TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
April 25, 2023
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Ms. Nicole Hitch led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor Mike Maddy, Shadow Mountain Community Church, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright.
Closed Session Announcements - None.
Changes to the Agenda - None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Wright 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
1. Presentation to the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain presented checks in the amount of $300 each from the City of Twentynine Palms and Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services to Ms. Liz Meyer, representing the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club.
2. Presentation to the City on behalf of the Hilltoppers Motorcycle Club.
Mr. Jerry Grabow, President of the Hilltopper Motorcycle Club, presented a plaque with a "Key to the Track" to Mayor Wright and thanked the City of Twentynine Palms for supporting the Hilltoppers Motorcycle event that is held every April.
3. Proclamation Recognizing April 2023 as DMV Donate Life Month.
Mayor Wright read the Proclamation recognizing April 2023 as DMV Donate Life Month.
4. Proclamation Recognizing April 2023 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Mayor Wright read the Proclamation recognizing April 2023 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
5. Proclamation Recognizing April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.
Mayor Wright read the Proclamation recognizing April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
City Council - Regular Meeting
April 25, 2023
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott commented that he attended the East Valley Regional Steering Committee meeting, the Easter event at Luckie Park, the Sunrise Service at Freedom Plaza, the Hilltoppers Gran Prix and he participated in the Backpack Outreach with Oasis Church. He mentioned that he also met with Capt. Warrick from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department along with the Mayor and City Manager.
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that he attended the Hilltoppers Gran Prix and the High School softball team finished with an 8-6 record, placing 3rd in the Division. They will be in the Playoffs that begin next week.
Councilmember Klink wished everyone celebrating a birthday in April a Happy Birthday, he attended the Hilltoppers Gran Prix and the Desert/Mountain Division Measure I meeting in Victorville.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain mentioned that he attended some internal ad hoc committee meetings, and he wished a Happy Birthday to all celebrating their birthday in April.
Mayor Wright commented that he attended the Hilltoppers Motorcycle event, the Good Friday Services at Little Church of the Desert, the Sunrise Service at Freedom Plaza, the Morongo Basin Transit meeting, he was Principal for a Day at Oasis Elementary School, and he participated in the testing of the new slide at the Luckie Park Pool. He wished everyone celebrating a birthday in April a Happy Birthday.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
6. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
7. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on February 28, 2023, and March 28, 2023.
8. Treasurer's Report - FY 2022-23 Quarter 3.
10. Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council accept and file the Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
11. General Plan Status Report.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council accepts and file the General Plan Status Report.
12. Approval of Project Phoenix Warrant Register Totaling $124,680.60.
13. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $5,853,394.43.
14. Microphone System for Community Center.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approves the purchase of a Shure Microphone System in the amount of $35,768.69 for public meeting use at the Community Center.
15. Clean Water State Revolving Funding (SRF) Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve Resolution No. 23-05 approving the submission of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) application for the furtherance of the planning and construction of the centralized wastewater and sewer system for the City.
Councilmember Scott pulled item #9 for discussion.
City Council - Regular Meeting
April 25, 2023
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Councilmember Mintz abstained from items #11 and #13 due to a possible conflict of interest.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MINTZ FROM ITEM #11 and 13
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
9. Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council accept and file the Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
Community Development Director Gardner (Director Gardner) presented the Staff Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain to approve the Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
PUBLIC HEARING - None.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
16. Housing/Homeless Committee Appointment.
RECOMMENDATION: The Councilmember Sub Committee, Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain and Councilmember Scott will recommend Andrea Keller and Veno Nathraj to be appointed to the Committee to discuss and advise the City Council on Housing and Homeless related issues.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain presented the recommendations made by Councilmember Scott and himself.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City Council for appointing him to this committee.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Councilmember Mintz to appoint Andrea Keller and Veno Nathraj to the Housing and Homeless Committee.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting
April 25, 2023
17. Presentation of the Preliminary Two-Year General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 & 2024-25.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve a budget adjustment of $104,090 in the General Fund for FY 2022-23 for Sheriff's contract cost increases (partial year for detective in current fiscal year) and review/comment on the two-year budget.
Finance Director Hernandez-Conde (Director Hernandez-Conde) presented the Preliminary Two-Year General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked Finance Director Hernandez-Conde if the difference in revenue and expenditures are more in the Admin area or another area. Director Hernandez-Conde commented that it was more law enforcement fees. He also commented on the 12% decrease in reserves in the past year.
Terrence Lattimer, Twentynine Palms, commented that he is opposed to the City Council cutting line item #5 on the list (PAAC additional funding).
Councilmember Scott commented that $50,000 has been allocated for events in the City.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Mintz to approve a budget adjustment of $104,090 in the General Fund for FY 2022-23 for Sheriff's contract cost increases (partial year for detective in current fiscal year) and review/comment on the two-year budget.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
18. Wastewater Advisory Committee.
RECOMMENDATION: Each City Council Member appoint a member of the Community to the Wastewater Advisory Committee.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report.
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of the sewer project.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that he understands the comments made by Mr. Carder and suggested that this go into a commercial zoned area.
The following citizens were picked by Councilmembers to be on the Advisory Committee:
Councilmember Mintz - Dawn Benton
Councilmember Klink - Karalee Hargrove
Councilmember Scott - Karmolette O'Gilvie
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain - Nate Mathers
Mayor Wright - Gerald Turner
City Council - Regular Meeting
April 25, 2023
19. Mitigated Negative Declaration for Wastewater Reclamation Project Phase 1.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Wastewater Reclamation Project Phase 1.
Director Gardner and City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report. The floor was then turned over to Ms.
Kelly Clark, Terra Nova, who gave a Power Point presentation on the Wastewater Reclamation Project Phase
1. Councilmember Scott asked the City Manager what needs to be done to move the plant. City Manager Luckino replied that there are cultural evaluations as well as CEQA evaluations once another piece of property is designated and then the City would purchase the property. The issue is the grant the City is applying for. He mentioned that the funds are on a first come first serve basis, so if we decide to move the location, that would take time and we may not be able to receive any grant funding for this project.
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that Phase I in the downtown area will be hooked up to this Project.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked what the chances are of taking this sewer treatment plant West up to Panorama? City Manager Luckino replied that it would take policy direction.
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, agreed that going further West would be great. He also commented on the smell that is going to linger into homes and neighborhoods.
Pamela Holmes, Twentynine Palms, commented that there are other areas this plant could be placed.
Terrence Lattimer, Twentynine Palms, asked if there was a secondary recommendation because of the grant application process. City Manager Luckino replied that the property has to be shovel ready at the time of the awarding of the grant.
Karen Harper, Twentynine Palms, commented that she is really excited about this. She thinks this is a great idea.
Matt Shragge, General Manager Twentynine Palms Water District, commented on the location of aquafers. He mentioned that he personally would like to see it go more East of Utah Trail, but that area is a flood zone.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink to adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Wastewater Reclamation Project Phase 1.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: SCOTT
ABSENT: NONE
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Seasonal Banners throughout the City.
2. Maintained vs. Non-Maintained Roads.
3. Voting for Mayor as opposed to the current selection process.
4. Discussion on working with non-profit organizations to establish a "Heating Shelter" during the Winter months.
No other items were added to the list.
City Council - Regular Meeting
April 25, 2023
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ronnie Tiner, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that she has issues with Project Phoenix and the excessive noise, speeding cars. Is there anything that can be done about this because it is destroying her life.
Jenny Mulopulous, sent an email to be read into the record as a public comment.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Luckino provided the following updates: The Planning Commission would augment the Homeless and Housing Committee, Staff continues to work on electronic transactions to be more effective to apply for building permits, sign-up for sports activities and paying TOT taxes, the outreach will now begin and the plan is to have the Wastewater committee meet next week, the package treatment plant was out to bid and there was a successful bidder, and the environmental component was the last item left to submit the application to the State.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer