BARSTOW CITY COUNCIL /
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
220 EAST MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET
BARSTOW, CA 92311
FEBRUARY 3, 2025
5:00 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
MINUTES
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING
Minutes-February 3, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION:
MAYOR SILVA called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:00 P.M.
INVOCATION:
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
James M. Noble Council Member Present
Barbara Mae Rose Mayor Pro Tem Present
John Williams Council Member Present
Carmen Hernandez Council Member Present
Timothy Silva Mayor Present
PARTICIPATION IS INVITED : IF YOU WISH TO BE HEARD ON ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA, PLEASE
SO INDICATE BY FILLING OUT A SPEAKER REQUEST CARD AND HANDING IT TO THE CITY CLERK PRIOR TO THE AGENDA ITEM EING ADDRESSED. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
CODE OF ETHICS: AS YOUR ELECTED GOVERNING BOARD WE WILL REMEMBER THE "CODE OF ETHICS" THAT WE VOLUNTARILY AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. DURING THIS MEETING WE WILL TREAT EACH OTHER AND THE PUBLIC WITH PATIENCE, CIVILITY, AND COURTESY. THE DECISIONS
MADE TONIGHT WILL BE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BARSTOW COMMUNITY AND NOT FOR PERSONAL GAIN.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT - CLOSED SESSION: THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE GENERAL
PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD ON MATTERS ON THE CLOSED SESSION AGENDA AND WITHIN THE CITY’S JURISDICTION. SPEAKERS ARE ASKED TO LIMIT THEIR COMMENTS TO THREE MINUTES OR LESS. ALL REQUESTS TO SPEAK MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE AGENDA ITEM BEING ADDRESSED. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
SPEAKERS:
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked about the difference between items 3 & 4.
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Requested to add recommended action on the agenda items.
JIM BROWN, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Requested to add recommended action on the agenda items. - Expressed his concerns with Interim Chief of Police Arthur and requested not to make him permanent.
VIRGINIA BROWN, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked to add recommended action on the agenda items because the public does not know what are they going to be discussing.
- Noted the public needs to be informed of what they are discussing, there needs to be transparency.
MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Council Member
SECONDER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Recommended Action:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(1), a point has been reached where, in the opinion of the City Council, on the advice of its legal counsel, based on the belowdescribed existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City. Facts and circumstances that might result in litigation but which the City believes are not yet known to potential plaintiff or plaintiffs. (Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1)) Number of Potential Cases: 1
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Recommended Action:
(Gov. Code § 54957.6)
District Negotiators: Acting City Manager/District Manager Chris Heldreth & Barstow Fire Protection District Chief Cory Cisneros
Employee Organization: Barstow Professional Firefighters Association Minutes-February 3, 2025
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Recommended Action:
(Gov. Code § 54957)
Position Title: City Manager
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Recommended Action:
(Gov. Code § 54957)
Position Title: Interim City Manager, Public Safety Director, Police Chief REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Council met in a closed session to discuss 4 items. Item 2 and Item 4 were discussed and no reportable action was taken. Items 1 and 3 would be continued after the close of the Joint Regular Meeting.
- Explained to the public the agenda title used matches the Brown Act. - Mentioned the recommended action is not listed because it depends on what the council decided to do or not do.
- Noted if reportable action is taken then report has to be made.
