Mayor’s Message
This is a public meeting. You may be heard on an agenda item before the Council takes action on the item upon being recognized by the mayor.
During the oral communications portion of the agenda, you may address the Council on items that do not appear on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Personal attacks on individuals, slanderous comments, or comments, which may invade an individual’s privacy, are prohibited. The mayor reserves the right to limit the speaker’s time. Individuals wishing accessibility accommodations at this meeting, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), may request such accommodations to aid hearing, visual, or mobility impairment by contacting City Hall at (760) 344-3411. Please note that 48 hours advance notice will be necessary to honor your request.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
AND CITY COUNCIL AND THE REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY OF THE CITY OF WESTMORLAND
6:00 PM WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2024
MINUTES
Call to Order – Mayor Judith Rivera
Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation
Roll Call
Regular City Council Meeting:
Oral Communication-Public Comment: Now is the time for any member of the public to speak to the Council. Please step to the podium and state your name and address for the record.
1. Presentation from Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition regarding Lithium Valley developments. – Fernanda Vega
Ms. Vega and her coworker presented information on the Imperial Valley Equity & Justice Coalition and invited the City to hear about the Lithium Valley developments.
New Business:
2. Information Only – Mid Year Budget Report – Laura Fischer, Manager The Mid-Year Budget was presented and open discussion was held regarding the mid year budget report.
3. Appoint Council Members to Serve on Commissions – Judith Rivera, Mayor The Mayor appointed Council Members to serve on commissions.
Old Business:
Brown Act AB 361:
Location: Westmorland City Hall Council Chambers 355 S Center Street Judith Rivera- Mayor - PRESENT
Xavier Mendez- Mayor Pro-Tem - PRESENT
Ana Beltran- Council Member - ABSENT
Justina Cruz- Council Member - PRESENT
Ray Gutierrez- Council Member - PRESENT
4. Discussion/Action: Authorize the increase in uniform allowance for Westmorland Police Officers from $600.00 per year to 1,000.00 per year. – Perry Monita, Chief of police
Chief Monita presented a request to increase uniform allowances for Westmorland Police Officers. Motion was made by J. Cruz and seconded by R.
Gutierrez. Motion passed with a vote of 4-0 with one absent.
Ayes: Gutierrez, Mendoza, Cruz and Rivera
Noes: None
Absent: Beltran
5. Discussion/Action: Authorize the Mayor to Execute a Deed Restriction for the State Per Capita Park Grant – Teri Nava
Teri Nava presented a report and Deed Restriction for approval to execute a deed restriction for the State Park Per Capita Park Grant. Motion was made by X. Mendez, seconded by R. Gutierrez. Motion passed with a vote of 4-0 with one absent.
Ayes: Gutierrez, Mendoza, Cruz and Rivera
Noes: None
Absent: Beltran
Consent Agenda:
Motion was made to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion was made by J. Cruz and seconded by X. Mendez. Motion was passed with a vote of 4-0 with one absent.
Ayes: Gutierrez, Mendoza, Cruz and Rivera
Noes: None
Absent: Beltran
6. Approval/Action: Approval of Special Meeting Minutes for December 21, 2023 and Regular Meeting Minutes for January 3, 2024.
7. Approve/Action: Approval of City Warrants.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
□ Fire Department - Sergio Cruz - NONE
□ Public Works Director - Ramiro Baraja
o Mr. Barajas presented two written reports for review and discussion. □ City Manager- Laura Fischer – Manager
o Ms. Fischer presented two written reports for review and discussion. □ City Hall Supervisor/City Treasurer– Tami Castro - NONE □ City Clerk – Marissa Crenshaw - ABSENT
Closed Session:
Council adjourned into Closed Session at 6:44pm.
o Public Service Employee Performance Evaluation (Gov’t. Code §54957(b)(1).) Council returned to Open Session at 7:18pm.
Mayor Rivera announced action taken at Closed Session:
Council accepted the resignation of City Clerk Marissa Crenshaw. Council provided direction to staff to increase staff hours of part-time water clerk, Christine Pisch. Council also appointed Christine Pisch to serve as the City Clerk.
Motion to accept the City Clerk resignation; to increase staff hours of part-time water clerk, and also to appoint the water clerk to assume the position of City Clerk was made by X. Mendez, seconded by R. Gutierrez. Motion passed with a vote of 4-0.
Motion to adjourn was made by X. Mendez, seconded by R. Gutierrez. Motion passed with a vote of 4-0.
Ayes: Gutierrez, Mendoza, Cruz and Rivera
Noes: None
Absent: Beltran
Motion to go back into open session was made by X. Mendez, seconded by R. Gutierrez. Motion passed with a vote of 4-0.
Ayes: Gutierrez, Mendoza, Cruz and Rivera
Noes: None
Absent: Beltran
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting January 17, 2024.
Motion to adjourn was made by X. Mendez, seconded by R. Gutierrez. Motion passed with a vote of 4-0.
Ayes: Gutierrez, Mendoza, Cruz and Rivera
Noes: None
Absent: Beltran
Minutes prepared by Laura Fischer
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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