Minutes of June 23, 2026

Approved July 28, 2026

Minutes of June 23, 2026 (approved July 28, 2026)

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

6:00 p.m.

        1. Meeting called to order at 6:12 by President Schendel, Director Low leads Pledge of Allegiance.

        2. Directors/Guests present: Director Stradling not present, all other Directors present. Guests Ken Chapa & Frank Hilarides were present.

        3. Approval/consent items: Minutes of 5/19/2026, print out of bills/issued checks, May financials. Motion by Director Craig second by Director Roeder-German. Motion carried/items approved, no discussion/opposition.

        4. Directors Comments/New Business:

Director Low reports that H St. Park was busy over the weekend. Also, after lawn was mowed, big clumps of grass were left around the area.

President Schendel mentions the use of illegal fireworks mostly in the lower heights area. They have been shot off late hours disturbing residents and scaring dogs.

Director Craig asks who is responsible for keeping the animal waste bags stocked. City workers should be re-stocking supply.

        5. Pending Business/Updates/Follow-up:

Park Maintenance Agreement--- Assistant City Manager Ken Chapa present and discussion is held regarding the agreement. Board indicates they would request a delay in any major changes at this time due to pending costly improvements to the Heights’ parks. Those improvements include but are not limited to the following: completion of purchases, install and design of new play area at H Street Park that is in progress, bathroom remodels as needed at both parks, dog park, exercise equipment reorganization at both parks, and development of vacant land. Board estimates projects could be completed in three years. Also discussed is the removal of grass in areas that are not useful and that does not affect the aesthetics of the parks. All parties agree that the current watering schedule should be reviewed.

Mr. Chapa indicates that this information will be taken to the City Council before the meeting on July 21, 2026, and asks for a letter from the Board indicating the request to continue the contract with no major changes and a proposed capital improvement plan that includes a list of projects to be completed.

            Briefly addressed is the likely street extension of Veterans Parkway to the Barstow Outlet to alleviate truck traffic in the future. This could affect the operation of the District.

            Mural --- Completed and presented to Board by Director Roeder-German. Installation will be sought.

            Park Rules sign installation – Director Low will take signs and work on project.

        6. Parks:

Restroom upgrades for both parks—Frank Hilarides is present and presents an estimate for repair, replacement, and possible upgrades to the H Street Park restroom facility. After discussion Board would also like an estimate for Venner Park work as well. Mr. Hilarides will update his estimates for both parks and submit them for review. Motion made by Director Low to move forward with work, second by Director Roeder-German, motion passed, no opposition.

            a. Barstow Heights Park— No current updates.

            b. Venner Park— President Schendel suggests current exercise equipment at Venner be moved to H Street and upgrade and increase equipment at Venner.

        7. Correspondence: Reviewed by Board. No action taken.

        8. Office Building and Area: No action taken. Carol will contact Nelson for “sprucing up” of office yard area.

        9. General Manager’s report (attached): Report reviewed. Some discussion held. Director Craig is interested in taking on duties of Board Historian for the parks.

        10. Budget Workshop: Discussion held. 2026-27 budget adopted (see attached). Resolution 2026-1 adopted and passed 4-0 (Director Stradling absent)

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

Adjournment at 8:42 p.m.

Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Submitted by Carol Mauk, General Manager/Secretary/Clerk

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