MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING
COMMISSION
BOARDS OF THE CITY OF WESTMORLAND
September 6, 2023
6:00 PM
The City Council of the City of Westmorland met in City Hall Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 6:00 PM. Mayor Judith Rivera, called the meeting in order at 6:00 PM.
Audio Transcription: Judith Rivera, Mayor,
Congressional Record: Christine Pisch, City Clerk
Present at time of Roll Call, Mayor Judith Rivera, Mayor Pro-Tem Ana Beltran, Councilwoman Justina Cruz, Councilman Julian Villalon & City Attorney Mitch Driskill.
Absent: Councilman Xavier Mendez, City Treasurer Teri Nava & City Clerk Christine Pisch
Regular City Council Meeting:
Oral Communication – Public
1. Kert- Imperial County Housing Authority Representative, Kert introduced himself to city council informing them on the Housing Authority currently having local residents here in the city if the city of council has any questions, they can feel free to contact him.
2. Richard Cordaro- Westmorland Elementary School Superintendent, Mr. Cordaro wanted to report to the city council that the due to the storm that the Junor High did have water damage to most of the rooms. As well wanted to that Public Works, Police Department and Fire department. The Public Works and Fire Department for helping the with the usage of the fire hydrant and Police department once again for another school year with an officer being on campus Monday- Friday he as well stated that 20% of the community are the local students in Westmorland and appreciates all the help, they have received from the city department.
Old Business:
1. Discussion/Action: Discussion/ Review and approve CDBG hardship policy and procedures - Teri Nava City Treasurer & Judith Rivera Mayor. Mr. Driskill City Attorney requested to table till September 20th meeting. M/C 3-0.
Council, Staff & Consultants – Discussion/Action:
1. Discussion/Action: To award a contract to Rove Engineering for the Local Measure DFunded S. Center Street Paving Project – Joel Hamby Streets Director. Mr. Hamby approached council and recommended to council to consider awarding Rove Engineering in either the base amount of $169,102.00 or base plus additive amount of $246,496.00. MAna Beltran motioned to approve the award to Rove Engineering in the base plus additive amount of $246,496.00 S- Julian Villalon. M/C- 3-0.
2. Discussion/Action: In regarding Federally – funded S. Center Street Paving Project – Joel Hamby Streets Director. Mr. Hamby recommended to city council that if the $103K if Federal Funding is not approved to award the project to Aggregate Products, Inc. in the amount of $195,280.00 base bid amount which will exclude the additive $54,360.00. MAna Beltran motioned to approve the awarding of Aggregate Products, Inc., in the amount of $195,280.00, with the contingent on Caltrans approval. S- Justina Cruz. M/C- 3-0.
3. Discussion/Action: Discussion on the CR&R Trash Increase – Tami Castro City Hall Supervisor. Mrs. Castro presented to council the yearly CR&R increase. Council member Mrs. Beltran stated in question of the recent increase Mrs. Castro and Mrs. River (Mayor) both state the increase was late due to decision making was postponed. Mrs. Rivera as well mentioned we are still in consideration on looking into new trash provider that city attorney needs to revied the contact once again due to contract due in October. Both council and attorney recommended to table till September 20th.
4. Discussion/Action: Approval to continue Data Service Agreement with Imperial County – Tami Castro City Hall Supervisor. Mrs. Castro stated to council that the agreements is highly recommended due to we currently still use the system it’s a big necessity. M-Justina Cruz motioned to approve the renewal of the agreement between the county and the GIS Noble account for another 5 Years S- Julian Villalon. M/C- 3-0.
5. Discussion/Action: Approval of the Transfer of the RDA Union Bank to Mechanic Bank Brawley Location – Judith Rivera mayor. Mrs. Rivera state the previous meeting they have discussed and approved for the transfer of the RDA Union Bank to Mechanic Bank due to the complication of the wire transferring. City staff have already confirmed with the Local Brawley Mechanic Bank dose do wire transfers well keep the current signers of Herself Judith Rivera, Ana Beltran, Justina Cruz, Xavier Mendez and Teri Nava. M- Ana Beltran motioned for the RDA Union Bank to be transferred to Mechanics Bank with the current signers Judith Rivera, Ana Beltran, Justina Cruz, Xavier Mendez and Teri Nava. S- Justina Cruz. M/C – 3-0.
6. Discussion/Action: Discussion & Approval on Claim Against the City, Claim No.
CW-082023 – Judith River Mayor. Mrs. Rivera stated this item will be bright back after closed session.
7. Emergency Item – Discussion & Action: Approval of RESOLUTION NO. 23-11
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMORLAND RELATING TO SELLING OF APN 035-272-005-000 & 035-272-006-000 LOT 6 & 7 – Tami Castro City Hall Supervisor. Mrs. Casto explained to council Resolution 23-11 was an urgent item due to the county requesting the city to make said document for the selling
of lots 6 & 7 to R. Garcia Construction. City Attorney and city council recommended to table till September 20th.
Consent Agenda:
1. Approval/Action: Approval on Meeting Minutes for August 2, 2023 & City Warrants. M – Ana Beltran S- Justina Cruz M/C 3-0.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
o Police Department Perry Monita Police Chief- Chief Monita reported September 15th there will be a hiring board for the police position starting at 7:00am, there will be 5 interviewees.
o Fire Department Sergio Cruz Fire Chief – Chief Curz wanted to thank city staff for the consistent notices and updates in “Project City Clean-up”. o Public Works Ramiro Barajas- Reported the possibility of new sewer drains due to the past hurricane and severe tropical storm he’s still in the talks with Mr. Hamby o City Hall Supervisor Tami Castro-Nothing to Report.
o City Treasurer Terri Nava – Absent.
o City Clerk Christine Pisch – Absent.
Closed Session:
City Council into Close session: 6:30pm
Came back from closed session at 7:22pm
Council, Staff & Consultants – Discussion/Action: #6 Discussion/Action: Discussion & Approval on Claim Against the City, Claim No. CW-082023 – Judith River Mayor. Mrs.
Rivera reported that the claim was denied with no further information.
Adjournment:
Adjourned Meeting Motioned by Council member M- Ana Beltran S- Justina Cruz M/C 3-0 Time ending at 7:23pm.
Next Regular Meeting: October 4, 2023 at 6:00 PM.
/s/ Christine C. Pisch
Christine C. Pisch
Christine C. Pisch, City Clerk
/s/ Judith Rivera
Judith C. Rivera
Judith C. Rivera, Mayor
Submitted for Approval: September 15, 2023.