IMPERIAL– The Imperial City Council held its second monthly meeting on March 20 to discuss infrastructure improvements, public safety investments, community events, and staff recruitment. Mayor Robert Amparano, Mayor Pro-Tem James Tuckers, and Councilmembers Katherine Burnsworth, Stacy Mendoza, and Ida Obeso-Martinez were present.
City officials first recognized World Down Syndrome Day to raise awareness about Down syndrome, promote inclusion, and celebrate their contributions to society. Also approved was the proclamation for Women’s History Month, honoring the contributions of women from all backgrounds, and recognizing their efforts for equal opportunity.
A swearing-in ceremony for Chief Aaron Reel took place. Reel was officially sworn in as the new police chief for Imperial. During the ceremony, his daughter, Kathalee, pinned the badge on him.
“The badge that it gets pinned on it’s not just a symbol of authority, it’s a sign of a tradition and a legacy of law enforcement of people that have been willing to step out and sacrifice for others and serve others,” said Reel. “It’s a tremendous honor.”
Fred Miramontes, Imperial County Sherriff, said Reel is a committed person with his main interest being public safety. “Imperial for us is kind of a special place,” said Miramontes.
“We’re very much excited to have you on board,” said Councilmember Obeso-Martinez.
Afterward, Division Five IID Director, Karin Eugenio, presented several projects to the City Council about ongoing initiatives within IID that may impact Imperial involving human resources development, environmental conservation, and infrastructure maintenance. Mentioned were summer employment, fleet and vehicle management, an Arbor Day tree-planting project, cleaning a drain, and optimizing their Innercare facility.
IID Water Development Manager, Michael A. Pacheco, said they want to keep the drain clean and safe. “We went ahead and did that from Barioni all the way to Neckel Road. We cleaned that section. Now when it turns and then that drain turns east,” said Pacheco.
The next process involves lowering and replacing a manhole at the entrance to the Innercare drain canal to accommodate changes on W. Neckel Road, with another pipeline in the area. “We needed to lower that, replace it because it was old,” said Pacheco.
The city council discussed deed restrictions for properties to maintain their current status until 2048. The process for completing the packets, or paperwork, would need to comply with those restrictions. The motion received approval.
Next discussed was allocating funds for public safety expenses, like purchasing a live scan machine, ballistic bests, and planning for a new animal control facility. The live scan machine is used for capturing fingerprints and other biometric data to identify possible criminals, ballistic vests will be issued to law enforcement, and planning for an animal control facility aims to improve animal welfare within the community. Approval was granted for this motion.
