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.
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WESTMORLAND
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
355 South Center Street
Westmorland, CA 92281
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6pm by Mayor Rivera
Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:
Was lead by Mayor Rivera
Roll Call:
Present at the Council Meeting:
Mayor, Judith Rivera
Mayor Pro-Tem, Xavier Mendez
Member, Justina Cruz
Member, Ray Gutierrez
Staff Present:
City Clerk, Christine Pisch
Fire Chief, Sergio Cruz
PW Director, Ramiro Barajas
Police Chief, Lyn Mara
Manager, Laura Fischer
Treasurer, Tami Castro
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.
Ms. Stella Mata spoke to Council regarding her disappointment with the Honey Festival. The City works with the Joint Chambers, who is the organization that sponsors the event. Ms. Mata was asked to attend the next meeting of the Joint Chambers so she can make her concerns known to the organizers.
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
Ms. Stella Mata also complained about people not cleaning up after their dogs in public right of way.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Chief Sergio Cruz
Nothing to report except that one of the fire trucks is still in the shop.
Police Department – Chief Lynn Mara
Reported he will be going to Field Training Class to get certified the first week of December.
Two potential new officers are in background, and he requested that the salary schedule for the police department be reviewed and increased.
City Manager- Laura Fischer
Provided a written report, and added the news that the Housing Element has been approved by HCD.
Public Works Director - Ramiro Barajas
Discussed the funding letter for the water treatment plant improvement project. Also supported the request for increase salaries.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes from November 6, 2024
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
A motion to approve the Consent Agenda was made by Member Xavier Mendez, seconded by Member Ray Gutierrez. Motion carried with a vote of 4-0 with one Member absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Gutierrez, Rivera, Cruz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Beltran
Regular Business:
1. Discussion and action to authorize the Preparation of the NEPA and CEQA Environmental Documents necessary for the USDA Disaster Relief Grant Application to Construct a Public Safety Building and Authorize Expenditures not to Exceed $4,000 for the Project - Laura Fischer, Manager After lengthy discussion about the proposed location of the new public safety building, an informal vote of support to continue to apply for funding to construct a public safety building at the corner of 3rd and Center Street at the City’s property was requested by Mayor Rivera. Three of the four Council members present were in favor of the location with Member Xavier Mendez opposed.
A motion to authorize the preparation of NEPA and CEQA documents necessary for the project was made by Member Justina Cruz, seconded by Member Ray Gutierrez. Motion carried with a vote of 4-1 with one Member absent.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Gutierrez, Rivera
NOES: Mendez
ABSENT: Beltran
2. Discussion and action to renew current employee Health Insurance plan Blue Sheild- Laura Fischer, Manager
After discussion by Council and listening to several staff members regarding the medical insurance coverage, a motion to authorize the change of insurance to Anthem Blue Cross was made by Member Justina Cruz, seconded by Member Xavier Mendez.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Mendez, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOES: None
ABSENT: Beltran
Closed Session: 7:10 pm
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)) Claim: Rogers
After reconvening to open session Mayor Rivera reported that action was taken to approve a Wage and Salary Correction Agreement and Release of all Claims Document.
Motion carried 3-0 with two absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Cruz, Rivera
NOES: None
ABSENT: Beltran, Gutierrez
Adjournment: 7:51 pm
Next regular scheduled meeting December 4, 2024.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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