Imperial public meetings in 2024
18 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
ICERS
The Imperial County Board of Retirement will hold its regular meeting on December 18, 2024, to consider adopting employer contribution rates for fiscal year 2025-26, based on the annual actuarial valuation and GASB 67 reports as of June 30, 2024. The board will also vote on revised interest crediting and COLA policies, elect officers for 2025, and recognize retiring Trustee Luis A. Plancarte. The agenda includes routine consent items such as budget claims and member enrollments/terminations, plus a closed session on pending litigation.
- Receive and file annual Actuarial Valuation and GASB 67 reports as of June 30, 2024
- Adopt contribution rates for fiscal year July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026
- Approve revised Interest Crediting and Unallocated Earnings Policy and new COLA Policy
- Election of Retirement Board Officers for 2025 (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary)
- Closed session: status report on pending disability applications and litigation (Imperial County Sheriffs' Association v. County of Imperial, Case No. ECU000786)
Environmental Evaluation Committee
The Imperial County Environmental Evaluation Committee will meet on December 12, 2024, to review two projects under CEQA. The first is an informational item for a proposed solar energy facility with battery storage on about 5,900 acres near Salton City, requiring a General Plan Amendment, zone changes, and conditional use permits. The second is a conditional use permit for a grain mill to produce cattle feed in El Centro. No final decisions are expected; the committee's review is part of the environmental evaluation process.
- Wildcat Energy Farm: 5,900-acre solar facility with BESS and groundwater well, south of Salton City, west of Salton Sea, near SR 86
- General Plan Amendment to RE Overlay Zone and Renewable Energy/Geothermal (REG) Overlay Zone
- Rezoning of R-1 and R-1-L-.5 parcels to S-1
- Two conditional use permits for solar facility and well; Water Supply Assessment required
- La Valle Sabbia grain mill at 495 W. Heber Road, El Centro (APN 062-080-015-000)
Planning Commission
The Imperial County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several conditional use permits, a lot line adjustment, a parcel map, and a series of actions for the NorthStar 3 solar and battery storage project. The commission will vote on approvals and environmental findings for each item. Public comments are allowed on all agenda items.
- Conditional Use Permit #24-0019: second dwelling on 160-acre parcel at 2605 Holt Rd, Holtville
- Lot Line Adjustment #00338: boundary adjustment between parcels on Brandt Road, Brawley
- Conditional Use Permit #24-0015: fiber hut at 1941 Jessup Road, Imperial
- Conditional Use Permit #23-0025: 100-MW battery storage facility at 1884 Drew Road, Seeley
- NorthStar 3 solar project: 100-MW solar + 200-MW battery on 585 acres at 4580 West Highway 86, Westmorland
ALUC
The Imperial County Airport Land Use Commission will hold a public hearing to review the proposed City of Calexico apartment/condominium building for consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. The project involves a zone change and general plan amendment to allow a 7,656 sq. ft residential building at 947 Heber Avenue. The commission will also consider approval of minutes from the August 21, 2024 meeting.
- Public hearing on Calexico apartment/condominium project (ALUC 10-24)
- Zone change from R-1 to RC and general plan amendment from LDR to MDR
- 7,656 sq. ft residential building at 947 Heber Avenue, Calexico
- Assessor's Parcel Number 058-271-006-000
- Approval of minutes from August 21, 2024
ICERS
The Imperial County Board of Retirement will hold its regular meeting to review investment performance, discuss potential retiree COLA relief, and consider fund extensions. The board will also receive reports, approve budget claims, and convene in closed session to discuss pending litigation and disability applications.
- Quarterly investment performance review by Verus Investments
- Discussion/action on HarbourVest Funds extensions
- Update on Ad Hoc Committee for retiree COLA relief
- Approval of budget claims for 2024-2025 fiscal year
- Closed session on pending litigation (Imperial County Sheriffs' Association v. County of Imperial)
Environmental Evaluation Committee
The Imperial County Environmental Evaluation Committee will meet to review a proposal for a Conditional Use Permit to develop an outdoor venue for 250-300 guests at 781 West Worthington Rd, Imperial. The site includes existing structures available for lease to event organizers. The meeting is part of the CEQA review process.
- Conditional Use Permit #24-0017 for outdoor venue with 250-300 guest capacity
- Operating hours Friday-Sunday 8 AM to 12 AM, occasional weekday events
- Site includes 2,710 sq ft home, 850 sq ft garage, and 750 sq ft mobile home
- Located at 781 West Worthington Rd, Imperial, CA 92251 (APN 062-040-016-000)
Planning Commission
The Imperial County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several land-use items, including a 50-megawatt solar and 75-megawatt battery storage project near Calipatria, two lot mergers, a conditional use permit for off-road vehicle storage, and a time extension for a secondary dwelling. The commission will also consider approving minutes from the October 9, 2024 meeting.
- NorthStar 1 Solar Energy Generation and Battery Storage project: 50 MW solar, 75 MW battery, on 288 acres at 8997 Wilkins Road, Calipatria; includes water supply assessment, general plan amendment, zone change, and two conditional use permits
- Time Extension #24-0024 for CUP#07-0022: 15-year extension for a 1,680 sq ft secondary dwelling at 2251 McConnel Road, El Centro
- Lot Merger #00158: merge two lots at 1490 Perth Amboy Ave, Salton City, for a larger home site
- Lot Merger #00162: merge three parcels in Ocotillo Unit No. 3, Tract 539, for a future residential unit
- CUP #23-0019: recreation and off-road vehicle storage with maintenance, shade structures, and waste dump at 760 Hwy 78, Brawley
Board of Equalization
The Imperial County Board of Equalization will hold hearings on 31 applications for property assessment changes, including two confirmed hearings for Safeway Inc. and 29 unconfirmed hearings for various property owners. The board will also consider stipulations and withdrawals for assessment changes on the consent calendar. Public comment is open for non-agenda items.
- Confirmed hearings: Safeway Inc. applications 2022-016 and 2022-017
- Unconfirmed hearings: 29 applications from JEX Enterprises, US Gypsum, Cota, Calexico 220 E 2nd St, Bordertown Investments, Gran Plaza, Liberty Bankers Life, and Prospect 23
- Consent calendar: Approve stipulations for 200 Wake Avenue LLC and Marshalls of CA LLC
- Consent calendar: Approve withdrawals for Lowes HIW Inc, Calexico 220 E 2nd St, Confluent Development, and Prospect 23
- Public comment period for non-agenda items
ICERS
The Imperial County Board of Retirement will meet to consider a consultant's recommendation on future pension administration system needs, approve an optional year of service for its actuarial consultant, and appoint a voting delegate for the SACRS fall conference. The board will also discuss an update on retiree COLA relief funding policies and hold closed sessions on a disability retirement application and pending litigation.
- Discussion/Action: Linea Solutions recommendation on future Pension Administration System needs
- Discussion/Action: Approve one additional optional year of service to Actuarial Consultant Agreement with Segal Company
- Discussion/Action: Appoint Voting Delegate and Alternate for SACRS 2024 Fall Conference
- Closed Session: Hearing Officer's Proposed Findings on service-connected disability retirement application of Jose Gonzalez
- Closed Session: Pending litigation - Imperial County Sheriffs' Association v. County of Imperial, et al. (Case No. ECU000786)
Environmental Evaluation Committee
The Imperial County Environmental Evaluation Committee will meet on October 10, 2024, to review three projects under CEQA. They will consider a conditional use permit for an RV and storage facility in Ocotillo, a 100-MW battery energy storage system in Seeley, and a minor subdivision in Calexico for a truck stop and drive-thru business. The committee will decide whether to approve or deny these projects based on environmental review.
- CUP #23-0029: RV and storage facility at 14 W. Highway 80, Ocotillo, with lot merger of two industrial parcels
- CUP #23-0025: 100-MW battery energy storage system at 1884 Drew Road, Seeley, connecting to IID 92-kV line
- Parcel Map #02512: Subdivision into two lots at 1761 Maggio Road, Calexico, for truck stop and Starbucks/drive-thru
- All projects are in Supervisory Districts 2, 3, and 5 respectively
Planning Commission
The Imperial County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on several land-use items, including a lot merger for a potential commercial development, a conditional use permit for a residential well, two parcel maps for subdivisions, and a variance for taller business signs. The commission will also approve minutes from the previous meeting. All items are subject to public comment and commission action.
- Lot Merger #00161 by Skylark Energy LLC to combine five parcels into 1.64 acres for an 8,026-sq-ft convenience store with drive-thru and auto/truck fueling
- Conditional Use Permit #24-0004 by ROC Construction Inc for a new residential well (1 acre-foot/year) at 5392 Hwy 78, Brawley
- Parcel Map #02509 by Carson Kalin to subdivide 479.93 acres into six parcels at 500 W. Boarts Road, Westmorland
- Parcel Map #02510 by Apex Energy Solutions LLC to separate solar project parcels near 1103 Flowing Wells Rd, Niland
- Variance #24-0006 by Calexico Gateway Center LLC to increase sign height limit from 24 to 35.5 feet at 620 Menvielle Road and 1791 Gateway Road, Calexico
Environmental Evaluation Committee
The Imperial County Environmental Evaluation Committee will meet on September 26, 2024, to review two projects under CEQA. The first is an informational item for a large solar and battery storage facility, and the second is a proposed fiber hut along Jessup Road. The meeting is open to the public.
