TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
October 24, 2023
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
5:15 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the Closed Session to order at 5:15 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 5:16 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
Closed Session Pursuant to Government Code §54957 - Public Employees Performance Evaluation, City Clerk.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Boy Scout Thomas Elkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Mayor Wright provided the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright.
Closed Session Announcements - Mayor Wright announced that the evaluation of the City Clerk was very positive.
Changes to the Agenda - City Manager Luckino announced that Sheriff Dycus, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department will give an update with the Sheriff's Department.
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
Sheriff Dycus gave a presentation on what is happening in the Morongo Basin. He provided statistics in our area.
1. Presentation to the Twentynine Palms High School Volleyball Team for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain presented checks in the amount of $300 from the City of Twentynine Palms and $300 from Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services to the Twentynine Palms High School Volleyball Team for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
October 24, 2023
2. Presentation by PAAC.
Ms. Anna Stump and Ms. Kate Short gave an update on the PAAC.
3. Proclamation Recognizing October 2023 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Mayor Wright read the Proclamation in its entirety. He then presented the Proclamation to Ms. Alice Lawson.
4. Presentation to Outgoing City Manager Frank Luckino.
Mayor Wright presented a plaque to Outgoing City Manager Frank Luckino. City Manager Luckino thanked the City Council and Staff for all everyone has done for him. He commented that this has truly been a nice experience.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he had the honor of participating in the Pioneer Days Parade.
Councilmember Mintz commented that he also participated in the Pioneer Days Parade, the Pet Parade, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the High School Stadium, the MDAQMD meeting and he had a few meetings with constituents.
Councilmember Klink expressed his gratitude to City Manager Luckino, he mentioned that he participated in the parade, he attended the pet parade, the Wildcat Football Stadium Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and the Mountain/Desert Measure I meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain mentioned that he attended most of the Pioneer Days festivities, he made it to the High School football game at half time, so he missed the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the new High School football field, he congratulated all the Staff for all the hard work for Pioneer Days, and he thanked City Manager Luckino for everything.
Mayor Wright commented that he was in the parade, he participated in the Sunrise Service, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the new High School football field. He mentioned that he had the opportunity to meet with a Councilmember from Finland who was passing through. He thanked City Manager Luckino and welcomed Interim City Manager Bowden.
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 August 22, 2023, September 12, 2023, September 26, 2023, October 10, 2023, October 11, 2023, and October 16, 2023.
7. Approval of Project Phoenix Warrant Register Totaling $57,153.59.
8. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $2,045,562.99.
9. Legislative Report - October 2023.
10. Fire Department Emergency Response Report - September 2023.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
October 24, 2023
11. Treasurer's Report - FY 2023-24 Quarter 1.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and approve the Treasurer's Report for the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023-24.
12. Updating Information with the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-26, updating the City's authorized officers to order the deposit or withdrawal of funds in the City's LAIF account.
13. Updating the Authorized Signers on the City's Bank Accounts.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 23-27, designating authorized signers on the City Bank Accounts.
14. Animal Shelter Design Contract.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve a contract not to exceed $500,000.00 with Miller Architecture Corporation for design services and allow the City Manager or Interim City Manager to execute all contract documents.
City Manager Luckino asked that item #14 be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
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, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
14. Animal Shelter Design Contract.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve a contract not to exceed $500,000.00 with Miller Architecture Corporation for design services and allow the City Manager or Interim City Manager to execute all contract documents.
Information Services Director Eli Marshall (Director Marshall) presented the Staff Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Klink, to approve a contract not to exceed $500,000 with Miller Architecture Corporation for design services and allow the City Manager or Interim City Manager to execute all contract documents.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
October 24, 2023
PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. GPA - Equity and Social Justice Element.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Resolution, adding the Equity and Social Justice Element to the General Plan.
Community Development Director (Director Gardner) presented the Staff Report. He then passed the floor to Mr. John Criste, Terra Nova Planning and Research, who provided more information on the Equity and Social Justice Element to the General Plan.
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 find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt Resolution No. 23-26, adding the Equity and Social Justice Element to the General Plan.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
16. Public Utilities - Wastewater Services.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council introduce the Ordinance, conduct the Public Hearing, consider public comment and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3).
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 Klink, to introduce Ordinance No. 312 and find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3).
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
October 24, 2023
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
17. Wastewater Project.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council provide policy direction on the Wastewater Project.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report.
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, commented that the State provides sewer septic grants to cities that could help the City with the cost. He also let the City Council know that he appreciates the Council for looking at the possibility of moving the Treatment Plant.
Karalee Hargrove, Twentynine Palms, commented that the Wastewater Subcommittee agreed to move the Treatment Plant and it was moved a bit. She suggested a government loophole of some sort so that the City doesn't lose the $50 million dollars being given to the City by the State.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to task Staff to save $1 million dollars of grant money to do a USGS study and another $1 million to conduct another study to find out what the cost would be to move the plant and how many hookups we can have for the plant.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
18. City Manager Recruitment.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council discuss the City Manager recruitment process as appropriate and provide direction to Staff.
City Manager Luckino presented the Staff Report.
Susan Peplow, Joshua Tree, sent a letter to be read into the record.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain, to have Human Resources recruit internally and if we aren't successful that way, we can proceed with recruiting through a recruitment firm.
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 Banner throughout the City.
2. Identify ten lots to start a self-help construction program.
3. Discussion of forming a Youth Advisory Commission.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
October 24, 2023
4. Discussion with the Homeless Committee on the possibility of hotels housing the homeless for short periods of time.
6. Assess and Examine Pedestrian and Street Safety around the schools.
Councilmember Klink asked that a discussion on peacocks and creating an Ordinance to consider them wild animals and should not be fed. Councilmember Mintz seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Karalee Hargrove, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City Council for the City Hall tour provided to the Plus Program students, she commented that the USGS Study is a five-year study, and the City could be good stewards of the State and give the $50 million to Yucca Valley so that the money isn't lost. She complimented the Pioneer Days events and she agreed with the decision made on hiring a new City Manager. She mentioned that she has some issues with the homeless by 7-11 and drug use. She is asking the City Council to possibly look at drug usage in our City. She thanked City Manager Luckino for being so inclusive to our special needs community.
LeeAnn Clarke, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City for the 87th Annual Pioneer Days and for including the Ministerial Association in the events. She thanked City Manager Luckino for all he has done for the organizations she has been involved in. She thanked Larry Bowden for stepping up to the plate and taking on this responsibility.
Andrew Fulbright, Twentynine Palms, complimented City Manager Luckino for all he has done for the City. He commented that he did not have the opportunity to listen to Sheriff Dycus' presentation, but he wanted to let him know what an exemplary job his deputies are doing for us.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Luckino had no updates. He thanked the City Council for allowing him to be their City Manager.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting in memory of Burt Frasher and Josephine Bizzarro at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer