TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
March 26, 2024
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Boy Scout Thomas Elkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor Michelle Ronia - Oasis Community Church, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Klink, Scott, Wright, Bilderain. Mintz had an excused absence.
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 our website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS – None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended a couple of community meetings regarding potential grant applications for the City, as well as food for the unhoused population.
Councilmember Wright commented that he attended the Rotary Carnival and the All-Star Basketball Tournament. He commented "hats off" to the Park n Rec crew for all their hard work this past weekend.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink mentioned that he attended a Coachella Valley Firebirds Hockey game at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, and he thanked Ms. Minatrea and her Staff for all their hard work this past weekend.
Mayor Bilderain commented that he attended the All-Star Basketball Tournament, the Rotary Carnival, a few meetings with citizens and he wished everyone a Happy Easter.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
2. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on February 22, 2024, February 27, 2024, and March 12, 2024.
3. Request To Vacate a Portion of Foothill Drive on Parcel Map 20360.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution 24-02, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms, California, giving notice of the City Council's intention to vacate Foothill Drive from the easterly boundary of Bullion Avenue to the westerly boundary of Split Rock Avenue shown on Parcel Map 20360, a length of 813.36’, and fixing the time and place for Public Hearing thereon."
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 26, 2024
4. Investment Policy.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council review and approve the City's Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
5. Aha Projects!
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the deal points for the lease agreement with Aha Projects! for the property located on 73637 Sullivan Road for a term of 5 years for $1 / year and authorize the Interim City Manager to negotiate and sign the agreements.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klink, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MINTZ
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION - None.
PUBLIC HEARING - None.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
6. Project Phoenix – Treatment System Improvements.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Adopt the design of the project represented by the Plans and Specifications for the Project Phoenix – Treatment System Improvements;
2. Award a contract for the “Project Phoenix – Treatment System Improvements” to 316 Engineering & Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,999,934 and authorize a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the amount of $199,993, for a total contract amount of $2,199,927;
3. Authorize the Interim City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto.
Mike Podegracz, Charles Abbott and Associates presented the Staff Report.
Eileen Leslie, Twentynine Palms, spoke about the phases of this project. She mentioned there are health concerns for the businesses in the area and the environmental impacts have changed in the last five years when the Mitigated Negative Declaration was done. She suggested looking at Phase 1 first.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that he has concerns about the project. He commented that the purchase and sale agreement with Greens Development was poorly written. He suggests that the City not put in the Treatment Plant at Freedom Plaza and have the hotel build their own.
Matt Shragge, General Manager Twentynine Palms Water District, provided more input on the project.
7. Sanctuary Church Event-Direct Staffing Costs.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the billable direct staffing fees associated with the Sanctuary Church event that will be held at the Community Center.
Recreation Division Manager Minatrea provided the Staff Report and updated information on the cost to rent the Community Center.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 26, 2024
Susan Peplow commented to the City Council that they should take caution and tread lightly because this could cause a slippery slope moving forward.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klink, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve the billable direct staffing fees associated with the Sanctuary Church event that will be held at the Community Center.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MINTZ
8. Business Loan Improvement Program Status.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and file the report and provide directions as deemed appropriate.
Community Development Director Gardner provided the Staff Report.
9. Membership Dues Joint Powers Authority (JPA).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the $8,865.00 Increase in Membership dues with San Bernardino Council of Governments (SCBOG).
Interim City Manager Bowden provided the Staff Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the $8,865.00 Increase in Membership dues with San Bernardino Council of Governments (SCBOG).
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MINTZ
10. Appointment of City Manager.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve an agreement between the City and H. Stone James to serve as City Manager for the City of Twentynine Palms.
Interim City Manager Bowden provided the Staff Report.
Mary Jane Binge, Twentynine Palms, asked if the new City Manager would be required to live in the City? Interim City Manager Bowden replied that Mr. James is currently in escrow for a home in the City.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, welcomed the new City Manager and cautioned him saying that our City has problems, but which city does not have problems. He commented that he is coming to a city that has a lot of upside potential and it is a great city to live in.
Susan Peplow thanked the City Council for the time put in to make this selection and she is sure the decision made was a great one. She congratulated Mr. Stone James.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 26, 2024
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve an agreement between the City and H. Stone James to serve as City Manager for the City of Twentynine Palms.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MINTZ
Mr. James thanked the City Council for the opportunity. He commented that he looks forward to working with the City Council and Staff and he looks forward to being a part of the community.
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Seasonal banners throughout the City.
2. Discussion of moving the 29! sign.
3. General Plan review.
4. Discussion on an Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change grant that is available.
5. Review of the Fee Waiver Policy.
6. Revisit funds that were allocated for the portable showers and the Navigation Center.
Councilmember Scott asked that number 4 be brought to the first meeting in April for discussion. Councilmember Wright seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mary Jane Binge, Twentynine Palms, spoke about our community and asked if there is a way that we could change "City" to "Community" of Twentynine Palms.
Anastacia Gonzales, Twentynine Palms, spoke about negligence and medical malpractice in the City.
La Nesha Blackman, Twentynine Palms, spoke with a heavy heart about an issue that demands the City Council's attention. She mentioned that there is a social worker that is racially discriminating against minorities.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
Interim City Manager Bowden provided the following updates: the All-Star Basketball Tournament was a huge success and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the San Bernardino County Fire Department is this upcoming weekend at Luckie Park beginning at Noon.
City Clerk Villescas announced the new Public Records Request portal on the City's website and mentioned that paper forms will no longer be accepted.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 26, 2024
City Clerk/Public Information Officer