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, DECEMBER 17, 2025
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.
Reports from Council Members Non-Action Items:
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Mr. Cruz stated he had nothing to report at the time.
Police Department – Mr. Mara stated there will be a swearing-in on Friday, December 19th,at 3:00 pm for a new reserve.
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
City Manager- Ms. Fischer, mentioned that the AB617 application has been updated and reminded the council about the City Hall Christmas Party on Thursday, December 18th, for all staff and council members.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas reported to the council that the State Board has given the water plant 60 days to address any issues they flagged during their walk-through. He also provided a brief update on the storm drain by Imperial Hay Sales and mentioned that the bathrooms are being repaired following incidents of vandalism. Additionally, he discussed the completion of the tree project, which required the removal of poles in the park to create more space for resident activities. He concluded his update by announcing the Christmas Market in the Park event, which will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a parade starting at 6:00 PM.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2025
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2025, and Warrant List. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Mendez, Gutierrez, and Rivera NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Regular Business:
1. Discussion & Action for City Council to Nominate and Elect Council member to the offices of:
i. Mayor
ii. Mayor Pro-Tem
Ms. Beltran began the nominations by nominating Mr. Gutierrez for the position of Mayor.
Mr. Gutierrez then nominated Mrs. Justina Cruz. Ms. Rivera seconded Mr. Gutierrez's nomination. The vote was called to have Justina Cruz as Mayor.
Motion to Approve the Nomination and Elect Council member to the office of Mayor, Mrs.
Cruz. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 abstention.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, Gutierrez, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
ABSTAINED: 1 Mendez
Following her appointment, Mrs. Cruz selected Mr. Gutierrez as the new Mayor Pro Tem.
2. Discussion & Action to Appoint Council Member to Serve on Various Agencies, Commissions, or Committees. - City Council
City council appointed the following to serve Various Agencies, Commissions, or Committees:
Motion to Approve the Appoint of Council Members to Serve on Various Agencies, Commissions. With a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Mendez, Beltran Gutierrez, and Cruz NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
Closed Session: Council did not have any 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 6:29 pm. No reportable action from Closed Session. Adjourned with a motion approved 5/0 with 0 absent.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting January 7, 2026.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
If you need further assistance, please email the City Clerk [email protected]
Community Commissions:
▪ ICTC- Ms. Cruz/ Alternat Mr. Barajas
▪ SCAG- Ms. Beltran
▪ IVRMA- Ms. Castro
▪ IVRCC- Ms. Cruz
▪ Cal Vans- Ms. Beltran
▪ PERMA- Ms. Cruz
▪ LAFCO- Mr. Barajas
▪ IVHA- Appointed by council, Ms. Melissa Barajas
▪ Imperial County Air Pollution- Ms. Beltran
City Council Commission
▪ Streets Commissioner- Mr. Guterrez
▪ Public Works Commissioner- Ms. Rivera
▪ Police/ Fire Department Commissioner- Mr.
Mendez
▪ Parks and Recreation Commissioner- Mrs. Beltran
▪ City Hall- Mrs. Cruz