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TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
August 22, 2023
CALL TO ORDER -
Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Boy Scout member Tom Ellison led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Elder Robert Kelley, Oasis Community Church, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present:
Bilderain, Klink. Mintz, Scott, and 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
Introduction of the new San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Detective.
Captain Robert Warrick introduced the two Twentynine Palms detectives, Detective Alex Stumbo and Shane Crowl.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended the East Valley Regional Steering Committee meeting and had regular meetings with his constituents.
Councilmember Mintz commented that he attended a Kiwanis meeting and had a few meetings with his constituents.
Councilmember Klink welcomed the two detectives. He mentioned that he attended a Mountain Desert Measure I meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain commented that he had meetings with some concerned citizens.
Mayor Wright thanked the Staff that was involved with the storm that came through, Morongo Basin Arch, Motel 6, Set Free Church, and Reach Out Morongo Basin, he took a tour of the City and there wasn't much damage as a result of the storm, he welcomed the new detectives, he toured a facility called "The Ranch" that is for rehabilitation organized by Set Free Church.
He wished Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain a Happy Birthday and to those family members whose birthday is in August.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain acknowledged Mayor Wright as well as his birthday is on the same day as his.
Councilmember Klink and all present at the meeting sang Happy Birthday to Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain and Mayor Wright and he mentioned that the Mayor was interviewed by a KESQ during the storm.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $6,355,215.59.
Approval of Project Phoenix Warrant Register Totaling $16,906.19.
Janitorial Contract.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate, approve and sign the Agreement for Contractor Services with Soap Suds Cleaning Service.
Legislative Report - July 2023.
Morongo Basin Ambulance Report - June 2023.
Fire Department Emergency Response Report - July 2023.
Five-year Report of Developer Impact Fee Funds Deposits: Pursuant to Government Code Sections 66000, et.al.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council receive and file the
City Development Fee Programs Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2022-23.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked the City Council to explain item #3, the Warrant Register, specifically check number 0016590, made out to Civitas. City Manager Luckino explained the item which came from the TBID funds.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
Councilmember Mintz abstained from item #4, 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:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION –
NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS
San Bernardino County Fire (SBCFD) Fire Code.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council hold a Public Hearing, introduce Ordinance No.306 and approve SBCFPD Ordinance No. 23-01 adopting the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Fire Code (referencing the 2022 Edition of California Fire Code).
Fire Chief Scott Tuttle introduced Mike Havens, Fire Prevention Specialist with San Bernardino County Fire, who gave a Power Point presentation regarding the Fire Code adoption.
Mayor Wright opened the Public Hearing,
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Wright closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain to introduce Ordinance No.306 and approve SBCFPD Ordinance No. 23-01 adopting the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Fire Code (referencing the 2022 Edition of California Fire Code).
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
DCA23-000010 Article 2 - Allowable Uses.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council conduct the Public Hearing, consider public comment, find the project exempt from CEQA and introduce the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
Community Development Director Gardner (Director Gardner) presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Wright opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Wright closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott to find the project exempt from CEQA and introduce the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
DCA23-000009 Accessory Dwelling Units.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council conduct the Public Hearing, consider public comment, find the project exempt from CEQA and introduce the Ordinance amending the Development Code.
Director Gardner presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Wright opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Wright closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain to find the project exempt from CEQA and introduce the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
DCA23-000008 Density Bonus, Community Care, Emergency Shelters.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council conduct the Public Hearing, consider public comment, find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
Director Gardner presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Wright opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Wright closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott to find the project exempt from CEQA and introduce the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
DCA 23-000006 Off Street Parking and Loading.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council conduct the Public Hearing, consider public comment, find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance amending the Development Code.
Director Gardner presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Wright opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Wright closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott to find the project exempt from CEQA and introduce the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
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
Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate for the League of California Cities' Annual Conference.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council designate a Delegate and Alternate Delegate for the League of California Cities' Annual Conference.
City Clerk Villescas presented the Staff Report.
Councilmember Mintz nominated Councilmember Klink to be the Delegate and was approved unanimously by a voice vote.
Mayor Wright nominated Councilmember Mintz to be the Alternate Delegate and was approved unanimously by a voice vote.
Portable Shower Facilities.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Housing/Homeless Advisory Committee recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to purchase a portable shower unit, and to enter into an agreement with non-profit agencies within the City for its use to serve the homeless population.
Director Gardner presented the Staff Report.
Councilmember Mintz asked where the water would be dumped. Director Gardner commented that the water would be dumped at an appropriate facility, it would not just be dumped on the ground.
Councilmember Scott mentioned that his concern is moving the portable shower from one location to another. He thinks it should stay stationary.
Pastor Nick Foley, Set Free Church, provided more information.
Cindy Benard, Twentynine Palms, commented that while she appreciates Shadow Mountain Church for their proposal, she feels this is problematic. The churches are not a good location for something that is paid with city funds.
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, spoke in favor of these portable showers.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that this is a great program. He thanked Pastor Maddy for doing this and does not want this program to be halted.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Klink, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to authorize the City Manager to purchase a portable shower unit, and to enter into an agreement with non-profit agencies within the City for its use to serve the homeless population.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID).
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council:
Approve the TBID's Annual Report and Marketing Plan & Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Adopt Resolution No. 23-21 confirming the intention to levy an assessment for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report. He then passed the floor to Ms. Breanne Dusastre, Marketing Director, who presented the statistics and budget.
City Manager Luckino presented an amended budget list, which indicated four items from the original budget were amended.
Councilmember Scott asked if every city had a TBID. City Manager Luckino replied no.
Mayor Wright read an email for the record, that was sent from Ann Congdon in favor of the TBID.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked questions about the TBID budget. City Manager Luckino answered all questions.
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, commented that he is not in the tourism industry, and he is not comprehending some of the items on the budget. He mentioned he is not for it.
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms spoke in opposition of TBID.
Ashton Ramsey, Twentynine Palms spoke about promoting small local businesses, lower city tax to be more compatible and find a way to promote tourism.
Charmaine Nathraj, Twentynine Palms spoke in opposition of TBID. She would like the TBID abolished.
Yashwin Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of TBID.
Nadia Nathraj, Twentynine Palms spoke in opposition of TBID. She feels the TBID does not bring tourists to the City and the $500,000 should be transferred to help the homeless.
Cheryl Cook, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of TBID.
Jessica Dickler, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of TBID.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of TBID.
He feels it is not working.
Patricia Knight, Twentynine Palms, spoke in favor of TBID. As a Board member of TBID, she explained some of the advantages of keeping TBID.
Cameron Lutz, spoke in opposition of TBID.
Mary Jane Binge, Twentynine Palms, asked the City Council to table this item and possibly form a committee to look into the TBID and work this all out. She expressed that she would like to be on the committee if one is formed.
April Ramirez, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of TBID.
Eileen Leslie, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of TBID.
Rakesh Mehta, Board Chair for TBID, spoke about TBID, the lack of participation by the community before now and spoke in favor of TBID.
Susan Peplow, commented that she agrees with forming a committee to work out the issues, possibly bring in community members at large to provide input.
She mentioned that she is for the TBID.
After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mintz that we move forward with:
Approving the TBID's Annual Report and Marketing Plan & Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and Adopting a Resolution No. 23-21 confirming the intention to levy an assessment for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, with the agreement of amending the budget to not allow funding for an additional employee at the Visitors' Center and raising the amount to contribute for events to $200,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Klink.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT
NOES:
SCOTT
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Seasonal Banners throughout the City.
2. Maintained v. Non-Maintained Roads.
3. Discussion on partnering with non-profits to open a "Warming Shelter".
4. Identify ten lots to start a self-help construction program.
5. Discussion on forming a Youth Advisory Committee.
6. Discussion with the Homeless and Housing Committee on the possibility of hotels housing the homeless for short periods of time.
7. Discussion on the possibility of moving the Wastewater Treatment Plant from the Desert Knoll area to the east side of the City in the industrial zone.
Councilmember Scott asked that an item be added:
A discussion on ADA compliance on VHRs. Mayor Wright seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
April Ramirez, Twentynine Palms, announced that she is the new President of the PTO at Oasis Elementary. She commented that they are hosting their first Mixer "Nacho or Not Your Average PTO". She stressed that Oasis Elementary has a great principal and there are great things coming.
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms, asked the City to encourage transparency and record all city meetings. She commented that regarding events, can a committee be formed to work on this.
Alice Lawson, Twentynine Palms, asked the City Council to go out by Oasis Elementary School and monitor the kids crossing the street. She feels that four way stop signs should be installed, however, there is traffic speeding down the street while school children are crossing the street.
Paul Di'Amico, Twentynine Palms, commented that his jeep was rear ended on May 17th and the vehicle rolled over. He thanked the paramedics and all who responded to this accident. Everyone was very professional and courteous. He mentioned that he had issues with the towing company as he had a cell phone and money taken from the vehicle and expressed his concerns of this company.
He warned everyone to be weary of this company.
Astrid Johnson, Twentynine Palms, thanked the community for the wonderful response they received during the hurricane in helping the homeless take shelter.
Jenn De Falco, Twentynine Palms, provided statistics on the homeless that were given assistance during the hurricane. She thanked the City Council for all their help as well.
Karalee Hargrove, Twentynine Palms, commented that she wanted to prove to her daughter, who joined her at the meeting, that the City is still great. She feels that things have changed so much, there is so much divisiveness. She commented that there are opportunities to volunteer, so volunteer.
Matt Shragge, Twentynine Palms, commented that tough meetings are always good because you see people that care. He thanked the City Staff for all their assistance. He added that it is always a better community when we all come together and work together.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, stressed that he does not belong to any group, such as "I Dislike Twentynine Palms Leadership.” He commented that he has his own opinions and asked the City Council, what is the vision for Twentynine Palms? He feels that our community is plagued with homelessness, drug addiction and unemployment.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Luckino provided the following updates:
he mentioned that the City recently received a $450,000 grant for the design of a channel trail from Adobe Road to Luckie Park, he thanked City staff for all their hard work for clearing the roads and getting the conditions out to the public during the hurricane. He also thanked members of the Set Free Church for their assistance in getting the homeless to our emergency shelter. He commented that there have been a lot of burglaries in the City, and he is happy to have that additional detective to help solve these crimes. He explained the delay of the sidewalk installation near Oasis Elementary School. He mentioned that he would have an update on the Split Rock bridge at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT -
Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer