TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
April 22, 2025
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
5:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the Closed Session to order at 5:02 p.m.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Mintz, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
Adjourn to Closed Session - Mayor Bilderain adjourned to Closed Session at 5:05 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE §54957 - PUBLIC EMPLOYEES PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, CITY MANAGER.
2. CLOSED SESSION CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION.
GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9 (D) (2) (4 CASES).
3. CLOSED SESSION, CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INITIATION OF LITIGATION, GOVERNMENT CODE §54956.9 (c), (1 CASE).
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:26 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Ms. Mary Jane Binge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Rev. Don Thursby, Little Church of the Desert, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - the following Councilmembers were present: Mintz, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
Closed Session Announcements - Nothing to report.
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.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Proclamation Recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Mayor Bilderain read the Proclamation in its entirety and presented the Proclamation to Sara Shook on behalf of Partners Against Violence.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 22, 2025
2. Proclamation Recognizing April 2025 as DMV Donate Life Month.
Mayor Bilderain read the Proclamation in its entirety.
3. Proclamation Recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.
Mayor Bilderain read the Proclamation in its entirety.
4. Presentation to the Twentynine Palms High School Class of 2028 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 Recycling Services and the City of Twentynine Palms to the Twentynine Palms High School Class of 2028 for their trash pick-up efforts in and around the area of Cienega Dr and Hwy 62.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Ramirez said that she attended the Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, Special Olympics, Wing n It Easter Extravaganza, 29 Palms Youth Council Youth Olympics, Morongo Basin Fire Egg Hunt, EDRSC Meeting, and met with constituents.
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended the 29 Palms Youth Council Youth Olympics, EDRSC meeting, Special Olympics, Wing n It Easter Extravaganza, Sunrise Service, Morongo Basin Housing Solutions Team meeting, two (2) Toastmasters meetings, and met with constituents.
Councilmember Wright said that he attended the Good Friday Service, Sunrise Service, Easter Resurrection Service Basin Transit meeting and TPHS Track and Field event where Aaron Haney broke the long jump record.
Mayor ProTem Mintz commented that he attended a Basin Transit meeting to review next year's budget, Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District meeting, San Bernardino County Transit Authority meeting, City of Twentynine Palms’ 2- Day Strategic Planning meetings, and Mountain Desert Measure I meeting. He apologized for missing the Special Olympics and Youth Olympics as both events took place while he was out of town.
Mayor Bilderain wished everyone a Happy Easter and thanked all public service agencies that hosted Easter events. He requested Happy Birthday be sung for Councilmember Ramirez. He mentioned that he attended the 1st quarter NCO Service Member Luncheon, the City of Twentynine Palms 2-Day Strategic Planning meeting, Budget and Personnel Committee meetings, and the Twentynine Palms Youth Council Olympics.
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 March 25, 2025.
7. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $2,372,871.69
8. Updating Information with the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-01, updating the City's authorized officers to order the deposit or withdrawal of funds in the City's LAIF account.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 22, 2025
9. Updating the Authorized Signers on the City's Bank Accounts.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-02, designating authorized signers on the City Bank Accounts.
10. Treasurer's Report - FY 2024-25 Quarter 3.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and approve the Treasurer's Report for the 3rd Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024-25.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION – None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Housing Element Annual Report.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council accept the Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to accept and file the Housing Element Annual Progress Report
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
12. General Plan Status Report.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council accept this report.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to accept the General Plan Status report.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 22, 2025
13. DCA - Chapter 19.02 Authority and Chapter 19.04 The General Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance approving The Development Code Amendment.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to accept the staff recommendation on Chapter 19.02 Authority and Chapter 19.04 The General Plan.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
14. DCA23-000004 - Mobile Home Parks and Special Occupancy Parks.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt the Ordinance approving the Development Code Amendment for Chapter 19.124 Mobile Home Parks and Special Occupancy Parks.
Community Development Director Gardner (Director Gardner) presented the Staff Report.
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms, spoke on behalf of Pat Flanagan who is not against campgrounds or RVs but believes commercial uses like these under consideration should be in tourist commercial zoning.
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms, endorsed Pat Flanagan's comments.
Susan Peplow, Joshua Tree, attended the Planning Commission session surrounding this discussion. She commented that she supports commercial tourism and feels this is an appropriate location for RV parks, camping and public lands.
John Talley-Jones, Twentynine Palms, spoke against this code.
MHeT - Manufactured Housing Educational Trust, submitted a letter for the record with recommended modifications to the zoning proposal.
Pat Flanagan - Twentynine Palms, submitted a letter referenced above for the record.
ACTION: All Councilmembers were in favor by voice vote, to table this item.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
15. Confirming the Costs of Abating 6045 Adobe Road.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council confirm the cost of $2,527.70 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 Enforcement Division would be directed to record the confirmed cost of abatement as a Special Assessment against the property.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Ramirez, to approve the cost of $2,527.70 for the abatement of the property and direct the property owner to pay the confirmed cost of the abatement within ten (10) days following the Public Hearing and/or the Code Enforcement Division would be directed to record the confirmed cost of the abatement as a Special Assessment against the property.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 22, 2025
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
16. Contract Amendment for Charles Abbott Associates.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the Agreement for Contract Services Fee Amendment.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve the Agreement for Contract Services Fee Amendment for Charles Abbott Associates.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
17. Update on the Self-Build Housing Project.
City Manager James presented the report.
City Attorney Munoz provided additional information.
Scott Curry, Twentynine Palms, encouraged the City Council to purchase the lots.
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms, agreed with Scott Curry and spoke in favor of purchasing the lots.
Thelma Wingate, Twentynine Palms, supports the Self-Build Housing Project.
Shane DeFalco, Twentynine Palms, spoke in favor of the Self-Build Housing Project.
Jenn DeFalco, Twentynine Palms, supports the Self-Build Housing Project, and believes this is an amazing opportunity for our community.
Karen Harper, Twentynine Palms, thinks this is a good idea and asked what has the City done to get community members approved for the program.
Carlos A. Blandon, Twentynine Palms, said he heard at our last meeting that we are in a deficit and questioned why we don't we go after abated property and slumlords . He added that CVHC has a lot of legal issues, including fraud and corruption.
Stephen Friedley, Twentynine Palms, agreed with Councilmember Scott and previous public comments on this item and added that the City Council needs to start thinking outside the box.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 22, 2025
A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, giving direction to staff to inquire about the acquisition of ten (10) residential vacant lots in the City of Twentynine Palms for the Self-Help Construction Program. * Motion Died due to lack of second.
Following the City Council discussion, the City Council provided direction to City Manager James to invite Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) to Twentynine Palms to have a community workshop to explain to community members the qualifications of the Self-Help Construction Program.
18. Repurposing Unhoused Shower and Resource Center Funds for Youth Backpacks.
RECOMMENDATION: This is an opportunity to discuss the City Council's interest in repurposing a portion of the remaining $37,010 previously allocated to purchase a mobile shower and partially fund a community resource center. Additionally, the City Council should decide whether this item should go through the Housing and Homelessness Committee for a recommendation as to whether the funds be repurposed.
Karen Harper, Twentynine Palms, spoke in support of the program. Ms. Harper's business Jeanine Beauty Supply is willing to support the voucher program along with Women of Color Global.
Jenn DeFalco, Twentynine Palms, said she is concerned that the funds are coming from the Unhoused Fund and Morongo Unified School District gives back to school backpacks and gift cards to students.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to grant $5,000 to Lynette Ramirez's Ready for Reading Book Club for the purpose of providing back to school backpacks and haircuts and clothing vouchers to Twentynine Palms students. The remaining funds would be donated to a local teacher to assist with classroom supplies.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
19. Joshua Tree No Kill Animal Shelter Woof Walk Donation Request.
RECOMMENDATION: Recognizing the important partnership between the Palms N Paws Animal Shelter and the Joshua Tree Animal Shelter, Staff requests the City Council support this event.
