BARSTOW CITY COUNCIL /
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
220 EAST MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET
BARSTOW, CA 92311
JULY 21, 2026
5:30 PM
(HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE)
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING
Minutes-July 21, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION:
MAYOR SILVA called both the Closed Session of the Barstow City Council / Barstow Fire Protection District Joint Meeting and the Special Meeting 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 Mayor Pro Tem Present
Barbara Mae Rose Council Member Present
John Williams Council Member Late 5:31 PM
Carmen Hernandez Council Member Present
Timothy Silva Mayor Present
PARTICIPATION IS INVITED: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON ANY AGENDA ITEM DURING THE DESIGNATED PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. INDIVIDUALS
ATTENDING IN PERSON ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE A SPEAKER REQUEST CARD PRIOR TO THE ITEM BEING CONSIDERED. INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING REMOTELY SHOULD USE THE ZOOM "RAISE HAND" FEATURE OR FOLLOW THE POSTED INSTRUCTIONS TO REQUEST TO SPEAK.
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.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Addressed the Council during the closed session public comment period, but indicated his concern was more appropriate for the public comment period.
MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION:
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL; ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Recommended Action:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(3), a point has been reached where, based on communication of a potential litigants, there is significant exposure to litigation against the City.
Number of Potential Cases: 2
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL; POTENTIAL LITIGATION (CITY INITIATING) Recommended Action:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) the Council will consider possible initiating of litigation against a party, the identity of which is not being revealed in order to assist with service of process.
Number of Potential Cases: 1
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Recommended Action:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Case Name: Mitchell v. City of Barstow
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (GOV. CODE § 54956.8) Recommended Action:
Conference With Real Property Negotiator (GOV CODE 54956.8) Property: 0427-064-09-0000
Agency Negotiators: Ken Chapa, Assistant City Manager
Negotiating Party: Ben Kisliuk, Lee & Associates
Under Negotiation: Terms of agreement
5. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR (GOV. CODE § 54956.8) Recommended Action:
Conference with Real Property Negotiator (Gov. Code § 54956.8) Properties: 0427-341-07-0000 & 0427-302-01-0000
Agency Negotiators: Rochelle Clayton, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Barstow Heights Community Services District Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Agreement
6. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Recommended Action:
Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code § 54957.6) City & District Negotiators: City Manager/District Manager Rochelle Clayton Minutes-July 21, 2026
Employee Organizations:
Unit 1 - Teamsters Local 1932
Unit 2 - Teamsters Local 1932
Unit 3 - Barstow Police Officers’ Association
Unit 5 - Barstow Professional Firefighters Association
Unit 6 - Barstow Management Employees’ Association
All Unrepresented Employees
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION:
No report from Closed Session was provided at the time of the open session convening. A report out was noted for the next regular Council meeting scheduled for August 4, 2026.
INVOCATION:
PASTOR BOBBY BRATTON of GIDEONS delivered 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 Open Session to order at 7:02 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
PASTOR BOBBY BRATTON led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
James M. Noble Mayor Pro Tem Present
Barbara Mae Rose Council Member Present
John Williams Council Member Present
Carmen Hernandez Council Member Present
Timothy Silva Mayor Present
PARTICIPATION IS INVITED: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL DURING THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THAT ITEM. INDIVIDUALS ATTENDING IN PERSON ARE
ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE A SPEAKER REQUEST CARD PRIOR TO THE ITEM BEING CONSIDERED. INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING REMOTELY SHOULD USE THE ZOOM "RAISE HAND" FEATURE OR FOLLOW THE POSTED INSTRUCTIONS TO REQUEST TO SPEAK.
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 COUNCIL TO REARRANGE 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(b), ALLOWING EMERGENCY ITEMS TO BE ADDED BY MAJORITY VOTE, OR 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 Minutes-July 21, 2026
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, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
PRESENTATIONS:
7. COMMUNITY RESILIENCE UPDATE - BREAKING BARRIERS TO YES Recommended Action:
Presentation only.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON introduced the item, noting that COMMUNITY RESILIENCE OFFICER BRUCE ENGLISH was unavailable as he was actively responding to a vegetation fire on the East end of the district. FIRE CHIEF CORY CISNEROS presented on his behalf.
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
GENERAL, NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT: THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL 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 BY SUBMITTING A SPEAKER REQUEST CARD OR ZOOM "RAISE HAND" FEATURE MUST BE DONE PRIOR TO THE AGENDA ITEM BEING ADDRESSED. IF SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUIRED, 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE CITY CLERK.
SPEAKERS
PAMELA ALMRYDE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- City employee and Teamsters Local 1932 Union Steward, stated that Units 1 and 2 members have been working without a contract and have not received a cost-of-living adjustment since 2024. She noted that other city units received COLAs and retroactive pay while Units 1 and 2 were denied retroactive pay by Council. She drew a contrast between a recent $26,000 raise for the City Manager and the lack of comparable increases for frontline employees in public works, the wastewater treatment plant, City Hall, the police department, code enforcement, and dispatch.
