AUGUST 2023 ST UR OF THE WIT
CITY MANAGER UPDATE BARSTOW
August was a month full of surprises for our small city. A hurricane hit the region, creating chaos and destruction.
While many of us observed from the safety of our homes, several of our city staff members were out on the streets, dealing with the emergencies that arose due to the storm. The City of Barstow did an excellent job handling the storm runoff, thanks to the pre-inspection and maintenance of our storm drainage system.
However, as the storm made its way through the city, we were taken by surprise by the damaged Edison pole, which caused significant traffic congestion on our surface streets.
It is important to acknowledge the resilience and dedication of the Barstow community during such a challenging time. The storm served as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for effective communication between agencies. Moving forward, we can use this experience as an opportunity to strengthen our city's infrastructure and improve our response to future emergencies.
Despite the challenges faced during this turbulent month, the Barstow community demonstrated its ability to come together and support one another in times of crisis.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
The North First Avenue Bridge Replacement Project is a significant undertaking that will have a positive impact on the Barstow community. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
• The new bridge will greatly improve pedestrian walkways, providing better access for those with disabilities.
• With increased safety measures, the new bridge will enhance traffic flow and provide a more secure connection between the residential north portion and the downtown business district of Barstow. • As the project is currently 30% complete, it is important to plan your trips accordingly and take necessary precautions.
• Crews are working hard to construct retaining walls and drainage systems throughout the project corridor, and to install beams, cement walls, and reinforcement bars to the main bridge foundation in September.
• The new and improved North First Avenue Bridge will be a vital infrastructure endeavor that will serve the Barstow community for generations to come.
HUB OF THE W
Sign up for text messages by texting NorthFirstBridge to (888) 525-1021. Reply STOP to cancel, text HELP for help. Normal text and data message rates apply.
Si prefiere recibir información de construcción en español, llame al (877) 55 - SBCTA.
CODE COMPLIANCE
Collaborating closely with the landowners, we diligently removed solid waste, debris, and discarded tires from a former homeless encampment. The property had been reported for its disorderly appearance with squatters living both inside and outside the property in tents. Code Compliance worked closely with the property owner, who faced challenges evicting the occupants, and ultimately succeeded in clearing the area and securing a sale of the property.
Did you know?
If you have plans to replace a water heater, please pull a permit with the Building Department.
Pulling a permit with the building department for water heater replacement is important for several reasons, such as:
• Safety: A permit ensures that the installation is done safely and up to code, minimizing the risk of accidents such as gas leaks, electrical hazards, and fires.
• Compliance: Permitting ensures that your installation meets the local and state regulations and codes, avoiding any fines or penalties. • Insurance: In case of any damages or accidents, having a permit and a licensed contractor can help you with insurance claims. • Resale value: Having proper permits and inspections can increase the resale value of your property, as it assures potential buyers of the quality of work done.
So, make sure to pull a permit with the building department before replacing your water heater to ensure a safe, compliant, and hassle-free installation.
Tips for a Successful Yard Sale
Hosting a yard sale is a great way to get rid of unwanted items and make some extra cash. Keep in mind that yard sales can only be held for three consecutive days, with a 90-day gap between each sale.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Exciting Updates and Future Projects
New Happenings:
• Join us on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Downtown East Main Street for Community Cleanup Day. Volunteers are needed! Visit our website and check out the official flyer to register as a volunteer. Let's come together and make a difference. • Don't miss Free Dump Day & Shred Fest on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 8:00-11:00 am at the Corp Yard. For more details, see the official flyer on our website. • To ensure that non-compliant commercial customers meet the SB 1383 regulations, letters were mailed out to remind them of the need to have proper services or an approved waiver. The week of October 2nd, an automatic delivery of the proper waste container(s) will take place.
• Look out for Residential Waste and Recycling Newsletters in September's utility bills. If you have paperless billing, be sure check out the newsletter on our website.
In the Pipeline:
• Burrtec and its third-party consultant, ReCreate Waste Collaborative, will be conducting random audits of residential households' trash, recycling, and organics barrels, in compliance with SB 1383 regulations. Barrels with the wrong types of material inside will be tagged with a contamination tag to educate people on proper disposal. No fines will be issued; it's an educational program to reduce contamination. Audit data will be documented and reported to the state. Residents will receive informational postcards in the coming weeks to stay informed. We are working with the PIO team to spread the word through our media channels.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Here are some recent highlights from the Barstow Police Department:
• Our Annual National Night Out was a success! We appreciate everyone who came to show support for our local public safety agencies. • The Barstow Police Activities League hosted its first Comedy & Magic Show, a successful fundraiser event that benefited the annual Christmas Cops & Kids Program. Thank you to everyone who came out and donated! • Congratulations to the 9 recruits from Barstow Department Academy Post 364 Class 28 on their graduation!
