TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
May 9, 2023
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
4:45 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the Closed Session to order at 4:47 p.m.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Mintz, Scott, Wright. Councilmember Klink arrived at 4:55p.m.
Adjourn to Closed Session – Mayor Wright adjourned to Closed Session at 4:50 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code §54957 - Public Employees Performance Evaluation, City Manager.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Joseph Carder led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Rev. Casey Orndorf gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright.
Closed Session Announcements - Mayor Wright announced that the Closed Session was about the City Manager's evaluation, and it was a good review.
Changes to the Agenda - Mayor Wright asked that item #4 be moved to the #2 spot.
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 the City website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Presentation to Women of Color Global for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain presented checks in the amount of $300 each from Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services and the City of Twentynine Palms to the Women of Color Global for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
2. Presentation - Certificates of Recognition.
Mayor Wright and Councilmember Scott recently met with Assemblyman Lackey. Councilmember Scott nominated Ms. Carrie Williams for the 34th Assembly District Woman of the Year award that Assemblyman
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
May 9, 2023
Lackey gives out. While Ms. Williams did not receive that award, she was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by Assemblyman Lackey. Councilmember Scott presented this Certificate to Ms. Williams.
3. Proclamation Recognizing May 2023 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Mayor Wright read the Proclamation and presented it to Chief Marc Ryan from the Combat Center Fire Department.
4. Proclamation Recognizing May 2023 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mayor Wright read the Proclamation in its entirety.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended a Demo of portable showers for the unhoused, at Shadow Mountain Church.
Councilmember Mintz commented that he did not attend anything out of the ordinary, he just attended regular City meetings. He congratulated City Manager Luckino, as he participated in a triathlon and is now a triathlete.
Councilmember Klink congratulated City Manager Luckino and he wished everyone celebrating a birthday in May a Happy Birthday. He mentioned that he attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly, he encouraged citizens to be part of the Adopt a City Street Program and he reminded everyone to stay hydrated as it is starting to get hot out.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain mentioned that the only meetings he attended were the regular City meetings. He wished all the mothers a Happy Mother's Day, especially his mom.
Mayor Wright wished former Citizens on Patrol member, Joanne Ferreiro, a Happy Birthday, and a Happy Mother's Day to his mom. He mentioned that he attended a meeting with Assemblyman Lackey, the JT55 Bike Race, where he got to start the races along with Col. Baine from the Base, the National Day of Prayer, a tour of the portable showers that are proposed to be installed in the City, and he was one of the people that tested the Luckie Park pool slide.
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
6. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on April 25, 2023.
7. Fire Department Emergency Response Report - April 2023.
8. Legislative Report - April 2023.
9. Appropriation Limit FY 2023-24.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council establish an appropriation limit for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 by the adoption of the next Resolution in order.
10. Land Transfer Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the Land Transfer and Reimbursement of Costs with Basin Transit for the eventual Bus Transit Center.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
May 9, 2023
11. Material Acquisition for the Road Overlay from Blue Diamond with the SB 1 Funds.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the purchase of materials for road overlay from Blue Diamond with SB1 funds to repair/maintain the attached list of streets in the amount not to exceed $665,000.
12. Material Acquisition for the Road Overlay from Blue Diamond with Article 8 Funds.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the purchase of materials for road overlay from Blue Diamond with Article 8 funds to repair/maintain three streets (Cottonwood Drive, Quail Spring Avenue, and Buena Vista Drive) within the City of Twentynine Palms in the amount not to exceed $156,000.
13. Purchase of Toro Groundsmaster 3200 24hp 2wd Lawnmower.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the purchase of the 2023 Toro Groundsmaster 3200 24hp 2wd lawnmower in the amount of $25,407.27.
14. Safe Route to School- Infrastructure Implementation Project ATPSB1L-5448(010).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Adopt the design of the project represented by the Plans and Specifications for the SR 62 Sidewalks Improvement Project, Phase- From Encelia Avenue to Larrea Avenue.
2. Award the contract for the “Safe Routes to School- Infrastructure Implementation Project ATPSB1L5448(010)” to IE General Engineering, for the amount of $1,239,799 and authorize a 10% contingency in the amount of $123,979, for a total contract amount of $1,363,779.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto.
Councilmember Scott asked to pull item #10 from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink to approve the Consent Calenda as submitted, removing item #10 for discussion.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
10. Land Transfer Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the Land Transfer and Reimbursement of Costs with Basin Transit for the eventual Bus Transit Center.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink to approve the Land Transfer and Reimbursement of Costs with Basin Transit for the eventual Bus Transit Center.
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 with Closed Session
May 9, 2023
PUBLIC HEARING- None.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
15. The Process of Selecting Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem Each Year - Future Agenda Item Request.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council review the current process of selecting a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem each year and potentially give direction on a new process.
City Clerk Villescas presented the Staff Report.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked if the City could put the Mayor position on the ballot for the citizens to vote on.
City Manager Luckino commented that it could be done, however, it requires a cost and there are many other factors involved.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Councilmember Scott to go with a succession of Districts, beginning with District 5, next will be District 1, then 2 and so on.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
16. Preliminary 2-Year Project Phoenix Funds Budget FY 2023-24 & 2024-25.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council review the preliminary Two-Year Special Funds Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/24 & 2024/25 and provide direction.
Councilmember Mintz recused himself due to a possible conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers at 6:35 p.m.
Finance Director Hernandez-Conde (Director Hernandez-Conde) presented the Staff Report.
Councilmember Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 6:38 p.m.
17. Presentation of the Preliminary Two-Year Special Funds Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 & 2024-25.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve a budget adjustment of $58,000 in the Gas Tax Fund for the acquisition of a street roller needed by Public Works in FY 2022-23.
Director Hernandez-Conde presented the Staff Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink to approve a budget adjustment of $58,000 in the Gas Tax Fund for the acquisition of a street roller needed by Public Works in FY 2022-23.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
May 9, 2023
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Seasonal Banners throughout the City.
2. Maintained v. Non-Maintained Roads.
3. Discussion on working with non-profit organizations to establish a "Heating Shelter" during the Winter months.
4. Planning Commission review of what materials can be used for commercial driveways.
Councilmember Scott requested that an item be added identifying ten lots to start a self- help construction program.
Councilmember Mintz seconded the item.
Councilmember Klink requested that the City Council review the VHR liability insurance limit and possibly reduce the limit from $1,000,000 to $500,000. Councilmember Mintz seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City Council and the City Manager for listening to the community and having an honest policy debate on the sewer issue.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Luckino thanked the City Council for their confidence in his employee evaluation, mentioning that it is not just about him, but Staff as well. He provided the following updates: Staff is going to really push the Business Improvement Program for the downtown area, Southern California Edison has some good candidates to interview for Ms.
Jennifer Cusak's position, which is Government Relations Manager, he will be attending the CIRA (the City's Risk Pool Agency) Annual Conference in Sacramento in two weeks and Events is an item Staff will present at the next City Council meeting, to choose two members of the Council to serve on a subcommittee to review ideas and proposals for future events. He wished all mothers a Happy Mother's Day.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting in memory of Marian Huff Tremblay at 7:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/PIO