ATREUS CHANDLER, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Business Agent and chief negotiator for Teamsters Local 1932, echoed the union's concerns and requested that the Council reconsider its stance on retroactive pay and cost-of-living adjustments. He stated that members are unable to pay bills despite being full-time city employees, and some are receiving County benefits. He characterized the situation as a question of dignity and equal valuation of their work.
ANNA FUZIE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
Provided an update from the Barstow Senior Center, inviting the community to its 50th anniversary dinner on September 26th. She also announced upcoming activities including bingo, an ice cream social on August 10th, a birdhouse-building event on August 13th, a dance on August 2nd, and a Veteran’s barbecue on November 7th co-sponsored with MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE.
CHERISH CONNELLY, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
Addressed the Council regarding an ongoing Title IX matter involving her daughter at Barstow Fine Arts Academy. She expressed frustration at being unable to obtain resolution from the school district Minutes-July 21, 2026
and asked for community support. She also noted her personal involvement in outreach to the homeless community.
GILBERT ASA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
Thanked the Council for its work on homelessness, sharing that he himself had previously experienced homelessness in Barstow. Raised concerns about potential misappropriation of donated food at a prior shelter and expressed appreciation for visible improvements in current programs.
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
Asked that the city return to a policy of answering public questions by the following meeting. He requested transparency regarding who is bearing legal costs in the pending BIG project lawsuit. He also raised concerns about the cancellation of the street committee meeting and requested regular, reliable updates for Section 7 residents awaiting completion of their long-pending infrastructure project.
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
Commended the homeless presentation and asked for the air conditioning in the Council Chambers be repaired and water be made available to the public. He also inquired about the current status of the Marriott agreement.
VANESSA PACK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA (via Zoom)
On behalf of the Barstow Action Committee, reported 71 community reports submitted through the Barstow Connect app, with 41 resolved and 30 open, and noted that more than 28 tons of trash had been removed. She provided updates from each subcommittee, highlighted the cemetery curbing completion, and requested an update on 20-plus sidewalk concerns reported in May along Riverside Drive and Barstow Road.
PERRY PACK, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA (via Zoom)
Thanked staff and the action committees, commending public works' street maintenance efforts and the fire and police departments for their response to the recent Nash-area fire.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
8. PUBLIC HEARING: LIEN PROTEST HEARING FOR DELINQUENT TRASH AND SEWER
ACCOUNTS
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Conduct a protest hearing and subject to testimony received, adopt Resolution No. 5302-2026 and waive further reading.
2. Where necessary and relevant, direct staff to resolve any conflicts with protest owners before the final lien and/or property tax assessment list is filed with San Bernardino County. Additionally, authorize staff to remove any properties from the lien and assessment listings should delinquent fees be paid prior to the filing of the final lien list with San Bernardino County.
FINANCE DIRECTOR HARRIS
- Presented the final lien list for assessment with the San Bernardino County tax roll, comprising 706 lien accounts totaling $613,503.48 in past-due amounts as of April 30, 2026. Including liens and administrative fees, the total assessment amount is $845,294.45. Payment plan forms were made available to the public in the lobby prior to the meeting.
MAYOR SILVA OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:57 PM.
SPEAKERS
GILBERT ASA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Addressed the hearing with concerns regarding multiple delinquency notices he had received Minutes-July 21, 2026
and a discrepancy involving funds returned from an escrow payment made toward a prior lien on his property.
MAYOR SILVAL CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:01 PM
Motion by COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ, seconded by COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS and unanimously carried to approve the final lien list and/or property tax assessment filed with the County of San Bernardino, along with the following abstentions:
MAYOR SILVA:
Line Items: 57, 58, 62, 63, 336, 343, 344
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE:
Line Items: 654, 666, 669, 670, 671, 672, 673, 675, 676 COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ:
Line Items: 85, 90, 94, 103, 104, 105, 111, 112, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 359, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS:
Line Items: 68, 69, 71, 302, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 319, 320 COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE:
Line Items: 624, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637
CITY CLERK ANDREA FLORES read the abstention lists for all Council Members into the record prior to the vote.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: John Williams, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
9. PROTEST HEARING - UNPAID NUISANCE ABATEMENT FEES
Recommended Action:
Conduct a protest hearing. Subject to testimony received, adopt attached Resolution No. 5303- 2026 Making Determinations and Confirming Assessments and Proceedings for Unpaid Nuisance Abatement Fees, and waive the readings.
Code Enforcement staff presented the item, noting that the party responsible for the subject property had maintained compliance through April 2024 but subsequently became unresponsive.
Squatter and loitering activity was observed beginning in January 2025. After collaboration with the Barstow Police Department and the City Prosecutor's Office, an abatement warrant was obtained, and the property was abated by Public Works on March 16, 2026. The party responsible has not made contact with the City.
MAYOR SILVA OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:05 PM.
No public speakers addressed this item.
MAYOR SILVA CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:05 PM.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: John Williams, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
10. ANNUAL RENEWAL AND REAFFIRMATION OF ASSESSMENT DISTRICT #1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
Recommended Action:
That the City Council take the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 5304-2026 (Attachment A), thereby approving the FY 2026/2027 Engineer’s Report - Street Lighting, Flood Control, Landscape & Street Maintenance Benefit Assessment Districts No. 1, and waive the full reading.
2. Adopt Resolution No. 5305-2026 (Attachment B), declaring the City’s intention to reaffirm the levy and collection of annual assessment in Fiscal Year 2026/2027 via the property tax roll in connection with Street Lighting, Flood Control, Landscape & Street Maintenance Benefit Assessment Districts No. 1, and waive the full reading.
3. Approve the expenditure appropriations in the amount of $13,000 for FY 2026/2027 per the Engineer's Report, "Estimated Revenue and Expenditures", Page 7.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH presented the annual renewal of the street lighting, flood control, landscape, and street maintenance Assessment District No. 1.
Staff recommended no increase to the existing assessment levies for FY 2026-27. The assessment funds street lighting and landscaped areas along Rimrock Road and other locations throughout Barstow.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- noted that a reference to former CITY ATTORNEY MATTHEW SUMMERS on page 103 of the packet should be updated to reflect current CITY ATTORNEY ANDREW JARED; DIRECTOR HELDRETH acknowledged the oversight.
MAYOR SILVA OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:09 PM.
No public speakers addressed this item.
MAYOR SILVA CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:09 PM.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC COMMENT: THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL 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 BY SUBMITTING A SPEAKER REQUEST CARD OR ZOOM "RAISE HAND" FEATURE MUST BE DONE 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:
11. MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING - APRIL 15, 2026
Recommended Action:
Approve minutes as presented.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
12. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 15, 2026
Recommended Action:
Approve minutes as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
13. MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 7, 2026 Recommended Action:
Approve minutes as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
14. MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 21, 2026 Recommended Action:
Approve minutes as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
15. MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING - MAY 5, 2026
Recommended Action:
Approve minutes as presented.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
16. MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING/BUDGET WORKSHOP - MAY 13, 2026 Recommended Action:
Approve minutes as presented.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ALL AGENCIES:
17. RATIFICATION OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE EXPENDITURES FOR JUNE 2026 Recommended Action:
Approve and ratify expenses, as audited checks #103527-103857 totaling $6,203,669.32 and wires #1329-1342 totaling $768,741.14, per the Agency breakdown below:
City: $6,676,941.47
Fire: $295,468.99
Successor Agency: $0.00
Grand Total: $6,972,410.46
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
CITY COUNCIL:
18. APPROVAL OF A SUCCESSION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE
CITY OF BARSTOW AND THE BARSTOW POLICE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION (BPOA) FOR THE CONTRACT TERM OF JULY 1, 2026-JUNE 30, 2027
Recommended Action:
That the City Council take the following action:
1. Approve the Successor MOU with the Barstow Police Officer's Association (BPOA - Unit3); and
2. Approve Resolution No. 5306-2026 Second Amendment to the Public Available Pay Schedule; and
3. Authorize the Appropriation of Budget to the applicable Police Salary accounts from available budget surplus in the FY2026/2027 General Fund budget and;
4. Approve the attached Side Letter Agreement between the City of Barstow and the Barstow Police Management Association regarding BPMA waiving the Parity Clause for the Barstow Police Officers' Association only during the term of this contract.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
19. RESOLUTION 5307-2026 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BARSTOW DECLARING
ITS INTENTION TO SET THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE FOR A PROTEST HEARING FOR PROPERTY ABATEMENT COSTS AND PENALTIES FOR AUGUST 4, 2026 AT 7:00 PM APN# 0183-181-29-0000
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution 5307-2026, setting the date and time for a protest hearing for Property Abatement Costs and Penalties for August 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, and waive the full reading for APN# 0183-181-29-0000.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
20. RESOLUTION NO. 5273-2026 PLACEMENT OF PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT COSTS ON SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TAX ROLL APN# 0182-102-14-0000 Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 5273-2026, as amended, which includes the required changes per the San Bernardino County Tax Assessor, to authorize the placement of the nuisance abatement costs for APN# 0182-102-14-0000 on the FY 2026-2027 tax roll.
2. Direct the City Clerk to provide an executed copy of Resolution No. 5273-2026 to the City of Barstow’s Finance Department.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
21. ACCEPTANCE OF AMENDED FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
FOR BARSTOW CEMETERY DISTRICT AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT TO ADVANCED
ENGINEERING USA AND CHANGE ORDERS FOR THE MOUNTAIN VIEW MEMORIAL
CEMETERY LANDSCAPE CURBING PROJECT
Recommended Action:
City Council is requested to:
1. Approve the amended Agreement between the City of Barstow and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to expand the project scope to include curbing, as well as the placement of landscape materials within designated curbing areas.
2. Approve Change Order No. 1 to Advanced Engineering USA in the amount of $19,899.00 for additional landscape curbing improvements.
3. Approve Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $1,853.00 for the required increase to the project for payment bond.
4. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the amended agreement, change orders, and all related contract documents.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
22. ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO OBTAIN FEDERAL FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE AND ACCEPT THE CAL OES/FEMA HAZARD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE GRANT (DR-4683-AP01077) FOR THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2023, THROUGH JULY 17, 2027.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the following:
1. City Council approves the appropriation of funds in the amount of $209,870.50.
2. Approve Cal OES Resolution and waive the full reading.
3. Authorize City Manager of Designated staff to sign and submit all required documents necessary for the Cal OES Grants.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
23. AWARD OF CONTRACT TO ATLAS PLANNING SOLUTIONS FOR THE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE, ACCEPTANCE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP-2026- 0001), AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FEDERAL FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE CAL OES/FEMA HAZARD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE GRANT (DR-4683-AP01077)
Recommended Action:
That the City Council:
1. Award Professional Services Agreement (RFP: 2026-0001) by Atlas Planning Solutions and authorize the City Manager to execute a consultant services agreement with Atlas Planning Solutions for the amount of $111,852.00 (includes 20% contingency).
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
24. ACCEPTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FROM CENTRALSQUARE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. TO MIGRATE THE BARSTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT’S ON-PREMISES DEPLOYMENT TO A CLOUD-HOSTED DEPLOYMENT.
Recommended Action:
1. Approve a five-year agreement with CentralSquare Technologies, LLC. in an amount not to exceed $1,025,041.14 for cloud-hosted public safety software services, including migration, licensing, maintenance, and support; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any necessary nonsubstantive documents; and
3. Approve the associated budget appropriation.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
25. ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH CENTIGEX FOR WE-TIP ANONYMOUS CRIME REPORTING SERVICES.
Recommended Action:
1. Approve a five-year agreement with Centegix (WeTip) in an amount not to exceed $17,699 to provide anonymous crime reporting services and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any non-substantive documents necessary to implement the agreement.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, 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:
26. RESOLUTION ADOPTING A POLICY FOR PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING SERVICE
DISRUPTIONS TO TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET COVERAGE OF MEETINGS OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
Recommended Action:
Adopt the proposed resolution 5308-2026, as required by Senate Bill 707, establishing a policy for technology disruptions impacting public participation during City Council meetings.
CITY ATTORNEY ANDREW JARED
- Presented the item, which implements the requirements of Senate Bill 707, effective July 1, 2026. The legislation amends the Brown Act to require that city council meetings of eligible legislative bodies-those in counties with populations exceeding 600,000-be broadcast via a twoway audio/video platform (such as Zoom) to allow remote public participation. The Barstow City Council qualifies as an eligible body; most commissions do not.
The policy addresses disruptions to the city's transmission capability. If a disruption lasting more than two minutes is identified, the meeting must pause. The default break period is one hour, during which staff attempts to restore service. If service is restored before the hour expires, the meeting may resume immediately. If service cannot be restored within the hour, the Council may vote to continue the meeting upon making a formal finding that the public interest in proceeding outweighs the interest in remote access-a finding that must be recorded in the minutes with specific required language. The policy also addresses the scenario of a quorum being lost during such a break, directing the clerk to announce and adjourn the meeting consistent with the Brown Act.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked about the obligation of Council Members to remain present during the break period, and the CITY ATTORNEY JARED confirmed this is a policy decision the Council may codify.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Asked about justification for continuing a meeting when technical service is not restored.
CITY ATTORNEY ANDREW JARED
- Confirmed the Council would need to deliberate whether the public interest requires continuing with the meeting's business.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Confirmed that the specific finding language read into the record is required verbatim under state law.
MAYOR SILVA
- Noted that the First Amendment right to address a public body is not limited to city residents, affirming that out-of-area speakers are entitled to comment.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked how the public can report that the broadcast is down and raised concerns about nonresidents influencing Council votes via remote public comment.
CITY MANAGER CLAYTON
- Confirmed that IT staff actively monitor all live streams and would identify disruptions in real time.
MAYOR SILVA and COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE both addressed the non-resident speaker question, confirming that members of the public, regardless of residency, may speak at public meetings.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
27. FOGLESONG FIELDS NAMING TO HONOR BARSTOW FIRST RESPONDERS Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the Barstow City Council adopt Resolution No. 5309-2026. - Name Foglesong East Field as Barstow Police Field
- Name Foglesong West Field as Barstow Fire Protection District Field Authorize the City Manager or her designee to use up to $3,500 from the Planned Community Promotion Fund (Account No. 1005007-5755) to execute all necessary documents and agreements, purchase signage and installation materials, and plan a dedication event. Further authorize allocation of staff resources and funds to organize a dedication ceremony for the fields, to be attended by the Barstow City Council and the general public.