Glen Harris, Co-President of the Joshua Tree Animal Shelter, gave a presentation to the City Council.
ACTION: All Councilmembers were in favor by voice vote to sponsor $1,500 to the Joshua Tree Animal Shelter for the 2025 Woof Walk.
20. AB 647 (González, M.) Housing Development Approvals: Bill Allowing Demolition of Single-Family Homes and Constructing up to Eight Dwelling Units
RECOMMENDATION: City Staff and the California League of Cities recommend the City Council vote to oppose AB 647 and authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the attached opposition letter, on City letterhead, to our local legislator.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Mintz, to authorize the City Manager to sign and submit the opposition letter, on City letterhead, to our local legislator.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 22, 2025
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Discussion on the General Plan Update.
2. 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.
3. Shade structures around Freedom Plaza and a possible art fixture with "Freedom Plaza" announcing the location.
4. A review and discussion of fees as it relates to Site Plan Reviews for ancillary uses.
5. Discussion on abandoned homes in the community.
6. Discussion on reorganizing the Homeless and Housing Committee.
7. Discussion on partnering with the Boys and Girls Club.
8. Discussion on reviewing policies for non-profits who receive funding from the City.
9. Discussion of a policy regulating the use of City Attorney resources.
10. Revisit allocated funds for the portable showers and Navigation Center.
City Manager James mentioned Director Gardner and the Public Works Department have been working together to map all of the roads (paved and dirt) within our City. Director Gardner and City Manager James will bring an overview report to the City Council in May regarding maintained and non-maintained roads and share with the community the cost of making a dirt road to a paved road. Director Gardner and his department are making progress on review and discussion of fees as it relates to site plan reviews for ancillary uses and he expects to bring this to the City Council on the May 27th agenda.
City Manager James commented that he is waiting on an update from the Boys and Girls Club and City Staff is circulating a grant document for future use to assist with the process of City grant recipients.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bryan Mejia, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the knife incident at Luckie Park involving a 13-year-old boy with autism.
Jenn DeFalco, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the need of a water fill station at four corners for the unhoused. The City would provide the water fill station and water and she would provide the cups.
Cindy Bernard, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding a consistent vetting system for nonprofits. She also invited the City Council to the Morongo Basin Conservation Association Water Wise Garden Tour on Sunday, April 27, 2025, 9am - 4pm, tickets are $20 per person. The Bernard home is the only home in Twentynine Palms that is participating.
Lashara Maea, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the knife incident at Luckie Park involving a 13-year-old boy with autism.
Kimber Hartley, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the knife incident at Luckie Park involving a 13-year-old boy with autism.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 22, 2025
Gale French, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding a few undesirable properties on Two Mile Road and requested that the City Council consider an Ordinance to limit the number of non-op vehicles on private properties. She asked if you could rent out a trailer on your property.
Johnathan Santiago, representing ESA Solar, introduced himself to the community and mentioned that ESA Solar is working with Southern California Edison, to develop a 20-acre battery energy storage system and solar field. They are looking to break ground 2026/2027.
Susan Peplow spoke positively regarding the Planning Department sending postcards out to residents on the topic of trash and garbage cans, PAAC and Public Works did a great job with the refurbishment of the 29! sign, and invited the public to the TBID board meeting Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 3:30pm, where the second half of 2025 grants and sponsorships will be awarded.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following update: the Strategic Planning effort is still underway, who do we want to become in twenty years and identify our zero-to-five-year strategic plan to get there. In addition, he shared a recap of the Strategic Planning Workshops that were held on April 4th & 5th. He mentioned that a community survey will be launched in the next week or so, and welcomed a new restaurant to Twentynine Palms, Snake Bite.
ADJOURNMENT- Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christina Benton
Deputy City Clerk