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
November 12, 2025
A. CALL TO ORDER – CLOSED SESSION
The Adelanto City Council held the Closed Session on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, via teleconference 1-669-900-6833 – Passcode - 7601 of the Governmental Center located at 11600 Air Expressway, Adelanto, California. Mayor Reyes called to order the closed session meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Council Members present: Evans, Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes.
B. DELETIONS / ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None.
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Meza to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes).
D. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8:
Property: 11200 Stadium Way, Adelanto CA 92301 APN: 3128-221-26 Agency Negotiator: Todd Litfin, City Attorney
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2 Negotiating Parties: TBD
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8:
Property: APN 3128-221-04
Agency Negotiator: Todd Litfin, City Attorney
Negotiating Parties: TBD
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ¬ EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1). (one case)
Joann Beatice Padilla v. City of Adelanto; and Andrew Monroy – CIV SB 2222353
4. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 – ▪ Employee Performance Evaluation
▪ Title: City Attorney
City Attorney Litfin announced closed session items.
E. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Mayor Reyes opened public comment at 10:02 a.m.
Mayor Reyes closed public comment at 10:02 a.m.
F. CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Meza to convene into closed session at 10:03 a.m.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes).
G. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
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3 Mayor Reyes convened the regular meeting at 12:05 p.m.
Council Members present: Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes.
Invocation: Council Member Uptergrove
Flag Salute: Mayor Pro Tem Ramos
H. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Litfin stated that the item was discussed and there was no reportable action.
I. CITY MANAGERS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager Flores began by honoring military veterans and recognizing the community’s Veterans Day celebrations. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and City Council to all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
He announced that City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, November 26th and Thursday, November 27th for Thanksgiving, with normal operations resuming Monday, December 1st.
Holiday well-wishes were extended to all residents.
He reminded the public of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, December 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers, with Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance.
He also announced the Holiday Parade, which will take place on Saturday, December 7th. (If you’d like a specific time added, I can include that.)
City Manager Flores then recognized Councilwoman Uptergrove for securing support from Lowe’s and its volunteer team to renovate the community center, including improved ceiling aesthetics and a fresh interior paint job. He noted that she would provide an in-depth update with photos of the complete improvements.
City Manager Flores reported that the optimization of the City’s wastewater treatment facility has been completed, increasing processing capacity by approximately 300,000 gallons per day and ensuring continued compliance with state regulations. The City is preparing for the next phase, which includes planning for a future treatment facility expansion estimated at 2 million gallons per day to accommodate projected industrial, commercial, and residential growth over the next 10 to 15 years.
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4 He also announced that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Seneca Road Rehabilitation and New Paving Project will be released next Monday. The 1.7-mile project represents an estimated $6 million investment and is expected to improve roadway safety, efficiency, and overall mobility within the corridor.
City Manager Flores concluded by thanking the City Council, staff, community partners, and residents for their ongoing support and contributions throughout the year.
J. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Uptergrove provided an update on the community center renovations completed in partnership with Lowe’s. She reported that Lowe’s Victorville and Lowe’s Apple Valley selected Adelanto intentionally for this project, with many of their employees residing in the city.
Lowe’s volunteered over several days to repaint the building, replace mismatched interior colors, and install new blinds. Public Works assisted by removing outdated ceiling stucco prior to the repainting. Restrooms were upgraded with new sinks, paper towel dispensers, and storage improvements. Lowe’s also replaced all cleaning equipment and donated two refrigerator-freezer units for the onsite food bank.
Volunteers completed the work on their personal days off, and many have since returned to support food bank events. Lowe’s expressed enthusiasm about continuing community partnership efforts and committed to returning next year for additional improvement projects.
Councilwoman Uptergrove thanked both Lowe’s Victorville and Lowe’s Apple Valley for their significant contributions.
CLERKS NOTE: COUNCIL MEMBER UPTERGROVE LEFT FOR ANOTHER MEETING AT 12:20 P.M.
