Thursday, August 25, 2016

Minutes from 7/25/16 Meeting (approved 8/22/16)

BARSTOW HEIGHTS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, July 25th, 2016

President Jacobs called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM and Director Schendel led the group in the flag salute. Directors Jacobs, Schendel, Stapp, Wilkey, and Hayhurst were all present. There were two guests in attendance, residents, Gene and Rose Low.

During public comments/questions, Gene Low asked about the large trash dumpster that used to be located behind the park. He noticed that it had recently been removed. The secretary will inquire about it with the City of Barstow, as to why it was removed and whether or not it will be replaced.

The Consent Items were reviewed. Director Hayhurst motioned to accept the Minutes of the April 18th, April 25th, and June 20th, 2016 Meetings, along with the Financial Reports for May and June of 2016 as presented. Director Stapp seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, with President Jacobs abstaining from the vote due to his absence at the previous meeting on June 20th.

The Correspondence file was offered for review. After some discussion, and due to a lack of information about the candidates, the Board opted not to submit a vote for the CSDA Board Election.

Barstow Heights Park was addressed. There was no Safety Check List from the City to review. Director Wilkey reported that there was one safety issue to be noted. He noticed that the lid on one trash can near the new shade canopy is rusted and full of holes that are sharp around their edges. The Secretary will report the concern to the City of Barstow and request that the lid be removed and/or replaced as soon as possible. President Jacobs continues to keep an eye on the Ground Squirrels and very few had been sighted in recent weeks.

The Board again welcomed Gene and Rose Low and invited them to address the privacy concerns that the new covered picnic area has created for them. Mr. Gene Low reported that because the new picnic tables are located on a raised concrete slab adjacent to their back yard, the people who use it are often looking straight into their yard, windows, and porch, and it has become increasingly uncomfortable for them both. They had been aware that the new picnic area was going in, but unfortunately they (and the District) didn’t foresee that the picnic tables would be located and raised up in such a way that the public can see so directly over their brick wall and into their windows and level with their elevated back porch. Mr. Low proposed that perhaps a one-way shade of some kind could be added above the chain-link fence, but was open to additional ideas. Director Schendel suggested adding an extension of the chain-link fence upward and adding slats (privacy inserts), but then agreed that it might obstruct their view of the park too much. Director Hayhurst suggested planting a bushy tree/shrub of some kind that would lose its leaves in winter, providing a better view of the park for them during colder months when fewer people are using the park. President Jacobs requested that everyone do some brain-storming and begin making a list of ideas. Mr. Low will take some measurements to give the Board a better idea what size of an area needs covering. Director Wilkey suggested maybe adding some lattice paneling above the brick wall that could easily be taken down and put back up again if/when desired. Director Stapp clarified that the reason why the picnic area was located near the center of the park (rather than closer to the South end as it had originally been planned) was to allow for a more open area of grass where guests could put up bounce houses or use the open space for other activities. He also suggested that Ellis Fence Co. should be contacted and asked about what kinds of privacy fencing options they might have to offer. The Secretary suggested that everyone email their ideas to her so she can type up a list of all of the suggestions to review and discuss again at the next meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Low left the meeting at 6:27 PM.

The completion of Bid 01-15 (one shade canopy and tables) was addressed next. President Jacobs shared with the Board that there were three reasons why add-ons to the job were necessary. 1). The Board’s decision to move the location just a little West of where it had originally been planned caused an unanticipated drainage problem (water from sprinklers would have run off and down into the right-of-way which would have resulted in weeds and debris collecting there). To remedy this, fill-dirt was required to raise and level the area. 2). The raising of the slab left a large step down from the North side of the cement to the ground (tripping hazard), so more fill-dirt had to be added there to create a tapered slope. 3). President Jacobs discovered that a small part of cement curbing, South of the playground area and very close to the new picnic area was lifted and cracked by large tree roots that had undermined it (another tripping hazard), so he asked them to fix that also while they already had their cement truck and equipment out. The Board was satisfied with all of the extra information and agreed that the contractor be paid the final balance due for the additional work done. Director Wilkey motioned to pay the bill as presented. Director Schendel seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The planting of new trees (on the South West side) was addressed. Director Wilkey reported that he had been in contact with John Heald of Unique Landscaping again since the last Board meeting, and was able to find out that the price of a single 48” box fruitless mulberry tree (planted with deep root watering system included) would be approximately $2,300 each. The Board further discussed the price comparisons of different sized trees ($500 for a 24” box tree and $800 for a 36” box tree). The Board agreed that the largest trees would be worth the investment, but wanted to determine the exact placement where they should be located before proceeding further. The board took a recess and field trip outside to determine the tree locations at 6:49 PM. The Board reconvened at 7:04 PM. Director Hayhurst motioned to approve the purchase and planting of the four new trees (3 large trees in 48” boxes, plus one in a 36” box), not to exceed the cost of $8,500. Further discussion continued. Director Hayhurst then amended her motion to include four new trees (all of them large in 48” boxes), not to exceed the cost of $9,500. Director Schendel seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, with Director Wilkey abstaining from the vote.

Venner Park was addressed. There was no Safety Check List from the City to review. Director Wilkey will ask around (including asking Terri Peralta) what is recommended to remedy the worn-slick cement surface of the Basketball court at Venner Park.

The Office Building and Compound were addressed next. The Secretary reported that she would be meeting with Mel of Hi Desert Alarm in the coming week to finalize details with him and schedule a date for the new security camera system to be installed during August.

The Conflict of Interest Code was addressed.  The Secretary will add it to the September meeting Agenda for review and approval before it is due to the County again (every two years) on October 1st, 2016.

The General Manager reported that she had been very busy at the office in recent weeks, had paid a lot of bills, and had been a little overwhelmed at times while getting caught up on work she was behind on due to taking four weeks off to recover from surgery. She felt like she was finally starting to get a handle on it all again.

President Jacobs asked for the Directors’ Reports. Director Stapp inquired about the street lamp project (near the Basketball courts) that the Board had been discussing earlier in the year. The Secretary had nothing new to report, but promised to follow-up again with Southern California Edison on that. It was suggested that perhaps bids from other contractors (like Wade Harris) could be sought. Director Schendel reported that the water company had been doing quite a bit of work and tearing up the roads near his house. Director Stapp expressed disappointment that so much rock and gravel debris was still covering so many of the roads near his home since the last rain and hail storm. The Secretary will request from the County an update on the roads situation. Director Hayhurst was happy to finally receive the information needed for the Records Retention Policy. The City and Helendale CSD both use the State of California’s approved Records Retention Policy that is 71 pages long and is considered the industry standard. She emailed the secretary the link to the document online and the Secretary will share it with the Directors soon for their review and approval.

President Jacobs asked the Secretary if there were any additional bills to be presented. She indicated that there were none. Director Stapp motioned to pay all of the bills as presented. Director Wilkey seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. There was no New Business to address and no Executive Session was requested.

The next Regular Meeting was scheduled for Monday, August 22 at 6:00 PM. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

Submitted by:  Jen Rubio - Secretary/General Manager

Friday, August 19, 2016

Agenda for 8/22 Board Meeting

A G E N D A
BARSTOW HEIGHTS COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, August 22, 2016 - 6:00 PM

1.   Call to Order and Flag Salute

2.   Roll Call and Recognition of Guests

3.   Public Comments/Questions

4.   Consent Items:         Minutes - July 25th, 2016
                                    Financial Reports - July of 2016

5.   Correspondence

6.   Parks:             Barstow Heights:            Safety Check List and Ground Squirrels
                                                                         Long Range Plans List
                                                                                      Privacy concerns of the neighbors next to the new 
                                                                                      shade canopy            
                                                                        Planting of more trees Bid (Estimate #142)

                                 Venner Park:                 Safety Check List
                                               Long Range Plans List

7.   Office Building & Compound:               Long Range Plans List
                                                                                  Kitchen renovations (bid requested)
                                                                                  Security camera bid (update on work in progress)

8.   Safety Review Report

9.  Policies and Procedures Manual - Records Retention Policy

10.  General Manager’s Report

11.  Directors’ Reports

12.  Bills:               Edison - $112.95
                                Terminix - $42
                                Frontier Communications - $88.88
                                Ziemer Plumbing - $130.51

13.  New Business

14.  Executive Session - Litigation GC54956.99 (A) and Personnel GC54957.1

15.  Adjournment

 

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

#Bluecutfire Information and Resources

From the office of Robert Lovingood
County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors
District 1

Our prayers go out to all of those affected by this devastating tragedy. Thank you to our of public safety professionals for working to put an end to this and to our volunteers for your commitment in assisting those whose lives have been forever changed. I have personally been to the command post, various communities, and evacuation centers throughout the district.  Believe me when I say, these brave firefighters are are fighting a very aggressive fire which they have stated, they have never seen in their careers.  
In an effort to keep you informed, we have included a list of information and resources for your reference. Please note this information is subject to change as conditions change.
Be safe and God Bless you all.

Donation Sites

The following organizations are accepting specific donations in support of the #BlueCutFire evacuees.
High Desert Church      
14545 Hook Blvd. Victorville, CA 92394     760-245-2415
·         8:00am – 8:00pm Wednesday
·         8:00am – 12:00pm Thursday
·         Pre packaged food/snacks
·         Brand new toiletries
·         Baby wipes
·         Empty moving boxes
High Desert Speech  
16785 Bear Valley Rd. #2  Hesperia CA 92345    760-782-8884 
·         8:00am – 6:00pm
·         Water
·         Granola Bars
Abundant Living Family Church    
17555 Mauna Loa St. #7 Hesperia Ca 9245     760-948-8881
·         3:00pm – 5:00pm today
·         Water and Food
The Salvation Army Social Service Office
Monday-Friday |
14585 Laz Paz Drive
Victorville, CA 92395
Contact: Maxine de Denato
(760) 245-2545
Open for donations:
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday

School Closures and information (for Wed, August 17, 2016)

Be sure to check with your respective school district tonight regarding closures for August 18, 2016. BUSD, VVUHSD, and AVUSD have already confirmed closed Thurs Aug 18, 2016.
Snowline USD                                         www.snowlineschools.com
Oro Grande USD                                     www.orogrande.net
Apple Valley USD                                    www.avusd.org
Victor Elementary School District            www.vesd.net
Victor Valley Unified School District        www.vvuhsd.org
Barstow USD                                           www.barstow.k12.ca.us
Hesperia USD                                          www.hesperiausd.org
Silver Valley Unified School District         www.silvervalley.k12.ca.us
Helendale School District                         www.helendalesd.org
Adelanto Elementary School District        www.AESD.net

Evacuation Centers

Jessie Turner Community Center
15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336
LINDA GALLOWAY – 714-334-7246
Sultana High School - Closing today when Fairgrounds open 8/17 
17311 Sultana Street, Hesperia, CA 92345
LINDA WALKER 909-239-1688
SB County Fairgrounds – Est. Opening at 7:00pm today Aug 17, 2016
14800 7th St.  Victorville, CA 92395  760-951-2200
They will have nursing staff, a trailer for breathing treatments, medical care center, food operations, internet and computer access, cots and blankets and 24-hour staffing.

Latest Road Closures

California Highway Patrol          Twitter: @CHPinland
CalTrans           Twitter: @Caltrans8             www.dot.ca.gov

Animal Care

Small Animals Only - Apple Valley Animal Shelter, located at 22131 Powhatan Road, Apple Valley, CA 92308, 760-240-700.  Volunteers should call prior to showing up at shelter.
o    Donations needed:
o   12x12 tarps
o   10x10 tarps
o   6x10 chain link kennels
o   Pooper scoopers
o   Water cans for pouring water into kennel bowls
Large and small animals - San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, located at 14800 7th Street, Victorville, CA 92395, 760-951-2200
o    Donations needed:
o    Livestock feed for horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens
o    Non-perishable snack food for volunteers
o    Water bottles for volunteers

Follow us on Social Media
Follow Supervisor Lovingood on Facebook and Twitter. That’s where you’ll find District news, updates and upcoming events. Click on Facebook.com/Robert.Lovingood.7.  Twitter @robertlovingood