1 MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE ADELANTO CITY COUNCIL,
ADELANTO PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY,
ADELANTO PUBLIC UTILITY AUTHORITY,
THE ADELANTO COMMUNITY BENEFIT CORPORATION,
AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD
October 22, 2025
A. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
The Adelanto City Council held the Regular Closed Session Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, via teleconference 1-415-655-0001 - conference code 146 275 0870 of the Governmental Center located at 11600 Air Expressway, Adelanto, California.
Mayor Reyes called to order the regular session meeting at 11:02 a.m.
City Clerk conducted roll call.
Present:
• Councilmember Stevevonna Evans
• Councilmember Daniel Meza
• Councilmember Joy Jeanette Updegrove
• Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos
• Mayor Gabriel Reyes
Invocation: Council Member Uptergrove
Flag Salute: Council Member Meza
B. DELETIONS / ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
City Manager Flores stated that the following items were removed:
Consent Calendar item H. 6
New Business item K #’s 2 & 3
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2 C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded by Council Member Meza to approve the agenda with the removal of items, H. 6 and K 2 & 3.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes).
D. CITY MANAGERS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager Flores provided updates including:
• Attendance at the League of California Cities Annual Conference. • CarMax Service Center Project
o Fully entitled.
o Located at Rancho Road & Emerald Road.
o Includes reconditioning/service facility, enclosed auction building, car wash, fueling station, and staging area.
o Groundbreaking anticipated Summer 20XX.
• KC Petroleum Project
o Proposed gas station and commercial development at Adelanto Road & Air Expressway.
o Includes convenience store, fuel dispensers, restaurant, EV charging stations, and RV parking.
o Anticipated Planning Commission review in December.
• Seneca Road Rehabilitation Project
o Design phase nearing completion.
o Public bidding to follow.
City Manager concluded by emphasizing continued economic momentum and staff dedication.
E. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Evans
• SCAG Demographics Workshop
• League of California Cities Conference
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3 Council Member Uptergrove
Over the past couple of weeks, several key meetings and events were attended:
• Participated in the SCAG Demographics Workshop in Los Angeles, which provided impactful information on housing trends and future planning. A future agenda item may be requested based on insights gained, and presentation slides will be shared once received.
• Attended the Family Assistance Program Gala, recognizing clients and staff for their work and contributions.
• Participated in the League of California Cities conference, which offered valuable workshops and networking opportunities with regional leaders, including discussions with Mayor Frank Yokoyama of Cerritos.
• At the Regional Steering Committee (Continuum of Care) meeting, funds initially allocated to a local High Desert organization that underperformed were successfully reallocated to another reliable organization, preventing the county from redirecting the funding outside the region. This ensures housing services will continue to support local families.
Council Member Meza
During recent meetings in Long Beach, several important regional issues and opportunities were addressed:
• Waste Management Concerns: Discussions focused on Los Angeles County trash being transported into San Bernardino County, which is rapidly filling local landfill space.
Efforts are underway to explore alternatives, including the possibility of establishing a local waste facility in Adelanto. Conversations have begun with Burrtec to begin mapping out options, as the process could take several years.
• Regional Partnerships & Inclusive Parks: Networking with regional leaders, including former Congressman and Mayor Joe Baca of Rialto, led to discussions about grant opportunities for all-inclusive parks designed to accommodate children with disabilities.
This concept may be brought forward for consideration in Adelanto. • Economic Development Opportunities:
o Met with Brightline West, the high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, to explore potential partnerships that could bring construction and precast concrete jobs to Adelanto, possibly involving local company Clark Pacific.
o Ongoing discussions with Day One Food, a Korean food company planning to build multiple facilities near Adelanto Road, bringing additional jobs and investment to the city.
• Workforce Development & Youth Programs:
o Met with a teacher from Adelanto High School who leads construction trade programs, partnering with local companies like Cisneros Bros. Plumbing to align classroom training with real workforce needs.
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4 o Supporting Construction Youth of America, a nonprofit focused on preparing students for skilled trades careers by combining hands-on training with modern technical skills.
Overall, the meetings focused on protecting regional resources, expanding economic development, strengthening workforce pathways, and creating inclusive community opportunities.
Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor Pro Tem opened by recognizing Coach Bali for his championship success and contributions to Adelanto.
Key updates included:
• Community Engagement: Spoke at Gus Franklin Jr. STEM Academy’s Career Day, engaging students and encouraging military service and leadership. • SCAG Demographics Workshop & EAC Meeting: Emphasized the importance of balanced housing (single-family and multi-family) to retain and attract residents. Adelanto actively participated and advocated for the region.
• Southern California Edison Roundtable: Discussed regional power shortages and workforce gaps. SCE is seeking partnerships with schools to develop workforce pipelines while prioritizing fire-affected area rebuilding.
• League of California Cities Conference: Focused on rebuilding public trust by delivering on promises. Highlighted pride in new local economic developments (e.g., McDonald’s, car wash) and noted Adelanto’s growing regional recognition and respect. • Highway 395 Access Efforts: Regional collaboration with Victorville, Hesperia, SBCTA, and SCAG to advance access improvements.
• Behavioral Health Advocacy: Encouraged stronger community turnout to secure funding for mental health services and requested easier public access to board/committee information on the City’s website.
• Solid Waste & Recycling: Anticipated stricter recycling regulations. • Regional & State Meetings: Participated in meetings with California Contract Cities, SBCTA, Housing Trust committees, and met with State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Discussed potential economic development opportunities, including possible expansion discussions with Langer’s Juice.
• Community Events: Celebrated the success of the first Harvest Pumpkin Patch Giveaway, which drew over 1,000 attendees and distributed 1,000 pumpkins. Expressed appreciation for Public Works’ support.
• Future Leaders Initiative (SCAG): Announced a new leadership development program for young adults (ages 18–35) to prepare future civic leaders, with applications opening soon.
Um, wish my little guy a happy birthday, and with that, my announcements are done. 14 City Council Minutes
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5 Mayor Reyes
• Mayor Gabriel Reyes Requested moment of silence for resident and veteran Bobby Brown, who tragically passed away after being struck by a vehicle. • Reported attending CalACT Conference in Reno (VVTA representative). • Highlighted City’s Pro-Housing designation and Housing Element approval. • Spoke on infrastructure needs and economic growth strategy (Jobs → Housing → Retail → Entertainment).
• Celebrated recent community events and new businesses.
F. PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificate of Recognition for Emiliano Diaz.
2. Presentation by Rhonda Dennis.
G. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Reyes opened public comment at 12:31 p.m.
Alexander Dennis, Director of Operations and Strategic Development for Dennis Educational Consulting Services, spoke in support of his mother’s proposal for Dennis Preparatory Academy.
He described her as a lifelong, dedicated educator with experience in all aspects of school operations and emphasized her passion for developing children. He stated that the proposed project would transform the building into more than just a school—it would become a place focused on cultivating innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. He urged approval of the proposal, highlighting its long-term benefits for Adelanto’s children and future generations.
Isaiah, spoke in strong support of Rhonda Dennis, describing her as a servant leader who is deeply dedicated to children and education. He highlighted her tireless work ethic, passion, and commitment to excellence, noting that she spends countless hours studying and preparing to make the school a reality. He shared personal examples of how she has mentored him and others, teaching financial literacy, goal setting, and life skills. He emphasized her generosity, faith, and character, stating that she consistently strives to exceed expectations in everything she does.
Veronica Arreola: A longtime resident of Adelanto and member of the community group Unidos por una Adelanto Mejor, highlighted community concerns about water quality, safety, and transparency. She proposed creating an Adelanto Water Committee to bring together city officials, experts, and residents to review data, monitor issues, and ensure public participation.
The committee aims to promote trust, open communication, and collaborative solutions to protect public health, emphasizing unity and cooperation rather than confrontation, and representing a historic step toward stronger city-community relations.
Rachel, A parent and former colleague spoke in strong support of Rhonda Dennis and her proposal. She shared that her son, who previously spoke, was once Ms. Dennis’s student and 15 City Council Minutes
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6 credited her with playing a significant role in guiding both him and her as single parent. She described Ms. Dennis as warm, respected, and deeply impactful, noting her strong reputation among students and families. Drawing from their time working together at Pathways to College Charter School, she emphasized the lasting influence Ms. Dennis had on students across the campus. She expressed full support for the proposed preschool and academy, stating that a school of this caliber would positively contribute to Adelanto’s growth and legacy, as schools leave a lasting impact on a community far beyond commercial developments.
Magda Torellas, expressed support for Rhonda Dennis’s educational proposal, stating it is greatly needed and that she would personally contribute. However, she strongly opposed using the existing Glasper building, describing it as unsafe and in deplorable condition. She suggested pursuing funding from philanthropic individuals or major companies to construct a new, safer facility on the available 10-acre property instead of renovating the current structure.
She also announced the American Legion’s free community turkey dinner for veterans and their families on November 11. Additionally, she raised concerns about Brown Act compliance and public comment procedures, expressed disappointment over issues related to the stadium project, and urged the City to honor existing agreements, specifically referencing the Samoan Club’s longstanding Flag Day event contract.
Japati Mataval, addressed the Council to follow up on the Samoan Flag Day event scheduled for June 1st–4th of next year. He asked for confirmation that the dates are still reserved and that the event arrangements remain in place.
Natalie Brown, of the Planning and Conservation League provided an update on the Cadiz groundwater mining project, stating it has faced significant new opposition this year. She noted that California legislators, state agencies, tribal nations, and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff have raised concerns about the project’s environmental and cultural impacts.
She explained that state lawmakers have urged the State Lands Commission to require a formal Water Code review before any water export occurs, and the Commission has warned Cadiz that unauthorized pipeline use could result in litigation. She also referenced a previous unanimous vote by the Commission rejecting Cadiz’s lease application. Additionally, U.S. Senators called for federal review, citing warnings from federal agencies about potential irreversible impacts. Brown concluded by expressing that the project lacks sufficient environmental safeguards and advocating for sustainable water solutions instead.
Mayor Reyes closed public comment at 12:49 p.m.
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7 H. CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION APPROVING THE CONSENT CALENDAR 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- August 27, 2025 - Regular Meeting September 24, 2025- Regular and Special Concurrent Meeting
3. Approval of Burrtec Monthly Report.
4. Approval of Amendment No. 4 with MAD Studios for marketing and media creation.
5. Acceptance of Parcel Map 20472 - to develop a 57,871 sf four-story, 83 room Holiday Inn Express hotel with a 3,800-sf sit-down restaurant.
6. Acceptance of Parcel Map 21040 - Proposal to subdivide and develop a 6.81 acre site with a 132-unit residential community with amenities on 4.81 acres.
7. Approval of the Vehicle Transfer Agreement between the City of Adelanto and Molding Hearts.
8. Approval of updated San Bernardino County Sheriff contract.
9. Approval of LANWAN Amendment No.5.
10. Approval of resolution No. 25-58 authorizing the City Manager to execute the documents required for the sale of Lettered Lots A, E, F, and Parcel 2 of Parcel Map 20928, adjacent to City Hall.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-58
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ADELANTO, CALIFORNIA, TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF
PROPERTY AND TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
SIGN AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATED
THERETO
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8 11. Approve Resolution No. 25-60 Authorizes the Destruction of Specific Records from the Finance Department.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-60
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ADELANTO, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN CIT REOCRDS
ACCORDING TO THE RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE
FOR THE ADELANTO FINANCE DEPARTMENT
12. Approval of Warrant Demand Schedule 25/26-04-02
a. City of Adelanto Check Warrant No. 151485 through 151520 in total amount of $84,680.42.
b. City of Adelanto EFT No. 4443 through 4479 in total amount of $455,315.58.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the consent as presented, with Council Member Evans voting no on item # 12 and # 8 and abstained from item #
10. Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Evans voting no on item # 12 and # 8 and abstained from item # 10).
I. APUA CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION APPROVING THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Meza to approve the consent calendar 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.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the consent as presented.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes). 18 City Council Minutes
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9 J. PUBLIC HEARING
1. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GPA 25-01 AND ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT ZTA 25-01. (LOUIS/NYEKA)
Proposal to amend the Adelanto North 2035 Comprehensive Sustainable Plan, the Adelanto General Plan Land Use and Zoning Map to incorporate the Northeast Mixed-Use Overlay Zone.
The purpose of this amendment is to increase residential and commercial density, expand opportunities for housing and mixed-use development and promote economic growth and land use flexibility in the northeast area of Adelanto.
The amendment includes a General Plan Amendment to add the proposed overlay zone to the Land Use and Zoning Map and a Zone Text Amendment to revise Appendix A of the zoning code, incorporating development standards and design guidelines specific to the Northeast Mixed Use Overlay Zone.
RECOMMENDATION:
• ADOPT Resolution P-25-17, recommending the City Council ADOPT the Addendum to the previously adopted 2014 Environmental Impact Report, (EIR), SCH No. 20142031034 and ADOPT, Ordinance No. 658, approving General Plan Amendment 25-01 and Zone Text Amendment 25-0, establishing the Northeast Mixed-Use overlay, based on the findings. • Introduce First Reading of Ordinance 658 to adopt findings and approve General Plan Amendment No. GPA 25-01 and Zone Text Amendment ZTA 25-01 to amend the Adelanto General Plan Amendment to and revise Appendix A of the Zoning Matrix. • Schedule the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 658 for the next regular council meeting.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 25-59
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ADELANTO,
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE
ADDENDUM TO THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED 2014 ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT (EIR), SCH NO. 20142031034 ADOPTING ORDINANCE (ORD NO. 658) APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. GPA 25-01 AND ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. ZTA 25-01 THE NORTHEAST
OVERLAY TOTHE CITY OF ADELANTO, CALIFORNIA AND MAKING
FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF
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10 ORDINANCE NO. 658
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ADELANTO,
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ADELANTO NORTH 2035 COMPREHENSIVE
SUSTAINABLE PLAN GENERAL PLAN LAND USE AND ZONNING MAP IN
BUSINESS PARK ZONE AND THE AMENDED MIXED USE OVERLAY ZONE
WITHIN THE CITY OF ADELANTO, CALIFORNIA AND MAKING FINDINGS
IN SUPPORT THEREOF
Development Services Coordinator, Nyeka Allen presented the staff report.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded Council Member Evans to approve the GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GPA 25-01 AND ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT ZTA 25-0.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes).
L. NEW BUSINESS
1. DONATION – GUS FRANKLIN STEM ACADEMY – SCIENCE CAMP – (COUNCIL MEMBER MEZA)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss, provide feedback and direction.
Mayor Reyes opened Public Comment at 1:58 p.m.
Paulette, A grandmother and Adelanto resident spoke in support of funding for students to attend Science Camp. She shared that the students have been looking forward to the program since last year and described it as both an educational and exciting opportunity. She emphasized that many of the children have never had the chance to travel outside the area or experience camping, making this a meaningful opportunity. She highlighted the hard work of students, parents, and grandparents in fundraising efforts and expressed hope that the Council would provide the necessary funds so the children can participate in this valuable STEM learning experience.
Aubrey, a 5th-grade student at Gus Franklin Elementary, thanked the Council for helping with science camp costs. She explained that due to budget cuts, students had to vote between field trip options, and science camp was chosen. However, some students may not be able to attend because they cannot afford the cost. She expressed appreciation for the Council’s support and understanding in helping make the trip possible for all students.
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11 Miguel Soto, addressed the Council regarding concerns about school funding, particularly lottery funds. He explained that there was a recent board reorganization and new leadership is now reviewing past financial management practices. He clarified that lottery funds are divided into restricted and unrestricted categories, noting that the unrestricted funds had already been spent prior to the new leadership taking over. He stated that the current board is working to review how funds were used, restore restricted funds to school sites, correct past issues, rebuild trust, and ensure students are prioritized. He emphasized a commitment to transparency and collaboration moving forward.
Mayor Reyes closed Public Comment at 2:04 p.m.
The Council voted to donate $8,000 to the Gus Franklin Science Camp to pay for only Adelanto students.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos seconded Mayor Reyes to approve the donation of $8,000 to the Science Camp.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes).
2. WALL ART PROGRAM. (MAYOR PRO TEM RAMOS)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide feedback and direction.
THIS ITEM WAS PULLED
3. UTILITY BOX PROGRAM. (MAYOR PRO TEM RAMOS)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide feedback and direction.
THIS ITEM WAS PULLED
4. NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CONFERENCE - (JESSIE)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide feedback and direction.
Council and staff had discussion and Council directed staff to register the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Council Members Meza and Evans. Council asked that the Clerk confirm with each member if they will be attending.
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12 M. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
Q. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Meza requested that staff looking into grants for parks including ADA assessable items.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Meza, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to look for grants.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes)
Council Member Meza requested the City Manager invite the Adelanto School District Board to give presentation to the City Council.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Meza, seconded by Myaor Pro Tem Ramos to have the Adelanto School District Board give a presentation.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes).
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos requested that staff add links on the city’s website to the boards/committee’s Council sits on so that the community can join.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, seconded by Council Member Evans to have staff add links on the city’s website to the boards/committee’s Council sit on so that the community can join.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes).
R. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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13 S. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held November 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Reyes adjourned the regular city council meeting at 2:28 p.m.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Meza adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes. _________________________
Gabriel Reyes, Mayor
_________________________
Brenda Lopez, City Clerk
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