REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
220 EAST MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET
BARSTOW, CA 92311
MAY 20, 2025
6:00 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Minutes-May 20, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION:
MAYOR SILVA called the closed session meeting to order at 6:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
James M. Noble Council Member Absent
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.
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:
Minutes-May 20, 2025
SPEAKERS
GILBERT ASA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed concerns with the lack of accountability from the council.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE called for a point of order to explain to Mr. Asa what the closed session public comments are vs. general non-agenda public comments.
MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Recommended Action:
Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code § 54957.6) City & District Negotiators: City Manager/District Manager Rochelle Clayton Employee Organizations:
Unit 1 - Teamsters Local 1932
Unit 2 - Teamsters Local 1932
Unit 3 - Barstow Police Officers’ Association
Unit 5 - Barstow Professional Firefighters Association
Unit 6 - Barstow Management Employees’ Association
Unit 8 - Barstow Police Department Management Association All Unrepresented Employees
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Recommended Action:
The City Council finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the City in the litigation. (Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1)) Case Name: Murphy, et al. v. City of Barstow, et al. United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 5:24-cv-01913-SSS-SP.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
CITY ATTORNEY, MATTHEW SUMMERS, reported the following:
- The council met in closed session to consider two items, the first one regarding conference with labor negotiators and the second one regarding existing litigation Murphy v. City of Barstow direction was provided to counsel with no reportable action taken.
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 7:02 PM
INVOCATION:
PASTOR MIKE SMITH from REVIVED COMMUNITY CHURCH led the invocation.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
LILLI LISCANO from BARSTOW BASEBALL MAJORS DIVISION led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
James M. Noble Council Member Absent
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.
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.
At the request of the City Manager, COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ requested to pull items 7 and 8 for further review, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
ABSENT: Noble
PRESENTATIONS:
3. RECOGNITION OF BARSTOW BASEBALL MAJORS DIVISION
Recommended Action:
Present certificates to the players and coaches of the Barstow Baseball Majors Division Team.
Certificates were presented to participants by the Mayor and Council.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
4. AFTER-EVENT REPORT AND PRESENTATION BY CA ROUTE 66
Recommended Action:
After-event report and presentation only.
After the event report was presented by Brendan O'Brien representative from the California Rt. 66 Museum.
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
5. BARSTOW CONNECT APP
Recommended Action:
Presentation only.
IT COORDINATOR BENJAMIN PINA
- Presented the staff report as filed with the City Clerk's office.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked who is using this app within the city and how this app works.
IT COORDINATOR BENJAMIN PINA
- Explained that all departments are currently using this app and gave a general rundown on how the app is being utilized.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked who is monitoring this application, and if this is monitored 24/7. - Asked what the turnaround time is.
IT COORDINATOR BENJAMIN PINA
- Clarified that each department is monitoring the app differently depending on their duties and necessities.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Noted that when a ticket is created, it has a dropdown option, which routes the request to whichever department is responsible for that issue, where the request is resolved. - Mentioned that if the request is not resolved within 10 days, then a supervisor will get a notification.
- Noted that a request cannot be closed without a resolution. - Mentioned that the request can be reassigned if necessary. - Explained how the program works and how responses are sent to the public.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked what can be done to inform the public about the app.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Mentioned she would like to do an outreach to the public and would like to expand social media and invite the public to sign up for notifications.
- Noted they are researching different ways to keep the public informed.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked if this app can be used to self-report issues within the city.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Explained that any user can report any issue within the city to the appropriate department.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked where someone without the app can report an issue. - Would like to see some information on how to use the app on channel 6. - Would like to see some statistics on the use of the app.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Explained that the city's contact information is available on the website to report any issues by phone.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Mentioned the public can call the city office's general number at 760-256-3531.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked if a training can be provided at the senior center for citizens. - Asked if some information can be provided to the public with their sewer bills. - Encourage employees to provide the information directly to the appropriate staff member instead of using the app.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Noted for true emergencies in the app states call 911 for emergencies. - Clarifying that the app is not for emergencies.
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.
