TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
November 12, 2024
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Youth Councilmember Thomas Elkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Rev. Casey Orndorf, 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 our website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Presentation by Reach Out Yucca Valley on current projects.
Ms. Carrie Kish, Program Coordinator, Ms. Victoria Boardan, Outreach Specialist, and Mr. Reydi Santos, Environmental Protection and Outreach Coordinator provided an update on the various programs and current projects they are working on in Twentynine Palms.
2. Recap of "Dine in 29" and Restaurant Week by Terence Latimer, organizer.
Mr. Terrence Lattimer provided a recap of what took place during the "Dine in 29" event that took place in September. He also thanked the City Council for their support in making this happen.
3. Presentation on the Upcoming Creche Festival by Ms. Suzy Dick.
Ms. Suzy Dick provided information on the upcoming annual Creche Festival.
4. Presentation of the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for FY 2023-24.
Ms. Brianna Schultz, Rogers, Anderson, Malody and Scott (RAMS) presented the City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked for a number of 501 (c) (3)s that received funding from the City in 2024 and what was the dollar amount. He also asked if the CPAs are conducting a checks and balance audit or a forensic audit. City Manager James commented that he would send these questions to the auditor. Ms. Schultz replied that the audit is absolutely not a forensic audit. Mr. Nathraj commented that in the future a forensic audit should be conducted.
City Council - Regular Meeting
November 12, 2024
5. Single Audit Report on Federal Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24.
City Manager James gave a Power Point Presentation of the Single Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
6. Presentation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on the new Flock Camera System.
Lt. Al Huff, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, presented information on the new Flock Camera System. He then passed the floor to Mr. Jesse Mund, Account Manager with Flock, who provided more information on the system. He will also be assisting Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley with getting this system operational in our community.
Lt. Huff then provided a Power Point presentation on Innovation and the benefits of having this system.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott had nothing to report.
Councilmember Wright mentioned that he voted, he attended a Noah's Ark party on Halloween at the Gospel Fellowship Church, the Lutheran Church's Social Services Gala, and he mentioned the Warhawks are getting ready for playoffs. He wished Marines a Happy Marine Corps Birthday and wished all Veterans a Happy Veterans Day.
Councilmember Mintz mentioned that he attended the Marine Corps Birthday pageant, the Marine Corps Ball, the Halloween Trunk, or Treat, the MDAQMD meeting and he substituted for Mayor Pro Tem Klink and assisted the 29 Palms Food Pantry by stocking shelves, as Mayor Pro Tem Klink has an injury and cannot assist at the moment. He wished all Marines a Happy Birthday and Happy Veterans Day to all Veterans.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink commented that he voted as well, he attended the SBCTA meeting in San Bernardino and the Marine Corps Ball. He congratulated Mayor Bilderain for being reelected and congratulated Ms. April Ramirez for winning the election for his seat in District 2.
Mayor Bilderain wished all Veterans a Happy Veterans Day, Happy Birthday to all Marines, Happy Birthday to his oldest daughter and Happy 37th Birthday to the City. He mentioned that he attended some meetings with constituents, an audit meeting, and met with some other organizations, the Trunk or Treat, the Battle of the Bell, the Birthday Pageant on Base, the Marine Corps Ball, three cake cutting ceremonies on the Marine Corps Birthday and the Veterans Tribute in Yucca Valley.
CONSENT CALENDAR
7. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
8. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on September 24, 2024, and October 22, 2024.
9. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $919,200.54.
10. Modify the Theatre 29 License Agreement to Allow the City to Assume Responsibility for Routine Maintenance and Minor Repairs of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager to start fragment work with the City Attorney to amend the Theatre facility licensing agreement transferring responsibility for the routine maintenance and minor repairs to the A/C system from the Theatre to the City and authorize the City Manager to execute the amended Theatre facility license agreement.
City Council - Regular Meeting
November 12, 2024
11. Award the Cholla Avenue Widening Project.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Adopt the project design represented by the Plans and Specifications for the Cholla Avenue Widening Project.
2. Award the contract for the “Cholla Avenue Project” to Universal Construction Inc, for the amount of $488,370 and authorize a 10% contingency of $48,837 for a total contract amount of $537,207.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the contract, including any necessary amendments thereto.
12. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Community Leaning Equipping Project Inc. (CLEP) RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Community Learning Equipping Project Inc. (CLEP), otherwise known as the "the Hope Center". This organization is the non-profit branch of the Sanctuary Church.
Councilmember Scott asked to remove item #12 from Consent for discussion.
Mayor Bilderain mentioned that two emails were received to remove #12.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted, minus item #12.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, KLINK, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
13. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Community Leaning Equipping Project Inc. (CLEP).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Community Learning Equipping Project Inc. (CLEP), otherwise known as the "the Hope Center". This organization is the nonprofit branch of the Sanctuary Church.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
Councilmember Scott thanked the Staff for all their hard work pushing this grant through. He feels this will be very helpful to our community if we are awarded the grant.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Community Learning Equipping Project Inc. (CLEP), otherwise known as the "the Hope Center". This organization is the non-profit branch of the Sanctuary Church.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, KLINK, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting
November 12, 2024
PUBLIC HEARING
14. Adopt Resolution 24-23 Confirming the Costs of Abating a Vacant Parcel APN: 0624-161-19-0000, Full of Trash, Debris, Abandoned Motorhome, an Illegal Dumping Ground that was Declared a Public Nuisance and Cleaned under the Direction of the Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council confirm the cost of $17,976.68 for the abatement of the property. The City Council to direct the property owner to pay the confirmed cost of abatement within ten (10) days following the Public Hearing and/or the Code Enforcment Division would be directed to record the confirmed cost of abatement as a Special Assessment against the property.
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 Mayor Pro Tem Klink, seconded by Councilmember Wright to have the City Council confirm the cost of $17,976.68 for the abatement of the property. The City Council direct the property owner to pay the confirmed cost of abatement within ten (10) days following the Public Hearing and/or the Code Enforcement Division would be directed to record the confirmed cost of abatement as a Special Assessment against the property.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, KLINK, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
15. Molding Hearts' Proposal to Provide Housing and Rehabilitative Services for Unhoused Twentynine Palms Residents.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Molding Hearts' proposal to provide housing and rehabilitative services for unhoused Twentynine Palms residents.
City Manager James provided a little background and then passed the floor to Ms. Laquita Johnson, CEO of Molding Hearts who gave a Power Point Presentation on Molding Hearts.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, spoke in favor of the proposal.
Faith Nicholson, Yucca Valley, spoke in favor of Molding Hearts.
Astrid Johnson, Twentynine Palms, spoke in favor of Molding Hearts.
Eric Menendez, spoke about the need for resources in this community.
Mayor Bilderain, mentioned that an email was received by Ms. Cindy Bernard for the record.
City Council - Regular Meeting
November 12, 2024
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mintz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Klink to execute the Molding Hearts' proposal to provide housing and rehabilitative services for unhoused Twentynine Palms residents.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, KLINK, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
16. Planning for a Brighter Future: Aligning Future Goals with Present Day Actions.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a contract for professional services with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG) to conduct a comprehensive long-term strategic planning initiative for an amount not to exceed $36,360.00.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
Eric Menendez, spoke about the importance of the public's involvement in these Workshops.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Mintz, to negotiate and enter into a contract for professional services with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG) to conduct a comprehensive long-term strategic planning initiative for an amount not to exceed $36,360.00.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: KLINK, MINTZ, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: SCOTT
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Revisit allocated funds for the portable showers and Navigation Center.
2. Discussion on the General Plan Update.
3. Discussion surrounding (i) costs to maintain dirt roads verses paved roads; (ii) what is a City maintained dirt road, a non-maintained dirt road, a road that has been accepted by the City, a road that is private and not accepted by the City; (iii) the City's ability and liability associated with the City periodically maintaining non-maintained roads, and (iv) ways residents can bring non-maintained and non-accepted dirt roads to paved-rural-road standards ready for acceptance into the City's accepted-and-maintained road list.
4. Shade structures around Freedom Plaza and a possible art fixture with "Freedom Plaza" announcing the location.
5. A review and discussion of fees as it relates to Site Plan Reviews for Barber Shops in existing buildings.
6. Discussion on increasing the City Council compensation.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink asked that an investigation on abandoned homes in the community be conducted. Councilmember Mintz seconded the item.
City Council - Regular Meeting
November 12, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENTS
LeeAnn Clarke, 29 Palms Ministerial Association, provided the following updates to the City Council: The Mayor's Prayer Breakfast is Tuesday, November 19th beginning at 7:00 a.m., a Community Thanksgiving Service will be held Sunday, November 24th at Freedom Plaza. Regarding Action Council, she mentioned that there is a new mural coming to town and it will be on the wall at Ace Hardware.
Jacqueline Pfister, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding recently attending a TBID meeting and wanted to speak, but was not given the opportunity to do so. She feels this is a violation of the Brown Act and should be addressed.
Eric Menendez spoke about the public not having the opportunity to speak at meetings and a conversation he recently had with the TBID Chair. He also suggested strongly that TBID meetings need to be recorded.
Randy Stevens, Twentynine Palms, thanked the City Council for the support and help with the Hoop Shoot recently held and sponsored by the Elks Lodge. He presented the City Council with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Elks Lodge.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following updates: regarding City Council salaries, Interim Finance Director Keniry did some research and what will need to happen is the change of salaries will need to go before the City Council as a Public Hearing and then a second time for adoption. He mentioned that he attended the Marine Corps Ball and the Twentynine Palms Book Festival. He then passed the floor to City Attorney Muñoz who thanked Mayor Pro Tem Klink for his service and what a pleasure it has been to work with him all these years. He has been a great friend.
Mayor Bilderain commented on the Hawaiin shirts that the City Council and City Manager were wearing, saying that they are being worn in honor of Mayor Pro Tem Klink. He had Mayor Pro Tem Klink sit in the Mayor's seat to close out the meeting one last time.
Mayor Pro Tem Klink thanked everyone and looks forward to watching this City Council move forward. He sang Happy Birthday to the City and to his mother in heaven.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Pro Tem Klink adjourned the meeting in honor of his mother at 8:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer