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, MARCH 19, 2025
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:
The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Mayor Rivera.
Roll Call:
Council Present Staff Present
Judith Rivera, Mayor Laura Fischer, Manager
Justina Cruz, Mayor Pro-Tem Ramiro Barajas, PW Director Ray Gutierrez, Member Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief
Xavier Mendez, Member Anthony Lyn Mara, Police Chief
Anna Beltran, Arrived at 6:02 City Clerk - Absent
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. Fischer, Manager for the City of Westmorland, read a letter that was submitted to the City Clerk. The letter was from Ms. Dickerson regarding her previous request to remove the old police vehicle from the from of city hall. Direction was given to the PW Director by the Mayor.
• Mr. Steven Ford addressed the Council regarding a possible nuisance abatement notice that was going to be issued to him regarding his property located at 370 East 5th Street. He asked that Council follow their Ordinance and provide him with the appropriate notices if and when a nuisance has been identified. Mayor Rivera requested that she have a meeting with him to discuss the city’s concerns about the proposed abatement.
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
• Gloria Brambilla spoke to Council regarding the Autism Awareness Month. Ms. Fischer read the proclamation and comments were presented to Council.
1. Proclamation to Declare April as Autism Awareness Month - Gloria Brambilla Reports from Council Members Non-Action Items:
• Council Member Mendez reported that he spoke with the PW Director regarding a fire hydrant that is out of service; he shared some information on how we can better serve our homeless population with the help of Catholic Charities and other resources to improve their health and provide jobs; he stated that he spoke with Chief Mara about purchasing radar guns and training officers how to use them to help slow the traffic in our city. • Mayor Rivera reported that semi trucks are still parking in the middle of main street while running into the store or restaurant for food orders.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Chief Sergio Cruz
• The repair shop is having trouble finding parts for our fire truck as it is over 15 years old. He also reported that his fire fighters were successful in the fill the boot campaign and that all funds raised goes to help children that have been burned.
Police Department – Chief Lynn Mara
• He has two candidates for police officers that should clear background soon City Manager- Laura Fischer
• A written report was presented. Additional information was given that Ms. Fischer attended a Women’s empowerment listening session with Congressman Ruiz’ office; reminded Council about the League of Cities dinner on Thursday and about the ILG training on Friday.
Public Works Director - Ramiro Barajas
Nothing to report.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of March 5, 2025
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 & 2.
Motion was made by A. Beltran and seconded by R. Gutierrez to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 & 2.
Motion carried 5-0.
Regular Business:
1. Discussion & Action to make payment request No.3 to Cora Construction in the amount of $549,745.05 and to submit Reimbursement Request - Joel Hamby
Motion to approve the request to submit payment to Cora Construction.
Motion was made by A. Beltran and seconded by X. Mendez to approve.
Motion carried 5-0.
2. Discussion / Action to authorize the submittal of a Request for Proposal for Financial Auditing Services – Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to approve the authorization to submit a RFP for Auditing Services.
Motion was made by A. Beltran and seconded by X. Mendez to approve.
Motion carried 5-0.
Additional Public Comments Were Taken:
At this time, Mr. Juventino Gonzalez came into Council chambers and the mayor asked if he had something to say to Council before the meeting is closed. He stated that he wanted to talk to Council about the conditions of the street especially on E. 5th and B Street. He wants this area to be included in the next street repair project.
Motion to Move into Closed Session was made.
Motion was made by A. Beltran and seconded by R. Gutierrez to approve.
Motion carried 5-0.
Council moved into Closed session at 6:43 pm
Closed Session: 6:43 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)) Motion to come out of Closed Session and Adjourn was made.
Motion was made by X. Mendez and seconded by R. Gutierrez Motion carried 5-0.
No Reportable Action was Taken by Council in Closed Session Council Adjourned at 7:19pm.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting April 2, 2025.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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