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, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
City Council Chambers
355 South Center Street
Westmorland, CA 92281
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 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- Absent Ramiro Barajas, PW director - Present Judith Rivera, Member - Present Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief - Absent 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, a city resident on S Center Street, expressed her concerns about individuals using the electrical outlets by the restrooms, and she stated that marker on the concrete in that area.
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
Reports from Council Members Non-Action Items:
• Xavier Mendez, Council Member: Mr. Mendez announced the Boxing Event scheduled for February 7, 2026, at the Youth Hall Center. The public is welcome.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Absent.
Police Department – Mr. Mara reported that two officers have completed the DRE training, and they are currently waiting for two others to finish. Once the other two complete their training, they will have an additional 4 days for in-field training.
City Manager- Ms. Bryant provided a written report on projects she has been working on, including Ms. Castro's report on an update of the Public Safety building.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas submitted a written report on current projects and grants.
He mentioned that he received verbal approval to start the new filters and updated the council about a meeting with Ms. Bryant and the Holt Group regarding ongoing projects. He concluded his report by informing the council about collaborating with ICTC on various projects.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of January 21, 2026
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of January 21, 2025, and Warrant List. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Mendez, Beltran, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Gutierrez
Regular Business:
1. Discussion/Action: Regarding Small Communities Drought Assistance grant Project 4600015451 Closeout. Joel Hamby, Streets Director
Mr. Hamby was present at the meeting and provided a written and verbal update on the close out of the filter/water line replacement project. He reported that the State Water Board has accepted the closing documents and provided an excellent review of the city’s administration responses.
Motion to approve the closeout of the Small Communities Drought Project, waiving the liquidation damages provide report to contractor of continued warranty, and set a date for oneyear inspection. Motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Beltran, Mendez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Gutierrez
2. Discussion & Action to appoint Ana Beltran as the alternate to the Imperial County Transportation Commission for eligibility to serve on CalVans Board- Ana Beltran, Council Member
Motion to approve the appointment of Ms. Beltran as the alternate representative of the ICTC.
With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Mendez, Beltran, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Gutierrez
3. Discussion/Action to authorize payment to Westmorland Community Food Pantry for expenses related to city sponsored event, not to exceed the amount of $500.00. Xavier Mendez, Council Member
Motion to approve the payment of $500.00 to the Westmorland Community Food Pantry.
Motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Beltran, Mendez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Gutierrez
4. Information Only: REAP Grant Downtown Overlay – Laura Bryant, Manager
5. Information Only: Rate Study Public Notification – Laura Bryant, Manager 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 6:53 pm. No Closed Session was held. Adjourned with a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absent.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting February 18, 2026.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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