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 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 – 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.
No public comments received.
Reports from Council Members Non-Action Items:
• Ana Beltran, Council Member- Mrs. Beltran, informed council and staff of a possible upcoming Business Expo in May.
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
• Mayor Cruz reported a large pot hole on the corner of 1st and “C” Streets and requested that it be filled.
Staff Reports Non-Action Items:
Fire Department – Mr. Cruz had nothing to report.
Police Department – Mr. Mara had nothing to report to the council.
City Manager- Ms. Bryant, provided a written report on projects she has been working on as well as giving a brief verbal report on a few items.
• Council Members commented on the park improvement report and suggested adding a small splash pad and areas for BBQ and picnic tables. • Council Member Rivera requested that the information provided regarding nuisance abatement be placed on the next agenda for discussion and action.
Public Works Director – Mr. Barajas informed the council about several ongoing projects at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, including work on the lift station and valves. He is currently collaborating with staff on backflow reporting. Additionally, he has been attending meetings with Ms. Bryant regarding a potential USDA grant for funding a project.
Consent Agenda: Approve the Consent Agenda Items 1-2.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2026
2. Approval of City Warrant List.
Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2026, and Warrant List. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Rivera, Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
Regular Business:
1. Adopt Resolution 2026-01 Approving the Funding Agreement for Community Air Protection Incentives Program Year 8 Paving Project – 7th Street Widening with Imperial County Air Pollution Control District – Laura Bryant, Manager Motion to Adopt Resolution 2026-01 Approving the Funding Agreement for Community Air Protection Incentives Program Year 8 Paving Project – 7th Street Widening with Imperial County Air Pollution Control District. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Rivera, Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
2. Authorize The Holt Group to provide professional design, engineering, bidding and construction management services in an amount not to exceed $281,100 for the AB617 – 7th Street Widening Project – Laura Bryant, Manager
Motion to Authorize The Holt Group to provide professional design, engineering, bidding and construction management services in an amount not to exceed $281,100 for the AB617 – 7th Street Widening Project. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Rivera, (2) Beltran, Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
3. Authorize replacement of a valve at the Water Treatment Plant finishing pond in an amount not to exceed $11,000 – Ramiro Barajas, PW Director
Motion to Authorize replacement of a valve at the Water Treatment Plant finishing pond in an amount not to exceed $11,000. With a motion approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
AYES: (1) Beltran, (2) Rivera, Gutierrez, and Cruz
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 1 Mendez
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 6:31 PM, coming out of Closed Session at 6:46 PM with nothing to report. Adjourned with a motion at 6:46 PM, approved 4/0 with 1 absence.
Adjournment: Next regular scheduled meeting April 1, 2026.
Council meetings are Open to the public.
If you need further assistance, please email the City Clerk [email protected]
Approved on: ____________________________________
Motioned by: ____________________________________
City Clerk Signature: _____________________________