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 AND
THE REDEVOLPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF WESTMORLAND
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- Present 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.
- Stella Mata- City Resident, informed city council on the upcoming Christmas Event December 19th requesting more city representatives to show up and participate in the event. Also asking to have a toy drive box to be posted at the city hall and for a flyer to be posted on the community sites. Ms. Fischer stated she’ll help by making the flyer for the event.
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:
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Mr. Cruz reported to council that he had city staff write a letter to the City of Brawley council in request of their fire truck to be donated to the City of Westmorland.
Police Department – Mr. Mara stated he didn’t have anything to report but that he and the chief Cruz had pictures taken in front of the future safety building.
City Manager- Provided a written report to the council.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas reported to council the trees are to be planted this coming Thursday and Friday, as well there was vandalism at the new bathroom reporting there was major damage. Ending his report with there was new tagging throughout Westmorland on commercial properties and there were two break-ins at the Conex at the wastewater plant.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2025
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2025, and Warrant List. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Gutierrez, (2) Beltran, Mendez, Cruz, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Regular Business:
1. Discussion & Action: Adopt Resolution RDA 25-01 Approving the Recognized obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”) 26-27 A and B of the Successor Agency to the Westmorland Redevelopment Agency for the Period of July 2026 through June 2027- Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to Approve the adoption of Resolution RDA 25-01. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Gutierrez, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
2. Discussion & Action: Approval of Resolution 2025-21 Accepting Equipment Donations from CalFire- Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief
Motion to Approve the adoption of Resolution 2025-21. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, Cruz, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
3. Discussion & Action: Adopt a City Council Meeting 2026 Calendar and City 2026 Holiday and Event Calendar - Christine Pisch, City Clerk
Motion to Approve the adoption of Resolution 2025-21. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, Cruz, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
4. Discussion & Action: Authorize city staff to purchase and install holiday decorations on city streets in an amount not to exceed $3,000. – Laura Fischer, Manager Motion to Approve the to purchase and install holiday decorations not to exceed $3,000. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
5. Discussion & Action: Authorize submittal of an RFP for architectural design services for submittal of an RFP for architectural design - Laura Fischer, Manager Motion to Approve the submittal of an RFP for architectural design submittal of an RFP for architectural design. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Cruz, (2) Beltran, Mendez, Gutierrez, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
6. Discussion & Information: Authorize the purchase of materials to repair the Senior Center in an amount not to exceed $17,500- Laura Fischer, Manager
Motion to Approve the purchase of materials to repair the Senior Center not to exceed $17,500. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Mendez, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, Cruz, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
7. Discussion & Action: Approval of Renewal of Contract with Manager- Laura Fischer, Manager. REQUESTED TO TABLE BY COUNCIL.
Closed Session: Council did not have any to reportable action after 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 7:06 pm. No reportable action from Closed Session. Adjourned with a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting December 19, 2025.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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