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 21, 2026
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- Present Anthony Lyn Mara, Police Chief- Present Anna Beltran, Member – Absent Christine Pisch- City Clerk - Present Mitchel Driskill- City Attorney - Absent
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 reported that he was notified that the city’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan expired. The city had prepared and adopted an updated and he submitted the plan with the state for approval.
Brown Act AB 361:
Location: Westmorland City Hall Council Chambers 355 S Center Street Justina Cruz - Mayor
Ray Gutiérrez- Mayor Pro- Tem
Ana Beltran- Council Member
Xavier Mendez - Council Member
Judith Rivera - Council Member
Police Department – Mr. Mara has nothing to report.
City Manager- Ms. Bryant provided a written report and updated the council about ICTC's communication, which stated that the alternate for ICTC must be a city-appointed individual.
During the last meeting, Mr. Barajas was appointed as the alternate. The city council then proceeded to appoint Ms. Rivera as the new alternate for ICTC.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas provided the council with an update on the EDWG grant, working with The Holt Group include the additional items that will be funded by the EDWG grant, such as the addition of water ponds, a generator, and meters.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of January 7, 2026
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, Mendez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Beltran
Regular Business:
Closed Session: Council did not have any items to be discussed in 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 7:11 pm. No Closed Session was held. Adjourned with a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absent.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting February 4, 2026.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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