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
January 14, 2026
A. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
The Adelanto City Council held the Regular Meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 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 11:00 a.m.
Deputy City Clerk conducted roll call.
Present:
• Council Member Stevevonna Evans
• Council Member Angelo Meza (Absence excused by the City Council) • Council Member Joy Jeanette Uptergrove
• Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos
• Mayor Gabriel Reyes
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve Council Member Meza’s absence.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza was absent).
Invocation: Council Member Uptergrove
Flag Salute: Mayor Pro Tem Ramos
B. DELETIONS / ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
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2 MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza was absent).
D. CITY MANAGERS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager Jessie Flores- Welcome attendees and announced that City Council meetings will temporarily be held at the Adelanto Stadium Event Center while renovations take place in the City Hall Council Chambers. He recognized several staff members who worked during the holiday closure, including Julio Cesar Chavez for improvements at Richardson Park such as restoring benches and tables, Diana Gunn and Taisha from the Finance Department, the Water Department team, Code Enforcement, Animal Control, Public Works staff, Daniel Peralta, and IT staff Carlos and Adam for their support in setting up meetings. He also shared that several updates are expected during the first quarter, including water infrastructure improvements, wastewater treatment plant updates, progress toward financial stability, economic development updates, and housing initiatives. Additionally, he announced a Citywide Safety Action Plan Workshop scheduled for February 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Adelanto Stadium.
E. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Evans- Attended Mobile home Education Trust luncheon. Announced MLK Day events in Victorville and DVL concert.
Council Member Uptergrove- Reported holiday recess and anticipation of upcoming projects.
Mayor Pro Tem- Attended SBCTA meetings (Highway 395 and Route 18 expansion updates).
Participated in science camp donation presentation at Gus Franklin Jr. Elementary. Attended Adelanto Safety Task Force meeting. Encouraged community participation in safety initiatives.
Mayor Reyes - Participated in science camp check presentation. Reported on VVTA hydrogen bus rollout. Recapped Christmas Parade success. Met with Adelanto High School administration regarding CTE expansion. Noted Seneca Road project and coordination with VVTA for bus stop improvements.
F. PRESENTATIONS
G. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
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3 Mayor Reyes opened public comment at 11:21 a.m.
Shad Boyd- I am disabled expressed frustration about an incident involving equipment from a solar company being parked in a disabled parking space at City Hall. He explained that when he politely asked staff for assistance in having the equipment moved, he felt his concerns were dismissed by staff members who indicated nothing was wrong. While waiting for the sheriff, the equipment was eventually moved, but the resident stated that an employee made a disrespectful remark about him. He said he recorded the interaction and felt his rights as a disabled resident were not respected.
Mayor Reyes closed public comment at 11:28 a.m.
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. Receive and File the Commercial and Residential Recycling Department Report.
3. Receive and File Business License Department Report.
4. Approval of 2nd Reading of Ordinance 660 entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 659
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ADELANTO, COUNTY
OF SAN BERNARDINO, REQUIRING ELECTRONIC FILING OF FAIR POLITICAL
PRACTICES COMMISSION (FPPC) CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS
5. Approval of Warrant Demand Schedule 25/26-07-01
a. City of Adelanto Check Warrant No. 151590 through 151628 in total amount of $1,497,338.17.
b. City of Adelanto EFT No. 4211 through 4224 and 4271 through 4814 in total amount of $995,057.12.
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4 MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the consent as presented.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza was absent).
I. NEW BUSINESS
1. APPROVAL OF THREE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RHRC1
FOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SERVICES, WITH A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $400,000. (JESSIE)
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a threeyear professional services agreement with RHRC1, for Human Resources Management and related services, with a total not to exceed amount of $400,000 over the three-year agreement, to support the needs of the City of Adelanto.
City Manager Flores presented the staff report.
City Council and staff discussed, and all questions were answered.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Evans seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the Professional Services Agreement with RHRC1 for Human Resources Management in the amount of $400,000.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza absent).
2. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH PRICE PAIGE & COMPANY FOR ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCE SERVICES (DIANA/TAISHA)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Professional Agreement with Price Paige & Company to provide accounting and finance services through fiscal year (FY) 2026/27, including Finance Director support, annual audit preparation, State Controller’s Reports, bank reconciliation support, and additional financial transaction support and advisory services as needed.
Finance Manager Gunn presented the staff report.
City Council and staff discussed, and all questions were answered.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos seconded Council Member Evans to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Price Paige & Company for Accounting and Finance 13 City Council Minutes
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5 Services in the amount of $344,100 for FY 2025-26 and $296,700 for FY 2026-27.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza absent).
3. ACCEPTING GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND APPROVE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS, FOR THE CITY HALL PARKING LOT LIGHT REPLACEMENT. (SABA)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends City Council accept the grant from the U.S.
Department of Energy under Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant in the amount of $76,240 for the City Hall Parking Lot Light Replacement and approve the award of a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with Fonroche Lighting America in the amount of $74,588 for the City Hall Parking Lot Light Replacement project, and authorizing the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City Council.
Grant Consultant Engineer presented the staff report.