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING 7:00 PM (or immediately following adjournment of Closed Session if adjourned after 7:00 PM):
MAYOR SILVA called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
INVOCATION:
PASTOR JAMES MILA from CROSSROADS ASSEMBLY led the invocation PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS led in the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
James M. Noble Council Member Present
Barbara Mae Rose Mayor Pro Tem Present
John Williams Council Member Present
Carmen Hernandez Council Member Present
Timothy Silva Mayor Present
PARTICIPATION IS INVITED: IF YOU WISH TO BE HEARD ON ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA INCLUDING
ANY ITEM ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR, PLEASE SO INDICATE BY FILLING OUT A SPEAKER REQUEST CARD AND HANDING IT TO THE CITY CLERK. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
CODE OF ETHICS: AS YOUR ELECTED GOVERNING BOARD WE WILL REMEMBER THE "CODE OF ETHICS" THAT WE VOLUNTARILY AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED. DURING THIS MEETING WE WILL TREAT EACH OTHER AND THE PUBLIC WITH PATIENCE, CIVILITY, AND COURTESY. THE DECISIONS
MADE TONIGHT WILL BE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BARSTOW COMMUNITY AND NOT FOR PERSONAL GAIN.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF AGENDA: THIS IS THE TIME FOR MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD TO CALL FOR REARRANGING THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA; ADDING ITEMS TO OR REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE AGENDA; OR REMOVING ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR SEPARATE ACTION. ITEMS MAY ONLY BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA AS ALLOWED BY STATE LAW, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54954.2, SUBDIVISION (B),
ALLOWING EMERGENCY ITEMS TO BE ADDED BY MAJORITY VOTE AND ALLOWING ITEMS THAT AROSE TO THE CITY’S ATTENTION AFTER THE AGENDA POSTING DEADLINE, BUT WHICH REQUIRE
IMMEDIATE ACTION, TO BE ADDED BY A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
AT THE MEETING, OR, IF LESS THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PRESENT, A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT.
MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE, SECOND BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ to pull item 8 to the next City Council meeting on February 18, 2025 for further clarification.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
PRESENTATIONS:
5. FY 2024/2025 STREET-RELATED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT UPDATE Recommended Action:
Presentation Only
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Gave a presentation on the status and upcoming street projects.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked what was the total budget for 2020 to 2024.
- Asked about a 4 million dollar grant awarded to the city.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained the city has obtained extensions for those projects otherwise, they will lose the funding, and they are actively re-designing and building against those funds.
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT THOMAS ALVA
- Explained a cold patch is a temporary patch, a hot mix patch will require a certain temp of about 55 degrees and rising.
- Noted an alligator crack fracturing is caused by the subgrade that is failing by water getting underneath the asphalt.
- Mentioned when the alligator is fractured the weight of the vehicles going over it pops the asphalt.
- Noted Grace, Virginia Way, and Crook Street pavement needs to be replaced because the asphalt is too damaged already to be just patched.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained Grace needed to be reconstructed in 2012 during the Trip project but the city ran out of money during that time and they stopped the repairs.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Asked who prioritizes what streets are going to be repaired. - Asked who decides on what is prioritized within the list of projects when funding is running low. - Asked about the process of putting certain streets on the list for future repairs.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained the streets have to meet the grant application requirements. - Mentioned the City Engineer will try to find a location within the required footage to stop construction and they will brief the Street Committee on the situation and present the recommendation to the council for approval.
- Clarified when the grant was written it was only for certain sections, nothing in the grant identifies the streets where the funds should be used.
- Noted he requested the City Engineer to put together some price proposals for total reconstruction of those streets.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Would like to know if the city has hired someone to administer grants so as to not lose track of the program.
- Noted most of the money from Measure I went into the bridge.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained there is an individual in charge of compiling and monitoring all grants citywide. - Noted they would like to do a monthly report.
- Explained during the Trip Project, construction was slow at that time and the city had some savings and the council made the decision at that time to leverage those funds. - During that time the city had the ability to do many of the streets at one time.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked if the city is looking for a new city engineer.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained the city received two years ago two proposals besides the current engineer proposal but it was a significant price difference.
- Noted there are talks about bringing an engineer in-house but there is a need for a team of engineers when working on big projects.
- Explained that some construction happening now around the city that is Frontier they upgraded the Fiber Optic around the city so now they are under the restoration process.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked about the lines on the street.
- Asked if the transverse cracks are being fixed correctly.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked about Frontier and the trenching policy, and asked if all utilities are abiding with the trenching policy.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Clarified Frontier is complying in full with the trenching policy.
SPEAKERS:
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked about the time frame on the contract that has not been completed said bills are paid before contracts are completed.
- Asked on the status of section 7, noted the streets had no been completed. - Asked to make this project a priority.
PERRY PACK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke about the conditions of his street and said we need to do a better job at prioritizing the needs of the street.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC COMMENT: THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD ON ALL MATTERS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
SPEAKERS ARE ASKED TO LIMIT THEIR COMMENTS ON ALL CONSENT ITEMS TO THREE MINUTES OR LESS. ALL REQUESTS TO SPEAK MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE AGENDA ITEM BEING ADDRESSED. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
MINUTES ALL AGENCIES:
NONE
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ALL AGENCIES:
NONE
CITY COUNCIL:
6. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 1.01.240 TO THE BARSTOW
MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES PROCEDURE FOR
CHALLENGES TO FEES, CHARGES, AND ASSESSMENTS
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt this Ordinance adding section 1.01.240 to the Barstow Municipal Code establishing an administrative remedies procedure for challenges to fees, charges, and assessments.
Attachments:
1. Exhibit A: Ordinance No. 1026-2024 to Establish Administrative Remedies Procedure to Challenges to Fees, Charges, and Assessments.
SPEAKERS:
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke about which sections of the code it applies to, and asked does this ordinance serve the citizens of Barstow.
MARSHA WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Mentioned it was not clear as to what the purpose of this ordinance is and who it benefits.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Council Member
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
7. SECOND READING - ORDINANCE NO. 1027-2025 APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH LEWIS LAND DEVELOPERS, LLC FOR A 146-UNIT SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL HOUSING PROJECT LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF
RIMROCK ROAD AND HIGGINS ROAD
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1027-2025 approving a development agreement with Lewis Land Developers, LLC for a 146-unit single family residential housing project located on the southwest corner of Rimrock Road and Minutes-February 3, 2025
Higgins Road, as recommended by the Planning Commission at its December 9, 2024 meeting.
SPEAKERS:
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW CALIFORNIA
- Said he was disappointed to see this builder and asked when are we getting builders with no development.
DARIN FIKSTAD, BARSTOW CALIFORNIA
- Spoke on this item and said we have to support these projects and work on incentives for the developers.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Council Member
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
DISCUSSION / ACTION ON DEFERRED ITEMS:
NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
NONE
BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS:
CITY COUNCIL:
8. RECLASSIFICATION OF THE FIREFIGHTER/EMT POSITION TO SALARY GRADE 11480 Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the Barstow Fire Protection District Board:
1. Approve the reclassification of the Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) position to salary grade 11480 ($6,229.56 - $7,950.67 per month) (Attachment B).
RESULT: TABLED Next: 2/18/2025 6:00 PM
9. RECOMMENDATION TO RENAME THE SENIOR CENTER IN HONOR OF JEFF L. EASON SR.
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 5197-2025 authorizing the renaming of the Senior Center to "Jeff L. Eason Sr. Senior Center" in honor of Jeff L. Eason Sr.,and waive the reading.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Gave a presentation as file with the City Clerk's office.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked if we considered renaming the thrift store.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained the city owns the Senior Center building but the city does not own the Thrift Store building.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Rename this only applies to the building and not the actual business.
SPEAKERS:
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Mentioned he is in favor of renaming the center in honor of his commitment to the seniors and community.
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Mentioned he is a member of the senior center and agrees on the renaming of the building. - Suggested staff work with the board before putting any signage.
MARSHA WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of all the good things Jeff Eason did for the center.
DISCUSSION:
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Acknowledged the family of Jeff L. Eason and spoke of all the good things he gave to the community.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAM
- Thanked Jeff L. Eason Sr. for all the good he did for the community.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Echoed what his fellow council members said and requested staff work with the board to ensure we accommodate the placement.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Noted she is truly sorry he is not here to see this honor and moving forward would like to see recognition of members of our community while they are still living.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Spoke of all the good things Mr. Jeff L. Eason Sr. did all the contributions he gave to the nonprofits and how much he cared about Barstow. Thanked his family to continue his work.
MAYOR SILVA
- Expressed his condolence to the family and also asked staff that the meeting be adjourned in his honor.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE point of order to allow the family to come to the podium and address the council, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ.
MR. JEFF EASON JR.
