TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
January 14, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Ben Adams led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Rev. Don Thursby, Little Church of the Desert, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Mintz, Ramirez, Scott, Wright.
Closed Session Announcements - None.
Changes to the Agenda - City Manager James asked that the City Council pull item #9 from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
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. State of the Base Address by Brigadier General Mark H. Clingan.
Brigadier General Clingan provided the State of the Base Address.
2. Presentation by Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) of the Arts and Culture Award.
Ms. Xarene Eskander, PAAC member, presented Ms. LeeAnn Clarke with the Arts and Cultural Award.
3. Presentation to Feathers and Fur Wildlife Rehab Team and Morongo Basin ARCH for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz presented checks in the amount of $300 each from Burrtec Waste and the City of Twentynine Palms to Feather and Fur Wildlife Rahab Team and Morongo Basin ARCH for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Ramirez mentioned that she attended the East Valley Regional Steering Committee meeting, the Mayor's Toys for 29 Toy Giveaway, the General's Holiday Social Shop with a Cop event, and a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Institute of Inquiry.
Councilmember Scott commented that he attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Institute of Inquiry, the Mayor's Toy Giveaway, and the Toys for 29 Golf Tournament.
City Council - Regular Meeting
January 14, 2025
Councilmember Wright mentioned that he attended the Mayor's Toy Giveaway, the Shop with a Cop event, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Institute of Inquiry and the General's Holiday Reception. He wished everyone celebrating a birthday in January a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz mentioned that he attended the General's Holiday Social, the Shop with a Cop event, the Mayor's Toy Giveaway, and he helped out at Sky’s the Limit event.
Mayor Bilderain commented that he attended the Toy Giveaway, the General's Holiday Reception, the Shop with a Cop event and the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. He also met with constituents.
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 November 11, 2024, and December 10, 2024.
6. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $1,331,140.63.
7. Material Acquisition for the Road Overlay from Blue Diamond with the SB 1 Funds.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the purchase of materials for road overlay from Blue Diamond with SB1 funds to repair/maintain the attached list of streets in the amount not to exceed $687,400.
8. Award an Agreement for Design Services for the SR 62 Phase 2B Project.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Award a Professional Services Agreement to David Evans and Associates for the SR 62 Phase 2B Project”, subject to “Approval as to Form” by the City Attorney and “Approval as to Content” by the City Manager in the amount of $526,083.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the Agreement including any necessary amendments.
9. Award an Agreement for Design Services for the Hatch Road and Sullivan Road Bike Path Project.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Award a contract to HRGreen Pacific for the“Hatch Road and Sullivan Road Bike Path Project” subject to “Approval as to Form” by the City Attorney and “Approval as to Content” by the City Manager in the amount of $518,930.50.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the Agreement including any necessary amendments.
10. Split Rock Avenue Bridge Project- Construction Management Services Contract.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council:
1. Award an Agreement for Construction Management Services for the “Split Rock Avenue Bridge Project” to Parsons Transportation Group for a total contract amount of $929,755.10;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the Agreement including any necessary amendments.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted, minus item #9.
City Council - Regular Meeting
January 14, 2025
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
11. Award an Agreement for Design Services for the Hatch Road and Sullivan Road Bike Path Project.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Award a contract to HRGreen Pacific for the “Hatch Road and Sullivan Road Bike Path Project” subject to “Approval as to Form” by the City Attorney and “Approval as to Content” by the City Manager in the amount of $518,930.50.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the Agreement including any necessary amendments.
City Attorney Muñoz presented the Staff Report and provided more information on this item. He mentioned that there are a few minor tweaks that need to be made on the agreement and provided the changes.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz to award an Agreement for Design Services for the Hatch Road and Sullivan Road Bike Path Project subject to the changes the City Attorney mentioned.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
PUBLIC HEARING
12. Development Code Amendment - Mobile home Parks and Special Occupancy Parks.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council return the item to the Planning Commission for reconsideration of the recommended changes.
Community Development Director Gardner (Director Gardner) introduced the item and recommended that the item be brought back to the Planning Commission for further discussion.
Mayor Bilderain announced that two emails were received for Public Comment, and these will go into the record.
Robert Evans, Twentynine Palms, spike in favor of passing this back to the Planning Commission for further discussion.
Eric Menendez commented on this item and suggested that someone from TBID attend the meeting this item is presented at. He emphasized that he is in support of passing this back to the Planning Commission for further review.
Kat Talley-Jones, Twentynine Palms, welcomed Councilmember Ramirez and then read a letter from "Save Our Deserts".
City Council - Regular Meeting
January 14, 2025
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz to send this item back to the Planning Commission for further review.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
13. Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Advisory Board Appointment.
RECOMMENDATION: The TBID Subcommittee (Mayor Bilderain and past Mayor Pro Tem Klink) will make a recommendation to the City Council for the appointment to the TBID Advisory Board.
Mayor Bilderain presented the Staff Report and gave the recommendation that the subcommittee (Mayor Bilderain and past Mayor Pro Tem Klink) made.
Eric Menendez, asked how many applied for this board position. Mayor Bilderain replied three (3). He provided input about the TBID and how important this role is.
Councilmember Scott asked if at the time of the interviews, was there a two-member subcommittee? Mayor Bilderain replied yes.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to appoint Liz Shickler to the TBID Advisory Board.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
14. Public Arts Advisory Appointments.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council appoint Jenelle Angeles and Rita Lilly as new standing members of the Public Arts Advisory Committee, and to re-appoint Paul Razo for another term as a standing member of the Public Arts Advisory Committee.
Director Gardner presented the Staff Report and reported that the PAAC's recommendation is to appoint Jenelle Angeles and Rita Lilly as new standing members and re-appoint Paul Razo for another term. He then passed the floor to Paul Razo who introduced Ms. Angeles and Ms. Lilly.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to appoint Jenelle Angeles and Rita Lilly to the PAAC and re-appoint Mr. Razo for another term.
City Council - Regular Meeting
January 14, 2025
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
15. City Council Regional Organizational Assignments.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council review Council assignments for Regional Organizations and make appointments as appropriate.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
After a brief discussion, the following recommendations and changes were made:
SBCTA and Measure I - Former Mayor Pro Tem Klink was replaced by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz as the Representative and Councilmember Scott as the alternate.
The Personnel Subcommittee - This committee consists of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, so this will be Mayor Bilderain and Mayor Pro Tem Mintz.
The Budget and Audit Subcommittee - This subcommittee consists of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem, so this will be Mayor Bilderain and Councilmember Ramirez.
Mayor Bilderain asked Councilmember Ramirez if there were any other Boards or Committees, she would like to be the representative for and Councilmember Ramirez replied that she would like to be on the Planning Commission Subcommittee. Currently, this subcommittee consists of Mayor Bilderain and Councilmember Scott. Mayor Bilderain mentioned that he would step down from that committee, to allow Councilmember Ramirez to step in.
The East Valley Regional Steering Committee is a new committee that the City participates in, so that will be added to the list. Councilmember Ramirez and Mayor Bilderain.
Eric Menendez commented on the East Valley Regional Steering Committee and the need to have a healthcare provider as a member on the Committee.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to accept the changes/revisions made to the Organizational Assignments.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: 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.
City Council - Regular Meeting
January 14, 2025
5. A review and discussion of fees as it relates to Site Plan Reviews for Barber Shops in existing buildings.
6. Discussion on abandoned homes in the community.
No additional items were added to the list. City Manager James commented that an update on the current items will be given at the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
LeeAnn Clarke, 29 Palms Ministerial Association, invited the City Council and the public to the Annual Martin Luther King Walk to be held on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Jenn DeFalco, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the upcoming Point in Time Count scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd. She asked for assistance with sleeping bags, blankets, or anything that they can offer to the unhoused during this count.
Eileen Leslie, Twentynine Palms, commented on the need for a discussion on water in our area. She feels that the City Council really needs to look into our need for water supply, especially after what is happening in the Los Angeles area.
Eric Menendez congratulated Ms. Clarke on her award, he asked the City Council to consider recording or televising the TBID meetings as we need to be transparent.
Jeff Grabow, Twentynine Palms, announced that he is the Corporate Chair of Los Medicos Voladores, also known as the Flying Doctors, and they will be in Yucca Valley on March 8 and 9 at Yucca Valley High School. He mentioned that there will be 20 dentists and oral surgeons and up to 6 optometrists at this event. This is an all-free event and if anyone would like additional information, you can go to the website, www.flyingdocs.org.
Lakita Johnson, with Molding Hearts, commented that she will be at the next City Council meeting, providing a report on the progress of her organization and where the funds are going that the City provided. She mentioned that they have housed 16 individuals and 3 families.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following updates: the Split Rock Bridge is completely designed and the City received state funding for the project, the gates for the Animal Control shelter stalls have arrived and will be installed soon. City Manager James commented that he was able to go out and respond to and support the fires in L.A. County in his capacity as a reserve Sheriff and EMT for L.A. County over the weekend. He saw so many people lose everything. He mentioned that he got to thinking about how our community would react to something like that. He encouraged the community to reach out to their neighbors and stay in contact with them so that if a tragedy occurs, we can look out for each other.
Mayor Bilderain commented that he didn't have the opportunity to say thank you to everyone for keeping him on as Mayor for another year, lets continue to do what we did in 2024 coming into 2025. He looks forward to a great 2025.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - Mayor Bilderain adjourned to Closed Session at 7:40 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)2): (2 cases) The City Council came out of Closed Session at 8:40 p.m. with no reportable action.
City Council - Regular Meeting
January 14, 2025
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer