Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2026
Closed Session
1. The Town Council will meet in closed session pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 54957( b) regarding a public employee performance evaluation.
Job Title: Town Attorney
Town Attorney Jex stated there was no reportable action.
Call to Order
Mayor Abel called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM.
Roll Call
Present: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo Excused: Rick Denison
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Mayor Pro Tem Schooler.
Invocation
Invocation led by Pastor Bill Wilcox from Hosanna Hope.
Approval of Agenda
2. Agenda Approval
Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Motion:
Approve meeting agenda as prepared.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo Consent Agenda
Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
3. Minutes
Motion:
Approve the meeting minutes of Tuesday, June 2, 2026 as presented.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
4. Resolution No. 26-XX; Ratification of County Fire Code; State of California Health and Safety Code Section 13869.7
Motion:
Adopt Resolution 26-23, ratifying the County of San Bernardino Fire Protection District, Ordinance No. FPD 26-02, and directs the Town Clerk to transmit the Resolution to San Bernardino County.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: None
5. Yucca Valley Aquatic and Recreation Center Project – Town Project 6009 Consultant Services Additional Funds
Motion:
Approve the contract amendments:
1. Approve an increase in the amount of $65,000.00/month until project completion to SAFEWORKCM;
2. Approve an increase in the amount of $9,000.00/month until project completion to Dahlin Architectural; and
3. Approve an increase in the amount of $40,000.00/month until project completion to HMC Architects.
4. Approve Items #1 through #3 above through project completion or through January 31, 2027, which ever occurs first.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: None
6. AB1234 Reporting Requirements
Motion:
Receive and file the AB1234 Reporting Requirement Schedule for the month of May 2026.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: None
7. Ratification of Warrant Registers
Motion:
Ratify the Payroll Registers totaling $292,424.62 dated May 08, 2026, and $362,008.95 dated May 22, 2026. Ratify the Warrant Registers totaling $3,575,720.64 for the period of May 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: None
8. Fleet Vehicle Purchase Confirmation
Motion:
Receive and file the confirmation of the Fleet Vehicle Purchase Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: None
9. Approval of Real Property Donation Agreement for APN 0595-171-04 – San Bernardino County Fire Station 41
Motion:
1. Approve the Real Property Donation Agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley (“Donor”) and the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (“Donee”) for the conveyance of APN 0595-171-04 (Fire Station 41 site); and
2. Authorize the Town Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to complete the conveyance and related escrow and recording actions, and to make non-substantive revisions as necessary.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: None
10. Ordinance 334 - Second Reading- Adopting Specific Plan 01-04, Amendment #2, To the Yucca Valley Retail Center Specific Plan
Motion:
That the Town Council adopts Ordinance 334 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING SPECIFIC PLAN 01-04, AMENDMENT #2, TO THE YUCCA
VALLEY RETAIL CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: None
Department Reports
11. Approval of Lease Agreement with Yucca Valley BMX for Operation of the Town BMX Facility
Mayor Abel recused himself from consideration of this agenda item and left the room.
Recreation Supervisor Kusmieruk presented the staff report regarding approval of a lease agreement with Yucca Valley BMX for operation of the Town BMX facility.
Heather Quintana from Yucca Valley and member of the Basin Wide Foundation, expressed support for the agreement and the efforts to restore the BMX facility as a community asset for local youth.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Council Members shared comments in support of the agreement and reflected on the facility's positive impact and history within the community.
Motion:
1. Approve the Lease Agreement between the Town of Yucca Valley and Yucca Valley BMX, operating under the fiscal sponsorship of Basin Wide Foundation, for operation and management of the Town BMX Facility; and
2. Authorize the Town Manager to execute the Lease Agreement and any minor non-substantive revisions approved by the Town Attorney.
Result: Passed (Yes 3, No 0, Abstained 1)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
12. Professional Services Agreement with Morongo Basin Humane Society Town Manager Yakimow provided the staff report for the Professional Services Agreement with Morongo Basin Humane Society.
Mayor Abel opened public comment.
Cheryl Contopolus expressed support for this noting it would help critters and the community.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Council Members expressed support for the agreement and discussed the number of animals that may be transferred, implementation of the program, and the anticipated benefits to both organizations, including increased kennel capacity and improved outcomes for animals requiring additional care or adoption assistance.
Motion:
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with the Morongo Basin Humane Society (MBHS) for animal transfer, rehabilitation, and rehoming services for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.; and
2. Authorize the Town Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to complete the agreement and to make non-substantive revisions as necessary.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Mayor Merl Abel
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: Merl Abel, Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
13. Resolution No. 26-XX: Town of Yucca Valley, FY 2026-2027, SB 1, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA): Approval of the project list; Authorization to Submit the Town’s Project List to the California Transportation Commission.
Public Works Director Qishta presented the staff report regarding the Town's Fiscal Year 2026–2027 SB 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) project list and authorizing its submittal to the California Transportation Commission.
Staff provided an overview of the SB 1 funding program and the project selection process.
Mayor Abel opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Council Members discussed the proposed slurry seal and cape seal projects, including funding and the use of SB 1 funds for roadway maintenance improvements.
Future Agenda Items
There were no future agenda items requested by the Town Council.
Public Comments
Mayor Abel opened public comment.
Gina Pasquini spoke in support of bringing the rodeo back to the Town of Yucca Valley and encouraged the Town to partner in its return.
Abby Olea, age 17, Lucy Olea, age 12, and Vivian Ripley also expressed support for reestablishing the rodeo, citing its value to the community and local opportunities.
Cheryl Contapolis commented on recent power outages and urged continued efforts to improve electrical reliability.
Asia, Town resident, addressed the Town's residential chicken ordinance and requested that the Council consider updating the current lot size requirements.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, public comment was closed.
Staff Reports and Comments
Public Works Director Qishta provided updates on the pickleball court project and monument sign projects.
Recreation Supervisor Kusmieruk highlighted recent recreation and senior center activities, museum exhibits, aquatic program registration, youth and adult recreation programs, and the Independence Day celebration.
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle provided an Western Joshua Tree update.
Town Manager Yakimow reported on ongoing legislative advocacy efforts, encouraged the public to visit Hi-Desert Water District's sewer project webpage for updates, and stated that Town staff will continue working with Southern California Edison to advocate for improved electrical reliability.
Mayor and Council Member Reports and Comments
Council Member Drozd expressed enthusiasm for the BMX program and support for efforts to bring the rodeo back to Yucca Valley. He also commented on recent power outages, thanked Town staff, and encouraged the community to attend the Independence Day celebration.
Council Member Lombardo shared support for the return of BMX and the rodeo, commended the young public speakers for their remarks, expressed support for reviewing the residential chicken ordinance, thanked first responders, and encouraged attendance at the Independence Day celebration.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler expressed support for the return of BMX and the rodeo and thanked community members for their involvement. He also highlighted the success of the ReptiPalooza event at the museum and commended staff for organizing the event.
Mayor Abel expressed excitement about the opening of the Town pool, thanked the Town Manager and Town Attorney for their dedication and availability, and expressed appreciation to Town staff for their continued efforts.
Announcements
Mayor Abel announced that the Town Council would not meet on July 7, and that the next regularly scheduled Town Council meeting would be held on July 21, 2026.
Mayor Abel adjourned the regular meeting to closed session at 06:03 PM Respectfully Submitted,
Brooke Dudra
Town Clerk