Town of Yucca Valley
Town Council Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2026
Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.
Roll Call
Present: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo Excused: Merl Abel
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro Tem Schooler.
Presentations, Introductions, Recognitions
Deputy Town Manager introduced Faith Nicholson, the Town’s new Community Engagement and Homeless Services Coordinator. Ms. Nicholson expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community.
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle introduced Mikayla Crippen, Animal Shelter Kennel Technician, who thanked the Town Council.
Approval of Agenda
1. Agenda Approval
Motion:
Approve the agenda as prepared
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo Consent Agenda
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment period.
Town Clerk Dudra reported one request to speak on Item No. 5.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler requested that Item No. 5 be pulled and moved to approve Consent Calendar Items No. 2 through 13, excluding Item No. 5.
With no members of the public wishing to speak on the remaining consent items, the public comment period was closed.
2. Minutes
Motion:
Approve the meeting minutes of Tuesday, June 16, 2026 as presented.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
3. Rejection of Claim
Motion:
Reject one Claim filed against the Town of Yucca Valley submitted on May 18, 2026, by Mary Gonsalves.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
4. Adoption of Safety Programs
Motion:
Approve the adoption and implementation of the following three safety programs to ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA regulations.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
6. Approval of Updated Section 125 Benefit Plan Document.
Motion:
Approve the draft amended Section 125 Cafeteria Plan Document, subject to nonsubstantive changes and/or edits.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
7. AB1234 Reporting Requirements
Motion:
Receive and file the AB1234 Reporting Requirement Schedule for the month of June 2026.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
8. Ratification of Warrant Registers
Motion:
Ratify the Payroll Register Correction totaling $2,855.17 dated May 28, 2026. Ratify the Payroll Registers totaling $306,093.51 dated June 05, 2026, and $380,509.91 dated June 18, 2026. Ratify the Warrant Register totaling $6,732,811.86 for the period of June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
9. Resolution No. 26-XX: Measure I Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, 2026/2027 to 2030/2031, Measure I Expenditure Strategy
Motion:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-25 approving the Measure I Five-Year Capital Improvement Program and Expenditure Strategy for Fiscal Years 2026/2027 to 2030/2031.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
10. On-Call Concrete Repair and Replacement Maintenance Services – Award of Maintenance Services Contract
Motion:
Award a two (2) year maintenance service contract to MD Concrete, authorize the Mayor, Town Manager, and Town Attorney to sign the Town’s standard professional services agreement and related documents, in the not-to-exceed amount of $200,000.00 each year for on-call concrete repair and replacement maintenance services.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
11. Cooperative Agreement with San Bernardino County to Conduct Preventative Maintenance and Rehabilitation on Various Roads in the Yucca Valley Area.
Motion:
Approve the Aberdeen Drive and Other Roads Agreement with San Bernardino County for pavement preventative maintenance and rehabilitation of roadway surfaces on various road projects in the Yucca Valley area in the amount not to exceed $48,000.00 and $5,000.00 contingency.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
12. Treasurer's Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2026 Motion:
Receive and file the Treasurer’s Report for the fourth quarter of FY2025-26.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
13. Hi-Desert Nature Museum Re-Plumbing Project – Town Project No. 8067 Motion:
1. Approve the award of a construction contract with Haus ADU LLC., in the amount of $36,320.00 for the Hi-Desert Nature Museum Replumbing Project, and a construction contingency of $8,680;
2. Authorize construction, construction contingencies, and inspection costs in the total amount of $50,000.00; and
3. Authorize the Mayor, Town Manager, and Town Attorney to execute the agreement, and authorizes the Town Manager to expend contingency funds, if necessary, for project completion.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo Items Pulled From Consent Agenda
5. Consideration of Participation in the Coalition to Reform California's Tort Liability System
Item No. 5 was pulled from the Consent Calendar due to a request for public comment. Mayor Pro Tem Schooler asked staff for a report.
Deputy Town Manager Luckino provided a staff report regarding consideration of participation in the Coalition to Reform California’s Tort Liability System.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment period.
Erin Gatlin, Yucca Valley, spoke regarding the potential trade-offs and expressed that it was unclear why the Town should support participation in the coalition.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Councilmember Lombardo spoke regarding the importance of liability issues affecting the Town and the need for reasonable constraints.
Department Reports
14. YV ARC Quarterly Project Update
Public Works Director Qishta introduced Dahlin representative Jen Manckia-Wagner to provide the Yucca Valley Aquatics and Recreation Center quarterly project update.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment.
Diane, a Yucca Valley resident in Juniper Terrace, spoke regarding the brightness of the lights and inquired about the project’s lighting.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Schooler closed the public comment period.
Council Member Drozd inquired about the anticipated completion date and asked about plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Public Works Director Qishta discussed project hurdles and noted that a precise completion date was not yet available, as several items would need to be completed following construction.
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle stated that staff would continue to communicate project updates as the project progresses toward completion.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler discussed staffing and operations in preparation for the facility’s opening.
Deputy Town Manager Luckino acknowledged the Council and community’s anticipation of the opening and stated that staff is working toward an opening date.
No motion was made on this item.
15. Tripepi Smith Communication Services - Professional Services Agreement Deputy Town Manager Luckino introduced Tripepi Smith representative Alexis Gillam.
Ms. Gillam provided a presentation on communication priorities and impact.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment period.
Diane Hartle spoke regarding the changing nature of the community. She also suggested increased public awareness regarding fire safety, including information on illegal fireworks and how to report them.
Cheryl Contopolis spoke in support of the volunteer program and encouraged the Town to share more information through Facebook groups. She also highlighted the Town’s animal shelter and encouraged greater public awareness of the shelter’s dogs and its progress toward becoming a no-kill shelter.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Schooler closed the public comment period.
Council Member Denison thanked Tripepi Smith for its work on behalf of the Town, particularly regarding public safety information, off-roading, and seasonal communications. He also expressed appreciation for quality-of-life updates.
Council Member Lombardo thanked Tripepi Smith and expressed support for the communication efforts.
Council Member Drozd thanked Tripepi Smith for its work, including communications regarding the pickleball courts. He also highlighted the military banner program and hiking opportunities in the north and south parks.
Motion:
Approve a multi-year professional services agreement with Tripepi Smith for general and special communication services through June 30, 2028 for $8,550 monthly retainer AND authorize the Town Manager to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement for the same.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
16. Independence Day Event Recap
Recreation Coordinator Jones presented the Independence Day Event Recap.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment period.
Gina Pasquini, Yucca Valley, commended the Town for the event and expressed that it was a great success.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Schooler closed public comment.
Council Member Lombardo commended staff and stated that the event was wonderfully done.
Council Member Denison noted that while some residents were initially disappointed the event was held on July 3 rather than July 4, the change worked well with available resources and allowed for greater event control. He expressed support for considering July 3 for future celebrations, including swimming and fireworks, and noted the positive feedback received.
Council Member Drozd spoke favorably of the July 3 and July 4 celebrations and expressed support for holding the event on July 3 in the future. He questioned the need for drones and suggested a drone show may be more appropriate at the Yucca Valley Aquatics and Recreation Center. He expressed support for fireworks for the Yucca Valley Independence Day Celebration.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler spoke about the event bringing the community together and thanked the sponsors, noting that the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians was a significant addition to the event. He commended Recreation staff for their work and recognized Miss Yucca Valley, the Morongo Unified School District and the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians for their contributions to the community event.
Council Member Drozd noted that holding the event on July 3 provides an additional benefit for residents who live farther from the event location.
The Town Council received and filed the report. No motion was made.
17. Investment Policy for FY2026-28
Finance Manager Jordan Gumbish provided the staff report and presentation regarding the Investment Policy for FY 2026-28.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment period.
With no members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Schooler closed the public comment period.
Council Member Lombardo noted the Town’s conservative approach to investments.
Council Member Denison expressed appreciation for the update.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler expressed appreciation for Finance Manager Gumbish’s management of the Town’s finances.
Motion:
Review and approve the FY 2026-28 Investment Policy; and receive and file the Chandler Investment Portfolio Update
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Seconder: Council Member Rick Denison
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo
18. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternates – League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo (September 23–25, 2026)
Town Clerk Dudra presented the staff report regarding the Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternates for the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, scheduled for September 23–25, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment period. With no members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Schooler closed the public comment period.
Council Member Drozd noted that he would not be attending the conference. Mayor Pro Tem Schooler noted he would not be available.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler inquired if Mayor Abel would be present to sit as Voting Delegate.
Town Clerk Dudra confirmed Mayor Abel would be present.
Mayor was designated as the primary voting delegate, with Council Member Lombardo designated as Alternate No. 1 and Council Member Denison as Alternate No. 2.
Council Members Denison and Lombardo spoke in support of the designations.
Motion:
Designate Mayor Abel to serve as the Voting Delegate, and Council Member Lombardo to serve as Alternate No. 1, and Council Member Denison to serve as Alternate No. 2 to represent the Town of Yucca Valley at the General Assembly during the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo on September 25, 2026.
Result: Passed (Yes 4, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Rick Denison
Seconder: Council Member Robert Lombardo
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Rick Denison, Jim Schooler, Robert Lombardo Future Agenda Items
Council Member Lombardo suggested exploring the possibility of establishing a Sister City Program to promote cultural exchange and international engagement. He discussed potential opportunities involving student exchange programs, Town staff, and community members and suggested further discussion or a public workshop to explore the concept.
Council agreed the idea was not urgent and could be revisited when staff has the capacity. The item was tabled for future consideration.
Public Comments
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler opened the public comment period.
Gina Pasquini, a Yucca Valley resident in the Sky Harbor area, spoke in support of bringing the rodeo back to Yucca Valley. She expressed her appreciation for the Town and encouraged the Council to work together to explore the possibility of bringing the rodeo back.
Sandra Hartness, a Yucca Valley resident, spoke in support of the rodeo and discussed its history, economic benefits, and opportunities for the local equestrian community. She also expressed concerns regarding animal welfare organizations.
Sheri Yocham, a Landers resident, spoke in support of bringing the rodeo back and shared her personal history with rodeo events.
Allie Irwin spoke in opposition to the rodeo and requested that the matter be placed on a future agenda. She discussed the relationship between the rodeo committee and Chamber of Commerce and encouraged the Town to consider an ordinance prohibiting rodeos.
Abby Olea spoke in support of the rodeo and discussed Yucca Valley’s Western heritage and the relationship between people and animals in rodeo.
Lucy Olea spoke in support of the Grubstakes Day Rodeo and discussed its connection to the community’s mining and ranching history and the importance of maintaining equestrian activities.
Kaylin Moon spoke in support of the rodeo and discussed her involvement with the California Junior Rodeo Association, her family’s rodeo history, and animal safety requirements.
Diane Hartl thanked the Town for its recent road clearing efforts and the Mayor and Curtis Yakimow for their assistance following the fire in Juniper Terrace. She also raised concerns regarding illegal fireworks, reporting fireworks activity, and vegetation and trees in the community.
Vivian Ripley spoke in support of the rodeo and stated that it provides opportunities to teach lessons and values not taught in a classroom.
Brenda Calvillo spoke in opposition to rodeos and encouraged the Town to prohibit rodeos in Yucca Valley. She stated that the community can honor its Western heritage without putting animals at risk and suggested a Western festival as an alternative.
Janet Mackinnon spoke regarding concerns about invasive vegetation and the fire danger posed by tumbleweeds and open land. She requested that the matter be placed on a future agenda.
Norman Shirtzman, a Yucca Valley resident, spoke regarding the growth of tumbleweeds near the airport and concerns about their impact on surrounding properties.
Megan Ripley spoke in support of the rodeo and shared her experience attending rodeos after moving to Yucca Valley. She also discussed her experience caring for horses at a horse rescue.
Sondra Hamelin spoke regarding her experience with horses and expressed concerns about animal welfare and the use of Town funds.
Bobbie Breckenridge spoke regarding immigration enforcement and requested that the Town consider adopting policies limiting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, restricting the use of Town property, and providing “Know Your Rights” information to the community.
Eden Defour spoke in support of the rodeo and discussed her family’s history in Yucca Valley, the community’s ranching and Western heritage, and the potential economic benefits of bringing the rodeo back. She also suggested directing community activities and events toward supporting local businesses and facilities.
Priscilla Buck spoke in support of the rodeo and discussed her involvement in horse rescue and cattle ranching. She highlighted the community, educational, and character-building aspects of equestrian activities.
Lori Portillo spoke in opposition to the rodeo and expressed concerns regarding the treatment of animals for entertainment.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Schooler closed the public comment period.
Staff Reports and Comments
Captain Scovel reported that the Sheriff’s Department had no significant updates or noteworthy incidents to report. He also commended Faith Nicholson for her work and collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department.
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle spoke briefly regarding the Yucca Valley Aquatics and Recreation Center.
Mayor and Council Member Reports and Comments
Council Member Denison welcomed Faith Nicholson and Mikayla Crippen, acknowledged the progress at the Animal Shelter, thanked those who provided public comment, and expressed appreciation for community engagement.
Council Member Drozd thanked the public for their comments, noted the importance of public input in the Council’s decision-making process, and provided an update on the Yucca Valley Aquatics and Recreation Center project.
Council Member Lombardo thanked the public for their respectful comments and community involvement, welcomed Faith Nicholson and Mikayla Crippen, recognized the success of the Independence Day celebration, mentioned addressing concerns regarding tumbleweeds, and expressed enthusiasm for the future aquatics center.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler thanked the public for their respectful comments, expressed excitement about the YVARC project, and emphasized the importance of assembling the right team to ensure the project’s success for the community.
Announcements
The Town Council announced that the August 4, 2026 meeting will be dark. The next regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will be held on August 18, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Schooler adjourned the regular meeting to closed session at 07:17 PM Respectfully Submitted,
Brooke Dudra
Town Clerk