City Council and staff discussed, and all questions were answered.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Evans seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to accept the Grant from U.S. Department of Energy and Profesional Services Agreement with Fonroche Lighting America in the amount of $74,588.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza absent).
4. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR AUBURN AVENUE STREET DESIGN
SERVICES (SABA)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends City Council approve the award of a Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with Onward Engineering in the amount of $320,678.24 for Auburn Avenue Street Design Services, and authorizing the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City Council.
Grant Consultant Engineer presented the staff report.
City Council and staff discussed, and all questions were answered.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Onward Engineering in the amount of $320,678.24 for the Design Services of Auburn Avenue.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza absent).
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6 5. DISCUSSION - NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE IN DC ON MARCH 16-18, 2026. (JESSIE)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
Magda Torrellas ensure that taxpayer funds are used responsibly when attending conferences or meetings. The speaker encouraged Council Members to attend the sessions, training sessions, and meetings associated with such events and to return with information and benefits that positively impact the City. The speaker also referenced past situations where some officials allegedly did not fully participate in conference activities and emphasized the importance of accountability and making sure public funds are spent appropriately.
Diana Esmeralda raised concerns about the use of taxpayer funds for City Council travel and conference attendance, questioning the value of sending Council Members to the National League of Cities conference based on what she described as limited benefits from past conferences. She also referenced allegations involving the use of city vehicles, fuel receipts, and FPPC fines.
During her comments, the Mayor asked her to remain focused on the agenda item, and she responded that her remarks were relevant because they related to past conference participation and its benefit to taxpayers.
The City Council directed staff to enroll the City as a member of the National League of Cities, register Council Members to attend the Congressional Conference in Washington, D.C., and coordinate the necessary hotel accommodations and airfare.
6. DISCUSSION – VACANT LAND PENALTY. (TODD)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
This item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
7. DISCUSSION – GARAGE/YARD SALE APPLICATION (TODD)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
Mayor Reyes opened Public Comment at 12:32 p.m.
Magda Torrellas shared concerns about proposed restrictions and fees related to yard sales, stating that many residents rely on yard sales to earn extra money when they are struggling financially.
He suggested that limiting yard sales to three times per year and charging a $20 fee is too restrictive and unfair to residents trying to make ends meet. The speaker recommended reducing 15 City Council Minutes
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7 the fee and allowing flexibility for residents who work on weekends. He also emphasized that most people keep their areas clean and should not be assumed to create problems.
Shad Boyd commented that the City should consider how yard sale regulations would be enforced, including what penalties would apply if residents fail to obtain permits or clean up afterward. He questioned whether enforcement would rely on neighbors reporting one another and noted that monitoring compliance could require additional staff resources. While stating he would support whatever decision the Council makes, he encouraged them to carefully consider enforcement costs and penalty structures.
Diana Esmeralda stated that the proposed garage sale permit fee is too high and agreed with previous speakers who raised similar concerns. She suggested using the stadium parking lot for occasional swap meet nights where residents could sell items without needing a seller’s permit initially. She also noted that the proposed permit requirements could create additional workload for Code Enforcement and recommended keeping the permit fee lower.
Mayor Reyes closed Public Comment at 12:38 p.m.
City Council and staff discussed, the City Council directed staff to increase the cost of the yard sale permit from $1 to $20. Yard sales will also be limited to two per month.
J. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
K. CALL TO ORDER-CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Reyes called to Order Closed Session at 12:40 p.m.
Deputy City Clerk Roll Call:
Present:
• Council Member Stevevonna Evans
• Council Member Daniel Meza (Absence excused by the City Council) • Council Member Joy Jeanette Uptergrove
• Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos
• Mayor Gabriel Reyes
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8 L. ANNOUNCEMENT 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
Negotiating Parties: TBD
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ¬ EXISTING LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9(d)(1).( one matter)
Adelanto Venture, Inc.; Elevate Capital Investments, LLC and Canna Distribution & Transit Inc. v. City of Adelanto – CIVVS2507473
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9, SUBDIVISION (d)(4) (one potential matter)
M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
N. COVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council convened into closed session at 12:44 p.m.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded by Council Member Evans to convene into closed session.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza absent).
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9 O. CALL TO LORDER-AFTER CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Reyes called to order the meeting at 1:26 p.m.
Deputy City Clerk Roll Call:
Present:
• Council Member Stevevonna Evans
• Council Member Daniel Meza (Absence excused by the City Council) • Council Member Joy Jeanette Uptergrove
• Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos
• Mayor Gabriel Reyes
P. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney, Todd Litfin reported that we did meet in closed session, and the only reportable action is that the City authorized the initiation of litigation on one matter. The action was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Meza absent.
There is no other reportable action to report.
Q. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Evans to move the Vacant Lot item to the next regular Council meeting.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Evans to move item #6 on the consent calendar to the next Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council member Meza was absent).
R. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on January 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Mayor Reyes adjourned the regular city council meeting at 1:27 p.m.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Evans adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 4-1 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes and Council Member Meza was absent).
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10 _________________________
Gabriel Reyes, Mayor
_________________________
Brenda Lopez, City Clerk
19