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, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
355 South Center Street
Westmorland, CA 92281
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6 pm 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- Present Laura Fischer, Manager- Present Justina Cruz, Mayor Pro-Tem- Present Ramiro Barajas, PW Director- Present Ray Gutierrez, Member - Present Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief - Present Xavier Mendez, Member- Absent Anthony Lyn Mara, Police Chief- Present Anna Beltran, Member - Present Christine Pisch- City Clerk - Absent Mitchel Driskill- City Attorney - Present
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.
o Michelle Hollinger, Imperial Valley Regional Chambers of Commerce- Regarding the Honey Festival – Reported that this year’s festival will be held on November 15th and provided flyers to insert into utility billing. • Linsey Dale, Imperial County Registrar of Voters- Made a presentation on the Voters' Choice Act Election Model.
Reports from Council Members Non-Action Items: 6:10 pm
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 – Nothing to report
Police Department – DUI Grant Update
City Manager- Provided written report and held a discussion regarding the rate study.
Public Works Director – Provided update on water leak at Main and B Street.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2025
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of September 3rd and Warrant List.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
Regular Business:
1. Discussion/Action to hold second reading of Ordinance 2025-02 to Change Zone for APN # 035-342- 005 and # 035-342-006 from Industrial Zone to Residential Zone and Amend Official Zoning Map and adopt Ordinance via Resolution 2025-15. Laura Fischer, City Manager Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-15 to adopt Ordinance 2025-02 AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
2. Discussion/Action to authorize submittal of grant applications for paving projects to AB 617 Commission – Laura Fischer, City Manager
Motion to authorize staff to submit grant applications for AB 617 Paving Project.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
3. Discussion/Action to authorize staff to prepare and submit a request for proposals to plant trees funded by the IID Green Space Grant - Laura Fischer, City Manager Motion to authorize staff to submit proposals for planting trees funded by the Green Space Grant.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
4. Discussion/Action to authorize staff to get quotes for modifications/upgrades to the new Public Safety Building for the Police Department use. – Laura Fischer, City Manager Motion to authorize staff to receive quotes for the update of the new Public Safety Building.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
5. Discussion/Action to Approve the Measure- D 5-Year Street Plan- Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director
Motion to Approve 5-year Street Plan
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
6. Discussion/Action to Contract for Professional Services to design, bid, and perform construction management services for the CMAQ sidewalk improvement project. Laura Fischer, City Manager Motion to Approve the outsourcing contract for Professional Services for the CMAQ improvement project.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, Cruz, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
Closed Session: 7:09 pm –
o Public Service Employees Job descriptions and salary scales, as well as Appointment, Employment, or evaluation (Gov’t. Code §54957(b)(1)).
o Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to § 54956.9(b): (1 case) No reportable action taken.
The council adjourned at 7:19 pm.
Motion to adjourn September 17, 2025, Meeting.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, Cruz, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Mendez
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting October 1, 2025.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
If you need further assistance, please email the City Clerk [email protected]