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, JANUARY 22, 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
Public Hearing 6:06pm:
First Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-01 to Adopt the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments. Laura Fischer, Manager.
Ms. Fischer gave a brief reading of the Ordinance 2025-01, updating the zoning ordinance to be following the HUD requirements, Ms. Rivera requested Ms. Fischer provide a summary what is being updated so they can review before the second reading approval. A written report with the information accompanied the Ordinance.
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.
Roll Call:
Present at the Council Meeting:
Mayor, Judith Rivera
Mayor Pro-Tem, Xavier Mendez
Member, Justina Cruz
Member, Ray Gutierrez (Absent)
Member, Ana Beltran
Staff Present:
City Clerk, Christine Pisch
Fire Chief, Sergio Cruz
PW Director, Ramiro Barajas
Police Chief, Lyn Mara
Manager, Laura Fischer
Brown Act AB 361:
Location: Westmorland City Hall Council Chambers 355 S Center Street Judith Rivera- Mayor
Justina Cruz - Mayor Pro- Tem
Ana Beltran- Council Member
Xavier Mendez - Council Member
Ray Gutierrez- Council Member
No Public Comment was given.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Chief Sergio Cruz had nothing to report.
Police Department – Chief Lynn Mara, reported two potential new officers are in background passed the psychic background now currently waiting on the medical.
City Manager- Laura Fischer, provided a written report and information from the Westmorland Food Bank receiving a grant from USDA and that they will be having a community committee meeting January 31st 3pm.
Public Works Director - Ramiro Barajas, reported the sink hole at the Wastewater Plant was giving one quote roughly $20,000 from Primo Construction he will be getting additional quote to provide to council.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2024
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
Regular Business: 6:10pm
1) Discussion/Action to Adopt Resolution Number 2025-03 to Adopt the County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard mitigation Plan. Laura Fischer, Manager
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
2) Successor Agent for the Redevelopment Agency. Discussion/Action to adopt the Resolution 2025-03 SA of the Successor Agency to the Westmorland Redevelopment Agency for Approval of Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule 25-26 for the Period of July 25 through June 2026. Laura Fischer, Manager AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
3) Authorize Imperial Countywide Oversite Board to approve the Westmorland ROPS 25-26 A and B for the Westmorland Successor Agency. Laura Fischer, Manager
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
4) Discussion/Action to Consider Establishing a committee to Review and Make Recommendations to Council regarding the Community Development Block Grant Loans. Laura Fischer, Manager AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
5) Discussion/Action to Approve a Modified Salary Schedule. Laura Fischer, Manager.
Item was dropped closed session reported back stating staff was giving direction to contact the payroll clerk in the pay increases.
6) Discussion and Action to Consider Adopting Guidelines for Approving Electronic Payroll Related Expenses. Laura Fischer, Manager
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
7) Discussion and Action to Authorize Staff to Include Improvements to the Drain at Martin and South 8th Street for Repair in an Amount Not to Exceed $60,000 from Measure D Funds. Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director.
Item was tabled till the first meeting on February 5th. 8) Discussion and Action to Authorize Repairs to the Gate Valve on the South Finishing Pon in an Amount not to Exceed $7,000 from Water Fund Maintenance and Repairs. Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
9) Discussion/Action to approve meter calibration at the wastewater treatment plant in an amount not to exceed $2,600. Ramiro Barajas, Publics Works Director
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
10) Information regarding EDWG water plant project- Ramiro Barajas, Publics Works Director. Mr. Barajas reported the EDWG project is coming alone.
Closed Session: 6:26pm
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)) After reconvening the open session Mayor Rivera reported that nothing was to be reported.
Adjournment: 6:52pm
Next regular scheduled meeting January 22, 2024.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
Council meetings are Open to the Public
If you need further assistance, please email the City Clerk [email protected]