- On behalf of him and his family he thanked the council, staff, and the public for this recognition.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
Minutes-February 3, 2025
10. FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION REQUIRING THE RESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE, CREATED BY SECTION 3.33.120 OF THE CITY OF BARSTOW MUNICIPAL CODE, TO MEET MONTHLY.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 5198-2025, requiring the Residents’ Committee to meet monthly.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS and CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER MARIBEL
HERNANDEZ
- Presented the staff report as filed with the City Clerk's office.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked how many meetings the board had in the last year. - Asked if we violate the ordinance because the board has not met. - Noted one of the reasons he is requesting monthly meetings is so the board is aware of expenditures per month.
CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER, MARIBEL HERNANDEZ
- Responded they had one committee meeting in September and one was a council workshop.
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Clarified staff intends to have as many meetings as the council requires this year.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked what the purpose of the monthly meeting requirement is. - Asked if there is a baseline for the expenditures.
CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER, MARIBEL HERNANDEZ
- Noted in the past they had issues having a quorum.
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Clarified that if the council approves this to switch to a monthly meeting the board will be expected to attend monthly.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained that currently there is a one-year fiscal budget based on Measure Q.
FINANCE DIRECTOR, SYDNIE HARRIS
- Noted during the budget presentation there was a specific presentation for Measure Q dollars. - Mentioned in that presentation and option to purchase some needed equipment with the surplus of the funds.
- Noted the budget was adopted and that is the budget staff has been working with.
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Explained every year during the budget process the council reviews the Measure Q proposal.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified the funds are being spent following what was originally stated. - Noted they did an original 5-year approval but this gets amended as time goes.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked Measure Q funds are being put into the general fund. - Asked where the Measure Q applications were advertised. - Asked why this was advertised as a story on social media.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER, MARIBEL HERNANDEZ
- Noted this was advertised as a story on Instagram and Facebook.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked about Measure Q funds not being moved into the general fund after approval. - Asked about the $537K moved from Measure Q to General Fund.
FINANCE DIRECTOR, SYDNIE HARRIS
- Explained there is a cost allocation plan yearly movement of $508K to cover administrative costs.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked what was the promise to the citizens regarding the duties of the Measure Q Committee.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Clarified that the committee will meet annually to review and publicly report on the expenditure of revenues generated by the Measure Q Tax.
MAYOR SILVA
- Clarified this is an oversight committee, they will not have the power to sign off on money expenditures.
- Explained their duty is to report to the public in the city and the council is spending the money as promised on the Measure Q.
- Clarified the committed signs off on the report but they do not have the power to approve, only the council has the power to approve.
- Noted transparency was the purpose of this committee.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked what happens if the commissioners do not agree with the expenditures.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Explained that information is forwarded to the council. - Noted council is the only elected body, the council approves the budget, and council directs staff, and the council elects what to do.
SPEAKERS:
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed his concerns about the issues with the expenditures of Measure Q funds and said the council should look at the budget and decreasing of groups. - Would like to see enough time to be prepared for the meeting. - Suggested the council consider a stipend for members of the committee.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of the recommendations, and asked why it was changed to council nominations. - Expressed his concerns on how the money is spent.
- Noted that when questions are asked there is no response from staff or council and the responses are hard to understand.
LEONARD WILLIAMS, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked what the cost would be going into a monthly meeting. - Noted the meeting was set quarterly because the revenue comes quarterly. - Explained the measure Q when away because no one knew what was going on because there was no voice.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked what Measure Q funding is for.
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Explained Measure Q funds can be used for any purpose.
Motion by MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE and unanimously carried to go to discussion.
DISCUSSION:
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Disclarifiying bold statement that the council pays more attention to workshops. - Explained because this is a general measure it goes to the general fund, for this reason, anything spent out of Measure Q that is out of the general fund is legally spent. - Noted the council needs to prioritize and should look at those 5 things the voters said those funds can be spent on.
- Mentioned the council needs to direct the Interim City Manager to come up with a 2-year plan. - Made a statement by the Ordinance regarding committee member's appointments. - Explained the powers and duties of the committee members. - Requested a Measure Q Workshop, seconded by MAYOR SILVA. - Requested the application process to be re-opened for another month Seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ.
- Wanted this to be better advertised.
- Requested Mr. Rosenberg and Ms. Weasma to continue serving on this committee until positions are filled, Seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Clarified he requested this item to be transparent with the residents of Barstow.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Noted it needs to be written down what was promised when Measure Q was presented. - Asked where was the baseline and asked for clarification on how many firefighters and police officers are been paid out of Measure Q.
- Asked why are the funds not coming in as anticipated.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Noted under meetings in the ordinance can call for special meetings. - Would like to see a workshop every other month to discuss timelines and get updates.
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Clarified that without a motion monthly meetings for the Measure Q Committee will meet quarterly or as often as they desire.
RESULT: FAILED [0 TO 5]
NAYS: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
11. 2024 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING EVENT
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Expressed concerns with the amount of money spent on this event.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Noted Barstow does deserve an event like this but would like to know who approved these expenses.
- Explained this council approved the budget but not the purchase of this Christmas tree.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified the reason for this event to be relocated in front of city hall.
CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER, MARIBEL HERNANDEZ
- Explained these funds came out from Measure Q money.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Mentioned the money spent on the live trees and planted trees noting this was not on the list.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Mentioned this event was done on a Friday but city hall was closed on a Friday.
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified this event was done by public works and they are on a 9/40 schedule.
SPEAKERS:
DARIN FIKSTAD, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed support for this event and spoke of events in other cities.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke on the spending authority of the City Manager, and requested a change in the purchasing policy to what it was before.
- Noted the promotional fund is being used and exploited and there needs to be a ceiling on it.
LEONARD WILLIAMS, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Mentioned the ceremony was fantastic and does not understand the reason why this is being questioned.
MARSHA WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Would like to see a detailed printout of the last four events asked about the liability insurance, wanted to know the number of citizens that attended, and wanted to know why this event was not on a Thursday.
- Mentioned this item was brought out because the citizens want transparency.
DISCUSSION:
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Noted this was an amazing event but she does not like the way the expenditures were presented.
- Would like to see more transparency from staff.
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
GENERAL, NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE GENERAL
PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE GOVERNING BOARD ON MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND WITHIN THE CITY’S JURISDICTION. SPEAKERS ARE ASKED TO LIMIT THEIR COMMENTS TO THREE MINUTES OR LESS. ALL REQUESTS TO SPEAK MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE AGENDA ITEM BEING ADDRESSED. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
SPEAKERS:
BRANDON OBRIEN, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Representing the Route 66 museum thanked the council for allowing the grand reopening on March 22nd at 10 am and the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 am. - Noted they are planning to have the museum open seven days a week to attract more tourists.
TERESA TANK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke on the Animal Control issues in Barstow and asked for clarification on who to call when an aggressive dog needs to be picked up.
- Asked when expenditures are going to be posted.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of the last comments he made regarding the payment to the Marriott. - Asked about the Cannabis odor and the status of closing them down. - Noted he received a letter from code enforcement to clean his property and mentioned the length of time he got to clean it is only seven days this needs to be addressed to allow people to get enough time to clean up their properties.
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of the comments made by the City Attorney when he said the council was not in violation of the Brown Act by not listing the recommendation in the agenda. - This is more about transparency than violation of the Brown Act. - Noted Mayor Pro Tem Rose made two or three different motions they all received seconds but there were no votes.
- Commented he feels harassed by code enforcement.
- Spoke about cannabis and the odor on Lenwood Rd.
MARSHA WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked for the amount the city is paying to channel 6 to televise city council and planning commission meetings.
- Noted not all of the meetings are being played on channel 6. - Mentioned there will be a vaccine clinic on the 2nd Saturday of the month, noted this is free to the public but they accept donations.
- Asked for help for the humane society to film the dogs and cats that are up for adoption. - Asked about the Cannabis Committee and wanted to know if the Rules and Policies will need to be redone.
PERRY PACK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Announced he was excited to feed the homeless with Barstow Church of God in Christ. - Mentioned he was very interested in having a Youth Council and Senior Council for the benefit of the community.
