Minutes of January 27, 2026

Approved 2-24-2026

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

6:00 p.m.

1. Meeting called to order at 6:05 by President Schendel, Director Stradling leads Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Directors/Guests present: All Directors present. Guest Kenneth Chapa present.

Guests speak:

Ken Chapa: Assistant City Manager for Barstow is present and addresses the Board. City and District enter into a month-to-month agreement until definite direction can be reached that is acceptable to both parties. In researching the prior agreement(s) the District entered into with the now dissolved Barstow Park and Recreation District and subsequently the City of Barstow, no definite amounts have been found. Currently it has been determined that there has been no tax revenue dispersed to the City. The City of Barstow wants to continue a contract with the District, therefore, an alternate plan needs to be developed. One suggestion is to split the utilities for both parks between the District and the City, with a top out at $30,000. It is estimated that on average City employees work 7-8 hours per week at the District parks. Discussion held and Director Roeder-German asks to see copies of the utility bills that have been paid by the City. Board wants to further discuss the matter and will update the issue at the next meeting.

3. Approval/consent items: Minutes of 10/28/2025, print out of bills/issued checks, and reconciliations report for Oct/Nov/Dec, Motion by Director Low second by Director Roeder-German. Motion carried/items approved, no discussion/opposition.

4. Directors Comments:

Director Roeder-German would like to see bulletin boards placed at both parks for placement of community notices from residents. Board agrees and will investigate costs. She also emphasizes that remaining grant money for Venner needs to get used. Exercise equipment is suggested and will be investigated.

Director Stradling indicates he has found some boulders for possible placement in the new play area at H Street Park.

Regarding notice of a lawsuit, after reviewing recommendation received from SDRMA, Director Low makes motion to follow recommendations and “recommend rejection/denial of the tender “. Second by Director Roeder-German. Motion carried and unanimously approved by Board.

5. Old Business/Updates/Follow-up:

Mural --- Board discussion concludes that a new direction will be taken. David Spain to be notified in writing as soon as possible.

Playground equipment –Dinosaur items are still pending.

Park Maintenance Agreement--- Ken Chapa present and discussion held.

6. Parks:

a. Barstow Heights Park— Board discusses the new playground equipment placement and concrete platform for equipment. Dinosaur equipment is still pending. A walking path is still being considered around the park perimeter.

b. Venner Park— President Schendel indicates that there should be a bid for cameras soon. Exercise equipment placed at various points in a designated area would be user friendly. Also discussed is resurfacing the basketball court. The above improvements would be covered by pending grant money. The remaining balance will be looked up and confirmed by Carol.

7. Correspondence: Several things reviewed, nothing to address by Board.

8. Office Building and Area: Office complex landscaping needs some fixing up of a few things.

9. General Manager’s report (attached): Written report submitted to the Board prior to meeting. Topics reviewed. Carol’s absence from the office. Office will be closed the weeks of February 9th and 16th and reopen on February 24th. Carol will most likely come into the office on February 19th to prepare for meeting on February 24th.

10. Executive Session/Personnel GC54957.1: Not required.

Adjournment at 7:32 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Submitted by Carol Mauk, General Manager/Secretary/Clerk