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, February 19, 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 led by Mayor Rivera
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.
Imperial Valley Housing Authority Representative- Housing Authority Rep came notifying city council and residents that their short one member for the Westmorland board that if they are interested in the member seat or if they know a local resident who is interested in participating on the member board.
Meeting every 2nd Thursday of the month of July is their Black out month with no meeting.
Roll Call:
Present at the Council Meeting:
Mayor, Judith Rivera
Mayor Pro-Tem, Justina Cruz
Member, Ray Gutierrez
Member, Ana Beltran
Absent:
Member, Xavier Mendez
Staff Present:
City Clerk, Christine Pisch
PW Director, Ramiro Barajas
Police Chief, Lyn Mara
Manager, Laura Fischer
Absent:
Fire Chief, Sergio Cruz
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
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Chief Sergio Cruz ABSENT.
Police Department – Chief Lynn Mara, reporting in receiving the COPS grant early this week, for roughly $80,000 as well he had applied for a DUI rant roughly $300,000 will keep council updated.
City Manager- Laura Fischer, provided a written report to the council, SCAG meeting March 4th as well HCD meeting earlier that day. USADA Grant is still in process, Reporting the ICTC meeting was the first time held in the City of Westmorland earlier this week.
Public Works Director - Ramiro Barajas, reported the filter project is moving forward he’s meeting with BJ Engineering in plans for the Storm Drain Project.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of February 5, 2024
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
Regular Business: 6:10pm
1. Discussion/Action to conduct the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-01 to Adopt the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments and Adopt Via Resolution 2025-06. Laura Fischer, Manager AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
2. Discussion/Action to authorize submission of Reimbursement Request to State Water Board for Drought Funding Grant. Laura Fischer, Manager
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
3. Authorize the repairs and/or replacement of a valve at the south effluent pond at the Water Treatment Plant in an amount not to exceed $26,000. Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director, Mr. Barajas stated it will be paid through the Capital Improvement Fund.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
4. Authorize the repairs and improvements to screens in the raw water ponds as needed for new filter in an amount not to exceed $15,000. Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director, City Council approved for both ponds to be fixed in the grand total of $30,000.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
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)) After reconvening the open session Mayor Rivera stated that nothing was to be reported.
Adjournment: 6:28pm
Next regular scheduled meeting February 19, 2024.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, Cruz, Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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