It's that Time of Year!!

Don't let package thieves steal your holiday

Here are some tips to safeguard your holiday deliveries:

• Consider rerouting your packages to a different location.
• Reschedule delivery for when someone will be home.
• Install security cameras.
• Sign up for delivery alerts.
• Be aware of suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood.

Holiday Closure

The office will be closed the week of Christmas and New Years and will resume regular hours on January 7, 2020

October 22, 2019 Minutes (approved 11/25/19)

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

6:00 p.m.

1.  Meeting called to order at 6:04 by President Stapp. Pledge of Allegiance led by Director Stradling.

2.  Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low and Jim Stradling.

          A.  Guests present: Paul Messner, Auditor

                   Mr. Messner explains process of audit.  Engagement letter starts process.  Review of financial records and understanding of how business is conducted is done with a review of the billing, purchases and payroll, all cycles within the process.  After completion a representation letter is submitted.  Mr. Messner’s findings; everything represented is correct, no findings of fraud and books are neat and organized.  One suggestion is given.  Board is advised that invoices should show evidence of Board approval (i.e. initials/date).  Carol has already ordered a stamp that will fit the need for this.  Mr. Messner is thanked for his attendance and information provided and leaves at 6:32.

                    Discussion is held by Board regarding findings and suggestion.  Approval procedure will be implemented.                       

3.  Approval/consent items:

Minutes of 9/24/19, financial reports and bills/issued checks.  Motion by Director Low to approve with a second by Director Stradling.  Motion carried/items approved with no opposition.

4.  Correspondence is reviewed by President Stapp. District received certificate from SDRMA for a claim free year.  No other discussion.

5.  Parks:  

          a.   Barstow Heights Park—Pictures have been provided by Mr. Woolley regarding the condition of some of the equipment in need of corrections.  Squirrels seem to be under control right now.  City of Barstow will replace three fruitless mulberry trees damaged by city equipment.  City workers have been more visible clearing out trash from the park. 

          b.  Venner Park—Pictures have been provided by Mr. Woolley on the condition of some equipment in need of corrections as well.  Wooden sign for the park is deteriorating and needs replaced.

          Regarding corrections needed to both parks.  Carol will contact company that did repairs/replacements on or about October 15^th to notify them of issues and get information.  Possible meeting between company and city may be needed.

6.  Office building and area: 

          a. Kathy Fiero sent a text to Carol regarding sign status.  She is busy but hopes to have it done in two weeks. Still waiting on bid from Gregg Lint to paint the eaves, facia and trims on the building. Carol will also contact Troy Burnett for bid.  Weeds bordering park on H Street and Beryl need removed, Carol will work on getting someone for this.

          b. Carol has found two options for desk/workspace replacement.  Motion to approve purchase of Harbor View pieces is made by Director Low with a second by Director Schendel, motion carried/purchase approved with no opposition.  Carol will order.

7.  Written General Manager’s report was submitted to Board in advance for review. Only old financial records/bills will be purged at this time and prepared for destruction. Due to conflict and holidays next and final meeting for 2019 will be on Monday, November 25, 2019 at 6p.m. Report will be a permanent part of these minutes.  (See office for copy)

8.  Directors’ reports.  Only verbal report given by President Stapp.  He will be setting up a meeting with Kyle Woolley regarding contract with City for park maintenance.  He also contacted Merrell Johnson Engineering regarding the Beryl Street project and will follow up.

9.  Roundtable.  Motion to approve Auditor’s Report is made by Director Schendel with a second by Director Stradling.  Motion carried/approved with no opposition.  Board vacancy is discussed by Directors and response from CSDA General Counsel D. McMurchie is reviewed.  Options given are special election for March 2020, mail ballot for May 2020 or further research into the Legislature’s passage of the validation statutes.  Carol will contact the Board of Supervisors for further information.

