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, APRIL16, 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 led 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 – Present at 6:11pm Xavier Mendez, Member Anthony Lyn Mara, Police Chief
Anna Beltran, Member- Present at 6:01pm Christine Pisch- City Clerk Mitchel Driskill- City Attorney
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.
1. Alex Cardenas and Gena Docksider, IID Director Division 1- IID Open House Youth Hall April 24, 2025. Mr. Cardenas and Mrs. Docksider came to the council making them aware of the upcoming Open House at the Youth Hall. As well proud to mention that they are amending the 1.2 million grant to loop the city in on a second feed to prevent long power outages in the future. As mentioned, to be participating in the upcoming Cinco de Mayo event with the dunking booth and other fun festivities to come.
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
• Nothing to report, Present at 6:11pm
Police Department – Chief Lynn Mara
• He introduced to the city council the new officer hired, Officer Rodriguez City Manager- Laura Fischer
• A written report was presented.
Public Works Director - Ramiro Barajas
Nothing to report.
• City Clerk, Christine Pisch
Ms. Pisch reported the number of complaints from local resident on S Center Street about the number of chickens, as well mentioning that she will be making a sit down with Mr. Barajas about the issue.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2025
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 & 2.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, Mendez, Cruz and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT:
Regular Business:
1) Discussion and Action to Adopt Resolution 2025-08 to award the construction contract for the Pipeline Replacement Project on 7th Street. – Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 & 2.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Mendez, Gutierrez, Beltran and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT:0
2) Discussion and Action to award the construction management contract for the EDWG Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project for TTHM compliance to The Holt Group in the amount of $701,920. Ramiro Barajas, Public works Director Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 & 2.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Beltran Gutierrez, Mendez, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT:0
3) Discussion and Action to award the project engineering services in an amount not to exceed $216,000 to Psomas for the EDWG Water Treatment Plant Improvement Project for TTHM compliance. Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 & 2.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, Mendez and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT:0
4) Discussion/Action to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support for the Salton Sea Green Empowerment Zone. Laura Fischer, Manager Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items 1 & 2.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, Mendez and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT:0
Closed Session: 6:19 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.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, Cruz, Mendez and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT:0
No Reportable Action was Taken by Council in Closed Session The council Adjourned at 6:49pm.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting April 16, 2025.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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