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, JANUARY 7, 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 Cruz Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Cruz.
Roll Call:
Council Present Staff Present
Justina Cruz, Mayor- Present Laura Bryant, Manager- Present Ray Gutierrez, Mayor Pro-Tem- Present Ramiro Barajas, PW director - Present Judith Rivera, Member - Present Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief - Present Xavier Mendez, Member- Absent Anthony Lyn Mara, Police Chief- Present Anna Beltran, Member – Present at 6:05 PM 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 announced that the fire engine, which was down for approximately three weeks, has been repaired and is currently in use at the fire department.
Brown Act AB 361:
Location: Westmorland City Hall Council Chambers 355 S Center Street Justina Cruz - Mayor
Ray Gutierrez- Mayor Pro- Tem
Ana Beltran- Council Member
Xavier Mendez - Council Member
Judith Rivera - Council Member
Police Department – Mr. Mara reported that there were five officers on duty on New Year's Eve, and approximately three arrests were made that night.
City Manager- Ms. Bryant, provided a written report and spoke briefly to the council about the topics mentioned in her report.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas reported to the council that the GIS software will begin entering all data into the system. The GIS will be funded from the water grant they have received.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2025
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2025, and Warrant List. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
Regular Business:
1. Discussion Action to authorize The Holt Group to Provide Professional Land Surveyor Services to Prepare City of Westmorland Official Boundary Map and Legal Description for an amount not to exceed $10,000 from account # 110-19-6212 Contract Services. Laura Bryant, Manager
Motion to Approve the Holt Group to Provide Professional Land Surveyor Services to Prepare City of Westmorland Official Boundary Map and Legal Description. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
2. Discussion Action to authorize improvements to city property located at 198 E. 3rd Street for relocation of fire personnel in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00 from account # 110-19-6215 Building Maintenance Services. Laura Bryant, Manager Motion to Approve the improvements to city property located at 198 E. 3rd Street.
With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
3. Information Only: REAP Grant update. Laura Bryant, Manager
4. Discussion and Action to Direct Staff to Administer the Proposition 218 Process for Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments and Set a Public Hearing Date for April 1, 2026.
Laura Bryant, Manager
Motion to Approve the Proposition 218 Process for Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments and to set the Public hearing for April 1, 2026. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez , Rivera, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
5. Discussion and Action to increase Battalion Chief stipend from $250.00 to $450.00.
Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief
Motion to Approve increase Battalion Chief stipend from $250.00 to $450.00. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Gutierrez, Beltran, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
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 7:22 pm. No reportable action from Closed Session. Adjourned with a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absent.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting January 21, 2026.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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