TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING - WORKSHOP MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
February 8, 2022
1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Presentations for 2022-23 2022-2023 CDBG Presentation.
The applicants gave their presentations at 5:15 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor O'Gilvie called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Councilmember Bilderain led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Sister Suzy Dick, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Klink, Mintz, Wright, O'Gilvie.
Closed Session Announcements - None.
Changes to the Agenda - None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor O'Gilvie announced that these proceedings may be viewed on demand on the City of Twentynine Palms website at www.29palms.org. You may also Live Stream this meeting by going on our website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
2. Proclamation recognizing March 2022 as Black History Month.
Mayor O'Gilvie read the Proclamation in its entirety.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Klink wished everyone celebrating a birthday in February a Happy Birthday. He mentioned that the Farmer's Market is doing well over at the Project Phoenix area and encouraged everyone to go out and see what all the vendors have to offer, there are also basketball games now being held in the Multi-Activity Center. He mentioned that he attended an SBCTA Zoom meeting last week.
Councilmember Mintz commented that he attended the last VHR subcommittee meeting last Monday and there were quite a few people that attended. The final version will be presented to the Planning Commission and then the City Council. He reminded everyone of the State of the City Address that will be held on Wednesday, February 9th and right before that, tours of the facility will take place.
Councilmember Bilderain commented that he attended the VHR subcommittee meeting, he has been touring the Farmer's Market and it has been a huge success, he will be watching some of the basketball games being held in the Multi-Activity Center, his daughter also plays there. The Center isn't completed yet, but it looks amazing.
City Council - Regular Meeting - WORKSHOP
February 8, 2022
Mayor Pro Tem Wright mentioned that he attended a meeting with Congressman Obernolte and they were able to tour the Project Phoenix facility, he has also been to the Farmer's Market, and he wished his fourth grandbaby a Happy first Birthday.
Mayor O'Gilvie mentioned that she attended a Mayor's Academy, and it provided her with very helpful information, she attended the meeting with Congressman Obernolte, she toured the Project Phoenix facility, she has attended the Farmer's Market and she is happy to see so many people out there and she believes our Farmer's Market is riveling the Joshua Tree Farmer's Market which makes her happy. She encouraged everyone to attend the State of the City Address on February 9th. Mayor O'Gilvie then announced that Councilmember Klink's birthday is in February and asked everyone to join her in singing Happy Birthday to him.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
4. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on December 14, 2021 and January 18, 2022.
5. Public Relations Firm.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the public relations retainer of $5,500 monthly or $66,000 annually for this calendar year 2022 and authorize the City Manager to execute all related documents.
6. 2022/2023 CDBG Project Funding Prioritization.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve and prioritize the allocation of CDBG funds for Fiscal Year 2022/2023 for construction improvements to Luckie Park.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT, O'GILVIE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION - None.
PUBLIC HEARING
7 Redistricting Process Required by State Law.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council hold a Public Hearing regarding the State-mandated redistricting process, pursuant to Elections Code sections 21607 and 21607.1.
City Manager Luckino introduced the item and then passed the floor to City Attorney Munoz who presented the Staff Report. City Attorney then passed the floor to Ms. Allison Torres, with Tripepi Smith, who gave an update on the outreach efforts they have been putting out on redistricting. She then passed the floor to Mr. Todd Tatum, with National Demographic Corporation (NDC), who provided an update on the redistricting process.
Councilmember Bilderain mentioned the current Councilmembers and their Districts. He asked City Attorney Munoz to explain to the community members about the 2017 Districting process and how the districts came about.
Mayor O'Gilvie opened the Public Hearing.
An email from "29 Palms Neighbors" was read into the record by Mayor O'Gilvie.
City Council - Regular Meeting - WORKSHOP
February 8, 2022
Mayor O'Gilvie closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Mintz doesn't believe the City's population has increased to make seven districts. He commented that he is not interested in seven districts, and he thinks the orange map has the cleanest district lines.
Councilmember Bilderain commented that he likes the orange and tan maps. He mentioned that we hired this group, NDC, who are professionals, and he trusts what they are doing and will meet the requirements as stated by law.
Mayor Pro Tem Wright likes the tan and orange maps.
Councilmember Klink commented that the green map is not an option for him, and he is interested in the orange map.
Mayor O'Gilvie agreed with the Councilmembers and is leaning towards the orange and tan maps.
Mr. Tatum commented that the two maps could be brought back to the Council at the next Public Hearing, which will be in March and the City Council could adopt an Ordinance or Resolution then.
City Attorney Munoz commented the City can adopt the new maps by Resolution and he recommends that all maps be brought back at the next City Council meeting, allowing the City Council to take their time in voting for the right map.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
8. Shade Structures at City Hall and Luckie Park.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the sole source purchase and installation of the Luckie Park bleacher shade structures and the City Hall entrance canopy for a total amount not to exceed $117,000.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Information Services Director Marshall presented the Staff Report.
After a brief discussion, Councilmember Klink asked that the City Hall item be continued in order to obtain more information.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to approve the purchase and installation of the Luckie Park bleacher shade structures and to continue the City Hall entrance canopy to a later date. The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT, O'GILVIE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
9. Pioneer Park.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council purchase the land needed to develop Pioneer Park in the amount of $211,800 plus customary closing costs and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
City Council - Regular Meeting - WORKSHOP
February 8, 2022
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wright, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain to purchase the land needed to develop Pioneer Park in the amount of $211,800 plus customary closing costs and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT, O'GILVIE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
10. Financial Report - Mid-Year of the 2021/22 Fiscal Year.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending the following actions:
1. The City Council review and accept the financial report for the second quarter of the 2021/22 Fiscal Year.
2. Approve the inter-fund transfer of the Revenue Replacement in the amount $2,260,258 from ARPA Fund (Special Fund) to the General Fund for government services in FY 2021/22.
3. Approve the inter-fund transfer of $338,250 from the General Fund to the Sewer Fund for the property acquisition needed for the expansion of Project Phoenix package treatment plant in FY 2021/22.
4. Approve the inter-fund transfers from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund for the following projects in FY 2021/22: $42,800 for the Social Equity Element of the General Plan; $100,000 for the Re Roof of City Buildings; $2,081,086 for the Luckie Park Pool upgrade; $169,000 for the property acquisitions needed for Pioneer Park; $94,000 for shades at Luckie Park; and $45K for shades at City Hall.
5. Approve the inter-fund transfer of $26,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund for a mower in FY 2022/23.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report, mentioning that he would present 99% of the report. There is a portion that has to do with Project Phoenix, and he will present that at the end, so that Councilmember Mintz could recuse himself from that portion due to a possible conflict of interest.
Mayor Pro Tem Wright asked about the Safe Routes to Schools item and wanted to know if it included bus stops. City Manager Luckino replied no and mentioned that the City could reach out to the School District and communicate the need for a bus stop at the corner of Mesquite Springs Road and Indian Trail.
Mayor O'Gilvie asked City Manager Luckino to explain the Social Equity Element of the General Plan.
An email from "29 Palms Neighbors" was read into the record by Mayor O'Gilvie.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain to approve Staff's recommendations items 2,4, and 5 and excluding the $45,000 for the shade structure at City Hall.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT, O'GILVIE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Councilmember Mintz recused himself due to a possible conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers at 7:39 p.m.
City Manager Luckino presented item #3.
City Council - Regular Meeting - WORKSHOP
February 8, 2022
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wright to approve item # 3.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, WRIGHT, O'GILVIE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MINTZ
ABSENT: NONE
Councilmember Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 7:41 p.m.
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Shade Structures and picnic tables in Veterans' Park.
2. Abandoned shopping carts.
3. Voting for Mayor each year instead of the current selection process of ascending to the mayor's seat determined by votes received in the Elections.
Mayor O'Gilvie requested that the City Council discuss the possibility of having street banners for different events and occasions. Mayor Pro Tem Wright seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Luckino provided the following update: he mentioned that he would like the Council to think about how to use the ARPA funds for next year and one of the big issues being heard around the city is housing and the big challenge with housing is the lack of sewer. He also mentioned Pioneer Park and possibly using those funds for the park, the bike path from Hatch to Sullivan and wastewater. He commented that the Bird scooters have been initiated; the cost to unlock a scooter is $1.00 and 39 cents per minute thereafter, the City will be closing out Project Phoenix soon, Staff is going to be proactive based on the situation that occurred at the Multi-Activity Center last evening. He reminded everyone that the State of the City is tomorrow evening with tours beginning at 4:30 p.m. and the Address will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Councilmember Mintz asked City Manager Luckino about the median project on Highway 62. City Manager Luckino mentioned that CalTrans will begin the project soon and it should be completed by August 2022.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor O'Gilvie adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/PIO
City of Twentynine Palms