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REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, 3:30 P.M.
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 3:32 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, Marroquin City Clerk Wyles, Acting City Manager Sawyer, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Ellett, second by Camarena, to adjourn into closed session for:
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54957:
Public Employee Appointment – City Manager
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54957.6:
City Representative: City Council
Negotiating with: City Manager Candidate
Regarding salary and terms
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54957.6:
City representatives: Patrick Clark, Consultant, Andy Heath, Interim Finance Director, Dulce Bedolla, Human Resource Director
Negotiating withal bargaining units except the Police Officer Associations and Water and Wastewater regarding salaries and fringe benefits.
Motion unanimously carried.
Closed Session concluded at 5:50 p.m.
City Council recessed to 6:00 p.m.
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OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:02 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 Mayor Pro-Tem Ellett.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action.
ADDED ITEM TO CONSENT AGENDA
City Council approval to add item 16a – Approval of a resolution amending El Centro Police Officers Association Resolution No. 25-49, to agenda.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comment was received from Peter Martinez, Mary Helen McCombs, Mitch Barber and Sky Ainsworth.
PRESENTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MAYOR
1. Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 2025.
2. Proclamation for National Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, 2025.
3. Presentation by Kurt Leptick and Chuck Fisher, regarding a Flag Project by the Kiwanis Club.
4. Presentation by Reps 4 Vets, by Brendon Brown.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 5-16A)
Moved by Ellett, second by Camarena, approving consent items # 5-16A.
5. Approval of Warrant Registers for the month of August 2025.
6. Approval of Payroll Registers for the month of August 2025.
7. Approval of Treasurer’s Report for the month of August 2025.
8. Approval of the minutes of the City Council meetings held on August 28, 2025 and September 2, 2025.
9. Approval of the Valley Center Point Plaza Demolition Project Plans and Specifications.
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10. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-56, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE
PUBLIC WORKS STREET MAINTENANCE DIVISION
11. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-57, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL FOR THE FY 2025 ALCOHOL POLICING PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
12. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-58, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FO THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR
IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE XIII B OF THE CONSITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
13. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-59, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A SERVICE TRUCK FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE DIVISION BASED UPON INFORMAL BIDS.
14. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-60, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO ADOPTING A REVISED TRAVEL EXPENSE AND REIMBURSEMENT POLICY FOR ELECTED OFFICIAL.
15. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-61, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ADOPTING A REVISED CAL-CARD POLICY.
16. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-62, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FORKLIFT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS WATER TREATMENT PLANT.
16A. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-63, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 25-49, MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING DATED JULY 1, 2025 – JUNE 30, 2027 EL CENTRO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
PUBLIC HEARING
17. This was the scheduled date and time for a public hearing to consider approval from the Planning Commission on amending the Mobile Vending Regulations. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Carter opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Carter closed the public hearing and returned the item to the City Council for comments.
Council Member Crankshaw inquired whether the city had any opposition to the amendment; staff confirmed there was none.
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Council member Camarena asked what is the cost of the twelve-month permit and Mr. Hernandez answered that the cost was not included because it is still being changed. Council Camarena asked regarding street fairs and also regarding the two-hour parking limit in downtown area. Council member Camarena asked if the Mobile vehicles are parked in a two-hour area, do they have to move their vehicles every two hours. Mr. Hernandez stated that they would have to move the vehicle.
Council Member Crankshaw asked for an example of a sidewalk vendor. Mr. Hernandez explained that it would include individuals with a truck or trailer who set up a station to sell their products. Council Member Crankshaw also inquired about how the program would be regulated. Mr. Hernandez responded that the permit process would help regulate the program by allowing the city to track the number of registered vendors.
Mayor Carter had a concern regarding the set-up time for mobile vendors and asked if the guidelines for the program can be modified and Mr. Hernandez stated that it can be modified.
Council member Camarena asked if our ordinance was friendly as other cities. She also asked about the location of Adams Avenue, between 4th and Imperial, will the ordinance say that vending is prohibited in this area and is it for every vendor or for sidewalk vendors. Mr. Hernandez explained that this ordinance for vendors that are on the street or set up a stand on the sidewalk. None private property vendors are included on this ordinance.
Moved by Marroquin, second by Camarena, approval of Ordinance No. 25-05, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO REPEALING CHAPTER 11, ARTICLE V; AMENDING CHAPTER 16, ARTICLE VIII; AND AMENDING CHAPTER 29 OF THE EL CENTRO CITY CODE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS ON MOBILE VENDING, waive reading and approve as a 1st reading and authorize the City Clerk to place on the next agenda for second reading and adoption.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
18. This was the scheduled date and time for a public hearing to consider the recommendation from the Planning Commission regarding Negative Declaration 22-04 for the Vasquez Apartment Project at 1274 Pico Avenue. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Carter opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Carter closed the public hearing and returned the item to the City Council for comments.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ellett expressed concerns regarding parking availability. In response, Mr. Hernandez stated that the project will include 108 parking spaces designated for residents.
Council Member Crankshaw inquired about the location of the retention basins and expressed approval that they will be situated at the rear of the property. He also asked whether rezoning occurs frequently. Mr. Hernandez responded that the city typically receives up to two rezoning requests per year and noted that the process is generally lengthy.
Council Member Marroquin asked how the conditions have improved since the last time that this project was presented to Council. For example, if there was a fire, how are people able to get out in case this happens. Mr. Hernandez explained that they will be secondary entrance the location.
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Council Member Marroquin expressed concern regarding the location of Pico and Imperial Avenue, she is worried it will cause a traffic congestion. Mr. Hernandez explained that a traffic analysis has been conducted for the location and there were no impacts.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ellett inquired about the rental rates for the proposed units. It was clarified that the rent will be set at market value.
Council Member Camarena asked whether the proposed senior housing units would consist of onebedroom or two-bedroom apartments. The applicant confirmed that the senior apartments will be twobedroom units.
Moved by Ellett, second by Camarena, approval of Resolution No. 25-64, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO ADOPTING NEGATIVE DCLARATION 22-04 (SCH# 2023-060637) FOR CHANGE OF ZONE 22-05, AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 22- 05, A PROPOSED ZONE CHANGE FROM R1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO R3 (MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL), AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE ZONING MAP, LOCATED AT 1274 WEST PICO AVENUE, FURTHER IDENTIFIED BY APN 044-261-010.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
19. This was the scheduled date and time for a public hearing to consider the recommendation from the Planning Commission regarding General Plan Amendment 22-05 for the Vasquez Apartment Project at 1274 Pico Avenue. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Carter opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Carter closed the public hearing and returned the item to the City Council for comments.
Moved by Crankshaw, second by Carter, adoption of Resolution No. 25-65, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELCENTRO APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 22-05 CHANGING THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FROM LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL TO HIGHMEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL FOR PROPERTY WITH APN 044-161-010AND LOCATED AT 1274
WEST PICO AVENUE, AND DECLARING SAME TO BE FIRST GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
20. This was the scheduled date and time for a public hearing to consider the recommendation from the Planning Commission regarding Change of Zone 22-05 for the Vasquez Apartment Project at 1274 Pico Avenue. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director. Mayor Carter opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Carter closed the public hearing and returned the item to the City Council for comments.
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Moved by Crankshaw, second by Camarena, adoption of Ordinance No. 25-06, ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO PERTAINING TO CHANGE OF ZONE 22-05, waive reading and approve as a 1st reading and authorize the City Clerk to place on the next agenda for second reading and adoption.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS
21. Motion by Marroquin, second by Crankshaw, approval of community sponsorship request from MANA de Imperial Valley in the amount of $500.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Ellett
22. Moved by Crankshaw, second by Carter, adopting Resolution No. 25-66, RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AWARDING THE BID AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR THE FRAZIER FIELD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
23. Moved by Ellett, second by Marroquin, authorization of budget as requested and authorize Change Order No. 2 to Pacific Hydrotech Corporation.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
24. Motion by Marroquin, second by Carter, cancelling the October 7, 2025, City Council meeting.
AYES: Crankshaw, Camarena, Carter, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
None
TASK FORCE AND MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTS
Council Members provided updates on their activities since the last City Council meeting and shared information on upcoming events.
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CITY MANAGER REPORT
Reported on recent activities.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:53 pm. __________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Sonia Carter, Mayor