1 MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR AND SPECIAL CONCURRENT MEETING
OF THE ADELANTO CITY COUNCIL,
ADELANTO PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY,
ADELANTO PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY,
THE ADELANTO COMMUNITY BENEFIT CORPORATION,
AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD
September 24, 2025
A. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Reyes called to order the regular meeting at 11:02 a.m.
Council Members present: Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, and Mayor Reyes.
Invocation: Council Member Uptergrove
Flag Salute: Mayor Pro Tem Ramos
B. DELETIONS / ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None.
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the agenda as presented with new business item no. 1 being moved to the beginning of the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, and Mayor Reyes voting yes).
Council Member Evans voted no on moving new business item no1 to the beginning of the meeting, D. CITY MANAGERS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager Flores stated that Julio Caeser Chavez, a former public works employee, is now the City’s blight abatement technician within the Community Safety Department. He has been doing addressing blighted areas within the City. He is focusing on cleaning up neighborhoods. It enhances community safety and pride. In addition to community clean-ups, Julio and the team are also focusing on illegal dumping. The new department was launched just 3 days ago, and has already made significant progress. He showed the Council before and after photos. He stated that 19 City Council Minutes
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2 the area on Delicious St. has been a concern for many years. The city placed a berm to limit access to the area. There is a new lift station and blower at the wastewater treatment facility. This will help our plant run more smoothly and efficiently. We recently completed a refurbishment of one of the ponds at the wastewater treatment plant. City Manager Flores shared photos of the wastewater treatment plant. Seneca street rehabilitation project is in the design phase. The road will be paved from Hwy 395 to Aster Road. The improvements will be completed by early next year. Chamberlaine and Aster road design lacks a storm drain system. The engineering department is preparing a report to put in a new storm drain system. The City Council Chamber renovation will begin December 19, 2025, with an anticipation of completion early spring. The Council may want to have the Council meetings either at the senior center of the E. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Evans: She thanked the City Manager for the amazing updates. Mojave Air Quilty Management meeting was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. The next meeting will be at the end of October. She attended the Community Land Trust groundbreaking. Super excited that they chose Adelanto, she thanked the County and Assemblyman Juan Carillo. It is 20 acres and will provide affordable housing. She believes it is the first time in California. She thanked everyone involved.
Council Member Uptergrove: she stated that new leaf had a great bread and diaper distribution at the community Center. They do it every fourth Tuesday of the month. She announced an event being put on by the DA’s office on October 8th at the Stadium. They will assist people with records and help them get their records expunged.
Council Member Meza: September 10th, he had a meeting with a representative of Brightline. brightline is the high-speed rail system. He spoke about the movies in the park and stated it was a great event. Saturday, he met with a new non-profit I love organization, he does not understand what they do yet. He will find out more information. He met with another group in the City Construction youth of America; they are based out of Adelanto High School. The programs that the school has going are incredible.
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos: Attended Metro Valley Session at SBCTA. Adelanto made a motion to give an advance of 15.6 million in street repairs to Fontana. The City can request an advance, and it is up to the board to approve. Attended the Housing Trust Ad Hoc meeting, they are in the funding stages. Attended EOPA Clean Energy meeting no reportable action. Attended the mobility summit at the Disneyland hotel, great networking. He stated partnerships are key to more funding. Autonomous vehicles are another takeaway. They are here and it was cool to be in one.
There are less people applying for driver’s license meaning they are using public transportation.
Huge shoutout to SCAG for hosting the event. September 12, 2025 attended the Go Human event in conjunction with our movies in the park. Huge thank you to the Council for supporting the event. Also, a huge thank you to SCAG, the office of public safety and everyone involved.
Thanks to the volunteers who came out and assisted in the set-up. I gave out 120 bicycle helmets. 20 City Council Minutes
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3 The exhibits were amazing; they did what it was intended to slow vehicles down. He thanked all the residents. October 17th next event a Harvest Day Pumpkin patch and movie night. Attended ribbon cutting for the first ever zero emissions train called ZEMU it uses Hydrogen fuel cells. It is the nation’s first passenger train compliant with Federal Railroad standards. He thanked SBCTA for brining this to our County. September 17th attended the State of the County; it was a great event. September 18th attended SBCTA Desert committee. It was the last meeting for Victorville Council Member Debra Jones; she is stepping down for personal reasons. He announced National night out, it will start at 5pm at Sierra Park, at 5:30 pm they will be at Glasper Park and at 6 pm they will end at Marconi Park.
