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, NOVEMBER 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 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- Present Laura Fischer, Manager- Present Justina Cruz, Mayor Pro-Tem- Absent Ramiro Barajas, PW director - Present Ray Gutierrez, Member - Present Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief - Present 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.
- Jorge Valenzuela, Car Club Representative- Mr. Valenzuela requested permission from the council to host a car show on May 3, 2026. He informed the council that his organization is a nonprofit, and all donations will be given to a local organization or a family, whichever is decided. The council granted permission for the car show event, instructing Mr. Valenzuela to contact City Hall to reserve the date on the calendar.
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
Reports from Council Members Non-Action Items:
• Ana Beltran, Council Member- Informed the council about the upcoming Canned Food Drive hosted by J & J Tire Company on November 23, 2025, and the soon-to-be Grand Opening of Mallory's Restaurant and Bar. • Christine Pisch, City Clerk- Informed the council about the donated painting from a local family, depicting the City Hall from 1963.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Absent.
Police Department – Nothing to report.
City Manager- Provided a written report to the council.
Public Works Director – Nothing to report.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2025
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2025, and Warrant List.
AYES: (1) Gutierrez, (2) Mendez, Beltran, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Cruz
Regular Business:
1. Discussion & Information: First Draft of the Water and Sewer Rate Study – Laura Fischer, Manager & Alison Lechowicz Principal, LT Municipal Consultants. Ms.
Fischer requested to move an item to the last position on the agenda, and the council approved this request. She informed the council that Ms. Lechowicz would be presenting via Zoom.
Ms. Lechowicz provided the council with a brief and informative presentation regarding the process of the potential water and sewer rate increase.
2. Discussion & Action: approval of Resolution 2025-19 Declaring Vehicles surplus and authorizing sale - Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2025-19 Declaring Vehicles Surplus and Authorizing Sale was approved 4/0 with 1 absent.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Mendez, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Cruz
3. Discussion & Action: to Adopt Resolution 2025-20 Authorizing the Application and Adopting the PLHA Plan for the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program.
Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2025-20 Authorizing the Application and Adopting the PLHA Plan for the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program was approved 4/0 with 1 absent.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Mendez, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Cruz
4. Discussion & Action: To Modify the EDWG Project Construction Management Services Agreement with The Holt Group to include Design Engineering Services During Construction and Increase the Previously Approved Not to Exceed Amount by $180,000. - Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to Approve the modification of the EDWG Project Construction Management Services Agreement with The Holt Group. Motion passed 4/0 with 1 absent AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Cruz
5. Discussion & Action: Authorize Payment of the 5% Retention in the Amount of $93,272.76 to Cora Construction. – Laura Fischer, Manager Motion to Approve Payment of the 5% Retention to Cora Construction was approved with a vote of 4/0 with 1 absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Cruz
Closed Session: Council did not convene into Closed Session. o Public Service Employees Job descriptions and salary scales, as well as Appointment, Employment, or evaluation (Gov’t. Code §54957(b)(1).) Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to § 54956.9(b): (1 case)
The council adjourned at 7:34 pm. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absent.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Mendez, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: Cruz
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting December 3, 2025.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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