Council Member Evans reported attending the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) meeting, where staff provided updates and confirmed that a representative is available to present to the City of Adelanto, and she requested staff coordinate scheduling. She noted the retirement of longtime District employee Deanna after nearly 30 years of service. Evans also attended the regional MDAQMD conference, now renamed SWAG, in Phoenix, which featured technical presentations and updates on air quality initiatives across Arizona, Nevada, and California. She participated in discussions with regional leaders, including the impact of cannabis operations on air quality regulations, and offered to share conference session recordings with the Council and possibly residents, concluding that these were her two major updates since the previous meeting.
Council Member Meza extended belated Veterans Day wishes, recognizing his family’s military service, including his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, and his brother, who serves in the Navy.
He reported attending New Leaf’s one-year anniversary event, commending the organization and 19 City Council Minutes
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5 volunteers for their community service, and noted his participation as an announcer for the Adelanto Heat youth football program, highlighting that all teams reached the Super Bowl in their inaugural year and emphasizing the value of youth sports opportunities. Meza shared observations from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ parade, suggesting improvements in host city communication and infrastructure, and announced an upcoming Construction Youth of America event at Adelanto High School on November 16th, recognizing staff efforts supporting youth development in career and technical fields.
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos provided updates on city, regional, and community activities, including attending a CEQA reform presentation and requesting staff review potential impacts on the city and region. He met with Reach Defense regarding potential High Desert expansion, discussed resilience centers with Council Member Evans after touring the Boyle Heights Resilience Hub, and represented Adelanto at the Victor Valley Women’s Club 75th anniversary. He participated in meetings on Highway 395 access for economic development, SCAG EAC briefings and meetings, SBCTA roadway expansion discussions, and met with Juan Pollo regarding a potential local location. He also attended the California Transit Fall Conference, met with Secretary of Transportation to escalate Highway 395 concerns, and celebrated the 248th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, reaffirming his commitment to infrastructure, economic development, and community initiatives in Adelanto.
Mayor Reyes extended belated Veterans Day greetings and thanked all veterans for their service.
He provided updates on recent events and meetings, including the Transformation Life event focused on personal and professional growth, SCAG Transportation Committee discussions, and meetings with Burrtec regarding city projects and landfill management. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with Mayor Pro Tem Ramos on Caltrans Highway issues and emphasized the accomplishments of local youth sports teams, including football, flag football, and wrestling programs. Mayor Reyes also recognized the High Desert Sports Foundation Gala, where the mayor and local organizations were honored for contributions to youth sports, and acknowledged the support of his wife, Charity Reyes, in enabling his community involvement.
K. PRESENTATIONS
1. Adelanto Community Resource Center (ACRC).
L. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Reyes opened public comment at 12:49 p.m.
Rhonda: addressed the Council and Mayor with several community concerns and commendations.
She inquired about the availability of the new community center for resident reservations, such as parties and birthdays, and requested guidance on Burrtec’ s composting site to support her backyard gardening efforts. Dennis raised transportation issues, noting that limited bus routes and the loop system reduce ridership, and suggested that increasing both routes and riders could improve service. 20 City Council Minutes
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6 She also expressed concern about strong cannabis odors near her home on Stevenson and Air Express, requesting action to address the issue. Finally, she praised Mayor Reyes for his leadership and contributions to the community, acknowledging his role in city improvements and local initiatives.
Isaiah expressed gratitude to the Council for their efforts and reflected on the city’s growth and identity. He questioned the culture and image of Adelanto, asking whether it is seen as “just another dirt town” or a city with a clear identity and purpose. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating progress and providing examples for residents, noting that many still struggle with basic needs. Isiah highlighted the lack of recreational and artistic spaces, stressing that supporting local artists and creating hubs for expression can foster community growth. He encouraged the city to focus on attracting meaningful businesses and creating opportunities that combine economic development with quality of life for current residents. He also underscored the need for resources, love, and hope within the community, observing that a thriving environment is essential for residents to sustain themselves and their families. He concluded by thanking the Council for their work and acknowledging the potential for positive change.
Tina: expressed concern about safety and infrastructure near Adelanto High School, noting that the campus is effectively “on an island” with only one access road besides unpaved dirt roads. She emphasized the risk to students and staff in the event of emergencies, such as school shootings or natural disasters, and urged the Council to prioritize improving access and paving roads. Tina offered her assistance to support efforts to address these safety and infrastructure issues and stressed that ensuring safe routes to the school should be a top priority to protect the community and improve the city’s image.
