TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
December 12, 2023
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wright called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Boy Scout Thomas Elkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Elliott Balsley provided a statement.
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.
Mayor Wright mentioned that the December 26, 2023, regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will be canceled due to the Holidays. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Presentation to Semper Fi Girls Softball Team for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain presented checks to the Semper Fi Girls Softball Team in the amount of $300 each from Burrtec Waste Services and the City of Twentynine Palms. He then announced that the team chose to give half of the amount to Palms N Paws Animal Shelter and the other half to Morongo Basin Arch for the homeless.
2. Presentation to Ash Maharaj for her years of service to the Tourism Business Improvement District.
Mayor Wright presented a plaque to Ash Naharaj for her service to the Tourism Business Improvement District.
3. Introduction of "Naji" the newest addition to the Sheriff's Department Staff.
Captain Warrick introduced Deputy Nathan Bakker and "Naji". "Naji" is a bloodhound that will be assisting the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department search for lost children, missing hikers and other individuals.
4. State of the Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) Presentation by Jane Rogers, JTNP Superintendent.
Superintendent Jane Rogers presented the State of the Joshua Tree National Park.
City Council - Regular Meeting
December 12, 2023
5. Presentation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for FY 2022-23.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and file.
Finance Director Abigail Hernandez-Conde presented the Report. She then passed the floor to Brad Wilburn and Laura Aviso with Rogers, Anderson, Malody, and Scott who provided more information about the Financial Statements.
6. Mayor Wright's Presentation of the State of the City Address.
Mayor Wright gave a Presentation on all the accomplishments throughout the year. (A copy of his message is available in the City Clerk's office).
7. Comments by Outgoing Mayor McArthur Wright and Presentation of Employee of the Year and Mayor's Recognition Award.
Mayor Wright thanked his wife, his parents, his sister and her family, and his children and grandchildren for their unwavering love and support during his Mayorship. He gave his appreciation to his constituents and friends who have been an integral part in this journey, Pastor TK and Jerry Washington, and to the ministries of Twentynine Palms. He commented that he is confident this community will surpass the accomplishments of 2023 in the next year.
Mayor Wright presented the Employee of the Year Award to Rick Boyd, Animal Control Supervisor. He then presented the Mayor's Recognition Award to Pastor Nick Foley, Pastor of Set Free Ministries.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended the Toys for 29 Golf Tournament, Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Very Very, Wing-n-it, Coffee with Assemblyman Tom Lackey, the Employee Appreciation Lunch, the Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. He commented that he also met with several business owners and constituents, and he thanked Mayor Wright for his service as Mayor.
Councilmember Mintz commented that he attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light Parade, Ribbon Cutting for Wing-n-it, and Very Very, the Marine Corps Ball and he stopped by at the Toys for 29 Golf Tournament. He helped park cars at the Sky's the Limit Observatory event. He congratulated Rick for being chosen as Employee of the Year and thanked Mayor Wright for his leadership over the past year.
Councilmember Klink wished everyone celebrating a birthday in December a Happy Birthday, he congratulated Rick Boyd for being chosen as Employee of the Year, he thanked Pastor Foley for all he does and welcome to the community. He mentioned that he attended the Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Wing-n-it and Very Very, he golfed in the Toys for 29 Golf Tourney, he attended the Employee Appreciation Lunch, and he thanked the Girls Softball Team for donating back to the community. He concluded by singing "I wish you a Merry Christmas" to the audience.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain mentioned he attended the Marine Corps Ball, the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light Parade, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Very Very, and Wing-n-it, the Employee Appreciation Luncheon, the Toys for 29 Golf Tournament and he met with Developers and the auditors. He congratulated Rick Boyd and Pastor Foley. He thanked the Mayor for his leadership the past year.
Mayor Wright attended the Marine Corps Ball, the Employee Recognition Lunch, the Up Close Show on Z107.7, stopped in at the Coffee with Assemblyman Lackey, Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Very Very and Wing-n-it. He hosted the Mayor's Toys for 29 Golf Tournament, and he attended the Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. He announced the Toy Giveaway this Thursday, December 14th from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
City Council - Regular Meeting
December 12, 2023
CONSENT CALENDAR
8. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
9. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on November 14, 2023.
10. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $853,014.93.
11. Reject All Bids for the High Crash Unsignalized Intersections Project.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Reject all bids for the High Crash Unsignalized Intersections Project.
2. Direct staff to readvertise the project.
12. Emergency Repair to the Septic System Leach Field at City Hall.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council Award a Contract to Van Dyke Corporation in the amount of $35,760.00.
13. Upgrade and Replace Radar Signs.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council Award a Contract to NextTech Systems in the amount of $70,489.36.
14. Revised Treasurer's Report - FY 2023-24 Quarter 1.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and approve the revised Treasurer's Report for the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023-24.
15. CDBG Application Submission FY 2024/25.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the submission of the Community Development Block Grant funding application for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
16. DCA23-000015 DTSP Land Use Tables - Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance, approving the Development Code Amendment for the Downtown Specific Plan land use tables.
17. DCA23-000012 Western Joshua Trees - Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance, approving the Development Code Amendment adding Chapter 19.98 Western Joshua Trees.
18. DCA23-000002 Nonconforming Building and Uses-Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA, and adopt the Ordinance, approving the Development Code Amendment for Chapter 19.142 Nonconforming Buildings and Uses.
19. Fire Department Emergency Response Report - November 2023.
City Council - Regular Meeting
December 12, 2023
20. Award a Professional Service Agreement for Audit Services.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the following:
1. Award the Audit Services contract to Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, in the amount of $264,900 for the total term of the agreement of five years, plus two one-year option periods, subject to "Approval as to Form" by the City Attorney, and "Approval as to Content" by the City Manager.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott, 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 - None.
PUBLIC HEARING – None.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
21. Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council select a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for 2024.
City Clerk Villescas presented the Staff Report.
ACTION: All Councilmembers were in favor of Mayor Pro Tem Bilderain going into the Mayor's seat and Councilmember Klink going into the Mayor Pro Tem seat.
The nomination was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
22. Wastewater Alternate Sites and Cost.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council provide direction based on the information provided by this Staff Report.
Interim City Manager Bowden presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Bilderain read into the record an email from George Malapulous.
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, provided some information regarding the Treatment Plant and the mandate mentioned in the Staff Report.
City Council - Regular Meeting
December 12, 2023
April Ramirez, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Karalee Hargrove, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that in light of the recent report, she asked to redact her vote on this Wastewater issue.
Eileen Leslie, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Jonathan Hume, Desert Heights, spoke in favor of the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, commented that the City should wait on this project, get the proper studies done so that we can make sure moving forward we are not a hodge podge city.
Councilmember Wright commented that he has had a long time to think of this, mentioning that we began this process years ago. He doesn't see us doing this project.
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that he agrees this has taken a long time. He commented that he is not in favor of moving forward with this project.
Councilmember Scott commented that we need to do the study first so that we can have a plan. He is not in favor of this plant.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink commented that he is not in favor of this plant.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klink, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to not move forward with the Wastewater Treatment Plant
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Seasonal Banners throughout the City.
2. Identify ten lots to start a self-help construction program.
3. Discussion of forming a Youth Advisory Committee.
4. Discussion with the Homeless Committee on the possibility of hotel housing the homeless for short periods of time.
5. Assess and examine pedestrian and street safety around the schools.
6. Discussion on the peacock issue and creating an Ordinance to consider them wild animals and prohibiting them from being fed.
Councilmember Wright added an item. He asked Staff to look into the Solid Waste JPA the City belongs to. He would like to see the City dissolve that membership because it does not benefit the city at all. Councilmember Mintz seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jenn DeFalco, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the $7,000 request that was made by Morongo Basin Arch and also spoke regarding the Homeless being jumped by teenagers in the city.
City Council - Regular Meeting
December 12, 2023
Joseph Carder, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City Council and spoke about the Statement made at the beginning of the meeting. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and he looks forward to working with the City Council next year.
LeeAnn Clarke, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City Staff, specifically the Park and Recreation Department for their help in setting up the gymnasium for the Thanksgiving Service hosted by the Ministerial Association. She thanked the City for a great Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. She commented on behalf of Action 29, providing an update on the Hastie Bus Mural and the Wildflowers Mural.
Thomas Elkins, Twentynine Palms, congratulated Mayor Bilderain, and he thanked former Mayor Wright for all his work the past year. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Eileen Leslie, Twentynine Palms, commented that she is uncomfortable with what she is about to say. She mentioned she saw a theme throughout the year and that is the lack of progress. She feels the City lost out on great opportunities. She asked the City Council to make a collective and positive resolution for 2024 to find out what the vision is for 29 Palms from the citizens. She commented on the statement made at the beginning of the meeting.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
Interim City Manager Bowden provided the following update: he mentioned to Thomas Elkins that the City is in the process of forming the Youth Advisory Commission, he complimented the Light Parade, and provided an update on the Split Rock Bridge. He reminded everyone that City offices will be closed the week after Christmas.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer