TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
June 27, 2023
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
5:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the Closed Session to order at 5:00 p.m.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright.
Adjourn to Closed Session - Mayor Wright adjourned to Closed Session at 5:03 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code §54956 (d) (2) Anticipated Litigation.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Ms. Karalee Hargrove led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor LeeAnn Clarke gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright.
Closed Session Announcements - There were no Closed Session Announcements.
Changes to the Agenda - Mayor Wright moved the Presentations around by moving item number 3 moved to the item number 1 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 Troop 77 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 Troop 77 for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
2. Presentation by the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition on the Mutual Self Help Program.
Mr. Pedro Rodriguez, Ms. Emilia Mojica and Mr. Slawomir Rutkowski gave a presentation on the Mutual Self Help Program.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
June 27, 2023
3. Update by Karalee Hargrove on the Wastewater Committee.
Ms. Hargrove, Mr. Dawn Benton and Mr. Veno Nathraj gave an update on the Wastewater Committee meeting recently held.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for MoMo G's Pet Oasis.
Councilmember Mintz said that he attended the MDAQMD meeting, he mentioned everyone that a new laundromat is opening soon, and he reminded everyone about the 4th of July festivities that will be taking place in the City.
Councilmember Klink commented that he attended the "Grilling with the Mayor" event, he wished everyone a Happy Independence Day and mentioned the events happening on July 4th, also reminded everyone about the Cash for Trash program.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain attended the "Grilling with the Mayor" event, and he wished everyone a Happy 4th of July.
Mayor Wright commented that he attended the Prayer Breakfast at Blessed Sacrament Church, the Car Show at Shadow Mountain Church and then they moved the Car Show to the Juneteenth event at Luckie Park. He attended the "Grilling with the Mayor" and MoMo G's Pet Oasis Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. He reminded everyone that it is getting hot, so drink plenty of water.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
5. Defense Communities Infrastructure Program (DCIP).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve Resolution No. 23-15 that authorizes the City Manager to submit the DCIP Grant application for resurfacing Lear Avenue, both City and County portions of Lear.
6. Corrective Change Order No. 1 for the Community Development Department Tenant Improvement Project.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve Corrective Change Order (CO) Number 1 for the Community Development Department Tenant Improvement Project in the amount of $21,440.60 which exceeded the contingency of 10% already approved.
7. DCA Temporary Use Permits - Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance amending Chapter 19.34 regarding regulations for Temporary Use Permits.
8. DCA Film Permits - Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance adding Chapter 19.35, Film Permits to the Development Code.
9. Fire Department Emergency Response Report - May 2023.
10. Legislative Report - May 2023.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
June 27, 2023
11. Visit 29 Palms Civitas Contract Services for TBID Conversion.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager to approve $26,170 in TBID spending for phase two of Civitas Advisors contract services.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain asked that item #11 be removed for discussion.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the Consent Calendar removing item 11, as submitted.
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
11. Visit 29 Palms Civitas Contract Services for TBID Conversion.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager to approve $26,170 in TBID spending for phase two of Civitas Advisors contract services.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report and then passed the floor to TBID Marketing Director, Breanne Dusastre, who provided more information on the item. She also introduced Ms. Kelly Rankin, Project Manager with Civitas, who can answer any questions the City Council or audience may have.
Eileen Leslie, Twentynine Palms, commented that six successful authorizations have led to no demonstrable results to any branding and to no benefits to short term rentals and hotels getting their occupancy up. She commented that she does not see any benefit from TBID.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, distributed some handouts to the City Council. He mentioned that he has been tracking what the TBID has been doing. He asked if Civitas was the only company that was looked at to conduct this conversion or did TBID solicit companies to do this work? Mary Jane Binge, Twentynine Palms, asked what is going to happen in five years if this is taken away from the City? She mentioned that she feels better if the City oversees the TBID.
April Ramirez, Twentynine Palms, asked how the City is measuring their success and who is keeping track of it? Eric Menendez, Twentynine Palms, commented that he feels the advertising is bringing people here.
After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink, to table the authorization for Phase 2.
