Book 37
SPECIAL MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, CONFERENCE ROOM A
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025, 3:30 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a special meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 3:34 p.m. in Conference Room A, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
PRESENT: Council: Ellett, Crankshaw, Carter, Marroquin, Camarena City Clerk Wyles, Acting City Manager Sawyer, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: None
MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION:
Moved by Marroquin, second by Camarena to go into closed session at 3:34 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54956.9 (d)(2):
Potential litigation against the city – one case
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS:
Property: 1415 Ross Ave., and adjoining property
Eric Newsom and Megan Rooney
Negotiation party: IVHD
Under negotiation: Price and Terms
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before City Council, the meeting adjourned 4:00 p.m. ____________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
_________________________
Sonia Carter, Mayor
Book 37
REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025, 4:00 P.M.
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 4:00 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: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Camarena City Clerk Wyles, Acting City Manager Sawyer, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Marroquin, second by Camarena, to adjourn into closed session for:
CLOSED SESSION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL:
Closed session pursuant Govt. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) - Potential litigation against the City CLOSED SESSION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL:
Closed session pursuant to Govt. Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4) – Potential litigation by the City – 1 case Motion carried.
Closed Session concluded at 5:50 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 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
PRESENT: Council: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin City Clerk Wyles, Acting City Manager Sawyer, City Attorney Martyn Evans Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member Crankshaw and Invocation was given by Council Member Camarena.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comment was received from Fausto Gaxiola Hernandez.
Book 37
PRESENTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MAYOR
1. Certificate of Recognition – El Centro Elementary School District received by Superintendent Ruben Castro.
2. Certificate of Recognition – Frank A. Aceves, Eagle Scout.
3. Presentation by Brendon Brown, Reps. 4 Vets, regarding Suicide Awareness among Veterans.
Reschedule for another meeting.
4. Launch of the New City of El Centro Website – presentation by Mario Renteria, Public Information Officer.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 5-10)
Moved by Ellett, second by Camarena, approving consent items # 5-8, and 10.
5. Approval of Warrant Registers for the Month of May 2025.
6. Approval of Payroll Registers for the Month of May 2025.
7. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of May 2025.
8. Approval of City Council meeting minutes of May 6, 2025, May 14, 2025 and May 20, 2025.
9. * Item pulled for discussion by Council Member Camarena.
10. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-40, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO, CALIFORNIA REVISING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
*9. Motion by Marroquin, second by Camarena, adoption of Resolution No. 25-39, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING THE FORM AND SUBRECEPIENT AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDERS INDENTIFIED IN THE CITY’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN (2025-2026) FOR FUNDING FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE ENTITLEMENT GRANTEE PROGRAM.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Book 37
PUBLIC HEARING
11. This was the date and time set for a public hearing to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding a time extension of the Lotus Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Carter opened the public hearing, and asked if anyone wish to speak to please come forward. Mr. Matthew Cowie asked to speak on this item and explained that all homes being built have been purchased. Mayor Pro-Tem Ellett asked a few questions regarding the homes and the prices for these homes. Council members had a few questions regarding the extension of this subdivision and Mr. Hernandez addressed all the questions. Seeing no one else come forward, Mayor Carter closed the public hearing.
Moved by Camarena, second by Ellett, adoption of Resolution No. 25-41, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING A TWELVE-MONTH EXTENSION
OF THE LOTUS RANCH TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP FOR THE PROPERTY ENCOMPASSING 213 ACRES OF LAND GENERALLY LOCATED SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 8, EAST OF THE LOTUS CANAL, AND WEST OF LA BRUCHERIE AVENUE.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
12. 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 for FY 2025/2026.
Presentation by Abraham Campos, Public Works Director/City Engineer. Mayor Carter opened the public hearing, and asked if anyone wish to speak to please come forward. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Carter closed the public hearing. Mayor Pro-Tem had a question regarding the monthly rates, which Mr.
Campos answered.
Moved by Ellet, second by Camarena, adoption of Resolution No. 25-42, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-46 AND
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 2025-2026.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS
13. Motion by Crankshaw, second by Marroquin, approval of an Easement and Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Imperial Irrigation District and the City of El Centro. Council member Camarena had a few questions regarding the location and ownership, which Mr. Campos addressed.
Council member Crankshaw asked about the size of the easement and any future growth in the future.
Mr. Campos and staff checked the location, size and any future city growth and there are no conflicts.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
Book 37
14. Presentation by Lieutenant James Thompson, approving the proposed changed to the city ordinance regarding unlawful camping and unlawful storage will enhance the El Centro Police Department’s effectiveness in addressing these community concerns. Public comment was made by Pete Rodriguez.
Council member Camarena appreciated the statement that Lieutenant Thompson made regarding the treatment of the individuals. Council Member Crankshaw emphasized that everyone in this situation should be treated equally and with compassion. Mayor Carter noted that homelessness is a common concern she hears from residents, and it's a challenge faced by cities everywhere. Council Member Marroquin added that, according to the methadone clinic, many of the individuals loitering are not their patients. Some people, she said, choose to be homeless or loiter in front of businesses even though they have homes.
Moved by Camarena, second by Marroquin, approval of Ordinance No. 25-04, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO REVISING SECTIONS 18-149 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE THE VIOLATIONS OF THE CAMPING PROVISIONS OF THAT CODE MAY BE PROSECUTED AS MISDEMEANORS, waive reading and approve as first reading and authorize City Clerk to place on the agenda for second reading and adoption.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
15. Presentation by Mario Renteria, Public Information Officer and Sher Cowie, President from IV Regional Chamber of Commerce, discussion and approval of the transfer of the time capsule to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and direct that updated documentation be submitted to the City Clerk for historical record keeping. Council members commented on the transfer. Mr.
Abraham Campos explained which repairs will be done to the capsule before it will be situated at the Chamber of Commerce location.
Motion by Marroquin, second by Crankshaw, approved the official transfer of the 1976-time capsule to the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and directed staff to submit updated documentation to the City Clerk for historical record keeping.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
16. Motion by Marroquin, second by Ellett, cancelling the July 1, 2025, City Council meeting.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None