Message from Andrew Espinoza, Jr., Interim City Manager APRIL 2024 CITY MANAGER UPDATE
In April, a group consisting of Executive staff, a BNSF spokesperson, and myself journeyed to the State Capitol in Sacramento for discussions with various State Departments. The meetings centered on the BNSF project's impact on the community, current challenges, and business diversification in retail, military, mining, and tourism sectors. Additionally, we explored upcoming ventures like the Brightline West high-speed rail system and a casino project. Requests were made for support in advancing housing tracts, infrastructure enhancements, and Main Street upgrades. Concerns were raised regarding CARB locomotive emissions regulations.
The departments we met with were:
State Treasurer
Office of Planning and Research
and Strategic Growth Council
State Transportation Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs
and Housing
Workforce Development Board
I would like to extend my personal gratitude to everyone who reached out to elected officials and CARB to express opposition to this decision. We've received reports that CARB has been inundated with calls on this matter, and numerous comments have been submitted in disagreement with the action. The Barstow City Council has also voiced their strong opposition by unanimously passing a resolution against CARB's proposal. To maintain the momentum against CARB, I want to assure you that although the battle is not yet finished, progress is being made.
Andrew Espinoza Jr.
Interim City Manager
The Council engaged with the community through various events, Council Meetings, and Workshops, demonstrating their dedication to addressing important issues.
ENVIROMENTAL SERVICES
New Happenings:
• Pursuant to SB 1383, Burrtec is now conducting Route Review Audits at least once per year of residential waste containers as part of the required Container Contamination Minimization Program. We want to ensure that our community is informed about this important aspect of the regulations.
Here are some important details regarding the Route Reviews:
Pre-audit Notification: Before conducting route reviews, Burrtec will send out postcards notifying residents of the upcoming audits.
Audit Process: During the review, Burrtec's designated personnel will open the lids of residents’ trash, recycle, and organics barrels to visually assess whether the contents are correctly sorted and disposed of according to the state guidelines.
Tagging System: If the review finds any contamination/ improper sorting, a tag will be left on the container. No Fines will be issued by the city as part of the audits; the tags are for education purposes to help residents avoid future contamination that may prompt additional service fees.
It is essential that we all work together to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Proper waste disposal plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. We appreciate the community’s cooperation and thank you for helping us adhere to State Mandate SB 1383.
In the Pipeline:
• Our EcoHero partners have developed a fun new way to teach kids about composting and food recovery – The Methane Ghost Comic Book! Staff will be ordering copies of the comic books to be distributed to schools, the library, and City Hall.
CODE COMPLIANCE
Did You Know?
Q: Is a permit needed for installing a water heater in your home? Yes! Installing a new water heater in your main residence or rental property necessitates obtaining a permit from the Building Department at City Hall. As per BMC 15.08.010, all building codes are enforced by the city—consult the 2022 CA Mechanical Code for details.
PLANNING
Commercial Projects
860 W Main St—Fire Rehab
222 E Main St—TI
1523 E Main St— Commercial TI
2611 Fisher Blvd—New EV Charging Station
Shell—490 Armory Rd—Building Structure & Fuel Tanks
110 Coolwater Ln—New EV Charging Station
Hampton Inn—2710 Lenwood Rd—Commercial TI
Starbucks—1540 E Main St—Building in progress
1307 E Main St—Commercial TI
1540 E Main St—Burger King
801 E Mountain View St—Trash Enclosure
600 W Main St—Fire Damage Rehab
2641 W Main St—Generator Installation
150 Yucca Ave—Water Heater Pumps & Electrical Upgrades
1601 Armory Rd—Parking Lot Grading & New Lights
1540 E Main St—Startbucks TI
Several Encroachment Permits throughout the city (Verizon, Spectrum, and SWG) still in progress (paving restoration)
The IT department is dedicated to handling help desk work orders, audio/visual needs, social media updates, and various other technology-related tasks, all while overseeing multiple projects.