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
June 27, 2023
PUBLIC HEARING
12. Amendments to the City's Master Fee Schedule for FY 2023-24.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the amendments to the City's Master Fee Schedule for FY 2023-24.
Finance Director Abigail Hernandez Conde (Director Hernandez Conde) presented the Staff Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain, to approve the amendments to the City's Master Fee Schedule for FY2023-24.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
13. Reject All Bids for the Project Phoenix – Treatment System Improvements.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Reject all bids for the Project Phoenix -– Treatment System Improvements Project.
2. Direct Staff to review the project and revise the scope as needed.
Councilmember Mintz recused himself from this item due to a possible conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers at 7:24 p.m.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, commented that he finds this sewer system project at Freedom Plaza disturbing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain, to reject all bids for the Project Phoenix - Treatment System Improvement Project and direct Staff to review the project and revise the scope as needed.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MINTZ
ABSENT: NONE
Councilmember Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 7:35 p.m.
14. Grant of Option: Affordable Housing IIG Application.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the Option to Purchase Real Property with Milestone Housing for furtherance of the Affordable Housing Project behind City Hall; the City will be selling the land AND committing $1M from Housing Funds for the project.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
June 27, 2023
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report. He then passed the floor to Mr. Marcus Griffin, with Milestone Housing, who provided more information.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked about the ENA that the City Manager mentioned and also commented about the developers who are working on this. He mentioned that he disagrees with the location of the project, commenting that if this is going to be senior housing, it needs to be close to shopping centers and public transportation.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain, to approve the Option to Purchase Real Property with Milestone Housing for furtherance of the Affordable Housing Project behind City Hall; the City will be selling the land AND committing $1M from Housing Funds for the project.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT
NOES: SCOTT
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
15. Reserve Policy.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve Resolution No. 23-16, establishing a 50-55% target amount for unrestricted/undesignated reserves and authorize the use of reserves in the amount of $473,853 to pay off a portion of the inactive Fire Safety Plan in FY 2023-24.
Director Hernandez Conde presented the Staff Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve Resolution No. 23-16, establishing a 50-55% target amount for unrestricted/undesignated reserves and authorize the use of reserves in the amount of $473,853 to pay off a portion of the inactive Fire Safety Plan in FY 2023-24.
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. Identify ten (10) lots to start a self-help construction program.
5. Discussion on forming a Youth Advisory Council.
6. Discussion with the Homeless Committee on the possibility of hotels housing the homeless for short periods of time.
7. Discussion on Code of Conduct for Councilmembers.
Councilmember Scott requested that the City look at moving the location of the wastewater treatment plant from the Desert Knoll area to the east side of the City in the Industrial zone. Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain seconded the motion.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
June 27, 2023
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, thanked the Wastewater Committee for their work and also commented about the Yucca Valley plant and the smell. He reiterated that it is going to be the same when we build ours and many people from the community are upset.
Rita Lilly, Twentynine Palms, commented on the sewer plant asking that the City provide more information on this project.
She asked the City Council what the City is going to do when patrons stop frequenting their establishments because of the smell and have to shut down or how about those with health issues, reducing the quality of life for our citizens. She also asked what the contingency plan is, and she said she believes that the light pollution from the plant is going to damage the Observatory.
April Ramirez, Twentynine Palms, asked what the City is actively doing as a City to connect with the Marine Corps Base.
She mentioned that the City counts members of the Base in the Census and there is a major disconnect between the military and the City.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked the City Council to explain to him how City Hall works. Councilmembers are elected by the people for the people. He commented that City Hall has become complacent.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Luckino provided the following updates: there is an event at Knotts' Sky Park for the 4th of July, the Legislature did adopt protection of the western Joshua trees, ICompass is our agenda management system and the public can sign up to receive meeting notices as they become available, the City's Invocation Policy has been updated, nothing will be changing, but we do have a tab on the City's website if anyone is interested in providing the invocation at one of our meetings, and he mentioned that there will be no City Council meetings during the month of July.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting to the next City Council meeting on August 8, 2023, at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer