TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
February 27, 2024
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Ms. Karmolette O'Gilvie led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Rev. Casey Orndorf gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
Closed Session Announcements - None.
Changes to the Agenda - None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Bilderain 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 Feathers n Fur for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Bilderain presented checks in the amount of $300 each from Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services and the City of Twentynine Palms to Ms. Connie Chaffin with Feathers n Fur for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
2. Presentation to Reach Out Morongo Basin.
Mayor Bilderain presented a plaque to Ms. Robin Schlosser with Reach Out Morongo Basin for all the outstanding contributions to the community.
3. Presentation by Reach Out.
Ms. Karmolette O'Gilvie and members of her Staff gave a presentation on what Reach Out is about.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended the Black History Month event that was put on by "Women of Color" and "Black Cactus Coworking".
Councilmember Wright commented that he attended the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. He wished his mother, his oldest son, and his granddaughter a Happy Birthday.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
February 27, 2024
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that he attended a few City meetings and wanted to let everyone know that the girls' high school softball season is in full swing, as is boys' baseball, tennis, swim team and track and field.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink commented that he attended the Measure I Desert Mountain Division meeting, he announced the closure of Historic Route 66 at Amboy due to the bridges needing to be repaired.
Mayor Bilderain mentioned that he attended the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, City meetings, meetings with constituents and the Mayor's Social at Fans which was a great success.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
5. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on February 7, 2024, February 9, 2024, and February 13, 2024.
6. DCA -Article 3, Administration, Permits, and Procedures- Second Reading.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council finds the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance, approving the Development Code Amendment for Article 3, Administration, Permits, and Procedures.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Klink to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION - None.
PUBLIC HEARING – None.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
7. Single Audit Report on Federal Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and file.
Finance Director Hernandez-Conde (Director Hernandez-Conde) presented the Staff Report.
8. Financial Report - Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Update - General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending the following actions:
1. City Council review and approve the proposed General Fund Budget amendments for FY 2023-24.
2. City Council approve the interfund transfer of $8,000 from the General Fund to the Traffic Safety Fund to close the fund.
Director Hernandez-Conde presented the Staff Report.
April Ramirez, Twentynine Palms, sent an email for Public Comment to be read into the record.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
February 27, 2024
ACTION: After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve the proposed General Fund Budget amendments for FY 2023-24 and approve the interfund transfer of $8,000 from the General Fund to the Traffic Safety Fund to close the fund.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
9. Financial Report - Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Update - Capital Projects Funds and Special Funds.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending the following actions:
1. City Council review and approve the proposed Capital Projects Fund and Special Funds budget amendments for FY 2023-24.
2. City Council reallocate the funding left from closed projects to projects with unfunded balances, including IT equipment for the Luckie Park Pool, Luckie Park ballfield light poles, and project management costs for the Hatch/Sullivan bike path.
Director Hernandez-Conde presented the Staff Report.
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms, sent an email to be read for the record.
Director Hernandez-Conde mentioned that this comment should be discussed during the Project Phoenix Budget discussion due to Councilmember Mintz needing to recuse himself due to a conflict of interest.
ACTION: After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve the proposed Capital Projects Fund and Special Funds budget amendments for FY 2023-24 and reallocate the funding left from closed projects to projects with unfunded balances, including IT equipment for the Luckie Park Pool, Luckie Park ballfield light poles, and project management costs for the Hatch/Sullivan bike path which would include the transfer of $125,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
10. Financial Report - Fiscal Year 2023-24 Mid-Year Budget Update - Project Phoenix Funds and Enterprise Fund.
Councilmember Mintz recused himself from this item and left the Council Chambers at 7:12 p.m. due to a possible conflict of interest.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending the following actions:
1. The City Council review and approve the proposed Project Phoenix Funds and Enterprise Fund budget amendments for FY 2023-24.
2. The City Council provide policy direction on the remaining funds from the overall Project Phoenix Project.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
February 27, 2024
Director Hernandez-Conde presented the Staff Report.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked how long will it take for Project Phoenix to complete the Water Treatment Plant and he asked when the proposed hotel is going to break ground.
Mary Jane Binge, Twentynine Palms, suggested adding more tables and some shade to Freedom Plaza.
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he has done some research through social media for ideas at Project Phoenix and he feels that we should look into that.
Mayor Bilderain reread Ms. Bernard's email into the record.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Klink to approve the proposed Project Phoenix Funds and Enterprise Fund budget amendments for FY 2023-24 and approve the reallocation of $156,000 that was previously committed to the City-wide project to match the package treatment plant and the contingency for the package 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
Councilmember Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 7:25 p.m.
11. Community Events Grants.
RECOMMENDATION: The Events Ad Hoc Committee is recommending the following events to be funded; $15,000 in total:
1. 29 Palms Art Gallery Gala Dinner - $10,000
2. Sky's the Limit Observatory & Nature Center Ongoing Programs - $5,000 Events Coordinator Clinkscales presented the Staff Report.
Mary Jane Binge, Twentynine Palms, asked why is $10,000 being requested for the Art Gallery gala dinner? Councilmember Mintz replied that it is also being used for the repair of the building for their events. Ms. Kathy Miller, President of the Art Gallery, provided more input.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klink, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve funding to the Twentynine Palms Art Gallery of $10,000 and $5,000 to Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center Ongoing Programs.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
February 27, 2024
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Seasonal/Military Banners throughout the City.
2. Discussion with the Homeless Committee on the possibility of hotels housing the homeless for short periods of time.
3. General Plan Review.
4. Discussion on the possibility of moving the 29! sign from Donnell Hill to Freedom Plaza.
Councilmember Scott requested a discussion about an environmental and climate justice community change grant that is available. Councilmember Wright seconded the item.
Councilmember Scott asked for a discussion about programming for high school students through Park and Recreation.
Mayor Bilderain seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Bilderain read an email regarding the Ofland Project from John Talley-Jones into the record.
Melissa Grisi, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition to the Ofland Project.
Travis Poston, Twentynine Palms, spoke in opposition of the Ofland Project.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
Interim City Manager Bowden provided the following updates: in regards to the Luckie Park ballfield lights replacement project, that will begin soon which will result in the closure of the ballfields from the first of June until the end of August, Pacific Clinics offers counseling services for Veterans and active duty and retired military and their families every Tuesday afternoon at the Luckie Park Activity Center (LPAC), the Spring Community Cleanup Day will be held on Saturday, March 30th, the basketball court resurfacing project begins the second week in March and should be done before June.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - Mayor Bilderain adjourned to Closed Session at 7:45 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 (B) (1) PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT - CITY MANAGER.
The City Council returned to the Council Chambers at 8:39 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer