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TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
July 23, 2024
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
5:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
- Mayor Bilderain called the Closed Session to order at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call
-The following Councilmembers were present:
Klink, Mintz, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
Adjourn to Closed Session -
Mayor Bilderain adjourned to Closed Session at 5:32 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 (d)(1) - In Re:
National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804, Case No. 1:17-md-2804 (Multi-District Litigation).
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
- Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Boy Scout Thomas Elkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Amy Miranda, First Assembly of God Church, 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.
July 14-15, 2024, Storm Situation Summary Report.
City Manager James presented a PowerPoint presentation relating to the damage from the storm in the community.
Tom Ingram, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the storm and the damage incurred to his property.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
- None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he had nothing to report. He thanked the Staff for all their hard work during the monsoonal storms.
Councilmember Wright commented that he watched the 4th of July Fireworks in Big Bear, he attended the Prayer Breakfast at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Gospel Fellowship's 25th Anniversary celebration. He announced that Warhawks football training began Monday, and he thanked the Staff for all their hard work during the storm.
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that he attended the 4th of July event at Knotts' Sky Park, he attended some meetings at City Hall, and he thanked Staff for their professionalism and hard work during the monsoonal storms.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink commented that he attended Blessed Sacrament's Prayer Breakfast, the Morongo Basin Healthcare District's Budget meeting, and he wished everyone celebrating a birthday in July, especially City Clerk Villescas and Councilmember Mintz. The City Council then sang Happy Birthday to City Clerk Villescas and Councilmember Mintz. He announced that he will not be running for City Council again.
Mayor Bilderain mentioned that he attended the ASYMCA Service Members of the Quarter Luncheon, MUSD Summer Barbecue, the Blood Donor Drive, the Juneteenth Celebration at Knotts' Sky Park, the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall, he had the opportunity to represent Twentynine Palms in the All Star State Softball Tournament, and he met with constituents and with Team Rubicon after the storms.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on June 25, 2024.
Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $1,710,963.89
Treasurer's Report - FY 2023-24 Quarter 4.
Recommendation:
The City Council receive and approve the Treasurer's Report for the 4th Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Adoption of Measure I Five-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 through 2028-2029.
Recommendation:
The City Council adopt Resolution No. 24-17 approving the Measure I Five-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 through 2028-2029.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, 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 HEARINGS
Twentynine Palms Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District #1, Confirming Assessment and Levying Assessment for FY 2024-2025.
Recommendation:
The City Council:
Review and approve a request to increase the maintenance area for L-1 to include parkway segments on Mimosa Avenue from Florida Drive and Sunnyslope Drive.
Conduct the Public Hearing.
Adopt Resolution No. 24-18; a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms confirming the diagram and assessment and levying assessment pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
City Manager James presented 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 Adopt Resolution No. 24-18; a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms confirming the diagram and assessment and levying assessment pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
Development Code Amendment Home Occupation Permits.
Recommendation:
The City Council finds the project exempt from CEQA and adopts the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
Community Development Director Gardner (Director Gardner) presented 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 Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
Development Code Amendment, Article 4 Part 1.
Recommendation
:
The City Council finds the amendment exempt from CEQA and adopts the Ordinance, approving the Development Code Amendment.
Director Gardner presented 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 Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Klink, to find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
New National Opioid Settlement with Kroger Co.
Recommendation:
The City Council:
Adopt Resolution No. 24-19 to Join a New National Opioid Settlement with Kroger Co., Authorize the City Manager to take all necessary and reasonable actions to effectuate the City’s participation, including executing all necessary agreements and documents subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Klink, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to Adopt Resolution No. 24-19 to Join a New National Opioid Settlement with Kroger Co., and authorize the City Manager to take all necessary and reasonable actions to effectuate the City’s participation, including executing all necessary agreements and documents subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney.
T
he above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
KLINK, MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
July 14-15, 2024, Monsoonal Storm.
Recommendation:
The City Council review any item relating to the storm that occurred on July 14-15, 2024, and provide direction on how to proceed if needed.
City Manager James explained that he put this item on the agenda in the event there was something he needed to bring to the City Council such as an emergency declaration. He mentioned there is nothing at this time, so the City Council can skip this item.
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Revisit funds that were allocated to the portable showers and Navigation Center.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mary Firestine, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the damage to her home and to her ex-husband's home.
Terence Latimer, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that Ms. Carrie Williams and Councilmember Scott brought forth a grant opportunity for a resilience center which is relevant now due to the recent flash floods and the resulting damages. He commented that there is now a compelling reason to leverage this moment to unify efforts in resources for a successful grant application and he urges the City Council to prioritize this initiative and push it across the finish line as soon as possible.
Yatish Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, commented that it was great to see the community come together, but more needs to be done. He commented that he feels that the City should hold private developers accountable because of recklessness of development.
Susan Peplow, Twentynine Palms, echoed what was previously mentioned of the great work of City Staff, community members and Marines. There were endless groups of people that banded together to help out. She mentioned that there is no great fix, we do not have a direct line with Mother Nature. She mentioned she does not blame the City Council or Public Works for what has happened, she feels it is just the nature of the beast. She suggested to berm some of these areas and suggested bulk neighborhood pickups by Burrtec.
Robin Schlosser, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that she has lived here for 30 years and prior to that she lived in Northern California, and they learned up there that they needed to be self-sufficient. She commented that she really appreciates the people here because you cannot predict these storms. She mentioned that all we can do is prepare as much as we can and pick up the pieces afterwards. She commended Staff for all their hard work and thanked everyone for coming together and for a job well done.
Robert Firestine, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City for what has been done thus far, however, when a homeowner does what he needs to do to protect his property and then someone comes in and develops and blocks what that homeowner has done, causing water flow to be diverted and that water goes into people's home, it upsets him and he would like to know how do we stop this from happening.
DeAnna Marie-Margaret Greer, Twentynine Palms, commented that she was one of the homes that were affected by the monsoonal storms. She mentioned that she came to the City Council meeting to suggest a date and time to have the community come together and meet to help clean up the areas that have been affected.
Clary Walters, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the damage she incurred from the storm. She mentioned that she is upset because neighbors are diverting the water by placing items in the alleyway. She is pleading with the City to do something.
Douglas Walters, Twentynine Palms, mentioned that he sent an email with photos of the damage to their home. He mentioned that the retention wall that the cemetery put up has diverted the water into the homes in those areas.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, commented that his damage has been caused by poor planning and irresponsible neighbors who failed to do the correct construction and lacked maintenance of water runs. He commented that our code compliance should be visiting properties for upkeep instead of harassing business owners for someone parking in their vacant lot. He asks that the City go after those who fail to maintain their property.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James commented that he appreciates the Walters' comments relating to the public utility easements. He mentioned that the Joshua Tree National Park Service did an outstanding job that Sunday providing law enforcement personnel to help with directing traffic, City Staff is currently working on an LAC (Local Assistance Center) to bring together as many resources the community may need during this time, and the goal is to try to have this happen next week.
He mentioned that Burrtec will be issuing a schedule change to weekly pickup service beginning August 12th. He commented that one thing he has been monitoring is the status of the roll off bins that Burrtec put in various neighborhoods in the City.
Mayor Bilderain commented that the City Council heard many negative comments tonight and all we can say is that we are working to improve and one thing that we can be grateful for is that no lives were lost as a result of these storms as has happened in past years. He thanked everyone for their patience.
ADJOURNMENT
- Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer