Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
CITYWIDE ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 AND COUNCIL GOALS & PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This item will detail the Accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and outline the Council Goals & Priorities for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
The accomplishments of the staff during Fiscal Year 2025-26 year reflect a significant commitment to achieving the City Council’s goals. This summary highlights the key aspects of their achievements and recognizes the collaborative efforts that made these successes possible. • Diligent Work: Staff members have worked diligently, balancing their everyday duties with additional responsibilities aimed at advancing city initiatives. • Collaboration Across Divisions: Many accomplishments involved collaboration among various divisions, showcasing teamwork and shared objectives.
• Complexity and Number of Projects: The Executive Team successfully managed a wide range of complex programs and projects, demonstrating effective leadership and coordination.
• Citywide Team: Staff contributions and achievements listed are a testament to the amazing staff who consistently find innovative ways to enhance community service and strengthen organizational capabilities.
• Executive Team: Special thanks are due to each member of the Executive Team for their guidance in navigating through numerous projects while maintaining high standards. • City Council Support: Gratitude is extended to the City Council for their confidence in the city team, financial investment in these initiatives, and ongoing support for staff efforts.
The accomplishments achieved during this fiscal year not only reflect individual dedication but also highlight a collective effort towards improving community services and organizational strength. The collaboration between staff efforts, executive leadership, and council support has been instrumental in driving progress forward.
Overall, this comprehensive list of accomplishments underscores a successful year due to extremely hard work, collaboration, and effective governance.
DISCUSSION:
The Accomplishments of the staff during Fiscal Year 2025-26 year reflect a significant commitment to achieving the City Council’s goals. This comprehensive list of accomplishments underscores a successful year marked by hard work, collaboration, and effective governance.
The Council Goals & Priorities for Fiscal Year 2026-27 were established in a Workshop held on April 15, 2026. The goals and priorities listed include achievable projects and plans to promote development.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
HUMAN RESOURCES
• Successfully partnered with the City Manager and led negotiations with multiple bargaining units to successful completion.
• Implemented the NEOGOV recruitment platform, improving the recruitment process and increasing applications.
• Developed written labor negotiation and recruitment processes to improve legal compliance, consistency, and documentation.
• Developed standardized corrective action documentation to improve consistency and recordkeeping.
• Completed the MGT Classification Study, which had remained stalled for several months. • Produced a salary compression study and evaluated market compensation for executive and public safety positions.
• Developed recruitment materials and promotional campaigns for job and career fairs. • Improved hiring procedures by implementing reference checks and in-depth background investigations for Fire Department candidates.
• Established the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee to increase collaboration with employees.
• Strengthened workers' compensation claim management through monthly carrier reviews and an Accident Review Board for employee injuries and accidents. • Co-developed and presented an Executive Team leadership program with an outside consultant.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• Restructured IT to strengthen the City’s technology operations and leadership. • Led the City’s migration to Microsoft 365.
• Transitioned City email addresses from .org to .gov.
• Strengthened cybersecurity through multi-factor authentication, improved firewalls, email protection, security training, and device management.
• Upgraded network infrastructure, including Wi-Fi, firewalls, public facility connections, and department technology systems.
• Migrated the City’s phone system to RingCentral, improving reliability, features, and disaster recovery.
• Improved Council meeting broadcasts by adding backup audio and internet connections, upgraded microphones, and YouTube streaming procedures. • Improved IT operations through project tracking, standard procedures, on-call protocols, ticket management, and performance reporting.
• Consolidated technology contracts and reduced costs by approximately $200,000. • Began implementing centralized device management, application deployment, device compliance, and Microsoft 365 backups.
• Managed more than 15 major technology projects, including GIS, Tyler ERP, cameras, fiber, Microsoft 365, website upgrades, Windows 11, cybersecurity, and SharePoint. • Improved IT service delivery through better ticket tracking, asset management, employee communication, and performance metrics.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
• Implemented the City's electronic Public Records Request system and expanded it to the Police and Fire Departments. The transition streamlined processing, reduced paper use and storage, improved response tracking, saved hundreds of staff hours, and automated identification of records eligible for destruction under the two-year retention period. • Coordinated and supported 68 public meetings while ensuring Brown Act compliance and meeting all legal noticing requirements, including preparation and publication of agendas, packets, minutes, and official records.
o 33 City Council meetings
o 9 Planning Commission meetings
o 26 subcommittee and advisory meetings
• Assisted the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters with the June 2, 2026, Primary Election by coordinating local election activities, responding to voter inquiries, processing election documents, and supporting legal compliance.
• Completed agenda templates for the City's new agenda management software, establishing the foundation for transition from the current platform and improved agenda preparation, publishing, and public accessibility.
• Began the first comprehensive update of the City's Records Retention Schedule since 2010, including development of a Barstow-specific schedule tailored to the City's organizational structure, functions, and legal requirements.
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Organizational and Operational Support
• Restructured Organization to develop the Administrative Services Director position to oversee Human Resources and Information Technology, to improve internal services and City operations, and reorganized some processes to gain efficiencies • Implemented contracts to streamline operations and create efficiencies • Implemented security service program to improve public safety and alleviate workload demand on the Police Department, Public Works, and improve community service • Advanced partnerships with other government agencies and community organizations to further collaboration and improve funding opportunities for the City • Advanced negotiations with the developers to secure additional benefits for the City • Identified contract savings to save $120,000 annually to the City Manager’s department Community Engagement and Special Projects
• Oversaw planning and execution of the CIF Barstow High School Championship Parade and Celebration held February 7, 2026.
• Coordinated dedication ceremony of the Jeff L. Eason Sr. Senior Center • Oversaw planning and execution of the City's inaugural Cinco de Mayo community event. • Successfully renegotiated temporary lease terms at the Harvey House, allowing NASA/Goldstone to continue science-focused educational outreach in the High Desert. • Coordinated multiple feature and documentary film shoots throughout Barstow and negotiated a no-cost memorandum of understanding with Inland Empire Film Permits to manage permit documentation, fees, traffic plans, and staff coordination for future productions. • Responded to public concerns by working with Recreation staff to improve food quality at park snack bars.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
Regional Representation and Economic Development
• Represented the City and served as a public speaker at the High Desert Real Estate Summit, ICSC West, ICSC Las Vegas, DiscoverIE Regional Forums, and the Victor Valley Republic Club, and participated with the Main Street USA Festival planning committee and Vibrant Villages/IEHP.
• Resolved a potential breach of the City's Disposition and Development Agreement with Pacific Holt near Soap Mine Road by directing the landowner through a formal engineering process and requiring compliance with CEQA and local development regulations. • Supported BNSF/Barstow International Gateway negotiations, developed value proposition materials for prospective tenants, and served as the primary organizer for the May 2 planning meeting and June 2 City Council meeting at Barstow Community College.
Recreation Programs and Community Events
• Hosted free community events throughout the year, including the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, Halloween Bash, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Valentine’s Day and St.
Patrick’s Day craft nights, Hoppin’ Easter Fest, and the City’s Cinco de Mayo celebration. • Offered seasonal events at the Harvey House, including a multi-weekend Haunted House and the Mother & Me Tea, which welcomed 100 participants.
• Hosted a Movie at the Pool with 83 participants and a free youth basketball clinic with 39 registrations.
• Organized four community races with a combined 326 registrations:
o Freedom 5K – 80 registrations
o Zombie Run – 97 registrations
o Turkey Trot 5K – 74 registrations
o Bunny Hop 5K – 75 registrations
• Served 378 youth participants through Kiddie Soccer, Youth Basketball, and T-Ball. • Supported 56 adult sports teams through men’s soccer and men’s, women’s, and coed slowpitch softball leagues. • Provided Space Camp programming to 119 participants.
• Recorded 967 participants in year-round and seasonal recreation classes, including tap, Stretch & Tone, karate, judo, step, chair dance, tai chi, senior yoga, and senior aerobics. • Introduced a new Water Aerobics program with 11 participants. • Provided aquatic programming through the Junior Lifeguard Program and two swim lesson sessions, serving 202 participants.
• Advanced the review and formalization of recreation facility agreements with Little League Baseball, Little League Softball, and class instructors operating at City facilities. • Advanced negotiations with the Barstow Heights Community Services District regarding the Master Services Agreement for two City-maintained parks.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
General Plan Update and Barstow International Gateway (BIG) Specific Plan • Conducted a Barstow Town Hall on September 4, 2025, at the Barstow Community College Performing Arts Center.
• Released the draft General Plan, BIG Specific Plan, zoning amendments, and associated Environmental Impact Report for public review on November 10, 2025.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
• Conducted a Planning Commission public hearing on May 16, 2026, a City Council public hearing on June 2, 2026, and a City Council public meeting on June 16, 2026.
Application Processing, Revenue, and Development Activity • Generated $1,678,772 in commercial cannabis revenue during Fiscal Year 2025/26. • Completed 34 address assignments and approximately 175 plan reviews. • Processed 156 temporary use permit and event applications. • Processed 14 Conditional Use Permit applications in 2025 and 5 applications in 2026 to date, including approvals for a monument sign, massage therapy uses, a mechanic shop, an Airbnb, a church, and transportation containers.
• Processed site plan review applications for a proposed 40-unit residential project, commercial electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a McDonald's drive-through restaurant, a public charter middle and high school, and conversion of a single-family residence to a medical examination office with an addition.
• Conducted development inspections for Alexis Trucking, the Tesla charging station, Mercy Air, the Walmart fuel station, an electric vehicle charging site, and multi-family residences.
BUILDING AND SAFETY
Development and Inspection Activity
• Completed or opened notable projects including the Walmart Fueling Center at 613 Montara Road, the Tesla Supercharging Station at 1509 East Main Street, Ono Hawaiian BBQ at 2843 Lenwood Road, the Armory Gas and Liquor Store at 490 Armory Road, and Alexis Trucking at 101 Laverne Court.
• Issued 466 permits, completed 187 plan reviews, performed 3,285 inspections, and issued 20 Certificates of Occupancy.
FIRE PREVENTION
• Provided licensing and inspection of hazardous occupancies, permitting and commissioning of fire and life safety systems, and site plan review for new construction on behalf of the Barstow Fire Protection District.
• Continued project management and inspection services for the National Training Center at Fort Irwin through Intergovernmental Support Agreements, including a new wood shade structure, a shade structure and playground, and a shade structure with field lighting.
CODE COMPLIANCE
• Opened 766 code compliance cases and closed 1,525 cases. • Opened 263 rental cases and closed 807 rental cases.
• Addressed 47 illegal dumping cases;
• Addressed 24 homeless encampment cases.
• Coordinated public nuisance abatements with landowners, property managers, other City departments, and abatement warrant processes.
• Assisted property owners with bringing properties into compliance with the Barstow Municipal Code, including correction of health and sanitation issues. • Completed property abatement activities to remedy neighborhood eyesores and help retain property values.
• Worked with property owners to clean up properties in violation of the Barstow Municipal Code, benefiting surrounding neighborhoods and the community.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
• Managed the FY 2025–26 appropriations budget of $147,298,816. • Developed and implemented a monitored purchasing process. • Implemented the Tyler ERP financial system.
• Completed the User Fee Study.
• Completed Phase I of the Development Impact Fee Study. • Completed the Cost Allocation Plan.
• Processed 194 wire transfers and issued 3,658 physical checks. • Adopted the Fiscal Year 2026–27 Budget.
• Completed the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report with no findings. • Received the 2025 GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Utility Billing and Solid Waste
• Developed a personalized customer contact and monitoring process for past-due commercial utility accounts.
• Established an additional lien process to recover unpaid utility balances before the sale of a property.
• Increased free dump day events from one to three annually. • Maintained compliance with all food waste, organics, and recycling requirements. • Served 7,114 residential and commercial solid waste and wastewater customers.
PUBLIC SAFETY
BARSTOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Operations and Readiness
• Responded to 7,429 emergency incidents, including medical aid, structure fires, vegetation fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and other all-hazard emergencies. • Maintained 24-hour all-hazards emergency response and Advanced Life Support services throughout the District.
• Preserved operational readiness through daily training, apparatus maintenance, regional automatic aid, and mutual aid partnerships, with continued emphasis on firefighter safety, deployment effectiveness, and response reliability.
Firefighter Safety, Equipment, and Strategic Planning
• Replaced all Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus assigned to frontline response apparatus and implemented a comprehensive Personal Protective Equipment replacement program consistent with NFPA and OSHA standards.
• Continued long-range planning for apparatus, equipment, facilities, technology, and capital replacement.
• Advanced planning for a District-operated ambulance transport program, continued implementation of the Strategic Deployment and Growth Plan, and evaluated staffing and deployment models to meet increasing service demands.
• Placed a new brush engine into service, enhancing the Fire Department’s wildland firefighting and emergency response capabilities.
Training, Community Resilience, and Fiscal Stewardship
• Updated and established the Fire District Training Program in partnership with Victor Valley Community College and expanded Driver/Operator, Company Officer, EMS, hazardous materials, and technical rescue training.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
• Continued leadership development and succession planning. • Added a grant-funded, limited-term Fire Division Chief serving as Community Resilience Officer to strengthen wildfire preparedness, emergency planning, community risk reduction, grant administration, and public education.
• Maintained disciplined budget management, responsible fiscal oversight, capital replacement planning, and pursuit of grants and alternative revenue opportunities.
Historic Milestone
• 100th Anniversary of the Barstow Fire Protection District on May 23, 2026, recognizing a century of dedicated service while reaffirming the District's commitment to protecting the community for generations to come.
BARSTOW POLICE DEPARTMENT
Office of the Chief
• Introduced regular communication strategies at all levels of the Department, including supervisor meetings, coaching sessions, briefing visits, newsletters, emails, and video messages, to support positive organizational culture.
• Continued to develop, modify, and implement policies based on best practices, responsible tactics, employee wellness, and legal and ethical accountability. • Managed equipment purchases and overtime with fiscal discipline and pursued outside funding, including an Office of Traffic Safety grant for electronic citation devices and a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant application for a potential real-time crime center and supporting staff.
• Managed ongoing Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance, Homeland Security Grant Program, and Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership grants in compliance with financial and reporting requirements.
• Purchased firearms, a MILO training range, trauma kits, and expanded the FLOCK camera system.
• Completed a comprehensive evidence room audit, improving inventory management and accountability.
• Enhanced officer training through an online platform that allows supervisors to provide highimpact microlearning during roll call and briefings. • Implemented a Department Chaplain Program and adopted supporting policy to assist officers and community members.
• Organized and hosted a local law enforcement shooting competition to promote training, teamwork, skill development, and camaraderie.
Detective and Administrative Division
• Investigated 25 significant major cases, including 10 attempted murders, 3 murders, 2 gross vehicular manslaughter cases, multiple firearm-related assaults and shootings, robberies and violent assaults, 2 kidnapping cases involving sexual violence, serious crimes against children, 1 torture case, 2 attacks against police officers, and 1 Special Response Team activation involving a domestic violence hostage incident.
• Achieved outcomes that included suspect identification and apprehension, arrests in nearly all cases in which a suspect was identified, felony filings, multiple convictions, state prison sentencing in a significant robbery and assault case, and resolution of complex multi-suspect and multi-victim investigations.
• Processed 112 Police Officer applicants, conducted 32 interviews, and hired 7 officers. • Processed 32 Dispatcher applicants, conducted 18 interviews, and hired 1 dispatcher.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
Dispatch Center and Records Bureau
• Provided 24-hour emergency communications and processed 104,442 telephone calls: 28,305 emergency 911 calls, 55,407 administrative calls, and 20,730 outbound calls. • Processed 37,864 calls for service, including 30,507 police incidents and 7,357 fire incidents. • Provided Emergency Medical Dispatch instructions 6,021 times, delivering critical pre-arrival medical guidance while responders were enroute.
• Processed 1,035 reports for submission to the District Attorney's Office, including 870 incustody reports, along with 219 traffic collision reports, 1,099 citations, and 329 online Public Records Act requests.
• Processed public and agency report requests, background investigations, and records checks supporting employment, licensing, law enforcement operations, prosecution, and community transparency.
Patrol Division and K-9 Unit
• Responded to 28,899 calls for service, made 1,817 arrests, completed 3,894 criminal reports, recovered 253 firearms, and seized approximately 190 pounds of controlled substances. • K-9 Officer Jaramillo and K-9 Bailey seized 1,035 kilograms (2,277 pounds) of cocaine, 47 pounds of methamphetamine, 86,030 fentanyl pills, 50 grams of fentanyl powder, 84 grams of MDMA, and 16 grams of heroin.
• K-9 Officer Zamora and K-9 Tobi seized 452 pounds of cocaine. • K-9 Officer Perry and K-9 Boyke conducted 14 deployments, including 1 suspect apprehension, 2 SWAT deployments, and 11 building searches or suspect give-up incidents that resulted in suspects surrendering or being safely located without physical force.
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Street and Transportation Projects
• Advanced the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Street Rehabilitation Project through a cooperative agreement with San Bernardino County for Rimrock Road, Transportation Development Act funding for a Rimrock Road bike lane, and an SBCTA funding agreement for Rimrock and Agarita Roads.
• Advanced closeout of the First Avenue Bridge over BNSF, including reimbursement of eligible expenses and compliance with applicable State and Federal requirements. • Secured $2 million in Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending for the First Avenue Bridge over the Mojave River and overflow bridges and advanced geotechnical exploration for the PAED, PSE, and rights-of-way phases. • Advanced the Barstow Road and Rimrock Road intersection improvements through a cooperative effort with Caltrans and relinquishment of Highway Safety Improvement Program funds, resulting in estimated City savings of $2 million. o Provided traffic collision data and plans to Caltrans for review and acceptance. o The project is scheduled for Fiscal Year 2026/27 and will include upgraded signaling and protected turns.
• Advanced traffic signal upgrades along Main Street and Barstow Road, including project submittal review, exploratory investigation, pedestrian and vehicular safety improvements, and video detection system upgrades.
o The project was awarded to Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
Facility and Cemetery Improvements
• Secured Community Development Block Grant, CDBG-CV, and Measure Q funding for the Cora Harper HVAC Improvements Project.
• Advanced the Mountain View Cemetery landscape curbing project through a City-County funding agreement and matching funds. The project is near completion and will provide edge restraint for future landscape beautification.
PUBLIC WORKS
Street Maintenance
• Completed pavement preservation work using 105.15 tons of pothole repair material, 38,250 pounds of crack seal, and 42,000 pounds of mastic.
• Completed sidewalk repair and replacement at 18 locations using 65.5 cubic yards of concrete. • Applied 2,610 gallons of paint for street striping and legends. • Replaced, updated, or newly installed 166 street signs. • Performed storm channel maintenance in the Lenwood Channel. • Completed Americans with Disabilities Act parking lot improvements at Jasper Park.
Parks and Open Space Maintenance
• Improved the Fogelsong Park baseball fields with state-of-the-art field lighting, new infields and warning tracks, new grass, concrete walkways, and dugout improvements.
Facilities Maintenance
• Performed routine and preventive maintenance of City-owned facilities, structural repairs and maintenance, and operational repairs and modernization of building systems, including heating and cooling systems.
Fleet Maintenance
• Placed a new Fire Department brush engine into service. • Maintained a fleet of more than 200 vehicles and pieces of equipment and completed more than 1,100 services and repairs during the year.
• Added three detective vehicles and replaced one patrol Charger. • Sent two mechanics to the Fire Mechanic's Academy.
• Collaborated with Code Compliance and Public Safety on homeless encampment cleanups, illegal dumping sites, and property abatement cleanups.
WASTEWATER
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Treatment and Regulatory Compliance
• Treated approximately 2.2 million gallons per day and 765.13 million gallons during 2025. • Converted 40,457 pounds of the more toxic nutrient ammonia to the less toxic nutrient nitrate through nitrification.
• Maintained zero violations of wastewater treatment plant discharge limits. • Treated and disposed of 847.35 dry metric tons of biosolids. • Completed required monthly, quarterly, and annual compliance sampling.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
Plant Maintenance
• Formed and poured a new concrete pad for the Primary Clarifier No. 1 sludge pump and installed a rebuilt Return Activated Sludge Pump No. 4. • Rebuilt Screw Press No. 2, both Brown Bear units, and the primary clarifier rake, which was rewelded and painted.
• Installed a new chain-drive assembly on Fines Screen No. 1, several new variable-frequency drives, a new gearbox on the screw press conveyor, and a new motor on Influent Pump No. 3. • Replaced the Digester No. 2 discharge valve, filtrate pit Hydro Ranger level transducer, Screw Press Air Compressor No. 2 pump, wet well ventilation pipe, potable water backflow device, and filtrate pit pump.
• Completed 2,050 preventive work orders and 62 corrective work orders. • Completed a digester shutdown and inspection.
WASTEWATER COLLECTIONS
• Cleaned 15.2 miles of City sewer mainlines and 10 miles of County sewer line in Lenwood. • Purchased and implemented new closed-circuit television inspection operations and inspected
20.7 miles of City sewer mainlines.
• Replaced several manhole frames and lids with locking styles, raised manholes to street height, and cleaned pipe locations identified through CCTV inspections. • Completed 3,925 DigAlert tickets.
WASTEWATER PRETREATMENT
• Maintained weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual sewer-line cleaning schedules and completed compliance and regulatory sampling.
• Implemented fats, oils, and grease and Significant Industrial User inspection modules in Nobel/GeoViewer.
• Conducted 170 grease interceptor cleaning inspections. • Regulated six Significant Industrial Users: Blue Beacon, Little Sister's, Today's Truck Wash, New Vernon's, BNSF, and Culligan.
• Renewed three Significant Industrial User discharge permits. • Reviewed and calculated sewer units for the annual commercial sewer audit. • Identified a crushed sewer pipe at Campus Way and Art Davis Way through CCTV inspection.
Employee Recognition and Certification
• Jared Walker was named Mechanic of the Year.
• Alex Haase earned Wastewater Treatment Grade 2 and Collection Maintenance Grade 1 certifications.
• All operators became NASSCO inspection certified.
• Michael Marquez passed the Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment examination.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
1. Economic & Community Development
Goal: Strengthen Barstow’s economy by attracting new investment, creating employment opportunities, and supporting local businesses.
Priorities:
• Develop a streamlined permit and development approval process for qualified warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, and trucking projects.
• Improve marketing efforts to promote Barstow as a destination for business investment. • Support local industries, entrepreneurs, restaurants, retailers, and service providers.
2. Downtown and Main Street Revitalization
Goal: Improve the appearance, functionality, and economic vitality of Main Street and the downtown corridor.
Priorities:
• Pursue SBCTA, state, federal, and other grant funding for Main Street and Route 66 improvements. • Develop cleanup and beautification concepts, including decorative stencils, monuments, pocket parks, public art, and improved landscaping.
• Improve signage directing visitors to public parking and downtown destinations. • Address boarded-up buildings and other visible property-maintenance concerns. • Develop incentive programs that encourage property owners, businesses, and community volunteers to participate in beautification efforts.
• Continue planning for the revitalization and expanded use of the Harvey House. • Explore opportunities to encourage outdoor dining and other business activity within the downtown area.
3. Infrastructure Improvements
Goal: Maintain and improve the City’s roads, public buildings, and essential infrastructure.
Priorities:
• Identify and prioritize achievable infrastructure projects based on available funding. • Continue improvements along Main Street and Route 66. • Pursue funding for roadway, bridge, public transportation, and pedestrian improvements. • Coordinate infrastructure planning with anticipated residential, commercial, and industrial growth. • Improve and maintain City-owned buildings and facilities.
4. Housing and Homelessness
Goal: Expand housing opportunities, improve living conditions, and establish a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness.
Priorities:
• Develop a Barstow-specific Homelessness Strategic Plan aligned with the County of San Bernardino’s plan. • Begin implementation planning following completion of the County’s strategic planning process. • Streamline residential development and permitting where appropriate. • Encourage the development and preservation of safe and affordable housing. • Coordinate with community partners and service providers to address homelessness and housing instability.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
07/21/26 06:00 PM
City Manager Department
Rochelle Clayton
Report
Doc ID: 6487
AGENDA ITEM
5. Parks and Community Facilities
Goal: Provide safe, accessible, and well-maintained parks, recreation areas, youth sports fields, and community buildings.
Priorities:
• Repair and improve City parks, sports fields, and community facilities. • Explore opportunities to include pocket parks within new development projects. • Pursue state and federal funding for park and recreational improvements. • Consider opportunities to dedicate athletic fields in recognition of police, fire, military, and community service. • Improve the accessibility, appearance, and usability of public gathering spaces.
6. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Goal: Strengthen police, fire, emergency response, and disaster-preparedness capabilities.
Priorities:
• Update the Emergency Operations Plan and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to current standards. • Restore and maintain eligibility for emergency preparedness and disaster-recovery funding. • Strengthen preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies. • Continue investing in police and fire staffing, equipment, training, and operational readiness.
7. Community Identity and Special Events
Goal: Celebrate Barstow’s history, strengthen community pride, and increase regional visibility.
Priorities:
• Coordinate the Barstow Fire Protection District’s 100th Anniversary open house with the October Route 66 festivities.
• Support events recognizing Route 66 Centennial.
• Highlight the 250th anniversary of American independence through community programming and events.
• Use community events and regional partnerships to promote tourism and showcase Barstow.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Fiscal Impact for this report.
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.