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, FEBURUARY 18, 2026
City Council Chambers
355 South Center Street
Westmorland, CA 92281
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 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 - Absent Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief - Present Xavier Mendez, Member- Absent 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 updated the council on the potential new fire truck. He stated that he was in contact with the Fire Chief in Brawley, their city attorney informed them that the truck must be auctioned off at the minimum of $1,000.00.
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 reported that three officers have completed the DRE training, and they will be attending the last week of training in February. Once the other two complete their training, the city will have three certified DRE officers.
City Manager- Ms. Bryant provided a written report on projects she has been working on.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas submitted a written report on current projects and grants.
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 February 4, 2026, and Warrant List. With a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absences.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Mendez, Rivera
Regular Business:
1. Discussion/Action to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support for the SB 866 CA Technology Innovation and ratepayer Protection Act as sponsored by Office of State Senator Stephen C. Padilla, 18th District- Laura Bryant, Manager Motion to Approve the authorization of the signing of the letter of support on the SB 866 Act.
With a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absences.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Mendez, Rivera
2. Discussion/Action to purchase a used vehicle 2026 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER From Imperial Valley Chevrolet GMC Not to exceed $30,000.00 from Fund 110-19-6950. – Chief Lynn Mara, Police Department
Motion to Approve the authorization to purchase the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer from Imperial Valley Chevrolet GMC. With a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absences.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Mendez, Rivera
3. Information Only: Presentation on Lithium Valley Specific Plan (LVSP)- Hector Cervantes, Calipatria Foundation.
4. Information Only: Regarding the CDBG rehab loan program. Laura Bryant, Manager
5. Information Only: Downtown Existing Conditions Analysis. Laura Bryant, Manager
6. Information Only: ICTC Analysis – Measure D Sales Tax and Bond Capacity. 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 7:01 pm. No Closed Session was held. Adjourned with a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absent.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting March 4, 2026.
Council meetings are Open to the Public
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