SPEAKERS
ANNA FUZIE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke regarding Measure Q and expressed concerns about money not being available for the residents' needs.
- Asked for some clarification regarding the name change of the Barstow Senior Center to "The Jeff L.
Eason Sr. Senior Center”.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke about Code Enforcement sending notices out and allowing only a short time for residents to comply.
- Asked what is going to be done to monitor code enforcement, nothing, they are out of line and not serving the community.
- Spoke of an agenda item from last meeting that was not spoken on, "Cora Harper Agenda Item", would like clarification on this item.
- Spoke about the lack of ADA parking, noting the back door should be open for the handicapped.
THERESA TANK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of an incident that happened when an officer discharged his weapon on an animal, would like clarification.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
SONIA COMPTON, BARSTOW, CA
- Expressed concerns with the Measure Q committee, mentioned that since being selected in April 2025, no meetings had been scheduled, and no updates had been received. - Mentioned the presentation of the proposed operating and capital improvement budget for FY 2025- 2026 seems incomplete, would like to be able to review the budget. - Congratulated Barstow Community College and all graduates. - Congratulated Barstow High School Media Teacher and students.
ET SNELL, NEWBERRY SPRINGS, CA
- Congratulated the Barstow Baseball Majors Division for their accomplishments. - Asked if there was a traffic study before BIG came into town, and expressed concerns with the trucks around the area.
- Expressed concerns about not being able to get in touch with the City Manager. - Spoke about a lawsuit recently filed against the City of San Bernardino. - Expressed concerns and hopes staff selects a good Police Chief.
JIM BROWN, BARSTOW, CA
- Addressed statement COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE made regarding a video in which he was attacked.
VIRGINIA BROWN, BARSTOW, CA
- Noted she agreed with Mr. Hernandez, mentioning there is a problem with Code Enforcement and would like to see it addressed.
- Spoke about issues she has/had with Code Enforcement.
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 AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 5217-2025 AND ORDINANCE 1030- 2025 860 WEST MAIN STREET - GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (PGPA-25-0001) AND ZONING DISTRICT CHANGE (PZCA-25-0001)
Recommended Action:
Adopt Zone District Change under PZCA-25-0001 and its proposed ordinance No. 1030-2025 and General Plan Amendment under PGPA-25-0001 and its proposed resolution No. 5217-2025 to allow for change from C (Commercial) to DU (Diverse Use) zoning and land use designation.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
ABSENT: Noble
7. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 5218-2025 - INTENTION TO DISESTABLISH PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 81-1
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the following actions:
1. Discuss and adopt the attached Resolution of Intention to Disestablish PID 81-1 (Resolution No. 5218-2025.
2. Direct staff to move forward with the disestablishment procedures and schedule a public hearing for the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting.
RESULT: PULLED Next: 6/3/2025 6:00 PM
8. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 5219-2025 - INTENTION TO DISESTABLISH PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 83-1
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the following actions:
1. Discuss and adopt the attached Resolution No. 5219-2025 of Intention to Disestablish PID 83- 1 (Exhibit A)
2. Direct staff to move forward with the disestablishment procedures and schedule a public hearing for the July 15, 2025 City Council meeting.
RESULT: PULLED Next: 6/3/2025 6:00 PM
9. AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO FIRST AVENUE BRIDGE OVER BNSF FUNDING AGREEMENT NO. 15-1001119
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following action:
1. Approve Attachment C, Project Funding Agreement No. 15-1001119, amendment number 5 between the City and SBCTA and extend the termination date to December 31, 2025.
Attachment A: Description of Project and Milestones and Attachment B: Summary of Estimated Costs; and
Attachment C: Amendment No. 5 to Project Funding Agreement No. 15-1001119.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
ABSENT: Noble
Minutes-May 20, 2025
DISCUSSION / ACTION ON DEFERRED ITEMS:
BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS:
10. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A MASTER LEASE-PURCHASE
AGREEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS WITH HOLMAN CAPITAL FOR THE
LEASE/PURCHASE OF A ENFORCER PIERCE ULTIMATE CONFIGURATION PUMPER FIRE ENGINE.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Approve BFPD Resolution 74-2025 authorizing the Barstow City Council to execute the Master Lease-Purchase Agreement and related documents with Holman Capital to finance the acquisition of a Pierce Fire Engine, with a cost not to exceed a total of $1,119,983.96 collectively, as defined in the Discussion Section of this staff report.
