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SPECIAL MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026, 8:00 A.M.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a special meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 8:35 a.m. in Conference Room A, El Centro City Hall, 1275 W. Main Street, El Centro, California for the purpose of closed session.
PRESENT: Council: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin Deputy Abbott, City Manager Sawyer, City Attorney Hoff
ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Carter, second by Camarena, to adjourn into closed session for:
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Patrick Clark
Employee Organization: Firefighters Association, General Employees Unit and Supervisor, Professional, and Technical Employees Unit
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: Robert Sawyer
Unrepresented Employees:
Human Resource Staff Assistant
Management Assistant
Human Resources Analyst (2)
City Clerk Staff Assistant
Staff Assistant
Human Resource Analyst II
Public Information Officer
Multimedia Content Creator
Battalion Chief (3)
Police Lieutenant (3)
Police Commander I
Economic Development Manager
Project Manager Civil
Principal Engineer
Information Technology Administrator
City Clerk
Chief of Fire
Director of Public Works
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Assistant Director of Community Development
Director of Finance
Director of Human Resource
Director of Community Services
Director of Community Development
Chief of Police
Director of Library
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL:
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Attorney
Motion carried unanimously.
Closed Session concluded at 11:58 p.m. (All present)
City Council recessed to 12:00 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a special meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 12:11 p.m. in Council Chambers, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
PRESENT: Council: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin Deputy Abbott, City Manager Sawyer, City Attorney Hoff
ABSENT: None
Invocation was given by Council Member Ellett and Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member Marroquin.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
No comments were received.
PRESENTATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MAYOR:
1. Proclamation – Month of the Military Child, April 2026 by Cassandra Gregory.
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CONSENT AGENDA:
2. Approval of the Warrants Registers for the month of March 2026.
3. Approval of the Payroll Registers for the month of March 2026.
4. Approval of the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2026.
5. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-25, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR
THE EL CENTRO BUENA VISTA LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER’S REPORT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
6. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-26, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS
RELATED TO THE EL CENTRO BUENA VISTA LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
7. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-27, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT REGARDING THE EL CENTRO BUENA VISTA LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT; FOR
THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
8. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-28, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF EL CENTRO FOR PRELIMIANARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT REGARDING THE EL CENTRO LEGACY RANCH LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT; AND THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENT RELATED THERETO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026- 2027.
9. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-29, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR
THE EL CENTRO LEGACY RANCH LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT, FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027; AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER’S REPORT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
10. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-30, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCILOF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL
ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO THE EL CENTRO LEGACY RANCH LANDSCAPING AND LIGHNTING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
11. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-31, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR
THE EL CENTRO TOWN CENTER LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER’S REPORT IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
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12. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-32, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT REGARDING THE EL CENTRO TOWN CENTER LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT; AND
THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
13. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-33, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS
RELATED TO THE EL CENTRO TOWN CENTER LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
14. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-34, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR LOTUS RANCH LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 AND ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER’S REPORT IN CONECTION THEREWITH.
15. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-35, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, FOR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF HE ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT REGARDING LOTUS RANCH LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT; AND THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
16. Adoption of Resolution No. 26-36, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS
RELATED TO LOTUS RANCH LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
17. Awarding the Task Order #1 to Nicklaus Engineering, Inc. for Construction Management Services related to the Valley Center Point Plaza Demolition Project.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
18. This was the scheduled date and time for a public hearing regarding an ordinance to extend the moratorium on tobacco retail shops. Presentation by Andrea Montano, Associate Planner.
Mayor Crankshaw opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Seeing no one come forward to make a comment, the public hearing was closed.
Motion by Ellett, second by Camarena, approval of Ordinance No. 26-01, AN URGENCY ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING AN INTERIM
MEASURE IMPOSING A CITYWIDE MORATORIUM ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW AND
RELOCATION OR PHYSICAL EXPANSION OF EXISTING TOBACCO RETAIL SHOPS, AND
RENEWAL OR ISSUANCE OF NEW BUSINESS LICENSCE FOR TOBACCO RETAIL SHOPS WITHING THE CITY, waived reading and adopted by title only.
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AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
19. This was the scheduled date and time for a public hearing to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding the update the multi-family residential zone permitted uses. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director.
Mayor Crankshaw opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Seeing no one come forward to make a comment, the public hearing was closed.
Council members had a few questions regarding the update to the multi-family residential zones permitted uses.
Motion by Camarena, second by Ellett, approval of Ordinance No. 26-02, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO AMENDING CHAPTER 29 OF THE EL CENTRO MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING RESIDENTIAL ZONES USE REGULATIONS, waive reading and authorize City Clerk to place on the next agenda for second reading and adoption.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
20. This was the scheduled date and time for a public hearing to consider the approval of the Draft 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan. Presentation by Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director.
Mayor Crankshaw opened the public hearing and invited anyone wishing to speak to come forward. Peter Rodriguez provided comment. Seeing no one else come forward to make a comment, the public hearing was closed.
Motion by Marroquin, second by Carter, adoption of Resolution No. 26-37, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN FOR THE 2026-2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS:
21. Motion by Marroquin, second by Camarena, adoption of Resolution No. 26-38, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO APPROVING A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH ROSENBAUER
SOUTH DAKOTA, LLC FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE ENGINE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT.
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Public comment was received by Peter Rodriguez.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
22. Presentation and discussion regarding residential uses in the Downtown Commercial (CD) Zone.
Item was discussion only.
Various Council Members had comments and suggestions regarding residential uses in the downtown area.
They asked if it was possible to build apartment buildings in the downtown area and make it affordable housing. Mr. Hernandez stated that apartments can be build on commercial buildings, similar to the City of Imperial.
Mr. Hernandez asked Council members how they felt about transitional housing in the downtown area. Mayor Pro-Tem Camarena stated that we already have transitional housing on State Street and it is important to develop the area so people can live in the areas. The city needs to address the downtown area problems and grow like other cities have.
Mayor Crankshaw and Council member Ellett feel the same way as other Council member and ask that we be pro-active about the downtown area.
23. Presentation by Abraham Campos, Public Works Director/City Engineer, award of bid for Jacaranda Gardens AHSC Grant Bike Lane and Street Improvements.
Mayor Pro-Tem Camarena suggested more landscape and definitely more trees need to be added to the location. Mayor Crankshaw made several suggestions for the landscape and material that will be used on the location.
Moved by Ellett, second by Carter, adoption of Resolution No. 26-39, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, AWARDING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A
CONTRACT FOR THE JACARANDA GARDENS PROJECT AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (AHSC) GRANT.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
24. Presentation by Abraham Campos, Public Works Director/City Engineer, discussion and any necessary action regarding the award of TAG Alleyway Paving Project.
Motion by Carter, Second by Camarena, adoption of Resolution No. 26-40, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, AWARDING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR THE TAG ALLEYWAY PAVING PROJECT.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
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25. Motion by Marroquin, second by Ellett, adoption of Resolution No. 26-41, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, AWARDING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR THE 2026 STREETS OVERLAY PROJECT.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
26. Motion by Marroquin, second by Camarena, adoption of Resolution No. 26-42, RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 26- 021 INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR PROPOSED WATER AND WASTEWATER RATE ADJUSTMENTS AND POSTPONING THE PROPOSITION 218 PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: Carter, Camarena, Crankshaw, Ellett, Marroquin
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: None
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
None
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
27. Update Emergency Declaration – WWTP Bar Screen Failure
28. Application of Pacific Gas and Electric Company to recover in customer services rates the costs to support extended Operation of Diablo Canyon Power Plant from January 1 through December 31, 2027, and for approval of Planned Expenditures of 2027 Volumetric.
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.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Reported on recent activities.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before City Council, the special meeting adjourned at 2:36 p.m. ____________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
_________________________
Michael Crankshaw, Mayor