Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Meeting Minutes
September 16, 2025
Call to Order
Roll Call
Present: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler Absent
(Excused):
Robert Lombardo
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Deputy Town Manager Luckino
Invocation
Presentations, Introductions, Recognitions
Hi Desert Water District- Phase 2 Sewer Project UpdateJennifer Cusack from HDWD provided information on the current, phase 2 sewer project including timing of line installation in selected neighborhoods.
Town Manager Yakimow commended the district for securing funding for the project for the benefit of our residents.
Drozd opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Council Member Schooler thanked Hi Desert Water District for the information and complemented Sukut Construction for their work. Schooler inquired about the availability of project updates to the public.
Mayor Pro Tem Abel thanked Hi Desert Water District for all the work and coordination the project is undertaking and for securing a Western Joshua Tree permit including private connections. Abel asked for clarification on the reasoning for some streets not being paved and asked if the District will be providing a list of interested contractors for private connections.
Abel inquired if laterals will be installed to vacant lots and if those property owners will be required to connect.
Mayor Drozd thanked Cusack for the update.
San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) UpdateLouis Vidaure SBCTA Legislative and Public Affairs provided an overview of the SBCTA organization and highlighted Measure I funded projects within the Town of Yucca Valley.
Council Member Denison currently serves as the SBCTA Board Chair.
Council Member Denison spoke of the benefits of SBCTA and the benefits of Measure I for many of the Town's capital improvements enhancing a safer community.
Mayor Pro Tem Abel thanked SBCTA for managing the funds for these significant safety projects Measure I is providing.
New Employee Introduction- Deputy Town Manager LuckinoTown Manager Yakimow introduced Frank Luckino as the Town's new Deputy Town Manager for Administration and Community Services.
Deputy Town Manager Luckino provided additional information, expressed his dedication to the community and looks forward to serving in the expected capacity.
Council Members provided welcoming comments.
Approval of Agenda
1. Agenda Approval
Present: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler
Absent: Robert Lombardo
Consent Agenda
Mayor Drozd opened public comments on the consent agenda items. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler
2. AB1234 Reporting Requirements
Motion:
Receive and file the AB1234 Reporting Requirement Schedule for the month of August 2025.
3. Ratification of Warrant Registers
Motion:
Ratify the Payroll Registers totaling $301,891.75 dated August 01,2025, $330,525.07 dated August 15,2025, and $277,593.30 dated August 29, 2025.
Ratify the Warrant Registers totaling $1,727,237.37 dated August 01,2025, $2,234,701.98 dated August 15,2025, and $1,525,718.36 dated August 29, 2025.
4. Resolution denying Appeal No. 01-25 and upholding the Planning Commission’s denial of Variance No. 01-25 for a front setback reduction for the property located at 57461 Bandera Road and finding such action exempt from the California Environmental Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §§ 15378(b)(5) and 15061(b)(3) Motion:
Adopt Resolution 25-22 denying Appeal No. 01-25 and upholding the Planning Commission’s denial of Variance No. 01-25 for a front setback reduction for the property located at 57461 Bandera Road and finding such action exempt from the California Environmental Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §§ 15378(b)(5) and 15061(b)(3).
5. Authorization to Purchase Replacement Fleet Equipment and Declare Existing Equipment as Surplus and authorize the sale of surplus equipment.
Motion:
1. Approve the purchase in the amount of not to exceed $26,287.60 to Multiquip, Inc., for purchasing Ride-on Roller Honda GX630 36” wide, SOURCEWELL 020923-MTQ, replacement of unit #55.
2. Declare Unit #55, 1996 Whacker RD880V Roller as surplus, and approves the sale of surplus vehicles and equipment, authorizing the Town Manager to auction/sell the vehicles through a public bidding/auction process or through disposition through auto dismantling services.
3. Authorize the Town Manager to execute all vehicle and equipment sales paperwork and selling of the surplus vehicles and equipment.
6. Ordinance 330- Second Reading- Senior Mobilehome Park Zoning Overlay Motion:
That the Town Council adopts Ordinance 330
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY, AMENDING SECTIONS 9.05.030 OF CHAPTER 9.05 (ZONING DISTRICTS AND ZONING MAP) OF TITLE 9 (DEVELOPMENT CODE) OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE, AMENDING SECTIONS 9.15.020 AND 9.15.030 OF CHAPTER 9.15 (OVERLAY DISTRICTS) OF TITLE 9 (DEVELOPMENT CODE) OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE, AND ADDING CHAPTER 9.23 (SENIOR MOBILEHOME PARK OVERLAY DISTRICT) TO TITLE 9 (DEVELOPMENT CODE) OF THE
TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE, ESTABLISHING A SENIOR MOBILEHOME
PARK OVERLAY DISTRICT
7. 56370 Buena Vista Drive Property Demolition -Town Project No. 8070: Approval of Specification and Authorization to Advertise for Construction/Demolition Motion:
Adopt Resolution 25-23, approves the specifications for Project No. 8067, and authorizes the Town Clerk to advertise and receive bids.
8. Cal Cities 2025 Voting Delegate and Alternate for the Business Meeting of the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference
Motion:
Designate Mayor Pro Tem Abel to serve as Voting Delegate and Council Member Schooler to serve as the Alternate Voting Delegate for the business meeting at the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference
9. 2025 Public Art Program – Utility Box Program
Motion:
Accept the recommendation of the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Commission and approve the 12 selected artworks as the art installations for the 2024-26 Utility Box Program.
10. Resolutions Authorizing Town’s Participation in Two National Opioid Litigation Settlements: (1) In re: Purdue Pharma L.P., et al., Debtors (Chapter 11), U.S.
Bankruptcy Court Southern District of New York, Case No. 19-23649; and (2) In re:
National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804, Case No. 1:17-md-2804 (Multi-District Litigation)
Motion:
Adopt Resolution 25-24 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY APPROVING THE TOWN’S PARTICIPATION IN A NATIONAL LITIGATION SETTLEMENT
WITH ALVOGEN, AMNEAL, APOTEX, HIKMA, INDIVIOR, MYLAN, SYN PHARMA, AND
ZYDUS, AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS
FOR THE SETTLEMENT, AND DIRECTING PAYMENT OF SETTLEMENT FUNDS TO SAN
BERNARDINO COUNTY
And adopt Resolution 25-25 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY APPROVING THE TOWN’S PARTICIPATION IN A NATIONAL LITIGATION SETTLEMENT WITH PURDUE PHARMA L.P. AND THE SACKLER FAMILY, AUTHORIZING THE TOWN
MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS FOR THE SETTLEMENT, AND
DIRECTING PAYMENT OF SETTLEMENT FUNDS TO SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Department Reports
11. 2025-26 Youth Commission Appointments
Recreation Supervisor Rardon presented the staff report for the appointments of the 2025-26 Youth Commission. Rardon explained 39 applicants were recommended by the PRCC for appointment. Applicant Ripley was not included with the recommendation due to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commissioner Ripley being a parent to the applicant.
Mayor Drozd opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Council Member Schooler inquired how staff plans on leading the larger group of commissioners. Council discussion was held on the appointment of Applicant Ripley.
Motion:
Appoint the 39 applicants recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission to the 2025-26 Youth Commission, appoint Applicant Ripley to the Youth Commission, and authorize the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Commission to review future applications and make subsequent appointments on behalf of the Council.
12. 2025 San Bernardino Point-in-Time Count Final Report Town Manager Yakimow presented the staff report providing the final report for the 2025 San Bernardino County Point-in-Time Count (PITC) held in January 2025. PITC Volunteer Amy provided additional information on the experience. San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department Lieutenant Huff provided a brief explanation of the support the Department's HOPE team provides for the unhoused community.
Mayor Drozd opened public comments.
Cheryl Contopulous, Yucca Valley spoke of concern with services for the animals belonging to the unhoused.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.
Mayor Drozd inquired about the reasoning of the count being held during the coldest part of the year.
Mayor Pro Tem Abel asked for the approximate number of unhoused that refuse service from the HOPE team. As asked if other counties use a single day for their count.
Council Member Denison spoke about his experience as a PITC volunteer and the challenges in moving an effective process forward.
Result:
Receive and file the 2025 Point-in-Time Count Final Report representing a 57% decrease in the total homelessness count from the year prior.
13. Community Center Sports Field Turf Update
Public Works Director Qishta updated the Town Council on the Town's turf field conditions.
Mayor Drozd opened public comments.
Dylan Roscover, Yucca Valley commented on the use of rye grass.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.
Council Member Schooler inquired about the depth of the maintenance being planned at Brehm Field.
Council Member Denison inquired about the use of water-saving turf.
Result:
Receive and file the update on the Community Center sports fields turf conditions and future maintenance plan.
14. Public Safety Enhancements
Town Manager Yakimow began the presentation, providing an overview of the FLOCK system for public safety enhancements. A Data Management Policy will be brought before the Council for review in the near future. San Benardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Huff provided additional information on the use of FLOCK and the advanced data technology it provides.
Mayor Drozd opened public comments.
Dylan Roscover, Yucca Valley commented on the cost being quoted.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.
Council Member Denison asked if the system would help with illegal OHV use.
Council Member Schooler inquired when a data policy would be returned for review.
Mayor Pro Tem Abel commented on the top council priority is public safety and inquired how the camera locations are selected and if it can easily be expanded to other locations.
Motion:
1. Receive an update regarding proposed safety enhancements through the use of the Flock Camera System, and provide input and direction as appropriate.
2. Authorize a two-year contract with Flock Safety for procurement, installation and data retention in an amount not to exceed $158,000.
3. Direct staff to develop and return an automated license plate reader policy addressing specific details to protect privacy and civil liberties, including authorized purpose, access control, monitoring and security, data sharing restrictions, data retention, for consideration and approval prior to program implementation.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Mayor Pro Tem Merl Abel
Seconder: Council Member Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler
15. Town-wide Landscape Beautification Program
Public Works Director Qishta provided an update on the Town's Landscape Beautification Program. Staff recently assessed additional locations along the Highway 62 corridor for additional landscaping. A low-maintenance, drought-tolerant concept was presented and requested Council direction for potential development in key locations. Qishta explained some of the challenges with landscape development along the highway.
Mayor Drozd opened public comments.
Eric Linnert, Yucca Valley inquired about the west entrance sign.
Eric Menendez, Twentynine Palms spoke favorably about the additional landscaping.
With no other members wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.
The Town Council provided input on suggested prioritization of project locations along with an emphasis on monument signs, cleanup of trash and weeds and the use of low-maintenance landscaping. For the most impact, Council Members suggested improving all four locations along Hwy 62 at Hwy 247, Sage, Dumosa and Kickapoo.
Result:
Receive an update regarding the Town Council's prior direction to staff requesting development of various projects related to an emphasis on beautification and enhanced appearance throughout Town.
16. Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program, Notice of Funding Opportunity - Project Applications
Public Works Director Qishta presented the staff report seeking the authorization of the submittal of RTA grant applications. The two projects identified for the grant applications are Phase 2 of the regional transportation center (Park and Ride) and the extension of Indio Avenue from Yucca Trail to Hwy 62.
Mayor Drozd opened public comment. With no members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Abel asked if the projects are looked at separately.
Council Member Schooler inquired about the offset at the corner of Indio and Yucca Trail.
Motion:
Authorize the submittal of RTA grant applications for the following projects: Old Town Park-and-Ride and Mobility Hub – Phase 2 and Indio Avenue Pavement Extension Project
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler
17. Ordinance No.XX : Amending Chapter 12.60 (Encroachments and Excavation of Title 12 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the Yucca Valley Municipal Code to add a New Section
12.60.295 Governing Street Restoration
Public Works Director Qishta presented the staff report to introduce an ordinance updating the Town's municipal code relating to Encroachments and Excavations.
Town Attorney Jex reported the concerns of SCE regarding a change in the Town's code and explained the change is for sewer installation only and not for agencies operating under a franchise agreement.
Mayor Drozd opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Drozd closed public comments.
Motion:
Find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Action pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15378, 15061 (b)(3), and 15060, C (2)(3).
1. Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), CEQA review is not required because there is no possibility that this Ordinance may have a significant effect upon the environment; and
2. Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the proposed amendments are not a project under CEQA because they will not cause a “direct physical change in the environment” or a “reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment” because they do not authorize any specific development activity or promote new construction or growth; and
3. Any potential indirect physical change in the environment is speculative and not reasonably foreseeable; and
4. Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060 (c) (2) “The activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment” as the Ordinance does not authorize private land development construction or public works construction;
5. Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060 (c) (3) “The activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378”.
6. Introduce Ordinance 331 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL AMENDING CHAPTER 12.60 (ENCROACHMENTS AND EXCAVATIONS) OF TITLE 12 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE YUCCA VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD A NEW SECTION 12.60.295 GOVERNING STREET RESTORATION.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler Future Agenda Items
Mayor Pro Tem Abel explained he is concerned with repeated SCE blackouts in our area and would like SCE to address these and possibly the PUC. Consensus was made amongst the Council to place this item on a future agenda.
Public Comments
Mayor Drozd opened public comments for items not on the agenda.
Tim Humphreville, Yucca Valley requested Council to review the current STVR policy, since many concerns are arising in his neighborhood.
Dylan Roscover, Yucca Valley spoke of a recent vehicle accident on Joshua Lane at Pueblo Trail, and requested additional law enforcement and speed limit control in the area.
The following spoke on the animal shelter operations and status of the operational review.
Cheryl Contopulous, Yucca Valley
Susan Herring, Pioneertown
Christine Bostrom, Yucca Valley
James Porter, Yucca Valley
Linda Root, Yucca Valley
Susan Walls, Joshua Tree
Tabitha Davies
Eric Linnert, Yucca Valley spoke of issues with shopping center dumpsters and thanked Burrtec for their response. Linnert suggested a commercial enclosed mandate be passed. Linnert also commented on the lack of dedicated bike lanes and the unsafe conditions for local bike riders.
Eric Menendez, Twentynine Palms announced an upcoming East Regional Steering Committee for homelessness meeting and other meeting announcements.
Greg Gendron, Yucca Valley spoke of the lack of audio and internet capabilities at the last shelter meeting.
Staff Reports and Comments
Town Manager Yakiomw shared a video from the recent YVARC Topping Out event showing the progress of the project.
Mayor and Council Member Reports and Comments
Council Member Schooler provided an update to the Council on the outcome of the inaugural meeting of the Animal Shelter Committee held on August 21, 2025.
Council Member Denison thanked the community for coming out and providing comments and provided a report on his recent visit to the animal shelter. Denison noted he understands the concern regarding bike safety.
Council Member Schooler thanked Nena and Zahar at the Senior Center for their work and dedication in providing resources for the seniors.
Mayor Pro Tem Abel welcomed Deputy Town Manager Luckino and welcomed the new Youth Commissioners. Abel reported on recent meetings and ribbon-cutting events and thanked staff for going after additional grant funding.
Mayor Drozd welcomed Deputy Town Manager Luckino and announced he has free animal adoption vouchers if anyone needs one.
Announcements
With no further business, Mayor Drozd adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lesley Copeland, CMC
Town Clerk