Mayor Reyes: No reportable action for the VVTA meeting. He has been active in the community attending youth football and sports in the City. The City was active in communications for the sale of the stadium. That offer fell through, it was taken off the market. He does believe that the asset should be sold to a reputable entity who can develop it.
Mayor Reyes had to leave to another meeting at 11:53 a.m. Prior to leaving he wanted to state as a citizen that he is in favor of donating the VVTA bus to Molding Hearts.
F. PRESENTATIONS
Presented Proclamations for National Arts and Humanities Month.
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION ITEM- VICTOR VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY BUS RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss, provide feedback and direction.
Council and Staff discussed the item and requested an agreement for the donation stating that they must stay for a minimum of 3 years or return the bus to the City.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Meza, seconded by Council Member Uptergrove, to donate the bus to molding hearts.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, seconded by Council Member Evans, to donate the bus to Molding Hearts, with the condition that it remains committed to the program for a minimum of three years.
ROLL CALL
Councilor Evans - Yes
Councilor Meza - Yes
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4 Councilor Uptergrove - Yes
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos - Yes
Mayor Reyes - Absent
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, and Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voting yes and Mayor Reyes noted as absent).
G. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos opened public comment at 12:11 p.m.
Rhonda Dennis: Stated she has dedicated her life to the City and to working with children she is proposing the R Dennis Preparatory Academy and Preschool. She would like to lease the Glasper Center. She respectfully request a year lease with option to buy to purchase the Glasper building and its surrounding acres The key terms of this partnership would be City of Adelanto Lease agreement, a two-year lease at a mutually agreed upon market rate, with the first year dedicated to renovation and a portion of the second year for operation and further fundraising. Renovation, RDPAP will be responsible for and will fully fund all necessary renovations to bring the building up to code for its intended use as a preschool and community center. This represents a significant non-reimbursable investment on their part, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the property and its future Option to buy. As a new nonprofit organization, RDPAP must establish a strong credit profile and a proven history of operational and financial viability. Our plan is to transform the Glasper building and its acres into a vibrant educational empowerment campus through three distinct but interconnected phases Phase one, the preschool and community center.
The Glasper Building will be meticulously renovated to house our state-of-the-art preschool and the Community Empowerment Center.
Audrey Young: Good morning, Council I am here representing my son Rocco Young, he is a fifth grader at Gus Franklin STEM Academy. I have a letter written from him He's a little shy Guess he is a man of little words. Dear Mr. Mayor and Councils City of Adelanto we will be going on a field trip in April to the Three Oaks Science Camp School. All the grade students will be more than grateful if you could help donate to the grade The reason, I would like to go camping is that I have never been into the mountains before, and I have never been away from home from my parents. I would like to go to science camp because I would like to gain hands on experiment… experiments, like building a dam When I get older, I would like to go into the military, and the things that I would learn at camp could potentially help me do my job in the Air Force. City of Adelanto Okay, thank you for your time.
Noemi Flores: speaking on behalf of Gus Franklin Jr. STEM Academy, emphasized the importance of the upcoming 5th grade Science Camp. She explained that the camp is far more than a field trip — it is a rare and meaningful opportunity for students to explore nature, gain confidence, and engage in hands-on science outside of the classroom. In an increasingly 22 City Council Minutes
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5 tech-driven world, this trip allows students to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural environment. Ms. Flores highlighted that this year's 5th graders are especially deserved, as they began kindergarten during the COVID-19 pandemic — a time marked by isolation and missed milestones. Now, as they reach another significant moment in their educational journey, they face the possibility of missing out again due to funding cuts. Previously, the school helped cover camp costs, but district-level budget reductions have made the trip unaffordable for many families. Despite ongoing parent-led fundraising efforts, the community is still falling short. Ms.
Flores asked the Council for financial support to help ensure all students — regardless of their family's financial situation — can attend. She framed the request as a matter of equity, opportunity, and giving students the experiences they deserve after a challenging start to their education.
Aubree Penafiel: Aubrey Penafiel, a 5th grade student at Gus Franklin Jr. STEM Academy, wrote to the Council to share excitement about the opportunity to attend Science Camp at Three Oaks near Lake Arrowhead. She described it as a valuable chance for hands-on learning through activities like hiking, interacting with animals, and participating in STEM-based experiences outside the classroom. Aubree emphasized that the camp helps students realize that learning can happen beyond school walls. However, the cost per student is high, and due to budget cuts, the school is unable to subsidize the expense. As a result, many families may not be able to afford to send their children. Aubrey respectfully requested donations from the Council so that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, can benefit from this meaningful learning experience.
Daniel Penafiel: Daniel Penafil, a long-time Adelanto resident and proud community member, spoke passionately about his deep roots in the city. He reflected on attending past City Council meetings and being present during the establishment of the Green Zone, participating in community events like the Turk McBride giveaway, and now witnessing the positive transformation of Adelanto — including the new Town Center and city-hosted events like the recent one he attended with his daughter. He then shifted focus to the challenges facing current 5th-grade families at Gus Franklin Jr. STEM Academy. Daniel reminded the council that this group of students began their school journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, missing their kindergarten milestones. Now, as they reach another key moment — 5th grade — budget cuts have eliminated funding for important end-of-year events like Science Camp, promotion ceremonies, dances, and field days. In response, Daniel and other parents have been together since July to fundraise on their own, organizing events like a Raising Cane's night and selling World's Finest Chocolate. While these efforts have brought in some funds, it is not enough to meet the needs of all students. He respectfully called on the Council and local businesses — especially those who have supported the community in the past, including Green Zone contributors — to step up and help ensure that every 5th grader has a memorable and enriching end to their elementary school years.
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6 Celia McGill: She expressed frustration over the poor condition of roads in the city, particularly Adelanto Road. While acknowledging and appreciating the city’s growth and developments, the speaker urged the Council not to overlook basic infrastructure needs. She questioned why other areas are being prioritized while heavily damaged roads like Adelanto remain neglected. She raised safety concerns due to the deteriorating road conditions, especially at night, when street racing and limited visibility create dangerous situations. Living near one such intersection, the speaker expressed fear for their safety, their property, and the safety of others in the area. She is urging the City Council to give more attention and action to neglected roadways to ensure the safety and quality of life for all residents.
Kyron Sothisom: Kyron Sothisam, a 5th grade student at Gus Franklin Jr. STEM Academy, wrote to the Council to share his excitement about an upcoming opportunity for his class to attend the Three Oaks Outdoor Science School in April. The camp will last four days and three nights and offers students a chance to engage in hands-on science learning through outdoor activities like hiking, night hikes, skit and dance nights, frog catching, and more. Kyron expressed how meaningful this experience would be, especially since it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many students who have never been to a science camp before. He highlighted the educational benefits, including deeper engagement in science, relaxation from everyday academic stress, and opportunities for students to connect with each other. He explained that the cost of the camp is a financial burden for many families — with each student required to pay $375 — and asked the Council for donations to help make the trip accessible for all students. Kyron ended his letter with gratitude, emphasizing how much it would mean to all the 5th graders to have the support of their city leaders.
Aliah Flores: She is a 5th grade student at Gus Franklin Jr. STEM School, spoke about her excitement about the upcoming trip to Three Oaks Outdoor Science School in April. This fourday, three-night experience will offer students a valuable opportunity to learn through hands-on science activities and team-based learning outside the classroom. Aliah described the camp as a place where science is taught in fun and interactive ways, with activities like Astronomy Night, Skit Night, and pond exploration to look for frogs. She is particularly excited about making new friendships, working as a team, and growing personally through this experience. She noted that attending Science Camp would help her and her classmates build independence, confidence, and maturity. Drawing from her sister’s experience attending the camp last year, Aliah observed how it helped her sibling grow emotionally and academically. She emphasized that Three Oaks is a place where mistakes are part of learning, and students are encouraged to develop creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving skills — all of which contribute to better academic performance. Aliah respectfully asked the Council for donations to help make this opportunity available to all 5th graders at her school, especially those whose families may not be able to afford the cost. She closed by thanking the Council for their time and support. 24 City Council Minutes
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7 City Clerk Lopez received several letters from the students at Gus Franklin Jr. STEM Academy (attached).
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos closed public comment at 12:38 p.m.
City Council had several questions as to how many of the 5th grade kids are from Adelanto.
The parents of the Children stated they will get the information and provide it to the City Clerk.
They encouraged the parents to attend local events and do fundraising there. They also recommended they contact the Superintendent of Schools.
H. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Meza seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the consent as presented.
1. Waiver of Full Reading of Ordinances. Proposed action to waive full reading (except title) of all ordinances appearing on this City Council agenda as authorized by Government Code Section 36934, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes- July 30, 2025- Special Meeting August 13, 2025- Regular Meeting
3. Approval of Proposed Holiday Closure and Cancellation of November 26, 2025, and December 24, 2025, Council Meetings.
4. Approval of Transfer of Auction Proceeds in the amount of $76,188.75 from the General Fund to Adelanto Community Benefit Corporation.
5. Approval of the Flock Group Inc. Proposal for License Plate Readers in the amount of $33,250.00.
6. Approval of the Cancellation of October 8, 2025, Regular Council Meeting.
7. Receive and file the Community Safety third quarter report for 2025.
8. Approval of Resolution No. 25-55 Establishing a Policy regarding the Non-Pickup of Stray Animals.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-55
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ADELANTO, ESTABLISHING POLICY
REGARDING THE NON-PICKUP OF STRAY ANIMALS
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8 9. Approval of Resolution No. 25-56 for the Five-Year Measure I Capital Project Needs Analysis for FY 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.
RESOLUTION NO 25-56
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ADELANTO, SAN
BERNARDINO COUNTY, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE MEASURE
I FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL PROJECT NEEDS ANALYSIS FOR FISCALYEARS 2026/2027 THROUGH 2030/2031
10. Approval of Warrant Demand Schedule 25/26-03-02
a. City of Adelanto Check Warrant No. 151431 through 151457 in total amount of $357,974.55
b. City of Adelanto EFT No. 4312 through 4371 in total amount of $598,683.83
11. Approval of Amendment No. 2 with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP.
12. Approval of Resolution 25-57 for the 2026-2030 Measure I Capital Improvement Plan RESOLUTION NO. 25-57
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ADELANTO, COUNTY OF
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE MEASURE I FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FY2025/2026 THROUGH FY2029/2030
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos, voted yes Council Member Evans voting no on item No. 4 and recusing herself from item no.12, Mayor Reyes, absent) 26 City Council Minutes
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9 I. ADELANTO PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION APPROVING THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos seconded Council Member Meza to approve the consent as presented
1. Waiver of Full Reading of Ordinances. Proposed action to waive full reading (except title) of all ordinances appearing on this APUA agenda as authorized by Government Code Section 36934, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
2. Approval of Sewer Department Report
3. Approval of Water Department Report
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voted yes Evans voting no on item 3, Mayor Reyes, absent)
K. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None
Q. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Evans requested a that Ms. Rhonda Dennis be asked to do a presentation on the plans with the Glasper Center.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Evans, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to bring the item back for a presentation
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voting yes and Mayor Reyes noted as absent).
Council Member Evans requested that the risk management regarding the vehicle usage policy be brought back for discussion.
It was explained that staff will be setting up meetings with the City Council in the near future. 27 City Council Minutes
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10 Council Member Evans would like the travel reimbursement resolution updated and brought back to Council for action.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Evans, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to bring the item back for a presentation
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voting yes and Mayor Reyes noted as absent).
Council Member Meza asked that the Gus Franklin Stem Academey be brought back for consideration of a donation once the items requested has been received.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Meza, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to bring the item back for discussion and action
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voting yes and Mayor Reyes noted as absent).
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos requested that we do a wall art project, so that we can look at different walls that belong to the city and start looking at different murals, for discussion and action.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, seconded by Council Member Meza to bring the item back for discussion and action
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voting yes and Mayor Reyes noted as absent).
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos requested another round of utility box art for discussion and action.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, seconded by Council Member Evans to bring the item back for discussion and action
Motion carried 3-1-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voting yes. Meza voting no, and Mayor Reyes noted as absent).
R. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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11 S. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held October 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Ramos adjourned the regular city council meeting at 12:52 p.m.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos seconded by Council Member Meza to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, voting yes and Mayor Reyes absent).
_________________________
Gabriel Reyes, Mayor
_________________________
Brenda Lopez, City Clerk
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