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER CHAPA
- Presented a proposal to rename the two newly refurbished Foglesong Park baseball fields in honor of Barstow's first responders. The proposed resolution would designate Foglesong East Field as the "Barstow Police Field" and Foglesong West Field as the "Barstow Fire Protection District Field." Staff also requested authorization to use up to $3,500 from the Community Promotion Fund to fabricate and install signage and plan a formal dedication ceremony. - Staff disclosed that during research, records indicated one of the fields was previously named for Sam Nasario, a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, likely in the mid-to-late 1970s under the former parks district. No formal resolution was located, but newspaper clippings and physical signage were found. Staff noted the original sign was believed to be associated with the snack bar and would be located and reinstalled or replaced. The name "Dyer Field," referenced in public comment, had not been confirmed by any documentation in staff's research.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked both chiefs what the renaming would mean to their departments; both POLICE CHIEF KIRBY and FIRE CHIEF CISNEROS expressed that it would boost morale and provide recruiting visibility.
- Suggested the fields could become a pathway to inspire student athletes toward first responder careers and proposed a future friendly competition between the departments.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Raised the question of honoring fallen first responders and suggested the signage or a future addition incorporate recognition of those who gave their lives in service, including language such Minutes-July 21, 2026
as "honoring our first responders past, current, and future." Both chiefs expressed support.
CHIEF KIRBY
- Noted that while the Barstow Police Department has not lost an officer directly in the line of duty, several officers have been shot and injured, and many distinguished predecessors have since passed.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Requested consideration of recognizing Gold Star mothers, naming local examples.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Supported honoring past police and fire leadership, specifically naming former CHIEF SONNY DAVIS and FIREFIGHTER JIM BELLAMY.
TED WEASMA, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Supported the concept but asked the Council to ensure that any previously named individualswhether formal or informal-be acknowledged rather than forgotten, and that signage reflect that heritage.
MAYOR SILVA
- Confirmed that staff would research the Dyer family naming and locate the Nasario sign for reinstallation at the snack bar.
The Council reached consensus to proceed with the naming and to direct staff to explore incorporating recognition of fallen or retired first responders into the signage design or a future addition.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: John Williams, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
28. ROUTE 66 PROJECT UPDATES
Recommended Action:
Receive Report Presentation and Provide Feedback to Staff.
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER CHAPA
- Presented a consolidated update covering Items 28 through 31, all related to the Route 66 Main Street revitalization effort. He recapped that at the July 7 meeting, staff had presented a modified project scope reducing the Main Street resurfacing from the original 1st Avenue to 7th Avenue down to 1st Avenue to Barstow Road, in order to meet the revised funding timeline. The modified project estimate is approximately $1,000,000, funded through approximately $600,000 from Measure I for street improvements and approximately $400,000 from the Community Promotion Fund (sourced from cannabis revenues) for beautification elements including planters, benches, shade canopies, and intersection graphics-many of which have already been ordered.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Clarified in response to public comment that Measure I funds may only be spent on the Main Street rehabilitation project itself, not on the park or parking lot. The Community Promotion Fund supports both the pocket park (referred to informally as "Centennial Park") and the improvements in the parking lot. When the pending HUD appropriation funds arrive, they may be directed toward additional Route 66 improvements or median work at the Council's discretion, but cannot replenish Measure I
Minutes-July 21, 2026
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Regarding the pocket park, asked for clarification on the parking lot layout.
The Council discussed naming the pocket park.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Suggested consulting the public and offering "Veterans Park" as a possibility given its proximity to the Marine Corps base route.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Supported a veteran-themed name and suggested recognizing Gold Star mothers with future plaques.
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Proposed a 30-day public survey with a few staff-recommended options pushed through city social media and Channel 6 to gather community input.
The Council directed staff to conduct a brief public poll and return with a recommended name.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Also raised the possibility of relocating an existing metal memorial plate listing Barstow residents who served in various wars, currently at Stringham Park football field, into the pocket park landscaping as a future enhancement once additional funding becomes available.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Indicated this could be accommodated through the decomposed granite landscaping design with a placeholder for future installation.
- Explained that the lot, accessed from the alley, will contain one row of stalls totaling seven spaces plus one van-accessible ADA stall, and a small additional motorcycle area, with the alley maintained clear behind. He confirmed the layout was surveyed and designed by the city engineer
- Noted the city also owns parking lots behind the Mercado Mall, on 2nd Street near Clemmer Services, and behind the Village Cafe area, which could be used and better advertised during events.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked for clarification on how the funds will be appropriated for the project.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Stated Measure I Money cannot be spent in the park or the parking lot; Measure I will only be spent on the Main Street project, the other fund staff was referring to is the community benefit promotional fund which is the one funding the park and parking lot When the pending HUD appropriation funds arrive, they may be directed toward additional Route 66 improvements or median work at the Council's discretion, but cannot replenish Measure I.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Praised staff extensively for managing the parallel projects within budget.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Specifically credited cannabis business owner Tiffany Wilhoit for her long-standing advocacy for using cannabis revenues toward a splash pad and other community amenities.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Confirmed that quotes were received for a splash pad and based on current fund estimates, it remains financially feasible alongside the current park improvements.
Minutes-July 21, 2026
RESULT: COMPLETED
29. REJECTION OF INFORMAL BIDS AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR MAIN STREET REHABILITATION - 1ST AVE. TO BARSTOW ROAD PROJECT (PROJECT #ENCD26-0042) Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Reject all informal bids received for the Main Street Rehabilitation - 1st. Ave. to Barstow Road Project (Project #ENCD-26-0042).
2. Authorize the advertisement of the formal bid for the Main Street Rehabilitation - 1st. Ave. to Barstow Road Project (Project #ENCD-26-0042) per the tentative bid schedule and establish a bid authorization date of July 21, 2026, in order for the project to remain active.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Explained that three bids were received by the July 15 deadline for the Main Street rehabilitation informal bid, but all came in above the $220,000 informal bid threshold. Staff therefore requested rejection of all informal bids and Council authorization to re-advertise under the formal bid process beginning July 22. Under the proposed bid schedule, a contract award could occur at the August 18 Council meeting, with construction targeted for completion by the last week of September, allowing sufficient time before the Main Street USA Route 66 centennial event in October and the city's centennial celebration in November.
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Asked if this will prevent any modifications or beautification of the city, or if it will interfere with any other agency or projects.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Confirmed that the grinding and overlay process itself would be completed within a few days, with the key constraint being a 7–10-day cure period required before striping, to prevent paint discoloration from oils bleeding through new asphalt. Staff also anticipated that a partial road closure of Main Street may be necessary to meet the timeline and indicated this would be coordinated with the winning contractor, with appropriate public notice.
SPEAKERS
MIKE HERNANDEZ, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA
- Asked whether the project is extending from 1st Street to Barstow Road rather than from 1st Street to 7th Street. Mentioned that much of the curb and gutter has been damaged and inquired if all of this will be replaced. Additionally, wanted to know if the work will be completed within the designated timeframe.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Confirmed in response to public comment from Mr. Mike Hernandez that curb repair along the corridor would be included in the formal bid scope, as the project is now above the informal bid threshold and the scope can be expanded. Curb repair will be accomplished by cutting into existing concrete, epoxying tie bars, and placing new curbing adjacent to existing infrastructure RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
30. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CENTENNIAL PARK LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CITY OF BARSTOW PROJECT # BGRD-26-0038
Recommended Action:
Minutes-July 21, 2026
City Staff recommends to City Council the following:
1. Award the construction contract to Kormex Construction Inc., the lowest responsible bidder.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, the authority to sign the construction contract, and any related documents associated with the project.
3. Approve and appropriate a construction budget in the amount of $197,436.00 to Expenditure Account No. 1005007-5831.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
- Presented the contract award for the pocket park landscape improvement project. Three informal bids were received; the lowest bid was rejected due to an incomplete submittal. The next apparently lowest responsive and responsible bidder was Kormex Construction Inc.
No public speakers addressed this item.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
SECONDER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
31. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CENTENNIAL PARK PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CITY OF BARSTOW PROJECT # ENCD-26-0038
Recommended Action:
City Staff recommends to City Council the following:
1. Award the construction contract to Prestige Paving Company, the lowest responsible bidder.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, the authority to sign the construction contract, and any related documents associated with the project.
3. Approve and appropriate a construction budget in the amount of $62,359.00 to Expenditure Account No. 1005007-5831.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CHRIS HELDRETH
-Presented the parking lot improvement contract, noting that the project will bring the existing lot at the corner of 1st Avenue and Route 66 into compliance with ADA accessibility requirements, including new asphalt pavement, ADA parking stalls, access aisles, pathways, signage, and striping.
No public speakers addressed this item.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: James M. Noble, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Carmen Hernandez, Council Member
AYES: Noble, Rose, Williams, Hernandez, Silva
32. CITYWIDE ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 AND COUNCIL GOALS & PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
Recommended Action:
Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Accomplishments Report and provide direction regarding the proposed City Council Goals and Priorities for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
CITY MANAGER ROCHELLE CLAYTON
- Presented the annual accomplishments report covering all city departments and introduced the proposed Council Goals and Priorities for FY 2026-27, which were established at the April 15, 2026 workshop.
- Key FY 2025-26 highlights included: the implementation of the NeoGov online recruitment platform with a significant increase in applicant volume; migration to Microsoft 365 and Minutes-July 21, 2026
approximately $200,000 in IT contract savings; management of 68 public meetings by the City Clerk's office; the completion of the heavy-lift Barstow International Gateway Specific Plan and General Plan update; the Tyler ERP financial system going live July 1, 2026; 7,429 emergency incidents responded to by the Barstow Fire Protection District, including the District's 100th Anniversary milestone; 37,864 calls for service handled by the Police Department with 1,817 arrests and 253 firearms recovered; $2,000,000 secured in engineering project funding; 105 tons of pothole repair material used by Public Works; and 765 million gallons of wastewater treated.
Employee recognition highlights included Jared Walker being named Mechanic of the Year.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Asked staff to confirm the number of potholes filled, and staff estimated approximately 8,000 to 9,000 using the 105-ton figure. He praised the department's output as a historic high.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Inquired about the accident review board under human resources. - Asked about the ergo assessment process and budget for ergonomic equipment - Asked for an update on Harvey House tenant improvements - Raised an ongoing safety concern about children accessing train tracks during Harvey House events, which the MAYOR SILVA confirmed he had observed firsthand.
CITY MANAGER CLAYTON
- Explained that the board reviews each employee-related accident to assess what could have been done differently and to implement corrective action plans-a function that had not existed previously.
- Confirmed that the city partners with Athens for ergonomic assessments and has a budget for recommended accommodations.
- Noted that security was implemented from 6 AM to 10 PM, which has been the primary driver of interest from prospective tenants, and that a PA system upgrade is also underway.
MAYOR SILVA
- Noted visible improvements in parkway and park maintenance since the start of the current Council's term, including along Rimrock Road and Dana Park. - Confirmed that the citywide camera system installation is in the final phase, with the last few Harvey House installations pending, and that all feeds connect to Police Department dispatch.
The proposed FY 2026-27 Council Goals cover seven areas: Economic and Community Development, Downtown and Main Street Revitalization, Infrastructure Improvements, Housing and Homelessness, Parks and Community Facilities, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Community Identity and Special Events.
No formal vote was required; this item was received and filed.
RESULT: PRESENTATION ONLY
PD - PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES:
POLICE CHIEF KIRBY
- Presented June 2026 statistics: 2,435 calls for service, 332 police reports, 72 cases submitted to the District Attorney's Office, 34 traffic citations, 52 felony adult arrests, 71 misdemeanor adult arrests, 9 felony juvenile arrests, and 3 misdemeanor juvenile arrests, for a total of 135 arrests. - Highlighted three partnership meetings held in June: with Partners Against Violence (a sexual assault and violent crime survivor support nonprofit), the San Bernardino County Coffee and Conversation meeting, and the High Desert Public Safety meeting at the Marine Corps Logistics Base.
- Upcoming events include a blood drive on July 29 from 9 AM to 2 PM in the Council Chambers, and Minutes-July 21, 2026
National Night Out on August 4 from 6 PM to 9 PM.
- Addressed recent social media activity regarding the city's curfew ordinance, clarifying that it is an existing Barstow Municipal Code provision, not a new law, prohibiting unaccompanied minors under 18 from being in public between 10 PM and daylight hours, with limited exceptions. The reminder was prompted by an uptick in juvenile crime during the summer months.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Raised concerns about retail theft at local stores, including Dollar Tree and Marshalls, and noted that many thefts are not being reported to police due to corporate liability policies. Asked CHIEF KIRBY to revisit those businesses at the corporate level alongside the mayor.
POLICE CHIEF KIRBY
- Confirmed that a substantial portion of retail theft is not reported and agreed that corporate engagement is necessary.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Discussed parental accountability in relation to juvenile crime and suggested closer collaboration with Barstow Unified School District on enforcement and monitoring. - Asked about the enforcement process for identifying genuinely homeschooled children during daytime hours.
POLICE CHIEF KIRBY
- Explained that school resource officers can quickly confirm enrollment status.
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Observed first-hand instances of juvenile shoplifting at Walmart and echoed the concern about businesses declining to prosecute for liability reasons.
CITY ATTORNEY ANDREW JARED
- Noted that while no city has adopted ordinances limiting the number of juveniles in a store, individual businesses may implement such policies as civil matters, with the trade-off between inventory loss and litigation cost being a business decision.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Reported that the Mojave Air Quality Management District meeting for July was canceled.
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Reported on the Military Affairs Committee meeting held July 14, covering the following events:
Military Mixer at MCLB on September 18; Veterans Day Breakfast at Cora Harper Center on November 11; Spirit of Giving at Cora Harper Center on December 19; a Job Fair at the Harvey House on October 15; the Marine Corps Ball in Palm Springs on November 15; the High Desert Marine Ball on November 14; the AUSA 30th Anniversary Golf Tournament on September 26; and the next Military Affairs meeting on August 11 at Los Domingos. He noted that the chain of command ceremony for Brigadier General Anderson is on hold pending a confirmed date. - Reported on the Victor Valley Transit Authority meeting held July 20, noting that veterans will receive free rides on VVTA buses on Veterans Day, the Fort Irwin bus fare rate will not increase, and the next VVTA meeting will be held at Barstow City Hall on August 17.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Reported that the Homeward Bound Committee was canceled but expressed satisfaction that COMMUNITY RESILIENCE OFFICER ENGLISH is functioning effectively as the homeless coordinator the committee had long sought.
- Asked for an update on the Home Base strategic planning contract.
CITY MANAGER CLAYTON
Minutes-July 21, 2026
- Confirmed the kickoff meeting occurred the previous day and the plan is anticipated to be presented to Council at the December 1 meeting.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Nothing to report.
MAYOR SILVA
- Nothing to report.
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL:
COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ
- Made a formal statement announcing her retirement from elected office after 19 years of service, confirming she will not seek reelection.
- Cited among her proudest accomplishments the fight for the Barstow courthouse, the Lenwood Road overpass, two major street improvement projects, the City Hall renovation, the First Avenue bridge replacement, and the approval of the BIG project. - Thanked the community and her colleagues and noted that she and her husband, married 62 years, will be retiring come November but will remain in Barstow.
MAYOR PRO TEM NOBLE
- Thanked all city staff and departments for their accomplishments and asked COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR HELDRETH to provide an update on lighting, signage, and the turn signal situation at the Rimrock Road location, and to consider the addition of a no U-turn sign at the recently installed median there.
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
- Reported that he has been working to establish a youth action committee, modeled on the success of the homeless action committee, with Sonia Compton from the County bringing mental health expertise and Adelanto City Council personnel engaged as partners. - Noted the committee would pursue a teen center with educational and recreational programming at no taxpayer cost.
- Reiterated the conversation with Mayor Silva about engaging Dollar Tree and Marriott corporate offices on retail theft, and praised the visible improvements along streets such as Grace, Virginia Way, Cow Avenue, and State Street.
- Shared an account of personally assisting a 26-year-old homeless woman who had suffered a seizure and was abandoned at the hospital, ultimately placing her on a bus to her grandmother in Bakersfield.
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE
- Congratulated Spain on the World Cup championship and offered congratulations to Barstow native Dino Ebel and the Ebel family on both sons-Brady and Trey-being first-round Major League Baseball draft picks.
- Requested a complete list of youth advisory council members and dates of any meetings held. - Asked for a collective Council discussion on FLOCK cameras, noting public concern and recent lawsuits related to the technology, and said she believed the Council should have a more comprehensive briefing.
- Requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Mr. David Cordova, father-in-law of former CHIEF ANDREW ESPINOZA, who recently passed away.
MAYOR SILVA
- Confirmed a presentation from CHIEF KIRBY and a FLOCK Camera representative is being scheduled.
MAYOR SILVA
- Reported on events attended since the last meeting, including: Supervisor Rowe's Coffee and Minutes-July 21, 2026
Conversation; a July 9 meeting with SBCTA representative Carrie Schindler to discuss additional road funding; a July 13 interview with Tony Cabrera of ABC for the "Tony in Your Town" segment (preempted by breaking news but anticipated to air Thursday at 6:45 AM); the Military Affairs meeting; the Together We Can event; the US Veterans Support Group's 4th Annual Kids Fund Day at Cora Harper; a podcast interview regarding Barstow; the Chamber of Commerce breakfast featuring CHIEF ENGLISH; and an AT&T event at a Main Street church where 100 laptops were distributed to youth through Desert Manna and partner nonprofits. Also confirmed for the record that Planning Commissioners are not required to be city residents.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
Provided the following updates:
● Upcoming meetings: Planning Commission on July 27; Rules and Policy Committee on July 28; next City Council meeting on August 4.
● Nominations are now open for District 1 and District 2 Council seats, with the nomination period running July 13 through August 7.
● City Council meetings are now being live-streamed on YouTube. ● Upcoming Recreation events: Softball season, September 22 - November 5; Kindergarten Kickoff and Senior Send-Off, July 29; NASA Camp Days, July 24-25. ● The Blood Drive hosted by the Police Department will be held July 29 in the Council Chambers. ● Regarding the BIG project lawsuit, the City is responsible for its portion of legal costs and the developer for theirs.
● The Marriott agreement is in compliance and runs through 2028. ● The CIF championship banners have been received; staff is targeting the August 4 Council meeting for an unveiling ceremony, to include the school district, Board of Trustees, interim superintendent, coaches, and team members, prior to school returning to session. ● A Flock Camera presentation is being coordinated with CHIEF KIRBY and a company representative for a future Council meeting.
● On August 18, Dr. Eva Bag and the new Associate Dean from Barstow Community College will present to the Council.
• COUNCIL MEMBER ROSE REQUESTED that the Barstow Unified School District Board of Trustees and interim superintendent be formally included on the invitation list for the CIF banner unveiling ceremony. CITY MANAGER CLAYTON confirmed this was being coordinated.
ADJOURNMENT:
By consensus and without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 10:54 PM in memory of Mr. David Cordova. The Council returned to Closed Session, with the Closed Session report out deferred to the regular Council meeting of August 4, 2026.
Respectfully Submitted: Approved:
_______________________________ _______________________________ Andrea Flores, City Clerk Timothy R. Silva, Mayor
Notice: Signed Minutes are filed with the City Clerk’s office