Mayor Reyes responded to the concerns raised about road access to Adelanto High School by explaining that the high school falls under the Victor Valley Unified School District and sits in unincorporated San Bernardino County. As a result, the City of Adelanto does not have jurisdiction over paving the roads leading to the school; that responsibility lies with the county and school district. He clarified that the city has consistently prioritized paving roads under his administration and assured the resident that he would follow up directly to provide more details and clarification.
He emphasized that the city has never refused to pave roads and remains committed to improving infrastructure wherever it has jurisdiction.
Magda provided several community-focused updates and concerns. She announced that the American Legion on Lawson and Bellflower will host a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community and veterans, inviting everyone to attend. She expressed frustration over the lack of local hotels, which she felt limited transportation options during events like the Olympics. Magda also suggested the city consider an indoor swimming pool for youth recreation, praised two women as qualified candidates for Mayor Pro Tem, and raised concerns about water quality. Additionally, she criticized the city for inadequate recognition of veterans, noting that many events were held outside Adelanto rather than locally, and urged better collaboration with the American Legion in the future. Finally, she mentioned an ongoing serious issue she hopes to address with city staff 21 City Council Minutes
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7 before the next meeting.
Ryan Masano introduced himself and promoted his website, which he says contains thousands of hard-to-find books about financial power structures and political influence. He emphasized the importance of free speech and criticized the suppression of viewpoints considered uncomfortable or controversial, referencing historical and legal examples. Ryan expressed concerns about what he views as hidden control over media, government, and financial systems, arguing that algorithms and institutions limit public awareness. He stated that individuals who speak on these topics are often unfairly labeled with derogatory terms. Ryan concluded by thanking the Council for their courtesy and expressing appreciation for the city.
Leatrice "LJ" Johnson, representing the High Desert Sports Foundation, thanked the City of Adelanto for its strong support of the organization, particularly during the third annual Sneaker Ball. She shared plans to host a toy drive in Adelanto on December 7th, bring additional community resource events to the city, and explore purchasing land for satellite sports fields and events.
Johnson emphasized the importance of community partnerships and concluded by expressing appreciation for city officials, staff, volunteers, and residents.
Adelanto resident raised concerns about recent brown water in his home, noting that city assistance was limited and he had to address the water heater issue himself. He requested an update on water quality efforts, including testing with the new water company. He also praised a park in nearby Hesperia and expressed a desire for a similar recreational space in Adelanto.
Mayor Reyes closed public comment at 12:56 p.m.
M. 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. Approval of Meeting Minutes- October 6, 2025- Special Meeting
2. Receive and File the September 2025 Commercial and Residential Recycling Department Report.
3. Receive and File 3rd Quarter Commercial & Residential Report.
4. Approval of 2nd Reading of Ordinance 658 entitled:
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8 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
5. Adoption of Resolution No. 25-61 – Establishing a Policy Regarding Expense Reimbursement and Use of Public Resources
RESOLUTION NO. 25-61
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ADELANTO, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A POLICY
REGARDING EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT AND USE OF PUBLIC
RESOURCES
6. Receive and File Business License Department Report.
8. Approval of Warrant Demand Schedule 25/26-05-01
a. City of Adelanto Check Warrant No. 151521 through 151548 in total amount of $62,289.88.
b. City of Adelanto EFT No. 4480 through 4565 in total amount of $2,441,751.52.
9. Receive and file the Cannabis Compliance Department Report.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes, Council Member Uptergrove Absent).
N. 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.
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9 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 Water Department Report
3. Approval of the Agreement with Bakersfield Well & Pump Co for Well 16 Rehabilitation.
4. Approval of Phase 2 Sensus AMI Implementation Project.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes on items Evans voting no on item 2 Council Member Uptergrove Absent).
O. NEW BUSINESS
1. ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 659 – AMENDING CHAPTER 14, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, BY ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA,
BUILDING, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, FIRE, RESIDENTIAL, GREEN
BUILDING, ENERGY, EXISTING, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, STATE HISTORIC BUILDING CODE, AND REFERENCED STANDARDS: AMENDMENTS TO CERTAIN
BUILDING CODE SECTIONS BASED UPON LOCAL GEOLOGIC, CLIMATIC, OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS. (GARY)
1) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance 659 amending Title 14 of the Adelanto Municipal Code concerning the adoption of the 2025 California Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire, Residential, Green Building, Energy, Existing, Administrative Codes, and Referenced Standards, including local amendments thereto; Consider the adoption of the new International Code Council (ICC) building valuation tables (attached).
2) Set a Public Hearing for November 12, 2025, for the Second Reading, when the City Council should open a public hearing and receive comments. After the public hearing is closed, the Council should adopt the Ordinance.
3) Instruct the City Clerk to file the findings with the California Building Standards Commission once the Ordinance comes into effect 30 days after adoption.
City Building Official Huang presented the staff report.
Mayor Reyes opened the public hearing at 1:41 p.m and Closed the Public Hearing at 1:41 p.m.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the item as 24 City Council Minutes
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10 presented
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes, Council Member Uptergrove Absent).
2. APPROVAL OF STADIUM MANAGEMENT REIMBURSEMENT. (DR. KEINAN) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the reimbursement of the Stadium Management Group.
Dr. Keinan presented the report and gave the history and background on this item.
Staff recommended approving the third amendment and refunding the tenant the remaining balance of $264,522.88 to clear accounts and allow regular rent payments to resume.
The Council discussed stadium improvements and a lease agreement between the City of Adelanto and Stadium Management Group. The tenant had completed repairs totaling including bathroom upgrades, fencing, VIP lounge enhancements, ramps, and other mechanical items, with costs deducted from rent owed to the city.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the third amendment and payment of historical repairs to the Stadium and to reimburse the tenant for approved amounts.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes, Council Member Uptergrove Absent).
3. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO BOWMAN COMPANY FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES. (SABA)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Engineering Agreement with Bowman Company in the amount of $1,000,000.00.
Saba Engineer presented an overview of the city’s need for engineering support and plan check services to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable public infrastructure, including development review and construction oversight. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for Enduring Support Services was released on September 7, 2025, and four proposals were received by October 2, 2025, from Bowman Consulting Group Limited, E Consulting Engineers, Mingier & Associates, and Trans tech Engineers. After staff review and interviews, Bowman Consulting Group Limited was ranked 25 City Council Minutes
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11 highest based on experience, understanding of the work, and key personnel qualifications.
Staff recommended awarding a professional services agreement to Bowman Consulting Group Limited, not to exceed $1,000,000.00 with authorization for the City Manager to sign the agreement. Funding for the services will come from fees collected by the Engineering Department, with Bowman receiving a percentage of those fees, resulting in no impact to the city’s general fund.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the the contract with Bowman for Engineering services)
Motion carried 3-1-1 (Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes, Council Member Evans voting no and Council Member Uptergrove Absent).
P. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
Q. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Evans requested a presentation by Mojave Air Quality Management District MOTION: Moved by Council Member Evans, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to have a presentation by Mojave Air Quality Management District.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes Council Member Uptergrove, Absent).
Council Member Evans requested a presentation regarding our water quality.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Evans, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to have a presentation regarding water quality
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes Council Member Uptergrove, Absent).
Council Member Meza the asked that staff contact Burrtec to have compost dropped off at our parks during the off season and it be provided to the residents 26 City Council Minutes
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12 MOTION: Moved by Council Member Meza, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to have staff contact Burrtec regarding compost at our parks.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Meza, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes Council Member Uptergrove, Absent).
R. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
None.
S. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held December 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Mayor Reyes adjourned the regular city council meeting at 1:52 p.m.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voting yes).
_________________________
Gabriel Reyes, Mayor
_________________________
Brenda Lopez, City Clerk
27 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: December 10, 2025
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Jessie Flores, City Manager
BY: Brenda Lopez, City Clerk
SUBJECT: MONTHLY COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SOLID WASTE AND
RECYCLING REPORT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Burrtec’s Monthly Commercial and residential Solid Waste and Recycling Report 28