Current Projects:
Implementation of Crime Statistics
Cashiering System Upgrade
Utility Billing System Upgrade
Police Department Renovations
Network Infrastructure Upgrades for FY24 Q3
Asset Management System Upgrade and Implementation
NG911 Implementations
Upcoming Projects:
EPL Implementation
ERP Implementation
Major Version Upgrades for Public Safety Suite
IT Department
POLICE
April 14-20th marked National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week! We extend our gratitude to our exceptional dispatchers for their dedication in safeguarding our community and officers. Your unwavering compassion and commitment to the Barstow Police Department and the City of Barstow are truly appreciated!
We express our gratitude to our community for
participating in today's Coffee with a Cop event
and getting to know their Barstow Police Officers.
It was truly wonderful to share insights and have
meaningful conversations.
Special thanks to Six Beans Coffee for hosting,
and our partners at Barstow Sheriff’s
Department and Barstow CHP for their
presence!
Keep an eye out for upcoming events. Together,
we are dedicated to protecting our community!
We were privileged to participate in the
Ninth Annual National Crime Victim’s Rights
Week Memorial at Victor Valley College on
Thursday, April 25, 2024. This memorial
serves to promote victims' rights by
commemorating crime victims and those
who support them. Additionally, this
significant event offers essential services
and resources to victims and survivors
present.
Battalion Chief Espinoza participated in EXP Industry Coaching Program at Barstow and Central High Schools
Fire Chief Nick DiNapoli announced his retirement
Barstow Fire Protection District and American Towing hosted and facilitated Auto Extrication Training for the Silver Valley Fire Alliance (Participating Fire Departments San Bernardino County, Marine Corp Logistics Base, Yermo, Daggett, Newberry Springs, Fort Irwin, Barstow Fire Protection District)
Succession Training Conducted Fire Engineer refresher and prepatory Workshop Barstow Fire Protection District and American Towing hosted and facilitated Auto Extrication Training for the Silver Valley Fire Alliance
Succession Training Conducted Fire Engineer refresher and prepatory Workshop Conducted Probationary Employee Testing-Firefighter Paramedic Bode (6 month)/ Firefighter Robledo (1 year)/Firefighter Witson (1 Year)
Attended Marriot Ribbon Cutting
Attended in Earth Day Event
Completed OSHA required FIT Testing for Respiratory Protection and Equipment Monthly Training Hours-576
Barstow Fire Protection District
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Park/Open Spaces
The Parks/Open Spaces Department had the chance to test the Zero Emission Equipment Roadshow trailer, specifically the Commercial Lawn & Garden Equipment. What does this involve? The trailer is equipped with electric landscape tools, eliminating the need for fuel.
Through the CARB ZEE Roadshow program, cities can experiment with noncombustible landscape tools. The trailer features five electric commercial tools from various manufacturers, each offering two battery options: a slide-in cartridge battery for small tasks and a backpack battery for larger areas like parks.
What are the advantages of using noncombustible tools?
Environmentally Friendly
Reduced Noise Pollution
Lower Operating Costs
Lightweight and User-Friendly
Enhanced Safety
Throughout this week, park staff have been evaluating these tools to determine the most suitable options for future purchases by the Parks/Open Spaces Department.
FINANCE
Street maintenance has been engaging in collaborative efforts with different departments for multiple projects. One notable example is our significant contribution to Facility Maintenance's renovation of the Police Department, Jasper Park, and support for Henderson Pool cleaning. Jason Miller our Field Services Supervisor has been carefully strategizing his operations to aid other departments. See below for images showcasing the demolition of interior walls at Jasper Park.
Street Maintenance
Fleet Maintenance
The fleet staff continued with their routine service and repair duties. Patrol vehicle 9091 encountered substantial engine issues. The choice to replace the engine depends on the funding allocated for FY 24/25. The Fleet Supervisor is working closely with finance in the budget planning phase.
Facility Maintenance Update
The Facility Maintenance team has been hard at work completing the remodeling project at P.D.
To accommodate this, the dispatchers have been relocated to a temporary space until the new dispatcher's room is ready. Contractors have been enlisted to help with tasks such as flooring, mudding, taping, texturing, and installing glass in the new administrative offices. Everyone is working to meet the tight deadlines.
Seeking Vendors for 4th of July Celebration!
If you are interested, please contact the Cora Harper Community Center at 760.256.5617. The deadline for applications is June 3rd, 2024.
P DEPARTMENT
Looking for a
Summer Job?
Give us a call!