BARSTOW CITY COUNCIL /
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
220 EAST MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET
BARSTOW, CA 92311
AUGUST 5, 2025
7:00 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
MINUTES
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING
Minutes-August 5, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR MEETING 7:00 PM:
MAYOR SILVA called the closed session meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
INVOCATION:
PASTOR BOBBY B. BRATTON with GIDEON’S INTERNATION CHURCH gave the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
NICOLE COMPTON and MADISON VELAZQUEZ with Barstow Aztec Cheer 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-August 5, 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.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
PRESENTATIONS:
1. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR THE BARSTOW HIGH SCHOOL AZTEC VARSITY
AND JUNIOR VARSITY CHEERLEADING SQUAD
Recommended Action:
Presentation only.
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 HOUR NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
SPEAKERS:
EUGENE BUTTUCCI BARSTOW, CA
- Spoke in regards to a filming of a movie by Sung Kang, a graduate from Barstow High School and thanked Council for attending the State of the City, County. And mentioned the upcoming Military Mixer in October.
WILLIE SMITH, BARSTOW, CA
- Reminded all of the upcoming event at the Veterans Home to honor all that lost their life on 9-11.
VIRGINIA BROWN, BARSTOW, CA
- Spoke of ongoing issues with her container on her property and the amount of fines received.
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CA
- Spoke of the upcoming Declaration of Independence and hopes the city will have double amount of fireworks and a parade.
E.T. SNELL, NEWBERRY SPRINGS, CA
- Spoke of his concerns with Code Enforcement.
Minutes-August 5, 2025
MARSHA WEASMA, BARSTOW, CA
- Spoke of an upcoming birthday celebration for a resident at the Veterans Home and asked the Council to present a proclamation.
CAROL TAYLOR, BARSTOW, CA
- Spoke of issues with the Barstow Unified School District.
JIM BROWN, BARSTOW, CA
- Concerned about a payment he made to the City and City not showing the payment.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CA
- Spoke of the ongoing issues with the Brown's and getting a response from staff.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
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:
2. MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - JUNE 3, 2025 AT 6:00 P.M.
Recommended Action:
Approve minutes as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
CITY COUNCIL:
3. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1032-2025 ADDING CHAPTER
9.74 TO, AND AMENDING SECTIONS 19.14.030, 19.16.020, AND 19.16.030 OF, THE
BARSTOW MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING SMOKE SHOPS AND TOBACCO STORES Recommended Action:
That the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1032-2025 adding Chapter 9.74 to, and amending sections 19.14.030, 19.16.020, and 19.16.030 of, the Barstow Municipal Code regarding smoke shops and tobacco stores.
EUGENE BUTTUCCI, BARSTOW CA
- Said local businesses are in support of the changes.
Minutes-August 5, 2025
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
4. CORRECTION TO RESOLUTIONS FOR SBC ASSESSMENT 2025/2026 TAX ROLL Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the approval of the additional verbiage to the Resolutions adopted with the City Council Meetings listed below:
1. July 15, 2025 Council Meeting - Unpaid Trash Collection/Sewer Fees Resolution No. 5238- 2025.
2. May 20, 2025 Council Meeting - Delinquent Property Abatement Costs and Penalties Resolution No. 5239-2025.
3. August 19, 2024 Council Meeting - Delinquent Property Abatement Costs and Penalties Resolution No. 5240-2025.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
DISCUSSION / ACTION ON DEFERRED ITEMS: (ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED OR PULLED FROM THE
CONSENT CALENDAR BY THE COUNCIL WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD AT THIS TIME.)
BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS:
None
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES:
-No Updates
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Street Committee meeting will be August 6th.
- August 14th Solid Waste JPA
- Mojave Air Quality August 23rd
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Military Affairs will be on August 12th
- VVTA will be held August 18th here in Barstow
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Nothing to report.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Deferred to the Mayor
MAYOR SILVA
- Rules and Policy, July 29th with discussion of Community Promotional Policy that will come to council on August 19th meeting.
Minutes-August 5, 2025
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Beginning of the school year: reminder to drive carefully, school buses are back. - Spoke of an Issue at the high school involving utility company: pylons were placed but no staff available, creating traffic confusion on Mountain View. - National Night Out: good turnout, strong public participation, public safety presence noted. - Congratulated the Police Explorers and EXP graduates from the high school who completed internship with the City. Thanked city staff and local businesses for their participation and support. - Public health reminder: smoke conditions are worsening - vulnerable groups (respiratory issues, elderly) should stay indoors for safety.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Attended the Explorer’s graduation with 13 outstanding students participating. Graduation was well attended by parents, family members, and community. Spoke with some graduates who are planning to attend college and possibly pursue careers in fire or police. - State of the City event was well attended; encouraged others to watch clips on Facebook or Channel 6 for important information.
- Will visit National Night Out before leaving.
- Thanked City staff for their great work and encouraged them to continue.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Motioned, seconded by MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE, for a City Grants Recipients Policy be brought to Rules and Policy. Concerns about commissioners or committee members receiving city funds for personal or nonprofit benefits.
- Requested copies of all Code Enforcement Citation in his District to review fairness. - Emphasized equal enforcement for residents and vendors, calling out inconsistencies. - Raised concerns about budget cuts and asked for clarity on department funding and projects. - Highlighted personal responsiveness to resident complaints, showing commitment despite challenges.
- Acknowledged mistakes happen, but stressed that this council is more transparent and engaged than past ones.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked for a proclamation for World War II veteran Mr. Davis. - Concern over a 2½-month ongoing issue with the Browns’. - Requested an internal investigation regarding allegations of harassment. City Attorney, MATTHEW SUMMERS, confirmed an internal review is already underway. - Addressed alleged intimidation and “non-truths and tainted twists” in narratives written about the speaker.
- Clarified there is no nepotism or favoritism; and not related to the MAYOR. - Stated the MAYOR has never been silenced during Rules & Policy. - Explained entering a business to look for furniture after being referred to the business, and had no knowledge Miss Dee worked there until seeing her and said she would meet with Miss Dee.
MAYOR SILVA
- Asked staff to prepare a Proclamation to be presented to MR. WAYNE C. DAVIS. - Said he will be committed to do everything possible for the upcoming celebration events; noted that 250 is a large number and Route 66’s 100th anniversary is also coming, requiring strong planning. - Provided updates on discussions with the Browns about their property; still working with the City Manager and issues are being addressed.
Minutes-August 5, 2025
CITY MANAGER UPDATE:
Comments made regarding the Budget
- Staff found some technical/administrative errors in the budget, Finance and City Manager’s office are reviewing and correcting those errors with departments.
Comments regarding Street Vendors
- Ongoing discussions are happening across multiple departments, especially for after-hours enforcement.
- A plan is in progress with staffing and scheduling being finalized.
Town Hall Announcement
- Scheduled for September 4 at 6:00 P.M. at Barstow Community College Performing Arts Center.
Guest speakers: Colin Drukker (PlaceWorks), Dr. Eva Bagg (BCC), and Lena Kent (BNSF).
ADJOURNMENT:
By the consensus of the City Council and without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
_______________________________ _______________________________ Andrea Flores, City Clerk Timothy R. Silva, Mayor
Notice: Signed Minutes are filed with the City Clerk’s office