TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
June 11, 2024
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Michael Usher led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Councilmember Wright gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Mintz, Scott, Wright, Bilderain. Mayor Pro Tem Klink 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
1. Proclamation Recognizing Juneteenth.
Mayor Bilderain read the Proclamation in its entirety and then presented it to Councilmember Wright.
2. Proclamation Recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Month.
Mayor Bilderain read the Proclamation in its entirety and then presented it to Chelsi Chastain, Student Life and Engagement Specialist for Copper Mountain College.
3. Presentation to Larry Bowden for his Service as Interim City Manager.
Mayor Bilderain presented Mr. Larry Bowden with an appreciation plaque for his assistance as Interim City Manager and helping find a new City Manager.
4. Presentation by Rediscover 29.
Mr. Michael Usher and Ms. Sara Lyons gave a presentation on behalf of Rediscover 29. Mayor Bilderain then presented a certificate of recognition to the group for their continued efforts to support the community.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott had nothing to report.
Councilmember Wright mentioned that he attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for America's Choice Real Estate, the 29 Palms Elementary Promotion Ceremony, the High School Graduation, Kiwanis Breakfast, and he wished all fathers a
City Council - Regular Meeting
June 11, 2024
Happy Father's Day. He wished his wife Freda a Happy Birthday. He commented that Warhawks Football Season is coming up and he reminded everyone to drink plenty of water. He congratulated Mr. Bowden.
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that he attended the Events Committee meeting and the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. He congratulated Mr. Bowden.
Mayor Bilderain mentioned that he attended the Little League Closing Ceremonies, the High School Graduation, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and the Up-Close Show with Z107.7. He wished all the fathers a Happy Father's Day.
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 May 28, 2024.
7. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $1,003,599.36
8. Adopt Fiscal Year 2024-25 SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Project List Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION: City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-12, identifying the project(s) to be funded with SB1 RMRA funding for FY 2024-25.
9. Community Events Grants.
RECOMMENDATION: The Events Ad Hoc Committee is recommending the following event to be funded; $5,500 in total:
1. Dine 29 Food Festival + Restaurant Week (additional funding) - $5,500.
10. Adoption of an Election Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-13, a Resolution calling and giving notice of a General Municipal Election on November 5, 2024, for the election of certain officers for District 1 and District 2 and requesting consolidation of the Municipal Election with the Statewide General Election.
City Manager James provided additional information on item number 9 and the funding of the event.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted, with the clarification of the additional funds recommended.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KLINK
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION – None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Amendments to the City's Master Fee Schedule for FY 2024-25.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approves Resolution 24-14, adopting the amendments to the City's Master Fee Schedule for FY 2024-25.
Finance Director Hernandez provided the Staff Report.
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June 11, 2024
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Bilderain closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Mintz, to approve Resolution No. 24-14, adopting the amendments to the City's Master Fee Schedule for FY 2024-25.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KLINK
12. Proposed Budget Revisions for Capital Projects Funds, Special Revenue Funds and Successor Agency Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the following:
1. Resolution No. 24-15, approving the budget revisions for the Capital Projects Fund, Special Revenue Funds (excluding Project Phoenix Funds), and Successor Agency Fund for FY 2024-25.
2. Inter-fund Transfers for FY 2024-25
i. $10,000 from the Gas Tax Fund to the General Fund for Admin fees. ii. $10,000 from the Measure I Fund to the General Fund for Admin fees. iii. $25,000 from the Successor Agency Fund to the General Fund for Admin fees.
Finance Director Hernandez provided the Staff Report.
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Bilderain closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve the following:
1. Resolution No. 24-15, approving the budget revisions for the Capital Projects Fund, Special Revenue Funds (excluding Project Phoenix Funds), and Successor Agency Fund for FY 2024-25.
2. Inter-fund Transfers for FY 2024-25
i. $10,000 from the Gas Tax Fund to the General Fund for Admin fees. ii. $10,000 from the Measure I Fund to the General Fund for Admin fees. iii. $25,000 from the Successor Agency Fund to the General Fund for Admin fees.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: KLINK
13. Proposed Budget Revisions for Project Phoenix Funds and Enterprise Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the following:
1. Resolution No. 24-16, approving the budget revisions for the Project Phoenix Funds and Enterprise Fund for FY 2024-25;
2. 2. Inter-fund Transfer for FY 2024-25:
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June 11, 2024
i. $70,000 transfer from the General Fund to Sewer Fund to subsidize the operating costs of this fund.
Councilmember Mintz recused himself from this item due to a possible conflict of interest and exited the Council Chambers at 6:51 p.m.
Finance Director Hernandez provided the Staff Report and Power Point presentation.
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Bilderain closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to approve the following:
1. Resolution No. 24-16, approving the budget revisions for the Project Phoenix Funds and Enterprise Fund for FY 2024-25;
2. Inter-fund Transfer for FY 2024-25:
i. $70,000 transfer from the General Fund to Sewer Fund to subsidize the operating costs of this fund.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MINTZ
ABSENT: KLINK
Councilmember Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 6:55 p.m.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
14. Solid Waste and Recycling Program Update.
RECOMMENDATION: Receive Staff Report and provide comment and direction as desired.
Information Services Director Marshall presented the Staff Report.
Councilmember Wright thanked Director Marshall for all the information he provided.
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Revisit funds that were allocated to the portable showers and Navigation Center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms, announced on behalf of the Desert Trumpet, a Town Hall Meeting that is going to be held on June 29th, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Freedom Plaza in the Community Center and they will be hosting a Candidates Forum on September 14th.
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June 11, 2024
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following updates: SB1383 is going to be a pretty good opportunity for our constituents to do a little more to help with the overall waste issues that the State of California is experiencing, Home 2 Suites in in the fourth round of plan checks and building permits are next in the process, he attended the 29 and Beyond event, hosted by TBID, VHR numbers are declining, however, this is the first time that the Transient Occupancy Tax has surpassed the amount hotels have collected, Animal Control staff has done an incredible job, they do so much with so little, and he mentioned that he has assumed the position of Councilmember Scott on the East Valley Regional Steering Committee.
He announced that a Juneteenth celebration is Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Knott's Sky Park and a Flag Raising Ceremony for Juneteenth will take place on Wednesday, June 19th at 8:00 a.m. here at City Hall. He commented that Park and Recreation has begun their summer Day Camp sessions, swim lessons, the Luckie Park pool is open and summer movies begin Thursday at Freedom Plaza. He mentioned that Park and Recreation will sponsor a Blood Donor Day on Friday, June 14th and also on Friday, Morongo Unified School District is hosting a Summer Meal Kickoff Barbecue at Luckie Park beginning at 11:00 a.m., basketball camp has begun, and the Youth Council has started to have meetings.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer