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MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WESTMORLAND
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024
6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
355 South Center Street
Westmorland, CA 92281
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.
Brown Act AB 361:
Location: Westmorland City Hall Council Chambers 355 S Center Street Judith Rivera- Mayor
Xavier Mendez- Mayor Pro- Tem
Ana Beltran- Council Member
Justina Cruz- Council Member
Ray Gutierrez- Council Member
Call to Order 6:01: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rivera.
Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor Rivera Roll Call: Council Members Present:
Present: Mayor Rivera, Council Members Mendez, Beltran, and Gutierrez
Absent: Council Member Cruz (excused)
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. Three (3) minute maximum time.
• Methadone Clinic- a representation from the El Centro Methadone Clinic informed council on the new upcoming Methadone Clinic Mobile unit he mentions its very similar to the Behavior Health Mobile unit that comes weekly to be more accessible to the Westmorland residents who are unable to make it to El Centro. He as well stated he will keep council updated on when they will be operating the Mobile unit on the dates they will be meeting in Westmorland.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items: 6.05pm
Fire Department – Absent
Police Department – Lynn Mara reported the two officers are currently in background, had a meeting with Mr. Mendez and the methadone clinic, FTO training in December.
City Manager- Laura Fischer, Ms. Fischer reported from her staff report provided in the backup.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas reported he’s currently looking into creating the streets and sidewalks handicap assessable ramps.
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Consent Agenda 6:11pm: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes from October 23, 2024
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda was approved 4-0 with 1 absent AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOS:
ABSENT: 1 Cruz
Regular Business: 6:20pm
1. Discussion and action to Award Construction Management Contract for the Water Filter Replacement Project to The Holt Group for an amount not to exceed $72,220.00 which will be paid through the Small Communities Drought Grant- Joel Hamby
Motion to approve the award for Construction Management was passed 4-0 with 1 absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOS: 0
ABSENT: 1 Cruz
2. Discussion/Action to designate City Manager Laura Fischer as the contact person for the SRF grant project- Joel Hamby.
Motion was made to designate Public Works Director Ramiro Barajas as the contact person for the SRF grant project. Motion passed 4-0 with 1 absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOS: 0
ABSENT: 1 Cruz
3. Discussion/Action to Adopt Resolution Number 2024-20 to establish investment accounts with Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) and authorization to close some local bank accounts. – Laura Fischer, Manager
TABLED UNTIL JANUARY
Closed Session: 6:21PM
o Public Service Employees Job descriptions and salary scales, as well as Appointment, Employment, or evaluation (Gov’t. Code §54957(b)(1).)
o Conference with legal Counsel Pending Litigation (Gov’t. Code §54956.9 (d) (1)) Council Reconvened back to Open Session. No Reportable Action.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting November 20, 2024.
ADJOURNMENT AT 6.25PM
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOS: 0
ABSENT: 1 Cruz
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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