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, OCTOBER 15, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
355 South Center Street
Westmorland, CA 92281
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 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- Absent Laura Fischer, Manager- Present Justina Cruz, Mayor Pro-Tem- Present Ramiro Barajas, PW director - Present Ray Gutierrez, Member - Absent Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief - Absent Xavier Mendez, Member- Present Anthony Lyn Mara, Police Chief- Present Anna Beltran, Member - Present Christine Pisch- City Clerk - Present 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.
No public comments were presented.
Reports from Council Members Non-Action Items:
• Ana Beltran, Council Member, presented Mr. and Mrs. Graham with an appreciation plaque and a letter recognizing Mr. Graham's 12 years of service on 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
the school board and 25 years as a council member. He remains actively involved in the Westmorland community. Council Member Beltran also took a moment to thank Ms. Graham for her dedication and support in the City of Westmorland.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Absent
Police Department – Chief Mara informed council that he currently has his officers at local training for the radar equipment. He also stated that the city now has Flock cameras installed at various locations in the city.
City Manager- Provided a written report.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas updated the council on the B Street valve replacement and the Boarts Road waterline project being completed.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2. 6:21 pm Approval of Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2025
1. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of September 17th and Warrant List.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Mendez, Cruz, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
Regular Business:
1. Discussion & Action adopt Resolution 2025-17 to adopt the 2025-2026 Fiscal Reserve Policy- Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to Approve the adoption of Resolution 2025-17.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
2. Discussion & Action to award the contract to plant trees in the Westmorland City Park. Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to Approve to award the bid to Advance Services for $34,000.00.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Mendez, Beltran, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
3. Information Only: Employee medical insurance cost increase. Laura Fischer, Manager
4. Information Only: REAP Grant Downtown Overlay Outreach and Engagement Plan.
Laura Fischer, Manager
Closed Session: 6:29 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) o Discussion of litigation pursuant to § 54956.9(b): (1 case) Philadelphia Insurance
Council emerged from a closed session reporting that Mr. Barajas is permitted to hire a temporary part-time employee in the Parks Department.
The council adjourned at 7:14 pm.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Mendez, Cruz, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Gutierrez
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting November 5, 2025.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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