• The department participated in Barstow Police Department's second annual Back to School Campaign, welcoming back all BUSD students. • Both Public Safety Dispatcher and Police Officer written exams were held. • Detective Bryce Carson was recognized as the Barstow Police Department's 2022 Officer of the Year at the Blue-Ribbon Breakfast.
PLANNING
Understanding Barstow's General Plan:
A Comprehensive Guide
The Planning Department has been continuously referencing the City's General Plan, but not everyone might be familiar with it. So what exactly is a General Plan and how does it impact our community?
• A General Plan is a long-term strategy that outlines the city's vision for growth and development.
• It includes goals, policies, and maps that help guide decisions when evaluating projects and investments.
• The plan covers a wide range of topics, including land use, safety, environmental justice, circulation, open space, housing, noise, and conservation. • The General Plan is regularly updated to reflect changes in market conditions, socioeconomic trends, and state laws.
By updating the General Plan, the city can ensure that its policies and strategies are in sync with the current conditions and opportunities. SCAN ME
Reminder: City of Barstow General Plan Survey Still Available City of Barstow General Plan survey is still open! We kindly request you to participate in the survey and share with other community SCAN ME members to do the same, as all input provided is valuable to the process. Access the survey here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/
SCAN ME
PIO DEPARTMENT
Check Out the Latest in Barstow:
We're excited to shine the community spotlight on two important figures in Barstow. Firstly, Adam Loris - the new President for Barstow Community Hospital - can't wait to connect with everyone and share some exciting changes on the horizon. Secondly, Dr. Christa Banton, who directs "The Mindful Space" from Barstow Community College, has valuable insights to share regarding mental well-being. Don't miss out on her video presentation where she discusses the impact of mental health services and the stigma surrounding it.
Additionally, we're thrilled to announce the official launch of "The City of Barstow" YouTube channel. Check it out here - https://www.youtube.com/@CityofBarstow And don't forget to head over to "All Access Barstow" on Channel 6 and our website to check out all the latest videos.
IT DEPARTMENT
The IT Department is currently focused on completing help desk work orders, managing media and audio-visual needs, and juggling multiple projects. Here's a quick overview of their ongoing and upcoming projects:
*Currently in Progress:**
Email server upgrade and implementation (nearing completion) Email archiving implementation (nearing completion)
Fire Station Alerting for Fire Department (ongoing, anticipated completion Q4) IT Network Infrastructure Upgrade (ongoing)
*Upcoming Projects:**
Active Directory server upgrade and implementation
Asset Management upgrade and implementation
Dispatch EMD server replacement
Online Permitting/Solar Permitting implementation
WWTP Wi-Fi (ongoing)
WASTE WATER DEPARTMENT
Last month, our Waste Water Department coated 420 manholes with a potent roach control solution. This routine procedure is designed to last 18 months and is created to effectively reduce the roach population and prevent them from infiltrating private laterals and homes
Exciting News:
New Wastewater Plant Truck Unveiling
We're thrilled to announce the
unveiling of our brand new
Wastewater Plant Truck. This cutting-
edge vehicle is incredibly cost-efficient
for our residents and promises to help
our team be more productive than
ever before.
Stay tuned for more details!
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Park/Open Spaces
In addition to our routine maintenance operations, we are committed to ensuring that our parks and sports fields are in top condition for our community to enjoy. We are continuously monitoring weather patterns and making necessary adjustments to ensure that the vegetation is receiving the appropriate amount of water and nutrients.
We are thrilled to see the recent rainfall and humidity resulting from Hurricane Hilary have had a positive impact on the growth and health of our parks and sports fields. Our team takes great pride in maintaining these beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy and we look forward to seeing you there soon.
Street Maintenance
Our team has been diligently upholding standard operations by fulfilling CRMs and email requests. However, the excessive rainfall has left the roads riddled with potholes. Despite the setback, the City of Barstow was well-equipped to handle the storm runoff thanks to pre- inspection and preventative maintenance of the storm drainage system. Fortunately, we managed to weather the storm with minimal clean-up, but the storm channels did suffer some erosion. This necessitates that the Public Works Department carry out some restorative repairs.
Facility Maintenance
Amidst maintenance operations, the
Facility Maintenance staff is fulfilling
CRM's and email requests as normal. A
temporary solution has been installed to
address the failed chiller at the Cora
Harper Center. Two Giant Evaporative
Coolers are now in place to maintain a
comfortable temperature of 72* degrees,
ensuring that all events can proceed as
planned.
Fleet Maintenance:
Our city's fleet is undergoing its usual maintenance and servicing. At the moment, our ladder truck is being repaired in Moreno Valley. Before putting it back into use, we will conduct a thorough inspection and certification.
Zach Bevins, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor is currently assessing the leasing program versus purchasing vehicles to determine which is the better option. There are several factors to consider, such as the cost of repairs for trucks that exceed their Blue Book Value or vehicles that require discontinued parts that are only available from salvage yards.