Joint Special Council/BFPD
01/20/26 06:15 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Community Promotion
Doc ID: 6258
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR MEASURE Q COMMUNITY PROMOTIONAL FUNDS AND FEE WAIVER FOR THE 19TH ANNUAL NEW MEXICO CHILI COOK-OFF AND BELEN FIESTAS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Dos Costas Communications Corporation is requesting Measure Q Community Promotional Funds in the amount of $25,000, along with a waiver of City fees for the use of Foglesong Park, to support the 19th Annual New Mexico Chili Cook-Off and Belen Fiestas scheduled for April 11, 2026. While this event is included on the City’s list of pre-approved community events, the requested amount exceeds the City Manager’s $3,000 approval authority under the Community Promotional Funding policy and therefore requires City Council consideration. Approval of this item would support a long-standing community event that promotes tourism, cultural engagement, and nonprofit partnerships benefiting the Barstow community.
DISCUSSION:
The New Mexico Chili Cook-Off and Belen Fiestas is listed in Exhibit A of the policy as an annual community event that routinely receives City support. The event celebrates the culinary traditions of New Mexico and Barstow’s Sister City, Belen, New Mexico, and has become a signature event drawing thousands of attendees from throughout Southern California and the Southwest.
Dos Costas Communications Corporation organizes the event in partnership with Trinnaz Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing homelessness and improving quality of life in Barstow.
Under City Council Policy Memorandum #2025-22, the City may provide support to community events through cash grants and/or in-kind contributions, provided the expenditure serves a direct public purpose (Policy Section 2.1.2). The New Mexico Chili Cook-Off and Belen Fiestas meets this standard by promoting community collaboration, cultural recognition, tourism, and economic activity within the City.
While annual community events listed in Exhibit A may receive recurring Contributions as determined by the City Manager (Policy Section 2.1.9), applications for event-related Grants and Contributions are generally limited to $1,000, unless an exception is approved by the City Council (Policy Section 2.1.6).
Additionally, the standard maximum Grant and Contribution amounts are $3,000 per applicant per fiscal year, unless the City Council exercises its discretion to approve a higher amount (Policy Sections 2.2.11 and 2.2.12).
Dos Costas Communications Corporation is requesting $25,000, which exceeds both the City Manager’s authority and the standard policy limits. Accordingly, this request is properly before the City Council for consideration and potential approval of a policy exception.
Staff met with event organizer Mr. Roland Ulloa to review anticipated event needs and costs. Staff obtained a quote from H-Pro for a sound system, which staff has identified as necessary for public safety to allow for emergency announcements during the event. Additionally, portable restroom facilities are required based on projected attendance levels to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
Consistent with Policy Section 2.1.8, approval of this request would require execution of a formal Program Agreement outlining deliverables, conditions, and reporting requirements. The awardee would also be Joint Special Council/BFPD
01/20/26 06:15 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Community Promotion
Doc ID: 6258
AGENDA ITEM
required to submit a follow-up report to the City Council within 30 days of utilizing the funds, pursuant to Policy Section 2.2.13, and to recognize the City of Barstow as a sponsor (Policy Section 2.2.18).
Attached for Council’s review are the Measure Q funding application, a cost breakdown provided by the applicant, an estimated list of anticipated City expenses associated with the requested fee waiver, and the Community Promotional Fund Policy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of this item is unknown at this time and will be determined based on the direction provided by the City Council.
Approval of this request would be charged to the Measure Q Community Promotional Fund, Account No. 102.150.542.07.755.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council:
Provide direction to staff regarding the amount of funding and/or scope of the fee waiver.