BARSTOW CITY COUNCIL /
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
220 EAST MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET
BARSTOW, CA 92311
DECEMBER 2, 2025
6:00 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
MINUTES
JOINT SPECIAL MEETING
Minutes-December 2, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION:
MAYOR SILVA called the closed session meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE 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, 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.
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.
Minutes-December 2, 2025
SPEAKERS:
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Commended staff for the lighting in front of City Hall.
MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
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 3 - Barstow Police Officers’ Association
Unit 5 - Barstow Professional Firefighters Association
All Unrepresented Employees
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (GOV. CODE § 54956.8) Recommended Action:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator (Gov. Code § 54956.8) Property: 555 Melissa Ave, Barstow, CA 92311
Agency Negotiators: Rochelle Clayton, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Barstow Senior Citizen Center
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Agreement
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS reported the following:
The council met in closed session to discuss two items:
- Item 1: Conference with labor negotiators for Units 3, 5, and all unrepresented employees. Direction was provided to staff and counsel, with no reportable action taken. - Item 2: Conference with real property negotiators regarding the Barstow Senior Citizen Center.
Direction was provided to staff and counsel, with no reportable action taken.
INVOCATION:
PASTOR BOBBY BRATTON from GIDEONS gave the invocation
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 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
BARSTOW HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SIERRA GUTIERREZ, RAYNA HILL, DELILAH ORTIZ, and ALLISON MOORMAN led in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes-December 2, 2025
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.
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: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
PRESENTATIONS:
None.
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.
JOHN GARNER, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Editor of the Barstow Citizens apologized for a post he made regarding the Christmas tree lighting event, which conflicts with the Barstow Football event scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2024.
THERESA TANK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Requested clarification regarding the total cost of the animal shelter project.
Minutes-December 2, 2025
JESSE ELLEDGE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed concerns about the surveillance cameras being installed around town, noting that these were put up by a private company named Flock, and raised issues regarding the company's work ethics.
ET SNELL, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Spoke about code enforcement, stating that the department needs to be restructured, and expressed disagreement with Muslim ideals in America.
ANNA FUZIE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Thanked the city of Barstow and all the volunteers for the Thanksgiving event, noting that they served about 200 meals, and mentioned that other organizations within the community also served meals. She highlighted that they delivered approximately 1,200 meals to people in need around town and planned to do the same for Christmas.
EUGENE BUTTICCI, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. - Reminded everyone that January 5th is the deadline for the public review period for the draft environmental impact report, encouraging the submission of comments and letters of support for the BIG project.
SONIA COMPTON, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Thanked the council and staff for their efforts to reschedule the Christmas event that conflicts with the Barstow Football event and congratulated the team on their accomplishments.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked when the city would hold a town hall meeting to provide updates and answer questions from the public regarding the BIG project.
- Expressed concerns about the comments made against the city manager regarding the Christmas tree lighting event.
JIM BROWN, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Thanked Chief Kirby and the Police Department for moving the RV from the church. - Raised concerns about potential illegal activities at the Desert Inn Motel. - Discussed the food pop-ups around town, stating that these need to be addressed.
JOHN WEAVER, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Requested an update on the incident involving his dogs.
MAYOR SILVA
- Stated that public comments are a form of free speech, and the comments made do not reflect the views of the City Council or the City of Barstow.
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-December 2, 2025
MINUTES ALL AGENCIES:
None.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ALL AGENCIES:
None.
CITY COUNCIL:
3. REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARING - DELINQUENT TRASH AND SEWER ACCOUNTS Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council:
Set the public hearing for delinquent sewer and trash (utility) accounts for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Barstow Council Chambers located at 220 E. Mountain View St., Barstow, CA 92311.
ET SNELL, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Stated that there should be an investigation into why people are falling behind on their bills, and under special circumstances, Measure Q funds should be available to help residents who are struggling.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: John Williams, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
4. CONSIDERATION OF CANCELING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 6, 2026. AT THIS TIME, NO BUSINESS ITEMS ARE ANTICIPATED FOR THAT DATE. SHOULD AN URGENT MATTER ARISE REQUIRING COUNCIL ACTION, STAFF WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PREPARE AND PUBLISH AN AGENDA.
Recommended Action:
That Council, Cancel the January 6, 2026, City Council meeting.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: John Williams, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
DISCUSSION / ACTION ON DEFERRED ITEMS: (ITEMS PREVIOUSLY TABLED OF PULLED FROM THE
CONSENT CALENDAR BY THE COUNCIL WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNING BOARD AT THIS TIME).
BUSINESS / ACTION ITEMS:
5. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED ELECTRICAL BOX MURAL IMAGE - BARSTOW HIGH SCHOOL
COMMUNITY, OPPORTUNITY & DIVERSITY
Recommended Action:
Approve the proposed Roadside Electrical Box Art Project located at 1st and Main St.
MAIN STREET MURALS DIRECTOR, JANE BROCKHURST
BARSTOW HIGH SCHOOL ART CLUB STUDENTS: SIERRA GUTIERREZ, RAYNA HILL, DELILAH ORTIZ, and ALLISON MOORMAN
Minutes-December 2, 2025
- Presented the report filed with the City Clerk's office.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked how many other designs were created besides the ones presented. - Inquired about the process, whether there were other people involved, and what the students learned throughout this experience.
MAIN STREET MURALS DIRECTOR, JANE BROCKHURST
- Stated that there were quite a few designs, but these four were chosen.
DELILAH ORTIZ
- Explained that initially, most students in the art class participated. They had discussions to determine what they wanted to represent for Barstow High School. - Noted that many drafts and different designs were created before selecting the best ones to present.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked the students how they felt about presenting such amazing artwork. - Commended everyone who participated in this project, noting that they should be proud of the incredible work they presented.
- Inquired when the project would be completed if approved.
SIERRA GUTIERREZ
- Expressed that this project strengthened their teamwork skills and helped them feel more connected as a community.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Inaudible.
- Commended the team for their participation in this project.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked the team if they are planning to undertake more projects in the future.
MAIN STREET MURALS DIRECTOR, JANE BROCKHURST
- Mentioned that she will be working with Barstow High School on future projects.
MAYOR SILVA
- Stated that he and the city manager were discussing contacting Golden State Water about putting something on the water tower at the freeway on Barstow Road related to the High School CIF Championship, and invited the group to participate.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Expressed her enthusiasm for the idea of featuring that image on the water tower on Barstow Road.
DISCUSSION:
MAYOR SILVA
- Thanked the team for their participation in this project.
Minutes-December 2, 2025
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
6. MODIFICATION TO PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEW PANEL REPRESENTATION Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Accept Council Member William’s request to step down from the interview panel for the Planning Commission recruitment; and
2. Appoint an alternate Council Member to serve on the interview panel.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Presented the report submitted to the City Clerk's office.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Asked whether Council Member Williams' stepping down would affect the scheduled interview process.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Stated that she does not foresee this being an issue.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Expressed disappointment when there is not a full quorum present at scheduled meetings and suggested taking measures to ensure that five members are consistently present rather than only three at times.
A motion was made by MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE and seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE to accept COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS’ withdrawal from the interview panel and appoint COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ to serve in his place.
DISCUSSION
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Mentioned that upon reviewing the applicants, she noted they all have equal opportunities to serve as commissioners without any bias, ensuring a fair process.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Stated that he has served on the Planning Commission for almost eight years.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Barbara Mae Rose, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES:
FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS
- Provided an update on incidents that occurred during the holidays, noting that it was a safe holiday season with very few incidents.
Minutes-December 2, 2025
POLICE CHIEF CHRISTOPHER KIRBY
- Congratulated the Barstow High School Aztec Football team for winning the CIF Division 7 Championship against Apple Valley High School last Friday. - Presented some safety tips for holiday shopping.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Nothing to report.
- Reminded everyone to attend the Street Committee Meeting on December 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM. - Announced she will be attending the Southern California Association of Governments Meeting on December 4, 2025, at 9:30 AM.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Noted that the next Military Affairs Meeting will be held on December 9, 2025. - The next VVTA Meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM in Hesperia.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- No updates to report.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Deferred to the Mayor.
MAYOR SILVA
- Attended the SBCTA Mountain Desert Policy meeting on November 21, 2025, but noted there was a lack of quorum due to the majority attending the League of CA Cities conference.
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Stated that the holidays are a time for gratitude, expressing thanks to the community and the city - Congratulated the Barstow Aztec Football team.
- Announced that the city adjusted the Christmas tree lighting event, which will now start at 6 PM, allowing everyone the opportunity to enjoy both events. - Wished everyone Happy Holidays and encouraged all to embrace their differences while remaining united for the city of Barstow.
COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE
- Thanked the community for their support at the Senior Citizen Center event on Thanksgiving. - Mentioned he had the opportunity to attend the Barstow Football game, noting it was a great game. - Expressed his concern regarding comments made by Mr. Garner and appreciated that he came to apologize for those comments.
- Commended the city manager for her work in the city.
- Suggested holding a town hall meeting for updates on the BIG project. - Encouraged everyone to enjoy the holiday season and spend time with their families.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Thanked the Police Chief for escorting the Barstow Aztec Football team. - Apologized to anyone who felt attacked by him in any way and addressed comments made to him regarding the Christmas tree lighting event.
- Motioned, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE to censure Mayor Pro Tem Rose. - Emphasized the importance of accountability within the council.
MAYOR PRO TEM ROSE
- Thanked Mr. Garner for his comments and addressed the article he wrote, clarifying statements she made to him.
Minutes-December 2, 2025
- Motioned to censure COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS for threatening a police officer on Facebook.
The motion died for lack of a second.
- Noted that she received a courtesy phone call from the Mayor, who informed her that he would ask to place a selection for a new Mayor Pro Tem on the agenda for the upcoming meeting. - Expressed her pleasure at having served as Mayor Pro Tem over the past year and endorsed the idea of alternating appointments to give equal opportunities for council members to experience this role.
- Mentioned that the upcoming year will be significant for Barstow, and she looks forward to what is to come.
- Expressed disappointment that the Christmas Tree Lighting event was not rescheduled after learning that the Barstow High School Aztec Football team will be hosting the State Region Championship.
- Acknowledged the logistical challenges in wanting to cancel the tree lighting event, but stated that if the city truly wanted to cancel it, it could be done.
- Pointed out that not long ago, the city canceled the parade due to safety concerns over windy conditions.
- Conveyed her disagreement with the decision not to cancel the tree lighting event, noting that while she hopes everyone can attend both events, it is not possible, and recommended that people choose the football game over the tree lighting event.
MAYOR SILVA
- Mentioned that the city manager faced significant backlash on social media due to misinformation. - Noted that he met with the city manager first thing Monday morning to discuss all possible options, clarifying that cancelling was not an option.
- Emphasized that the parade is not a city event; it is hosted by the Kiwanis Club, and there are no vendors included in the parade.
- Highlighted that they utilized Google Maps to direct visiting teams and visitors for better traffic routing. Mentioning notices will be sent to the visiting teams regarding the recommended routes. - Discussed various options and noted that a decision was made to contact Golden State Water about putting a CIF banner on the water tower.
- Mentioned discussions regarding a parade, which needs coordination with the school district, and that conversations have begun with the superintendent of the school district. - Expressed the intention to acknowledge the accomplishments of the Barstow High School Aztec Football Team, noting this has not occurred since 1969. - Requested staff to look into the restoration of the Code Talkers mural. - Attended a Zoom conference on the High North Desert Energy Project and mentioned that he will relay any relevant information to the staff.
- Participated in a meeting with SENATOR ROSILICIE OCHOA BOGH. - Attended the "Together We Can" event, the Employee Luncheon, High School EXP Coaching, the “Tip a Cop event, and the Veterans' Birthday event at the Veterans Home. - Attended the IEHP Harvest Health Fair Event at Barstow Community Hospital. - Helped pack meals at the Barstow Senior Center alongside COUNCIL MEMBERS WILLIAMS and COUNCIL MEMBER NOBLE.
CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS
- Spoke regarding the City's General Plan Update and the proposed Barstow International Gateway Project, along with the related Barstow International Gateway Specific Plan. - Noted that the city is currently in the Draft EIR comment period required under CEQA, which necessitates a written comment process. Comments are due by January 5, 2026. - Mentioned that comments can be submitted by mail, email, or through the city's website.
Additionally, hard copies of the Draft EIR are available at the City Hall front counter, Barstow Library, and the college library.
- Explained that the CEQA process will include the written public comments and written responses to every question and comments received.
- Mentioned that there will be a series of public hearings with the planning commission and city council following the comment period.
Minutes-December 2, 2025
- Noted that while CEQA does not allow for extra town halls during this process, the council and staff can share suggestions and create opportunities for public participation. - Acknowledged requests for a town hall meeting but emphasized that staff must adhere to CEQA requirements, focusing on written comments and responses. However, staff will explore options and will report back.
STAFF REPORTS:
CITY MANAGER UPDATES:
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Mentioned she attended the SENATOR ROSILICIE OCHOA BOGH holiday open house, which was a very nice event.
- Stated SENATOR OCHOA BOGH is looking for an office here in Barstow. - Congratulated the Barstow High School Aztec Football team for winning the CIF Division championship.
- Noted that city staff worked hard to make adjustments to avoid overlaps, and that the tree lighting event will be held from 5 to 8 P.M. The tree lighting has been moved to 6 P.M. - Mentioned staff will reach out to the other school regarding safe driving routes to avoid any road closures.
ADJOURNMENT:
By the consensus of the City Council and without objection, the Joint Special Meeting was adjourned at 8:27 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
_______________________________ _______________________________ Andrea Flores, City Clerk Timothy R. Silva, Mayor
Notice: Signed Minutes are filed with the City Clerk’s office