WORKSHOP
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
220 EAST MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET
BARSTOW, CA 92311
MAY 14, 2025
5:30 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
MINUTES
WORKSHOP
Minutes-May 14, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:
MAYOR SILVA called the workshop to order at 5:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
MAYOR SILVA 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 Absent
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 PRIOR TO THE AGENDA ITEM BEING 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.
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 Minutes-May 14, 2025
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 TWOTHIRDS OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PRESENT, A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT.
.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: John Williams, Council Member
AYES: Williams, Hernandez, Silva
ABSENT: Noble, Rose
STUDY SESSION:
1. PRESENTATION OF FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Recommended Action:
Received and filed.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON & FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS - Presented the staff report as filed with the City Clerk's office.
PARKS PRESENTATION
QUESTIONS
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked about the status of the Johnson Controls contract for replacing the lights at Lillian Park.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified repayment of this contract has been completed. - Noted this refers to other lights at Lillian Park; they are looking to upgrade to solar.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked if the list includes all of the needs at the parks. - Expressed concerns with the state of our bathrooms in our local parks, as nothing is more important for our community.
- Asked for the status on the insurance claim at Foglesong Park, where they stole the lights.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Clarified that this list includes all of the current needs in our parks.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified that these are the needs they believe can enhance our local parks. - Mentioned the recent restroom upgrades in our local parks and what needs to be done. - Talked about doing some swing shifts to clean up restrooms at night to improve services.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Explained that this is an estimated cost that staff already had access to. - Noted they are working on a full, robust, comprehensive 5 and 10-year capital improvement program; this is just an overview.
Minutes-May 14, 2025
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT TOMMY ALVA
- Spoke on the marquee sign at Jasper Park.
- Explained that all insurance claims go back to the General Fund; it does not go back to the department.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked for the status on the purchase of equipment for concrete.
MAYOR SILVA
- Spoke on the improvements made to Foglesong Park.
Motion made by MAYOR SILVA, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS, to suspend the rules and allow for public comments after each goal session. Passed Unanimously 3 - 0.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked how money from CDBG gets allocated
- Mentioned transients are staying in the park's restrooms overnight.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained that there are $220,000.00 for a CDBG project for the next fiscal year for Lillian Park parking improvement.
- Noted, these funds can be reallocated for other projects if the council desires.
COMMUNITY CENTERS PRESENTATION
QUESTIONS
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Clarified Measure Q Funds will close the gap of $897,000.00 for the HVAC project at Cora Harper Fitness Center.
FINANCE DIRECTOR SYDNIE HARRIS
- Explained there is a line item for the kitchen remodel at Cora Harper Fitness Center and another one for the Senior Center.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked why the kitchen at Cora Harper Fitness Center is being remodeled. - Asked what will be done with the $25,000.
- Asked if individuals' AC units can be put in Cora.
- Commended staff for the saunas recently completed.
- Asked why all the numbers are flat.
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT TOMMY ALVA
- Explained events are hosted at the Cora Harper Fitness Center, and there is a need for the kitchen to be in operation.
- Mentioned they will be redoing the cabinets, the flooring, etc.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained that the system was designed for that, there are individual units, just much larger than regular units seen at homes.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked if the sign for the Jeff L. Eason Sr. Senior Center had been budgeted.
Minutes-May 14, 2025
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Mentioned they are working on the design, and quotes for the sign, and it will be budgeted next fiscal year.
- Noted, these are estimated numbers.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Noted, she is glad to see all of these items have been addressed. - Mentioned that some assistance can be requested from the county.
SPEAKERS
NO SPEAKERS
STREETS, ROADS, AND BRIDGES PRESENTATION
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Expressed concerns with the state of local streets, glad to see there is a plan in place. - Asked for clarification on the Rimrock Project.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified there are two projects on Rimrock Rd, one is with the County and the other with Caltrans, and gave specifics.
- Mentioned that these projects will cost about 1 million dollars.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Happy to see some progress with the street improvements.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked where the funding is coming from for these projects. - Asked if there is an engineer's estimate available.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Noted that their funding is coming from different places, like Measure I. - Mentioned that there is no engineer's estimate yet.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked if funding has been allocated for the Barstow Rd. lights, and if these funds can be used for something else.
- Asked what the 1.7 million deed to Measure I was for.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified Caltrans will handle the street lights project, and they stated they will not need the city's money; they already have the budget for this project.