2. Discuss the available financing for additional purchasing ability in an amount not to exceed $4,400,000.00.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS, FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS, AND CITY
MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Presented the staff report as filed with the City Clerk's office.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked if a resolution for the Fire Department can be approved when it is not included on the agenda.
- Mentioned she would like to wait after the budget workshop is presented to make a decision. - Expressed concern about how much the city can be in debt and still have the appropriate cash flow available for daily operations.
- Wanted to know what the cash flow situation for the city.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Clarified that the financing is through the city and not the Fire Protection District. - Noted the Fire Protection District is not in a position to borrow money. - Clarified that for the pension obligation bond, the city pledges the general available taxes.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Clarified the brush truck was paid off, but option C allows the city to reimburse itself and finance the truck after the fact.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Expressed concerns with going further in debt by purchasing all these vehicles and the manpower needed to operate that equipment.
- Asked what the plan is for operating this equipment and what the cash flow will be. - Asked why there is a need for the ladder truck, which was not mentioned before.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Clarified that this is just an option based on the needs of the department.
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Mentioned they are trying to obtain this truck to lock the current price and interest rate since this kept on rising.
- Explained the different types of operational options for the ladder truck.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Explained the different options available to obtain the apparatus.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked how much cash flow would be available for the city if choosing option A.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Noted it will be a difference of about 900K which can be used anyway necessary. - Mentioned that these options were presented to her by Holman Capital.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Mentioned she understood that by paying cash, there will be a 130-139K savings in interest.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Clarified that there is still a discount because the manufacturer will be paid off in full. - Clarified that there is money available in the fund balance, but by paying this cash, the city will run out of cash flow for daily operations.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Explained this came back for discussion by motion for reconsideration by the majority of the council, and because payment has not been made, there is still time for revision.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed concerns about the amount of interest the city will pay by financing this apparatus. - Asked how the city is going to come out with the yearly payment. - Noted these options made no sense.
ET SNELL, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked the council to make the right decision, and asked how many volunteers the Fire Department has.
- Would like to see a volunteer Fire Department, and would like to see some volunteers at the Police Department.
QUESTIONS
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Mentioned since they last discussed this item in July, the balance on Measure Q had dropped, and wanted to know where the money went since the purchase was not made.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Explained at that time, when this item was presented, it was before overtime cost from Fire and Police, additional parks improvements, and other expenses.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked if a budget was put together to pay the apparatus off in five years.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Explained staff put together a 5-year plan with the additional principal amount to pay out this debt.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked where this money is coming from.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Clarified that this money would be put aside from Measure Q.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
Motion made by MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ, for further discussion 4-0
DISCUSSION
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Would like the council to consider tabling this item to make a more informed decision. - Appreciated the staff working hard to collect all this information.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Appreciated staff looking at different options, but would like to attend the budget workshop before making a decision.
MAYOR SILVA
- Appreciates staff bringing different options and encourages them to continue to do so.
Motion made by MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ, to table this item to the June 3rd, 2025 meeting. 3-1
RESULT: TABLED Next: 6/3/2025 6:00 PM
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
11. PROTEST HEARING - UNPAID NUISANCE ABATEMENT FEES APN 0181-247-04-000 Recommended Action:
Staff recommends to Conduct a protest hearing for APN 0181-247-04-000. Subject to testimony received, adopt the attached Resolution No. 2020-2025, Making Determinations and Confirming Assessments and Proceedings for Unpaid Nuisance Abatement Fees, and waive the full reading.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Presented the staff report as filed with the City Clerk's office.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked if this property will be marketed or if it is expected to go on tax sale.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Noted, he believes it will go to tax sale.
MAYOR SILVA OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:18 P.M.
SPEAKERS
VIRGINIA BROWN, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Mentioned she is curious to know if really all attempts were made to contact the property owner.