VANESSA PACK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of an issue with her mother's home and thanked PD for trying to assist with an intruder.
VIRGINIA BROWN, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of the FY2024/2025 Streets Update presentation and how these streets were added. - Expressed her concerns with all other streets that also need repair. - Mentioned this council is working slow on city business. - Noted this council has too many meetings to discuss the same issues over and over. - Spoke about the EMT and spoke of the purchasing limits.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
STAFF REPORTS:
FIRE CHIEF, CORY CISNEROS
- Spoke of the fires and said they assisted remotely
- Mentioned homeless individuals are setting fires.
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF, DANIEL ARTHUR
- Explained the Police Department does assist Code Enforcement when requested. - Spoke about the issues with Stater Brothers Shopping Center mentioned the Police Department has contacted the business within the complex, and officers working that beat are in communication with each other.
- Noted they had responded to about 15 calls for service and about 16 proactive calls, they had made 6 arrests.
- Explained to citizens their concerns about loose dogs, the Police Department only picks up aggressive dogs.
- Noted they do respond if the owner can be identified and they will take any appropriate action they can at the time.
- Mentioned after February 11 they will have an Animal Control Officer to assist with those calls. - Mentioned next Monday, February 10 from 5-9 PM they will have a fundraiser at Chili’s for the Baker to Vegas team.
MAYOR SILVA called for a recess at 10:32 P.M.
MAYOR SILVA called back to order the meeting at 10:38 P.M. with all members present.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Will be attending the SCAG meeting on February 6th.
- Mojave Air Quality Meeting on February 24th.
- Street Committee Meeting February 5th at 5 pm.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Will be attending Military Affairs on February 11th at 8 pm at Los Domingos. - The next VVTA meeting will be on February 17th meeting here in Barstow.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Attended Rules and Policy Committee on January 28th to review the Tobacco Retail Ordinance, this Ordinance should be presented to the council on February 18th. They also spoke about a new policy regarding the Closed Session materials. They also will be discussing the Community Benefits policy and the Community Promotional Fund. They are also working on the Council Handbook and would like to see the new Council getting the Council Handbook. - The next Rules and Policy meeting will be on February 25th. - Homeward Bound will be meeting on February 13th at 5 PM. Mentioned they are still looking for donations of rolls of quarters.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- None
MAYOR SILVA
- Attended SBCTA on Wednesdays.
- Will be attending the Street Committee Meeting.
Minutes-February 3, 2025
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Expressed her concern with the lack of accounts payable and would like to see it on the next agenda
- Spoke about the need for the wastewater committee to keep track of their needs. - Noted she is concerned about how the BIG project will affect our WWTP. - Motioned to create a Wastewater Committee, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS. - Asked for an update on Cannabis odor.
- Requested to add an agenda item to discuss overpayment to the Marriott, seconded by MAYOR SILVA
INTERIM CITY MANAGER, CHRIS HELDRETH
- Said legal has issued a 30-day notice of revocation of the Redevelopment Agreement. - Expecting a hearing on March 17.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Asked that information on Animal Control be placed on the city's website and channel 6 and what is the process.
- Would like to see a status on the Cannabis odor issue. - Mentioned would like to see a youth council and senior council. - Thanked the Police Department, the Fire Department, and Staff for all they do.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Reminded everyone of the meeting time.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Would be having a community town hall meeting on Feb 19th
MAYOR SILVA
- Stated regarding the Youth Council direction was given to staff in the last Council Meeting. - Spoke about the senior council.
- Asked to bring back to rearrange the agenda to put Staff Reports after Business of the Council, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE.
- Explained that when they give direction the reason there is no vote is that direction is not on the agenda, the council just needs a second to give direction to staff.
ADJOURNMENT:
By the consensus of the council and without objection, this meeting will be adjourned at 10:52 p.m. in memory of Jeff Eason Sr. per Barstow Municipal Code 2.04.020 the next meeting will be moved to Tuesday, February 18th, 2025. City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 17th, 2025 in observance of President Day.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
_______________________________ _______________________________ Andrea Flores, City Clerk Timothy R. Silva, Mayor
Notice: Signed Minutes are filed with the City Clerk’s office