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
September 9, 2026
A. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING
The Adelanto City Council held the Regular Closed Session Meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, via teleconference 1-669-900-6833 Webinar ID: 931 4644 4676 Passcode: 7601 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 Lopez conducted roll call.
Present:
• Council Member Stevevonna Evans
• Council Member Angelo Meza
• Council Member Amanda Uptergrove
• Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos
• Mayor Gabriel Reyes
Invocation: Council Member Uptergrove
Flag Salute: Council Member Meza
B. DELETIONS / ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Uptergrove seconded by Council Member Meza to approve the agenda and move new business item no. 4 to new business item no. 1 Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes). 34 City Council Minutes
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2 D. CITY MANAGER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager Jessie Flores- Provided an update on the City’s continued infrastructure, parks, and quality-of-life improvements, highlighting renovations underway at Marconi Park, John Mgrdichian Park, and Richardson Park, including recreational facilities, parking areas, restrooms, landscaping, playground equipment, field amenities, and paving of previously unpaved seating areas. He also discussed a concept to transform approximately ten stormwater detention basin locations into recreational green spaces with walking paths, seating, solar lighting, landscaping, and passive recreation while maintaining their drainage functions. Flores further reported on a proposed pedestrian and bicycle corridor along Highway 395 from Air Expressway to Begonia Road that would include walking and biking facilities, lighting, shade, seating, landscaping, and safety improvements. He stated that conceptual renderings were being developed to assist the City in pursuing state and federal grant funding for these improvements.
E. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Council Member Evans- Reported attending the League of California Cities Desert Mountain Regional Steering Committee meeting and announced that Mayor Pro Tem Ramos had been elected Vice President of the Desert Mountain Division. She congratulated him on the appointment and recognized Adelanto’s continued representation in regional leadership positions.
Council Member Uptergrove- Reported attending the regional steering committee meeting and expressed appreciation that Adelanto hosted a recent regional meeting at Adelanto Stadium. She discussed visiting a Loma Linda program serving children who have experienced sexual assault or violent abuse and expressed support for expanding similar resources in the High Desert. She also attended the Children’s Network Conference, where sex trafficking and services for foster youth were discussed; highlighted energy-efficiency assistance available through SoCalREN; thanked Community Action Partnership for its continued support of Adelanto residents; discussed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ JustServe volunteer program; and reported attending a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce event featuring the Family Assistance Program and its services for victims of domestic violence and foster youth.
Council Member Meza- Adelanto He thanked City staff and Public Works for coordinating with San Bernardino County regarding cleanup along County-maintained roads and expressed appreciation for efforts to address illegal dumping and debris. He briefly reported attending the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District meeting, announced Adelanto Little League Opening Day on September 19 and requested assistance locating appropriate clay material for the ballfields, and announced that Clark Pacific anticipated hiring approximately 150 employees for construction-related positions. He concluded by recognizing Osaka Sushi All You Can Eat as the City’s Business of the Month and encouraged residents to support the local business. 35 City Council Minutes
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3 Mayor Pro Tem Ramos- Reported attending the League of California Cities Desert Mountain Division meeting, where he was elected Vice President, and stated that he intended to use the position to advocate for Adelanto and the High Desert on issues including the Western Joshua Tree and electrical capacity. He also attended the Contract Cities Fall Educational Summit, where sessions addressed public safety, human resources, ballot measures, mental health in public office, and grant opportunities, including a statewide parks program offering funding for underserved communities. He reported participating in an SBCTA podcast, SCAG and SBCTA meetings, and noted the approval of regional road and signal projects. He discussed SCAG’s Regional Wildlife Connectivity Study, regional economic conditions, planning for the 2028 Olympics, and a visit to the Soul House to learn about treatment, housing, and employment services. Ramos also provided an update regarding Brightline West, thanked Public Works staff for their efforts, and requested a moment of silence in memory of Mark Hampton’s son.
September 9, 2026
Mayor Reyes- Reported attending the Mojave Water Agency’s Master Plan Community Conversation regarding the agency’s ten-year water master plan, future water needs, projected growth, and infrastructure projects affecting Adelanto, and stated that he forwarded the information to the City Manager and economic development staff for consideration in planning for future development. He also attended SCAG Transportation Committee and Regional Council meetings, where discussions focused on transportation planning for the 2028 Olympic Games, including projections of approximately one million daily travelers and the anticipated role of Metrolink and other public transportation systems.
F. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Reyes opened public comment at 11:35 a.m.
Diana Esmeralda: She addressed the Council regarding High Desert Cannabis Medications, Inc., its application and licensing history, and pending litigation involving herself and the City. She raised concerns regarding the City’s outside legal counsel also representing Mayor Reyes in a separate private matter and questioned whether adequate safeguards were in place to ensure separation between public and private legal expenses and prevent any cross-charging of legal fees.
Nichelle Lindsay: she stated that she is the President of Adelanto Heat Youth Football and Cheer, addressed comments and concerns she said had been raised regarding the organization’s leadership. She clarified that she is the president and owner of the Adelanto Heat chapter, described its leadership structure, and requested that questions or concerns regarding the organization be brought directly to her to avoid misunderstandings. She concluded by thanking members of the Council who have supported the organization.
Guadalupe Ochoa: She requested that the City consider changing the time of City Council meetings to make them more accessible to working residents, noting that daytime meetings make participation difficult for many community members. She also expressed concerns regarding the 36 City Council Minutes
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4 proposed zoning changes associated with data centers and requested that the Council consider a moratorium to allow additional time for community review and discussion before proceeding with future data-center-related zoning actions.
Chris Waggener: He addressed the Council to offer encouragement regarding the City’s direction and progress. He stated that he believed Adelanto was experiencing significant opportunities for advancement and encouraged the Council to continue its work on behalf of the community. When his comments began addressing data centers and the Zone Text Amendment, he was advised that the matter was separately agendized and reserved those comments for consideration under that agenda item.
Destiny Llamas: She spoke by telephone and expressed concerns regarding proposed data centers and requested that the matter return to the Council for further public discussion. She supported changing the time of Council meetings to increase public participation and suggested surveying residents regarding preferred meeting times. She also raised concerns regarding communication and interaction between City officials and residents, transparency, opportunities for public dialogue, and comments attributed to a City Planning Commissioner.
Tiffany Elliott: An Adelanto resident, identified local resources available to children and families affected by abuse and domestic violence, including Desert Rose Trauma Recovery and A Better Way. She also expressed opposition to data centers, supported consideration of a moratorium, emphasized the importance of transparency and community participation in decisions affecting residents, supported changing Council meeting times to improve public access, and raised concerns regarding comments attributed to a City Planning Commissioner.
Mayor Reyes closed Public Comment at 11:58 a.m.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
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 Minutes: June 24, 2026- Regular Meeting
July 22, 2026- Regular Meeting
3. Approval of the Five-Year Measure I Capital Project need Analysis for Fiscal Year 2027-2028 through 2031-2032 and Resolution 26-41.
RESOLUTION NO 26-41
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 FISCAL YEARS 2027/2028 THROUGH 37 City Council Minutes
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5 2031/2032.
4. Approval of the 2027-2031 Measure I Capital Improvement Plan.
RESOLUTION NO. 26-42
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 FY2027/2028 THROUGH FY2031/2032
5. Approval of the 2026 Biennial Review and Update of the City of Adelanto Conflict of Interest Code.
RESOLUTION NO. 26-43
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ADELANTO,
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODES AND RE-ADOPTING A CONFLICTOF-INTEREST CODE AND DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
6. Receive and file of the Burrtec Commercial & Residential Report- July 2026
7. Receive and file the HDL Business License Report- August 2026
8. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for the ATP-Safe Route to School Grant in the amount of $231,000.
9. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for HSIP-Citywide All Way Stop Conversion Grant in the amount of $30,000.
10. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for HSIP-Bellflower Street Safety Improvements Grant in the amount of $100,000.
11. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant in the amount of $38,000.
12. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant in the amount of $100,000.
13. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for HSIP-Traffic Signal at Rancho and Bellflower Street Grant in the amount of $88,000.
38 City Council Minutes
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6 14. Approval of Warrant Demand Schedule 26/27-03-01
a. City of Adelanto Check Warrant No 152101. Through 152132 in the total amount of $50,935.33
b. City of Adelanto EFT No. 5924. through, and No. 5992 through in the amount of $845,584.13.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Meza, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, with Items Nos. 3, 4, and 8 through 13 removed for discussion.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, and Mayor Reyes voted yes).
L. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Approval of the Five-Year Measure I Capital Project need Analysis for Fiscal Year 2027-2028 through 2031-2032 and Resolution 26-41.
RESOLUTION NO 26-41
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 FISCAL YEARS 2027/2028 THROUGH 2031/2032
Council discussed the five-year Capital Improvement Project Needs Analysis and requested clarification regarding the number of projects identified. Staff explained that two projects were initially included to meet the Measure I submission timeline and that additional projects may be added through a future amendment following further review.
4. Approval of the 2027-2031 Measure I Capital Improvement Plan.
RESOLUTION NO. 26-42
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 FY2027/2028 THROUGH FY2031/2032
Council discussed the five-year Capital Improvement Plan and requested clarification regarding estimated revenues, project costs, and available funding. Staff explained that the estimated revenues represented anticipated Measure I funding and that additional project costs would be funded through available Measure I and grant funds rather than the General Fund. 39 City Council Minutes
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7 8. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for the ATP-Safe Route to School Grant in the amount of $231,000.
9. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for HSIP-Citywide All Way Stop Conversion Grant in the amount of $30,000.
10. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for HSIP-Bellflower Street Safety Improvements Grant in the amount of $100,000.
11. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grant in the amount of $38,000.
12. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant in the amount of $100,000.
13. Approval of the Professional Service Agreement with ZSE & Associates for Grant Administration and Implementation Services for HSIP-Traffic Signal at Rancho and Bellflower Street Grant in the amount of $88,000.
Council discussed the professional services agreements for grant administration and implementation services and requested clarification regarding allowable administrative costs.
Staff explained that the amounts identified represented maximum allowable grant-funded administrative costs and would be billed only as work was performed, rather than automatically paying the entire available amount. Staff further explained that eligible costs would be submitted to the respective granting agencies for reimbursement.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to approve Items Nos. 3, 4, and 8 through 13 following discussion.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos, and Mayor Reyes voted yes).
K. NEW BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION ITEM PERTAINING TO PLANNING COMMSSION CHAIRMANSHIP. (MAYOR REYES)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
Mayor Reyes discussed the leadership of the Planning Commission following the resignation of the 40 City Council Minutes
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8 Planning Commission Chair/President. Council discussed the distinction between resigning from the Chair/President position and continuing to serve as a Planning Commissioner.
Mayor Reyes opened Public Comments at 1:02 p.m.
Tiffany Elliott: Expressed concerns regarding Waggener’s conduct as Planning Commission Chair, including the manner in which members of the public were addressed during the Planning Commission meeting. She discussed accountability, professionalism, and maintaining public trust and supported Council taking further action.
Destiny Llamas: Expressed concerns regarding Waggener’s conduct during the Planning Commission meeting and the treatment of members of the public. She emphasized transparency, respectful public participation, and accountability by appointed officials.
Guadalupe Ochoa: Raised concerns regarding the manner in which the Planning Commission meeting was conducted and the treatment of residents participating in the public process. She emphasized the importance of allowing residents to express their concerns and requested accountability regarding the Chair’s conduct.
Ricky Rubalcava: Spoke in support of Chris Waggener continuing to serve as a Planning Commissioner and commented regarding his experience serving with Waggener on the Planning Commission.
Chris Waggener: Commented regarding the Planning Commission matter and the responsibilities and expectations of Planning Commissioners, including maintaining professionalism when conducting public meetings.
Mayor Reyes Closed Public Comments at 1:14 p.m.
Council Member Evans moved to remove Chris Waggener from the Planning Commission. The motion failed for lack of a second.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes seconded Mayor Pro Tem Ramos to accept Chris Waggener’s resignation from the Planning Commission Chair/President position.
Motion carried 4-1 (Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes with Evans voting no).
41 City Council Minutes
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9 2. APROVAL OF 2026 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE – RESOLUTION AND VOTING DIRECTION. (COUNCILMEMBER EVANS)
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council review the 2026 League of California Cities Resolution Packet and provide direction to the City’s voting delegate regarding how to vote on each resolution or matter presented to the General Assembly.
Council discussed the City’s representation and voting direction for matters to be considered at the League of California Cities Annual Conference. Discussion focused on ensuring the City’s voting delegate was authorized to represent Adelanto’s interests and Council’s position on matters presented at the conference.
Council Member Evans explained that, as the City’s voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference, she was seeking Council direction regarding the resolution to be considered by the General Assembly. She explained that the resolution called for the development of a state constitutional amendment or other legislative or ballot-based strategy to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land-use matters. Council discussed the State’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements, local control over housing and landuse decisions, the City’s efforts to comply with its Housing Element requirements, and whether local jurisdictions are better positioned to determine their housing and development needs.
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos expressed support for the resolution and discussed the potential benefit of allowing housing needs and allocations to be determined at the local level rather than by the State.
Mayor Reyes discussed the City’s experience complying with RHNA requirements and asked Dr.
Keinan to provide additional information regarding the City’s housing efforts, State requirements, available funding, and the benefits of local control. Dr. Keinan discussed the challenges of statewide requirements, Adelanto’s unique development constraints, and the importance of local decision-making while coordinating with regional and State agencies.
The resolution was further clarified as supporting the establishment of a working group to evaluate a potential state constitutional amendment or other strategy to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land-use matters.