MAYOR SILVA CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:19 P.M.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Noted the owner was deceased, family members were contacted regarding this issue, but they advised staff not to contact them again.
- Mentioned staff has all this documentation and explained the property abatement process. - Noted that this property has been abandoned for quite some time.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
ABSENT: Noble
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES:
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF DANIEL ARTHUR
- Mentioned on May 22nd, he will be attending the San Bernardino County Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony in Montclair.
- Noted two new officer trainees will start on May 27.
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Noted Firefighters are diligent in responding to emergencies throughout the community, and actively engaging in recurring training events in the county.
- Attended the Victorville Fire Annual County Wildland Preparedness Drill. - Mentioned they had two active fires within the region of the High Desert, which required multiple agencies' participation.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- On April 28 attended the AQMD budget meeting; the next meeting will be June 9. - Attended the Street Committee Meeting on May 7 and discussed funding, pavement preservation, public will be informed.
- Attended the Mojave Waste meeting, postponed the segregation of trash, need more clarification from CalRecycle.
- Attended the Desert Mountain San Bernardino Transportation Authority, the city will get reimbursable funds for the bridge.
- Mentioned that the bridge will be closed in December 2025.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Noted visited the city of Apple Valley and worked with their city council. - Next will be visiting the city of Adelanto.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Attended the Homeward Bound Committee on May 8th.
- Received an update from New Life Fellowship.
- Noted the Homeless Coordinator is still pending.
- Mentioned the County was doing site visits for the CDBG funds. - Mentioned the next meeting will be June 12 at 5 P.M.
- Next Rules and Policy Committee Meeting will be on May 27.
MAYOR SILVA
- Attended the SBCTA Meeting on May 7.
- Next Street Committee Meeting will be June 4, at 5 P.M. - Attended the League of Cities on May 8 to 9 spoke regarding Prop 36 and how this will affect Law Enforcement.
- Attended another session about AI, and the evolving industry of landscaping. - Attended a presentation regarding Amazon and sales tax, encourage the public to spend locally. - Attended the Military Affairs on May 13.
- Attended the Barstow Chamber of Commerce Meeting on May 20.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Would like an update on the Humane Society.
- Asked residents to slow down due to some streets being striped and some signal lights are out. - Attended the second graduation of the Barstow Community College.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Noted he is trying to be as transparent and accountable as possible. - Noted he understands the public's frustration.
- Mentioned his intention of what he does is not to attack, but to educate. - Expressed that he just wants what is best for the city.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Wanted to make sure the city complies with Measure Q, and would like to see a report on why the committee is not meeting.
- Spoke about ADA parking in front of City Hall.
- Proposed to work with staff to organize town hall meetings. - Spoke about Code Enforcement and Christmas lights, would like to know what the issue is with having those up.
- Noted they are all trying to be transparent and would like residents to contact the council instead of blasting them on social media.
MAYOR SILVA
- Mentioned attended the work committee at Park University. - Attended the Barstow Community College graduation.
- Attended the Adult Ed graduation on Saturday, May 17. - Attended the United States Veterans Support Group, which gave out 5 scholarships. - Thanked Code Enforcement for what they do and spoke about a complaint he received.
STAFF REPORTS:
NONE.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Gave the city manager's update.
- Spoke on several events organized by the city and upcoming events. - Invited the public to sign up for instant notifications. - Mentioned staff has proposed to revert animal control services to the Humane Society. - Pointed out there are complaints on both sides from Code Enforcement. - Noted the purpose of Code Enforcement is to keep the public safe.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained in the California Fire Code and the Electrical Code, Christmas Lights are not allowed to be out for more than 30 days.
- Mentioned even in the manufacturer's specifications, states they are not designed to stay outside. - Noted this is a State Law and they are required to enforce. - Mentioned this for safety issues.
Minutes-May 20, 2025
ADJOURNMENT:
By the consensus of the City Council and without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 9:57 PM.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
_______________________________ _______________________________ Andrea Flores, City Clerk Timothy R. Silva, Mayor
Notice: Signed Minutes are filed with the City Clerk’s office