- Big Rock 2 Cluster Solar and Storage Project: up to 500 MWac PV solar and 500 MWac BESS, on 2,436 acres (1,569 new, 867 already entitled)
- Project includes 230-kV gen-tie line to IID Liebert Switchyard and SDG&E Imperial Valley substation
- Zayo Group LLC: new unmanned fiber hut (approx. 35' x 23', 11'11" high) with emergency generator at 1941 Jessup Road, Imperial
- Both projects are in unincorporated Imperial County (Supervisorial Districts #2 and #3)
ICERS
The Imperial County Board of Retirement will hold its regular meeting on September 18, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in El Centro. The board will hear presentations from investment managers and its consultant, discuss investment performance, and consider actions on the investment policy statement, an actuary consultant agreement amendment, and safety trustee conference attendance. It will also receive updates on a committee reviewing funding policies for potential retiree COLA relief and will convene in closed session for pending litigation.
- Presentations by Clarion Partners, ASB Capital Management, and American Realty Advisors
- Discussion/Action on Verus recommendation regarding Audax Direct Lending Solutions Fund
- Discussion/Action on change to Investment Policy Statement Exhibit A
- Discussion/Action on amendment to Actuary Consultant Agreement with The Segal Company
- Discussion/Action on Safety Trustees attendance at NCPERS Public Safety Conference, Oct 27-30, 2024, Palm Springs, CA
Planning Commission
The Imperial County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on four items, including a continued item to replace the closed Meloland Road Bridge, a 15-year time extension for Earthrise Nutritional's tableting facility, and a lot merger in Desert Shores. The commission will also approve minutes from the August 14 meeting. Public comments are invited on each item.
- Meloland Road Bridge replacement: adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve Initial Study #23-0034
- Earthrise Nutritional's: approve 15-year time extension for Conditional Use Permit #1194-95
- Lot Merger #00160: combine two parcels (0.37 acres) at 76 & 3707 Palm Drive, Desert Shores
- Approval of minutes for August 14, 2024 meeting
Environmental Evaluation Committee
The Imperial County Environmental Evaluation Committee will meet on August 22, 2024, to review a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed event center on about 13 acres near Brawley. The project, submitted by Grand Vista Ranch LLC/Grand Vista Event Center, LLC, would host weddings, birthdays, fundraisers, and private events for up to 300 guests per event. The committee will evaluate the project under CEQA. This is the only item on the agenda.
- Conditional Use Permit #24-0003 for an event center on +/-13 acres
- Maximum 300 guests per event
- Initial use of shade structures and portable restrooms, with future enclosed buildings planned
- Location: 4097 US Hwy 86, Brawley, CA 92227 (APN 040-420-020-000)
- Supervisorial District #4
ALUC
The Imperial County Airport Land Use Commission will hold public hearings on two proposed solar energy and battery storage projects to determine their consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. The commission will also discuss updating the plan with its consultant and consider approval of the July 17, 2024 minutes.
- NorthStar 1: 50 MW solar + 75 MW battery storage, 288 acres at 8997 Wilkins Road, Calipatria
- NorthStar 3: 100 MW solar + 200 MW battery storage, 585 acres at 4580 West Highway 86, Westmorland
- Both projects include on-site transmission lines to Imperial Irrigation District lines
- Public hearings on General Plan Amendments, Zone Changes, and Conditional Use Permits
- Discussion on updating the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan with Coffman Associates
Environmental Evaluation Committee
The Imperial County Environmental Evaluation Committee will meet on July 25, 2024, to review a CEQA assessment for a parcel map application by Apex Energy Solutions LLC. The project aims to legally separate the north and south parts of Section 17, split by the railroad, and to separate the approved Vega SES 2 and Vega SES 5 solar projects. The meeting is a public review of this project.
- Assessment #24-0006: Parcel Map #02510 by Apex Energy Solutions LLC
- Project involves two Assessor's Parcel Numbers totaling 538 acres near Niland, CA
- Location: 1103 Flowing Wells Rd, Niland, CA; Supervisorial District #4
- Purpose: separate railroad-split land and separate Vega SES 2 and Vega SES 5 solar projects
ICERS
The Imperial County Board of Retirement will hold its regular meeting to discuss appointing a successor to Trustee Luis A. Plancarte, whose term ends January 1, 2025, and to receive an update on the Ad Hoc Committee reviewing funding policies for potential retiree COLA relief. The board will also approve minutes, budget claims, and administrative items, and will convene in closed session for pending litigation.
- Discussion to direct staff to appoint a successor to Trustee Luis A. Plancarte (term begins Jan 1, 2025)
- Update on Ad Hoc Committee reviewing funding policies for potential Retiree COLA Relief
- Approval of budget claims for 2024-2025 fiscal year
- Enrollment of 27 new employee members and 1 termination
- Closed session on pending litigation: Imperial County Sheriffs' Association v. County of Imperial (Case No. ECU000786)