Following discussion and public comment, Council reached consensus directing Council Member Evans, as the City’s voting delegate, to vote in favor of the resolution. 42 City Council Minutes
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10 3. DISCUSSION ON NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENT. (VIRGINIA/BRENDA) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
Council discussed plans and potential locations for National Night Out, including Richardson Park, Desert Trails Park, and the Stadium. Following discussion, Council agreed to hold the event at Richardson Park and establish an ad hoc committee consisting of Council Members Uptergrove and Evans to assist with planning and coordination.
Mayor Reyes opened public comment at 2:15 p.m.
Diana Esmeralda: she spoke in support of holding National Night Out at Richardson Park and encouraged participation from local nonprofit organizations and greater community engagement.
City Council Consensus staff to coordinate National Night Out at Richardson Park and appointed Council Members Uptergrove and Evans to serve on the National Night Out Ad Hoc Committee.
Mayor Reyes closed public comment at 2:19 p.m.
4. DISCUSSION ON WALK PATHS AND BIKEWAYS. (MAYOR PRO TEM RAMOS) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos discussed developing a connected system of walking and bicycle paths throughout the City to improve pedestrian safety, health, connectivity, and access between neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and other destinations. He discussed expanding the proposed improvements beyond the initial Highway 395 area to better connect the north and south portions of the City and identified potential funding opportunities through SCAG, SBCTA, air quality programs, and other State and federal sources. Council expressed support for the concept and discussed potential routes, safety improvements, separation of pedestrian and bicycle/scooter traffic, and connections to City parks.
Mayor Reyes opened public comment at 2:40 p.m.
Diana Esmeralda: She spoke in support of the proposed walking and bicycle paths and discussed safety features, shade and cooling areas, bicycle repair facilities, and other amenities. 43 City Council Minutes
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11 Mayor Reyes closed public comment at 2:43 p.m.
COUNCIL CONSENSUS: Directed staff to move forward with planning for the walking and bikeway concept, research similar projects, coordinate with regional agencies, and identify potential funding opportunities. No formal motion or vote was taken.
M. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council Member Evans requested that staff research the City of Needles’ regulations allowing ATVs to travel on designated streets and consider whether a similar program could be implemented in Adelanto. She discussed allowing ATV users to access local businesses, gas stations, and other destinations on designated routes.
MOTION: Moved by Council Member Evans seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ramos Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes).
Council Member Evans requested that a formal discussion regarding a potential moratorium on data centers be placed on the first City Council meeting agenda in October. Council discussed the request in relation to the Planning Commission’s direction for staff to research the potential benefits and impacts of data centers and the pending Zone Text Amendment.
MOTION: Council Member Evans moved to place discussion of a potential data center moratorium on a future City Council agenda. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Council Member Meza requested an update regarding completion of the City Council Chambers.
Staff reported that completion was dependent upon delivery of the dais and certain door infrastructure and indicated the project could potentially be completed within approximately 30 days.
Council also requested an update regarding previously requested signage for City parks. 44 City Council Minutes
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12 N. ADJOURNMENT
The next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on October 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Mayor Reyes adjourned the regular city council meeting at 2:55 p.m.
MOTION: Moved by Mayor Reyes, seconded by Council Member Meza adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0 (Evans, Meza, Uptergrove, Mayor Pro Tem Ramos and Mayor Reyes voted yes).
_________________________
Gabriel Reyes, Mayor
_________________________
Brenda Lopez, City Clerk
45 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
A D E L A N T O G O V E R N M E N T A L C E N T E R | 1 1 6 0 0 A I R E X P R E S S W A Y | A D E L A N T O , C A L I F O R N I A 9 2 3 0 1
DATE: October 14, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Jessie Flores, City Manager
BY: Jessie Flores, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc. for Community Safety Department Assessment Services STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc. to provide Community Safety Department Assessment services and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment and any related documents, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
BACKGROUND:
On April 7, 2026, the City entered into a Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc. for divisional assessment, standard operating procedures, and training services, with a not-to-exceed amount of $74,800. The proposed Amendment No. 1 would add a Community Safety Department Assessment to the existing agreement. 4LEAF proposes to utilize Code Enforcement Manager Gil Quijada to conduct the assessment and provide recommendations to improve departmental operations. The additional services are estimated at $74,799.80, with any additional work requiring a change order. Approval of Amendment No. 1 will allow 4LEAF to proceed with the additional assessment services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed Community Safety Department Assessment has an estimated cost of $74,799.80. The amendment will increase the total not-to-exceed compensation under the agreement from $74,800 to $149,599.80, assuming Amendment No. 1 adds the proposed amount to the existing contract maximum.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc.
2. 4LEAF, Inc. Community Safety Department Assessment Proposal
3. Original Professional Services Agreement with 4LEAF, Inc. 46