- Noted he is not aware of the reason for the Measure I deed.
INFRASTRUCTURE PRESENTATION
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked if this included BNSF expansion or just current city needs.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Clarified this is to plan for the future, and the BNSF expansion has been included. - Mentioned this is a projection for grant finding and to secure grant funding.
Minutes-May 14, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked for more clarification regarding the Police Department 911 capture line item and the phone system upgrade.
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF DANIEL ARTHUR
- Clarified that this refers to the updating of the recording system for the 911 calls to keep track of every call.
- Noted the phone system upgrade refers to the whole system - Police, Fire, and City Hall.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Mentioned that this phone system was acquired in 2008, and is up for an upgrade.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Stated he wanted to make sure Fire and Police had all the tools necessary to continue to keep residents of Barstow safe.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked for further clarification on the WWTP needs.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained that the WWTP is a 50% capacity; noted that the State Law states that when a treatment plant goes over 50% capacity, they need to start planning for expansion. - Mentioned they would like to see a plugin and play type plan soon. - Noted, currently, some needs and repairs need to be done as soon as possible.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked to consider the new technology for WWTP improvements.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked if BIG will match any grant funds acquired by the city. - Would like to see some type of support from BIG to upgrade the WWTP.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Explained some of the opportunities for funding for the WWTP.
PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENTATION (POLICE DEPARTMENT)
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked the reason why and how many pistols are being replaced. - Asked what is left to remodel at the Police Department.
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF DANIEL ARTHUR
- Explained that there are faulty issues with the current weapons they have, and they need to be replaced for public safety.
- Noted current weapons would be sold to recoup some of the money invested in them. - Mentioned men's locker room needs to be expanded.
- Explained the need for cameras in problematic areas around town.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked for clarification on the mobile command post.
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF DANIEL ARTHUR
- Explained that this will be for large-scale incidents like shootings or natural disasters. - Noted for now, these incidents are conducted in the back of a patrol car with no privacy.
Minutes-May 14, 2025
- Mentioned the Police Department has a tactical armor vehicle, which is a great asset, but this is not practical for the urban police needs.
- Noted this vehicle cannot be sold; it has to be given back to the military.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked how the city can legally disclose that they employed plate readers and cameras to try to deter out-of-town people trying to do mad business at the outlet mall.
CITY ATTORNEY ANDREW JARED
- Explained one of the ways is signs advising people on the plate readers and cameras at the edge of the city.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke of an incident where they stole a vehicle from his driveway, and because of cameras, they were able to recover the vehicle within three hours.
PUBLIC SAFETY PRESENTATION (FIRE DEPARTMENT)
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Glad to see some of the Fire Department's needs are being met.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Spoke on the need for a ladder engine in Barstow.
- Asked how many more staff will be needed for this engine.
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Spoke on the new apparatus recently purchased and the savings they had by purchasing used. - Explained the need for a ladder engine, mentioning that this truck can reach up to 50 feet above ground.
- Noted currently they only have a 24-foot extension ladder. - Spoke about grant opportunities that might be available to the Fire Department.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Spoke on development impact fees for safety needs, noting that it needs to be incorporated in the fee study.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked for clarification on the remodel of Fire Station 361.
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Explained Station 361 is in immediate need of a new roof, nothing this is a number one priority, and explained other needs for building improvement at Fire Station 361.
MAYOR SILVA
- Requested that the council be educated regarding their role during an emergency (EOC) and where they are supposed to meet during the emergency.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked if a fee can be put on buildings over three stories to help pay for the ladder truck.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Noted she will research this information.
Minutes-May 14, 2025
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS PRESENTATION
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Commanded the staff for the presentation.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Noted this was a great informative presentation and thanked staff for the great job.
MAYOR SILVA
- Also noted this was a great presentation, requested council study this and prepare for the budget presentation.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Mentioned he was pleasantly surprised to see section 7 listed for improvements on the presentation.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Thanked staff for the presentation, noted the budget presentation will be on Wednesday, May 21st. at 6:00 P.M.
A copy of the presentation will be attached to this item and made part of the meeting minutes.
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
ADJOURNMENT:
By the consensus of the City Council and without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
_______________________________ _______________________________ Andrea Flores, City Clerk Timothy R. Silva, Mayor
Notice: Signed Minutes are filed with the City Clerk’s office