Maribel Castro Alba

The primary discussion focused on Agenda Item No. 11 regarding the Community Center and Senior Hall Kitchen Upgrade Project No. 2025-600. Key actions recommended included awarding the bid proposal and authorizing the City Manager to sign a construction agreement with LZ Construction, Inc. for $92,800.00, as they were identified as the lowest responsible bidder. The agenda also included authorizing the City Manager to approve future change orders up to 10% of the base bid ($9,280.00) per City Ordinance No. 1218. Furthermore, bid proposals from Andrade Construction and TB High Performance were recommended for rejection due to being non-responsive. A budget amendment resolution for Fund No. 255 was proposed to secure the necessary additional funding of $11,480.00 to complete the upgrades, which were previously approved to go out to bid on November 5, 2025.

Key discussions during the meeting included board member comments on local art exhibits and coordination for a future workshop by the California Arts Council regarding grant information. Updates were provided on repairs to the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center (CD-CAC) doors and future cleaning/replacement of air conditioning units. Action items involved approving the agenda (with an addition for board member comments) and approving the minutes from the June 3, 2019 meeting. The board discussed and approved revisions to rental fees for the CD-CAC, including charging for tables/chairs and billing for damages, while suggesting exceptions for the Calexico Chamber of Commerce. The development of a formal rental policy to ensure the center prioritizes art promotion was discussed, but no formal action was taken. The status of surplus fencing from the Border Metamorphosis Project was noted. The board discussed potential future programming, including a 'Paint Night,' and the staffing model for the CD-CAC, ultimately deciding to seek grant funding from the California Arts Council for staffing. Finally, the board unanimously approved a motion to separate the Arts & Historical Board from the Library function.

This document outlines a proposal and action plan for establishing a Farmworker Service Center in the City of Calexico and Imperial Valley. The plan aims to address the critical need for temporary shelter, sanitary facilities, and social services for seasonal farmworkers. It details objectives to provide decent shelter, create a suitable living environment, and expand health and economic opportunities for farmworkers and their families, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders and community engagement to foster equity and well-being.

The meeting included presentations such as the Proclamation for Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week and a Bi-weekly COVID-19 Update. Key reports covered the lifting of tourist restrictions and an upcoming special meeting regarding public bus service transportation. The Council discussed and subsequently approved a resolution authorizing the use of American Rescue Plan Act Funds to provide up to $7,000 per eligible full-time and part-time employee as premium pay, following extensive debate on the amount and equity considerations. Further actions included awarding a bid for the Calexico International Airport Taxiway A Rehabilitation project, authorizing amendments for the New River Improvement Project, approving professional services for construction management at the airport, purchasing supplies for the Adrian C. Cordova Memorial Baseball Fields, approving a sole source purchase for mobile data terminal computers/tablets, and contributing $300 towards provisions for the Veteran's Day Ceremony. Finally, the Mayor made several appointments to the Centinela State Prison Advisory Committee and the Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC), and reappointed the Administrative Hearing Officer. Future agenda requests focused on Bi-National Commissions, restarting City Commissions, and status updates on City Commissions.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss labor negotiations, existing litigation, and anticipated litigation matters. The regular session included presentations, badge presentation to a Parking Enforcement Officer, and public comments concerning a subdivision map act adjustment, water rates, and city meeting frequency. Key actions included rejecting all bids for the Calexico New River Parkway Project Phase lB due to being over budget, authorizing a change order for street improvement asphalt overlay, introducing an ordinance amending taxicab regulations, approving an agreement for telecommunications cost management, receiving and filing the June 30, 2018 Audited Financial Statements, approving a consulting agreement for planning services, approving a lease agreement with SLSCO LTD., approving the Downtown Action Plan elements, and introducing an ordinance regarding swap meets. The council also made several appointments to various boards and commissions, and approved the Master Calendar of City Council Meetings for Fiscal Year 2019-20.