Staff will be providing information on the eligible proposals, proposal-funding requests, past performance of the applicant, and staff evaluation of the proposal and applicant. As the council considers how to allocate funding, two (2) CDBG program limitations need to be considered. The first is a 20% cap on funding for Program Administration and the second is a 15% cap on funding for public services. These are both federally mandated funding caps. The amounts allocated toward these activities will be based on an estimate of annual funding to be received for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. If the amount received is less than the projected funding, allocations for Public Services and Program Administration will be reduced to ensure compliance with the respective funding caps for these activities.
Staff recommends the approval of activities and funding levels as shown in the attached summary. As it relates to one of the activities, “Public Facilities/Infrastructure,” Council has three (3) options from which to select one (1) option and the amount available for this activity is $277,576 . Below are are the options:
- Improvements to Frazier Field
- Purchase of bus shelters
-Improvements at McGee Park/Community Center
The draft Annual Action Plan will be brought back to City Council for final approval on April 15, 2025. The public comment period for the Annual Action Plan will be from April 15, 2025, to May 15, 2025. After the 30-day comment period ends, City staff will submit the Final Annual Action Plan to HUD by no later than May 16, 2025.
CONCLUSION:
Provide direction to Staff regarding Community Development Block Grant activities for Program Year 25/26.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Public Service Accomplishments
2. 2025-26 Summary of Proposals and Recommendations