Joint Special CC/BFPD/Odesa
02/17/26 05:15 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Ordinance
Doc ID: 6300
COUNCIL ORDINANCE
AGENDA MATTER:
CONDUCT THE SECOND READING FOR ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1034-2026 AMENDING CHAPTER 2.24 OF THE BARSTOW MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION ALTERNATES, COMPENSATION AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council is requested to consider adoption, on second reading, of an ordinance amending Barstow Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 2.24 to improve the operational efficiency and continuity of the Planning Commission. The amendment authorizes the appointment of two alternate Planning Commissioners, provides compensation equal to regular commissioners, and establishes eligibility requirements requiring City residency and voter registration.
The first reading of the ordinance was introduced at the January 20, 2026 City Council meeting.
DISCUSSION:
BMC Chapter 2.24 governs the structure and operation of the City of Barstow Planning Commission. The last comprehensive update to this chapter occurred in July 2024. Since that time, staff has identified operational challenges related to quorum availability and continuity of Planning Commission proceedings.
In practice, meeting cancellations or delays can occur when a quorum cannot be achieved due to commissioner absences. The proposed amendments are intended to provide flexibility and ensure consistent participation by authorizing alternate commissioners who may serve when regular members are unavailable.
The amendments also clarify compensation and establish eligibility standards to ensure Planning Commission members maintain a direct civic connection to the community they serve.
The proposed ordinance includes the following key updates:
Alternate Commissioners: Authorizes the appointment of two alternate Planning Commissioners who may serve in the absence of regular members to maintain quorum and continuity of proceedings.
Compensation: Provides an alternate the same $100 per-meeting stipend as regular commissioners when serving.
Eligibility Requirements: Requires commissioners and alternates to be residents of and registered voters within the City of Barstow.
These changes are administrative in nature and are intended to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of the Planning Commission's operations without altering the Commission’s core authority or responsibilities.
Attachment A – Ordinance No 1034-2026, Amending BMC Chapter 2.24 FISCAL IMPACT:
Joint Special CC/BFPD/Odesa
02/17/26 05:15 PM
City Clerk / Records
Maribel Hernandez
Ordinance
Doc ID: 6300
COUNCIL ORDINANCE
The cost of preparing these amended policies and procedures is within the existing budget and is estimated to be a $4,000 annually. Increasing the Planning Commission’s efficiency and reducing the risk of adverse litigation will help the City’s budget, in an indeterminate amount. Alternates only receive a stipend when serving in place of a regular member, so the addition of alternates causes no change.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Ordinance 1034-2026 amending Barstow Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 to authorize alternate Planning Commissioners, establish eligibility requirements, and clarify compensation and waive the full reading.