10.  Executive Session pursuant to GC 54956.9(A) and GC 54957.1 is not required.

Adjournment at 7:41 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting:  Monday, November 25, 2019 at 6:00 p.m 

Submitted by

Carol Mauk,

General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

Neighbors Watching Out

Posted on Nextdoor (edited)

"Local House Robbery Ring--

There is a local group that live and rob in Barstow Heights. They were recently forcebly evicted from a home in the Heights. They have been casing houses along Crestview Rd. and Up and down K St. And L St. but could be operating anywhere in Barstow. Having video cameras that are motion sensitive and infrared that let you see in real time who is trying to rob your house is a good idea. Doorbell camera is also a good idea. These people will steal out of your mailbox, steal packages that are delivered to your door, steal out of your car, etc. They are responsible for most of the crimes in The Heights. Police are well aware of the situation and know who they are."

Meeting Agenda for November 25, 2019

Regular Meeting Agenda

Monday, November 25, 2019 - 6:00 p.m.

Meeting Facilitator: President Rob Stapp           Directors: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low, Jim Stradling

1.  Call to order and Flag Salute

2.  Roll call/Acknowledgment of guests/public comments/questions

3.  Approval/Consent Items

Minutes of October 22, 2019

Financial/reconciliation reports

Bills/issued checks

4.  Correspondence

5.  Parks 

        a.  Barstow Heights

        b.  Venner

6.  Office Building and Area

a.  Sign, building and street borders

        I.  Bids                                                   

7.  BHCSD Safety Review Report

8.  General Manager’s Report

9.  Directors’ Report

10.  Roundtable

11.  Executive Session – Litigation GC54956.99(A) and Personnel GC54957.1

        Adjournment -- Next Meeting Date:  January 28, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 

Sheriff's Department partners with the Ring system

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with Ring and the Neighbors App. Detectives and station personnel from across the county are able to receive information and interact with residents through the app. Customers with a Ring camera will be able to share videos with their local Sheriff’s station. The Neighbors App connects communities with the goal of creating safer and stronger neighborhoods and one of the benefits is you do not need to own a Ring device to use the app.

While the Ring system and Neighbors App are great tools for interaction and sharing information, they are not monitored 24/7. The Neighbors App is not designed to replace traditional crime reporting. If you are a victim of a crime, or you want to report suspicious activity, please call your local San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department - Dispatch Center. For emergencies call 9-1-1. For all other reports call our nonemergency lines: Valley residents call (909) 387-8313 and Desert residents call (760) 956-5001. To learn more about Ring or download the Neighbors App visit: https://ring.com or https://shop.ring.com/pages/neighbors

The Holiday Season at Calico!!

(Victor Valley)– On Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Calico Ghost Town will transform into a holiday festival with a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas caroling and the annual tree lighting that is sure to amuse the merriest of little spirits in this picturesque Old West mining town.

Festival goers can sing along or simply listen to your favorite holiday melodies. There will be a reading of the favorite “T’was the Night Before Christmas”, contests for the whole family, crafts for kids, gunfights performed by our very own Calico Mountain Volunteers and The High D Boys will perform on the Main Street Stage.

Avoid the lines and parking nightmares at shopping malls and browse the specialty arts & craft shops for that hard-to-buy-for relative, neighbor or friend. Some of the shops will be offering special discounts for holiday shopping.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 11 a.m. with a cheery “Ho! Ho! Ho!” for photos with the children and will light the Calico Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. After the tree lighting, Lil’s Saloon will provide complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.

Calico will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prices are $8 per adult, $5 children ages 4-11, and 3 years and under are FREE.

This year do something out of the ordinary. Come to an old Western town and share the experience of its beautiful decorations and the lighted tree high above the hills of Calico. The views are breathtaking!

Calico Ghost Town offers full and partial camping at the park. Reservations may be booked directly online at www.sbcountyparks.com. Cabins and bunkhouses are also available. Please call 800-86-CALICO to reserve.

Calico Ghost Town is located off I-15 at Ghost Town Road in Yermo, just 10 miles north of Barstow. Visit www.calicotown.comfor detailed information on Calico and upcoming events.

September 24, 2019 Minutes (approved 10/22/19)

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

6:00 p.m.

1.  Meeting called to order at 6:12 by President Stapp. Pledge of Allegiance led by Director Low.

2.  Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low and Jim Stradling.

          A.  Guests present: Kyle Woolley and Jonathon Brown, both with City of Barstow.

                   Mr. Woolley is the new Superintendent of Parks and the following items were discussed with the Board;

                   1. He is a certified park safety inspector and a member of the National Parks and Recreation Assoc.  He will have kits for monthly safety inspections and then can do an audit once a year.

                   2.  Maintenance and up-keep to continue as well as the minor repairs that were to be done by City workers.  Monthly reports will be forthcoming and possibly in digitized format.  An in-depth annual report will be done once a year.

                   3.  President Stapp and Mr. Woolley will meet in the next few months to discuss the contract renewal between the City and BHCSD.

                   4.  ADA compliance is discussed, and future requirements may include rubber matting to access playground equipment.  Also, tree replacements at H Street park for damaged trees will be brought to Mike Brown’s attention for approval.  Status of trash can lid replacement will also be checked on.  CPR/address information signs should be placed at both parks.

Both guests and thanked for their attendance and information provided.                          3.  Approval/consent items:

Minutes of 8/27/19, financial reports and bills/issued checks.  Motion by Director Schendel to approve with a second by Director Low.  Motion carried/items approved with no opposition.

4.  Correspondence is reviewed by President Stapp. He will be taking some items with him for further review, specifically the email from the CSDA Attorney regarding current Board vacancy.  Mail-in ballot and 4-member Board mentioned.  President Stapp will look for By Laws regarding issue.

5.  Parks:  

          a. Park Maintenance Agreement discussion to be held at some point soon.

          b.   Barstow Heights Park--President Stapp will drop off supplies to Director Low regarding a couple of squirrels.  The shade canopy was replaced on 9/17/19.  Equipment for park repairs/replacement has arrived and work should start the beginning of October. Venner Park---President Stapp indicates the sign needs removed and replaced.  Director Low will take labeled keys found to see if they are current.

6.  Office building and area: 

          a. Kathy Fiero will be contacted by Carol for sign status.  Window grates were painted and repaired.  Gregg Lint will submit a bid to paint the eaves, facia and trims on the building.

          b. Carol will be looking for a new desk to fit office needs.

7.  Written General Manager’s report was submitted to Board in advance for review. No issues for discussion. Report will be a permanent part of these minutes. (See office for copy)

8.  Directors’ reports.  None presented by any Directors.

9.  Roundtable.  None for this meeting.

10.  Executive Session pursuant to GC 54956.9(A) and GC 54957.1 is not required.

Adjournment at 7:24 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting:  Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Submitted by

Carol Mauk,

General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

Posted on Nextdoor.com

6:40 am Oct 15 - our dogs were barking on high alert at our fence - looking into our neighbors’ back yard. Three people - all in dark clothing - running through his yard from the big house on the southwest corner of Highview and “M”. A 4-door silver sedan driving north on “M” stopped and they all jumped in. So at least 4 people involved in this. Alarms going crazy... sheriff there now..
Keep vigilant, Barstow!!

      Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 - 6:00 p.m.

Meeting Facilitator: President Rob Stapp            Directors: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low, Jim Stradling

1.  Call to order and Flag Salute

2.  Roll call/Acknowledgment of guests/public comments/questions

        Paul Messner

3.  Approval/Consent Items

Minutes of September 24, 2019

Financial/reconciliation reports

Bills/issued checks

4.  Correspondence

5.  Parks 

        a.  Barstow Heights

        b.  Venner

6.  Office Building and Area

a.  Sign, building and street borders (weeds)

b.  Office upgrades new secretary desk and printer table                                                    

7.  General Manager’s Report

8.  Directors’ Report

9.  Roundtable

10.  Executive Session – Litigation GC54956.99(A) and Personnel GC54957.1

        Adjournment -- Next Meeting Date:  November 26, 2019(?) at 6:00 p.m. 

Be on the Lookout for Suspicious Activity

Black S10 pickup extended cab custom wheels.  Suspect wearing blue coveralls, red beanie, black head band.

At approximately 0630 (broad daylight) on 10/2/2019 a black Chevrolet S10 kept circling a home in the lower heights, dropping off an individual who jumped the fence and stole items out of the yard.  They returned later and proceeded to take a second load.  If you see this vehicle call the Sheriff's Office immediately, reward if caught! 

immediately, reward if caught! 

July 29, 2019 & August 27, 2019 Minutes (approved 8/27/19 & 9/24/19)

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Monday, July 29, 2019

6:00 p.m.

1.  Meeting called to order at 6:31 by President Stapp. (start time delayed to accommodate overtime work for a Director) Pledge of Allegiance led by Director Stradling.

2.  Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low and Jim Stradling.

3.  Approval/consent items:

Minutes of 7/1/19, financial reports and bills/issued checks.  Motion by Director Low to approve with a second by Director Stradling.  Director Schendel abstains.  Motion carried/items approved with no opposition.

4.  Correspondence is reviewed by President Stapp. No major issues to discuss.

5.  Parks:  

            a. Park Maintenance Agreement discussion is deferred due to current City changes.  Delivery options for park equipment replacement/repairs were discussed by Board.  After discussion Board determines shipment will be delivered to Director Low’s house.  Carol will follow up with company.

                        i. Directors have been informed that Terri Peralta and Randy Crank who both worked for the City of Barstow have retired. Carol spoke with Mike Brown who is the Interim Director at this time.  He indicates position has been advertised.  No safety check lists provided due to above status of City of Barstow. 

            b. President Stapp conducted squirrel removal by office and inside fence of water tank area.  Message was received about tarantula wasps at Venner Park.  Carol will contact Terminix.  President Stapp replaced basketball nets at the park.  No squirrels at Venner park.  Carol will contact Merrell & Johnson Engineering again about plans for the Beryl St. side of park.

6.  Office building and area: 

            -- Roof replacement and air conditioning removal/replacement are complete.  Directors ask that Golden State Water Co. rep attends next meeting to update status of the water tank.  Carol will contact Jesse Ramirez.

            a. Kathy Fiero has been contacted to proceed on sign creation.  Director Low and Troy plan to work on window grates 8/3/19.

            b. Carol asked the Board about upgrading some of the office furniture and was advised to start looking at selections.

7.  Written General Manager’s report was submitted to Board in advance for review.  No follow up questions by Directors.  Report will be a permanent park of these minutes.

8.  Directors’ reports.  None given by Directors at this meeting.

9.  Roundtable, AB1234 compliance training is briefly discussed.  Carol will double check on expiration dates of training previously taken.  Current Board vacancy will be further explored with consult from attorney at CSDA.  Carol will follow up.

10.  Executive Session pursuant to GC 54956.9(A) and GC 54957.1 is not required.

Adjournment at 7:30 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting:  Monday, August 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m 

Submitted by

Carol Mauk,

General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

6:00 p.m.

1.  Meeting called to order at 6:06 by President Stapp. Pledge of Allegiance led by Director Schendel.

2.  Directors present: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low and Jim Stradling.

3.  Approval/consent items:

Minutes of 7/29/19, financial reports and bills/issued checks.  Motion by Director Stradling to approve with a second by Director Schendel.  Motion carried/items approved with no opposition. 

4.  Correspondence is reviewed by President Stapp. No major issues to discuss.

5.  Parks:  

          a. Park Maintenance Agreement discussion is deferred until after meeting with newly hired Park and Rec Superintendent Kyle Woolley.  Mr. Woolley contacted Carol and indicated his formal start date is the beginning of September and he is also a licensed Certified Park Safety Inspector.  Delivery of equipment for repairs should arrived on or about 9/6/19 to Director Low.

          b.   Barstow Heights Park--President Stapp indicates squirrels under control.  Director Low indicates there may be one in the upper parking area of the Heights Park.  President Stapp also spoke with Custom Shade Canopies and work to replace destroyed shade cover should begin the week of 9/3/19. Venner Park---President Stapp replaced basketball nets.  No further calls regarding wasp nest received and Terminix was to check the area and no information was received from them.

6.  Office building and area: 

          a. Kathy Fiero has been delayed starting office sign due to work commitments.  After review of outside of office with Carol, several issues were addressed by Troy who indicates he can do the work.   In addition to removal and painting of window grates, issues exist regarding painting of new facia board, repair/replacement of peeling paint on outside doors, eaves and wood trim.  Directors agree to have Troy begin work on grates and submit a bid for the other work.

          b. Carol is still looking for office furniture to fit the needs.

7.  BHCSD Safety Review Report:

          Reviewed by Board and signed by Safety Coordinator Stradling.  Motion to accept report by Director Low, second by Director Schendel.  Report approved with no opposition.

8.  Written General Manager’s report was submitted to Board in advance for review.  Proper procedure for Board appointment is still pending.  Suggestion by President Stapp regarding appointment at next meeting.  Auditor Paul Messner has started yearly audit and was at office this date.  Carol will also follow up regarding email from LAFCO suggesting yearly audit may not be required.  Carol also notifies Board of Form 700 filing requirements.  Director Stradling to complete.  Al Fiero to be contacted regarding agreement of work for District.  Report will be a permanent part of these minutes. (See office for copy)

9.  Directors’ reports.  Director Schendel asks that inquiry be made to Roads Department about cracks in lower heights that may be a result of recent earthquakes.  President Stapp reviews need for engineering work regarding upgrades to Beryl Street side of park and will contact Merrell-Johnson Engineering for follow up.

10.  Roundtable, AB1234 compliance training is to be completed by Directors Schendel, Low and Stradling.  Discussion of changing regular meetings to Tuesday night is held.  Motion made by President Stapp to change meetings to fourth Tuesday of the month, second by Director Low, no opposition.  Motion is passed.  Meetings will now be on the fourth Tuesday of the month beginning September 24, 2019. 

11.  Executive Session pursuant to GC 54956.9(A) and GC 54957.1 is not required.

Adjournment at 7:17 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting:  Tuesday, September 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Submitted by

Carol Mauk,

General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

High Speed Train Update

A note from Supervisor Lovingood: Las Vegas train project passes major milestone

Late last year, I met with Virgin Trains USA officials and received an in-depth briefing on their plan to build a high-speed train between Victorville and Las Vegas. This week, Virgin Trains USA won an important approval as the state’s Debt Limit Allocation Committee staff recommended that the company be allowed to sell tax-exempt debt to private investors to fund the project.

The beauty of this plan is that it is financed by the private sector. Investors, not taxpayers, will take on the financial risk. The public will get the benefit of having an alternative route to Las Vegas that will remove an estimated 4.5 million cars from the road each year. Virgin Trains plans to lay tracks in the center median along Interstate 15 between Victorville and Las Vegas. Construction is expected to begin in 2020, with train operations beginning in 2023.

Agenda for September 24, 2019

Regular Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 - 6:00 p.m.

Meeting Facilitator: President Rob Stapp            Directors: Daryl Schendel, Gene Low, Jim Stradling

1.  Call to order and Flag Salute

2.  Roll call/Acknowledgment of guests/public comments/questions

        Jesse Ramirez

        Paul Messner

        Kyle Woolley

3.  Approval/Consent Items

Minutes of August 27, 2019

Financial/reconciliation reports (deferred to October)

Bills/issued checks

4.  Correspondence

5.  Parks 

        a.  Park Maintenance Agreement w/City discussion

        b.  Barstow Heights/Venner

6.  Office Building and Area

a.  Sign, window grates and building.

b.  Office upgrades (furniture)                                                    

7.  General Manager’s Report

8.  Directors’ Report

9.  Roundtable

10.  Executive Session – Litigation GC54956.99(A) and Personnel GC54957.1

        Adjournment -- Next Meeting Date:  October 22, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.