Council rejects Board of Equalization: Hudson Ranch remote testimony denied (Item 18), 1–4

Add urgency item to Closed Session (anticipated litigation)

5 yes, 0 no

Motion to convene to Closed Session

5 yes, 0 no

Item 28 pulled from agenda (Winterhaven Advisory Committee bylaws)

0 yes, 0 no

Item 31 pulled from agenda (Pistol Pete's Gun Shop lease)

0 yes, 0 no

Approval of agenda order

5 yes, 0 no

Approval of the Consent Calendar

5 yes, 0 no

Approval of the Consent Budget

5 yes, 0 no

Approval of Official Proceedings for October 20, 2026

5 yes, 0 no

El Niño local emergency proclamation (Item 14)

5 yes, 0 no

2026 meeting calendar changes (Item 15)

5 yes, 0 no

Board of Equalization: Hudson Ranch remote testimony denied (Item 18)

1 yes, 4 no, 1 abstain

Authorize and approve the State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture Cooperative Agreement #25-0617-024-SF for the term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, for the European Grapevine Moth Detection Program in the maximum…

5 yes, 0 no

Approve a new three-year agreement with Westmorland Union Elementary School District Vista Sands Program for Fiscal Years 2026-2029.

5 yes, 0 no

Approve support for Francilia’s Twice the Love Foundation in the amount of $1,000 from Community Benefit Account No. 1886001, as requested by Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Escobar, District 1.

5 yes, 0 no

Ratify purchase of 2 tickets for Hidalgo Society’s Dia de la Raza event in the total amount of $120 from Community Benefit Account No. 1886001, as requested by Supervisor Jesus E. Escobar, District 1.

5 yes, 0 no

Approve appointment of Carl Haynes to serve on the Riverview Cemetery District Board of Trustees (term to be concurrent with the District 4 Supervisor’s term).

5 yes, 0 no

Adopt Resolution honoring California Highway Patrol on the Opening of Its New El Centro Area office.

5 yes, 0 no

Approve and authorize the Chairwoman to sign the "Lease Modification Agreement #2" between the County of Imperial and Zagami, Inc. for the Imperial County Airport property located at 440 W. Aten Road, Imperial, CA 92251, for a term of ten…

5 yes, 0 no

Authorize and approve the Agreement for Emergency Ambulance Service with American Medical Response Ambulance Services for a term of three (3) years from October 27, 2026, through October 26, 2029.

5 yes, 0 no

Approve Modification #1 to agreement for services with LG2WB Engineers, Inc. dba Linscott Law & Greenspan, Engineers in the amount of $15,800 and increase total not to exceed $80,800 to provide professional transportation engineering…

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Approve Budget Amendment Resolution No. 26-27-020 in the amount of $10,000 to appropriate additional anticipated revenue and expenses for High Intensity Drug Traffic Area (HIDTA) in Org. Key 1563001, HIDTA Grant Coalition.

5 yes, 0 no

Approve Budget Amendment Resolution No. 26-27-021 in the amount of $65,000 to record additional revenue and increase appropriations for court security operations in Org. Key 1814001, Court Security.

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Approve the following actions:

5 yes, 0 no

Storm response and deferred facility maintenance

With a very strong El Niño expected to peak in December, the board declared a local emergency so fire and OES can pre-position flood-fight materials and run regional briefings.

What it means: All county residents, especially flood-prone areas, get faster storm response.

Hudson Ranch Power assessment appeal procedure

The Board of Equalization won't let Hudson Ranch's New York-based corporate witness testify by video at the Nov. 9 appeal — the witness must appear in person so the county can cross-examine him live.

What it means: The appeal covers six 2023 assessment applications on the power plant's assessed value.

New Chief Public Defender appointed

Daniel Rosenberg was introduced as the county's new public defender, taking over from Ben Solorio, who won election as a judge — one of only 32 chief public defenders statewide.

What it means: Indigent defendants, foster youth and others the public defender's office represents.

Duplicate mail ballots ahead of November 3 election

The registrar mailed 160 duplicate ballots by mistake, and is scrambling with FAQs, PSAs and vote centers. Also, a new state law (SB 884) could delay results past 8 p.m. if any polling place in California stays open late.

What it means: Voters who get clear guidance on handling duplicate ballots.

SMARA mining oversight and abandoned Picacho mine

The county has 30+ mine sites; consultants track reclamation bonds and inspections. The abandoned Picacho gold mine is entering a bond forfeiture process with roughly $85,000 available for partial cleanup.

What it means: About $85,000 in forfeited financial assurance available for reclamation; consultant costs are borne by operators.

Quechan tribal representation and Picacho Road Bridge

The 100-year-old Picacho Road Bridge over the Yuma Main Canal is closed, cutting off vital services and emergency response east of the county. Speakers demanded faster repairs and an apology for Supervisor Hawk's remarks to the Quechan tribe; Public Works says replacement is at least a year out with two federal grant applications pending.

What it means: Bridge replacement runs $8 million or more, and abutment repairs on Arnold Road alone are about $500,000.

Property tax levy certification dispute

Auditor-Controller Karina Alvarez refuses to certify the 2026-27 tax levy rates, saying a consultant made unverified adjustments and she was shut out of the process. The board took no vote and instead told counsel to explore legal options to force her compliance.

What it means: Potentially county administration if legal clarity forces a functioning certification process.