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, MARCH 4, 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- Absent Ray Gutierrez, Mayor Pro-Tem- Absent 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 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.
• Thomas Marquez, a resident located on E 3rd & E2nd Street, suggested to the council hiring local kids who are at home and have graduated from college. Giving an example of his two kids having degrees in IT and Analytics.
• Alma Arias, a resident located on Jauregui Street, voiced her disagreement with the rate study specifically for those who are on a fixed income. Council informed her they will be holding a meeting on April 1st regarding the Rate Study, to come to the meeting to get her concerns or questions answered.
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:
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Mr. Cruz updated the council on the upcoming training class for hazmat training. The fee is about $100.00 per person.
Police Department – Mr. Mara reported that there are now three officers that completed the DUI Training.
City Manager- Ms. Bryant was absent, but she 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 February 18, 2026
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2026, and Warrant List. With a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absences.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Cruz, and Rivera
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Mendez, Gutierrez
Regular Business:
1. Discussion/Action to authorize the purchase of a used medical truck from the City of Brawley Fire Department, not to exceed $1,000.00. - Sergio Cruz, Fire Chief Motion to Approve the purchase of a used medical truck not to exceed $1,000.00. With a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absences.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Beltran, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Mendez, Gutierrez
2. Discussion/Action: Authorize staff to pursue funding for the Public Safety Building, matching funds from IBank. – Laura Bryant, Manager
Motion to Approve to pursue funding for the Public Safety Building from IBank. With a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absences.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Rivera, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Mendez, Gutierrez
3. Discussion/Action to authorize PW Director to attend AWWA training in San Diego, April 6th -9
th, expenditure is within budget for Water Fund. - Ramiro Barajas, Public Works Director Motion to Approve authorizing the PW Director to attend AWWA training in San Diego. With a motion approved 3/0 with 2 absences.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Rivera, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 2 Mendez, Gutierrez
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)
Closed Session was called into motion at 6:22 PM, coming out of Closed Session at 6:37 PM with nothing to report. Adjourned with a motion at 6:38 PM, approved 3/0 with 2 absent.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting March 18, 2026.
Council meetings are Open to the public.
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