ON THE AGENDA: Yucca Valley Town Council, June 16, 2026
Two weeks after its marathon budget session, the Council returns with a lighter load: a closed session on the town attorney, a 2nd read on gas at Walmart, and a new animal shelter partnership
By the Yucca Valley Resident Review Committee
Tuesday’s meeting begins before the public is admitted. At 4:15 p.m., in the Town Hall Conference Room, the Council will convene in closed session to evaluate the performance of Town Attorney Thomas Jex. The regular meeting follows at 5 p.m. in the Yucca Room of the Community Center, with a 697-page packet, a notable contrast to the 2,762-page stack residents were handed two weeks ago.
The June 16 agenda carries thirteen action items, compared to the twenty-nine that sprawled across the June 2 meeting. Most of the heavy lifting from that session, which included the two-year budget, the five-year Strategic Plan, and the Sheriff's contract, is already done. What remains here is a mix of follow-through (a second reading of the Walmart fuel station ordinance, a vehicle purchase confirmation) and several items worth a closer look: a formalized partnership for the animal shelter, ongoing consultant cost increases at the aquatics center, and a land donation to the county fire district.
Relevant documents:
An invocation choice raises questions
The invocation will be delivered by Pastor Bill Wilcox of Hosanna Hope Church, a nondenominational evangelical congregation based in Yucca Valley. The choice deserves noting: the church’s published statement of faith takes explicit positions on sex and marriage that exclude LGBTQ+ residents from the guidance for the evening’s deliberations:
We believe legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. In addition, we believe marriage has been ordained by God. Therefore, we recognize marriage as exclusively the legal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment.
Concerns about inclusion have surfaced repeatedly in the Morongo Basin’s ongoing invocation debates. Resolution 13-02, which governs the Town's legislative prayer policy, bars the Council from reviewing prayer content in advance, but the selection of who delivers the invocation remains within the Town Clerk's discretion. Which raises a question: should the Town be inviting speakers from organizations whose stated beliefs appear to violate the civil rights of some of its own residents?
PUBLIC COMMENT
You can comment on agenda items and issues important to you at every Town Council meeting. Comments on agenda items take place during discussion of that item, while comments on non-agenda items take place near the end of the meeting. The Brown Act prevents Council from commenting on non-agenda items. To comment, just pick up a form at the desk to the left of the mic, fill it out, and hand it to the Clerk, who sits at a table, also to the left of the mic.
Here's the list of Council email addresses to write if you can't get to the meeting — be sure to email them prior to 2 pm on the date of the meeting so they have time to read your email prior to discussion.
Mayor Merl Abel — mabel@yucca-valley.org
Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler — jschooler@yucca-valley.org
Council Member Rick Denison — rdenison@yucca-valley.org
Council Member Jeff Drozd — jdrozd@yucca-valley.org
Council Member Robert Lombardo — rlombardo@yucca-valley.org
You can also copy the clerk at townclerk@yucca-valley.org and ask that your letter be made part of the public record.
The meeting offers two-way remote participation by Zoom; comment time is limited to three minutes. (Meeting ID: 994 5617 3704, Passcode: 319606)
PRESENTATIONS, INTRODUCTIONS, RECOGNITIONS
The agenda does not list any presentations, introductions, or recognitions for this meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA (CA)
The Consent Agenda consists of items usually approved with a single vote. The public is given a chance to make public comment on these items prior to the Council motion. Fill out a comment form specifying the item you wish to address and submit it in person, or send an email in advance regarding any of the items on this meeting’s Consent Agenda.
The Consent Agenda this month runs from Item 3 (approval of the June 2 minutes) through Item 10. Items 4, 7, and 8 are routine housekeeping: the Town ratifies its alignment with the updated San Bernardino County fire code (Item 4); approves May payroll registers totaling $654,433.57 and a warrant register of $3,575,720.64 (Item 7); and receives confirmation that the Ford F-150 STX 4x4 authorized at the June 2 meeting was purchased from Ken Grody Ford in Buena Park for $50,740.50, under the $60,000 cap (Item 8).
CA3. Approval of the June 2, 2026 meeting minutes
Take a look at the June 2 minutes — not for what they contain, but for what they don't. Three residents testified against the Walmart fuel station. Dean Arvidson, representing the Sky's the Limit observatory, argued the environmental review was rushed and failed to analyze lighting's impact on wildlife. Deb Douglas spoke to the cultural and community value of dark skies. Susan Wells questioned why a changed project location didn't trigger a new environmental review. The minutes record none of that. What survives in the official record is three names and three topic tags. A future resident, a researcher, or a court reviewing the proceeding would have no way of knowing that all three speakers opposed the project, or what they argued.
The Brown Act sets a minimal floor for minutes, essentially votes and actions, and Yucca Valley is meeting it. But both Robert's Rules of Order, which many California bodies adopt by reference, and best-practices guidance from the League of California Cities recommend that minutes capture the substance of public comment, not merely the fact that it occurred. The gap between what residents said and what the record shows is a choice, not a requirement.
CA5. Yucca Valley Aquatic and Recreation Center Project – Town Project 6009 Consultant Services Additional Funds
The aquatics center project has run long. Per the staff report, the construction timeline has extended from 18 months to 24 months. Three consultants, construction manager SAFEWORKCM, project manager Dahlin Architectural, and architect/engineer HMC Architects, continue to bill monthly, so the extended schedule means added cost.
The Council is asked to approve continued monthly consultant charges: $65,000/month to SAFEWORKCM, $9,000/month to Dahlin, and $40,000/month to HMC, each running until project completion or January 31, 2027, whichever comes first. The staff report's contingency table estimates a combined maximum of roughly $798,000 in additional consultant charges. Per the staff report, the contingency budget can absorb the charges without a new budget amendment, but the running balance would drop to roughly $2.02 million, down from the original $2.95 million. The facility carries a $51 million total project budget and will feature three pools, a gym, and a 37,200-square-foot building.
CA6. AB 1234 Reporting Requirements
AB 1234, passed in 2005 to increase transparency and accountability in how local elected officials spend public funds, requires council members to report at each meeting any travel, conferences, or meetings they attended at public expense the previous month. The intent was straightforward: residents should know when their elected representatives are spending public money to travel, and on what.
The May 2026 schedule shows nine trips across four council members. Abel, Denison, Drozd, and Lombardo attended the SBCTA City-County Conference in Lake Arrowhead on May 14–15; only Mayor Pro Tem Schooler did not. Mayor Abel also traveled to the ICSC Conference in Las Vegas May 18–20. Council Member Denison made three trips in May, the most of any member.
What the report doesn’t show is what any of it cost. The schedule lists dates, organizations, and locations — but no dollar amounts. AB 1234 actually requires more than this: under Government Code §53232.3, members must file expense reports documenting actual costs for meals, lodging, and travel, accompanied by receipts. Under §53232.3(e) they are public records available through a California Public Records Act request. The agenda item presents the trips; the tab remains out of public view unless someone asks for it.
Note also: the report only captures travel reimbursed by the Town. Any trip a council member paid for personally, however relevant to town business, isn’t listed.
CA9. Approval of Real Property Donation Agreement for APN 0595-171-04 – San Bernardino County Fire Station 41
The Town owns approximately 0.86 acres of vacant land at 7238 Joshua Lane. The plan is to donate it to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District for the future site of Fire Station 41. The state’s Surplus Lands Act requires the Town to go through an exemption process before giving away public land; that process was completed in May–June 2025, with the California Department of Housing and Community Development confirming the property qualifies as exempt surplus land. The Council is now being asked to formally approve the donation agreement. There is no monetary consideration because this is a land gift in exchange for the public safety benefit of a new fire station. Separately, the Town and Fire District are working toward a facility-use agreement for the existing Station 41, which is planned for redevelopment as a training and administrative facility; that agreement is expected by end of 2026.
CA10. Ordinance 334 - Second Reading- Adopting Specific Plan 01-04, Amendment #2, To the Yucca Valley Retail Center Specific Plan. (Walmart Fuel Station)
This is the second and final vote to adopt the specific plan amendment that clears the way for the Walmart fuel station on Highway 62. The Council voted 5-0 to introduce Ordinance 334 at the June 2 meeting; under state law, ordinances require a second reading before taking effect. If adopted Tuesday, the ordinance becomes effective 30 days later — clearing a key regulatory hurdle before any building permit can issue. The Desert Trumpet covered the approval in our June 2 recap.
Any member of the public or Council can pull this item for separate discussion before the consent vote. Three residents spoke against the project at the June 2 hearing, raising concerns about the adequacy of the environmental review and the impact on dark skies. If those concerns haven’t been resolved to your satisfaction, this is the last formal opportunity to put them on the record before the ordinance takes effect.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
11. Approval of Lease Agreement with Yucca Valley BMX for Operation of the Town BMX Facility
The Town-owned BMX track has been dormant since late 2023, when the previous operator, Keri Dillman, confirmed she had closed the track and did not intend to reopen it. The Town issued a termination notice in April 2024, secured the site, and undertook extensive cleanup — changing locks, shutting utilities, demolishing a deteriorated structure, and removing encampment debris. In fall 2025, the Town began outreach to find a new operator; ten people requested information, two completed the application process and were interviewed.
The selected applicant is Heather Quintana, a Basin Wide Foundation board member and lifelong local, applying on behalf of Yucca Valley BMX. The group operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Basin Wide Foundation and, per the staff report, includes team members with BMX and track operations experience. Under the proposed lease, Yucca Valley BMX would take over day-to-day operations, maintenance, and event programming, with a target opening date of July 1, 2026. The lease term runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, renewing automatically year-to-year unless either party gives 60 days notice. The Town’s compensation: $1 per year. Yucca Valley BMX retains all revenue from events, concessions, and snack bars, and is responsible for utilities. The Town retains ownership and responsibility for major infrastructure including fencing, parking, and drainage.
Note: the draft lease document in the packet contains a drafting error, stating the lease ends March 31, 2026. The staff report makes clear the correct term is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The Council will be voting to approve a document with incorrect dates, but the Town Manager is authorized to make non-substantive revisions as is likely to happen here.
12. Professional Services Agreement with Morongo Basin Humane Society
This item is for anyone following the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter recovery story. The Council is asked to approve a two-year contract with the Morongo Basin Humane Society for animal transfer, rehabilitation, and rehoming services running July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, formalizing and funding a relationship that, per the one-time $15,000 payment for services already rendered, has been operating informally for some time.
Under the agreement, MBHS would accept up to 25 dogs and cats annually from the Town shelter. Kittens and puppies are excluded unless they have special medical or behavioral issues. Selection prioritizes animals at risk of euthanasia due to capacity, medical needs, or behavioral issues, but the scope document makes clear MBHS also wants the harder-to-place cases: long stays, breed characteristics, or other unique situations. MBHS provides housing, veterinary care, and rehoming support at its own expense. The Town pays $25,000 annually in semi-annual installments, plus the one-time $15,000 noted above.
The staff report frames this as implementing Recommendation #3 of the 2025 Animal Shelter Operational Review. The contract requires annual reporting within 30 days of each fiscal year’s close on the number and species of animals transferred, their outcomes, the veterinary and behavioral services provided, and average length of stay. Live-release rate was the central metric throughout the shelter controversy, so that data trail will be worth watching.
One provision warrants a flag — a non-disparagement clause that binds both parties for the life of the contract:
The Town and MBHS agree that during the term of this agreement, neither party, nor their respective officers, directors, employees, or agents shall in any communication, whether oral or written, disparage, defame, or cast in a false light the other party, its management, services or business practices.1
Given how public the shelter dispute became, residents should know it’s in the contract.
13. Resolution No. 26-XX: Town of Yucca Valley, FY 2026-2027, SB 1, Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA): Approval of the project list; Authorization to Submit the Town’s Project List to the California Transportation Commission
To remain eligible for California's SB 1 road-repair funding, the Town must annually submit a list of projects to the California Transportation Commission. This year's allocation is estimated at $619,757. The proposed work is slurry seal and cape seal maintenance, which are surface treatments that extend pavement life and are scheduled to begin April 2027 and complete by August 2027.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council members may request topics for future meetings here. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
This report is produced with AI assistance. Please see our Yucca Valley Town Hall reporting policy and our AI policy.
Run for Town Council! Districts 1 (Schooler), 3 (Abel) and 5 (Denison) are up for election. The nomination period for candidates begins July 13, 2026 and ends on August 6, 2026. Contact Town Clerk Brooke Dudra for details and check out our article on How to Run for City and Town Council for general guidelines.
Hi, new subscribers! Desert Trumpet understands you might not be interested in all of our coverage. That’s why it’s divided into separate newsletters allowing you to opt out of reporting that’s not important to you. For instance, you may want our Education news but not City Hall 29.
Here’s how to opt out: go to your Substack settings, scroll down to “subscriptions,” and select “Edit” for the Desert Trumpet. Simply uncheck the box next to the newsletters you don’t want to receive in your email inbox. You’ll still be able to access all coverage online if you change your mind.
Help us cover Yucca Valley Town Hall — Become a paid subscriber!
Not a paid subscriber yet? Did you know that paid subscribers receive discounts on our DT Social events and invites to DT Front Porch, intimate discussions featuring local officials and notable residents?
Upgrade to a $50+ paid subscription for a 10% discount.
Upgrade to $100+ for a 25% discount.
Sustaining subscribers at the $250+ level and above receive complementary tickets
Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Please note that we do not allow anonymous comments. Please be sure your first and last name is on your profile prior to commenting. Anonymous comments will be deleted.
This coverage is free - please share!
Draft Scope of Service, Section 5 (Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement), June 16, 2026 agenda packet, page 607 of 697.
Why is there a pastor at the town meeting? Is this normal? I am a new resident to Yucca Valley and a journalist. I've heard rumors that many members of town council are also on church boards which I find to be a conflict of interest. My apologies if this is well tread, I'm shocked that a municipal entity would go out of its way to exclude its queer constituents...it's unacceptable!