TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
June 10, 2025
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance. - Miss Tallulah Coleman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Dr. Xarene Eskandar provided the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Mintz, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
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 to the Twentynine Palms High School Boys Baseball Team and the Twentynine Palms Rotary for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Bilderain announced the groups, however there were no representatives to accept their awards. Mayor Bilderain mentioned that we would make sure these groups receive their checks.
2. Proclamation Recognizing June 2025 as Juneteenth Independence Day.
Mayor Bilderain read the Proclamation in its entirety and then presented the Proclamation to Ms. Dawn PritchettSutton.
3. Proclamation Recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Mayor Bilderain read the Proclamation in its entirety and then presented the Proclamation to Zeke Wade.
4. Presentation from Community Events Grant Recipient, Friends of the Historic Plaza, of Report from the Historic Plaza Seasonal Event Series.
Jimmy Brower provided a PowerPoint Presentation on the various events that were held at Historic Plaza.
5. Presentation by the Youth Council - "A Year in Review".
Amy Tessier, Youth Council Advisor, introduced members of the Youth Council who provided a Power Point presentation of the Youth Council's accomplishments over the past year.
City Council - Regular Meeting
June 10, 2025
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilwoman Ramirez mentioned that she went to the Morongo Unified School District (MUSD) Summer Meal Kickoff Barbecue, she had a meeting with NPHS, a non-profit organization that focuses on housing, and she met with some constituents.
Councilmember Scott commented that he attended the MUSD Summer Meal Kickoff, he met with constituents, he attended the Toastmaster's meeting, and he reminded everyone of the Juneteenth event this Saturday.
Councilmember Wright commented that he also attended the MUSD Summer Meal Kickoff, and he is getting ready for the upcoming Warhawks Football Season.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz mentioned that he attended the MUSD Summer Meal Kickoff, the High School Graduation, the Black Rock High School Scholarship Night, the SBCTA meeting and met with the Mayor and Ms. Minatrea regarding community grants.
Mayor Bilderain congratulated all the Seniors who will be graduating this week. He commented that he attended the High School graduation, the Summer Meal Kickoff, and a meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Mintz regarding community grants and had meetings with constituents.
CONSENT CALENDAR
6. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
7. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $1,648,554.58.
8. Benefits Policy - Special Compensation.
RECOMMENDATION: City Council approve Resolution No. 25-05, adopting the City's benefits policy for special compensation.
9. Twentynine Palms Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District #1, Engineer’s Annual Report, and Levy of Assessment for FY 2025-2026.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-06, (A Resolution of the City Council of the City Twentynine Palms Directing the Filing of the Annual Report for the Twentynine Palms Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1);
2. Receive and approve the Engineer's Report as filed or as amended;
3.Adopt Resolution No. 25-07, (A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms Declaring its intention to order improvements, and to levy and collect assessments pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026).
10. Adopt FY 2025 - 2026 SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Project List Resolution.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 25-08 identifying the project(s) to be funded with SB1 RMRA funding for FY 2025-26.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked to pull Item #8 for discussion.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve the Consent Calendar, minus #8 as submitted.
City Council - Regular Meeting
June 10, 2025
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
11. Benefits Policy - Special Compensation.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve Resolution No. 25-05, adopting the City's benefits policy for special compensation.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
Councilwoman Ramirez researched other cities and their Bilingual policy and suggested that the City's allowance be increased to $70 per month or $35 per pay period.
Councilmember Scott asked if this Bilingual Pay is for all employees. City Manager James replied yes.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve Resolution No. 25-05, adopting the City's benefits policy for special compensation.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. Amendment to the Master Citywide User Fee Schedule for FY 2025-26.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the amendments to the City's Master User Fee Schedule for FY 2025-26.
Finance Director Hernandez presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked the Finance Director if fees for the pools could be reduced. He feels they are quite high.
Mayor Bilderain closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve the amendments to the City's Master User Fee Schedule for FY 2025-26.
City Council - Regular Meeting
June 10, 2025
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
13. Presentation of the Proposed Two-Year General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 & 2026-27.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the following:
1. Resolution No. 25-09, approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 & 2026-27 General Fund Budget including the following:
a. Annual Spending Plan
b. Employee Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%
c. Wage Scale and Classification Schedule
2. Inter-fund transfers for FY 2025-26:
a. Transfers from the General Fund to Capital Projects Fund for the following:
-$160K for self-funding and
-$25K to be put aside for the future acquisition of a street sweeper (up to $120,000 per fiscal year).
Finance Director Hernandez presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Vickie Waite, Twentynine Palms, speaking on behalf of the Joshua Tree National Park Council for the Arts, mentioning that the City has been a sponsor since the Inaugural event. This November will be their 10th Anniversary. She mentioned that there is a line item in the City's budget for this event, which was removed last year as they were now asked to apply for a grant through the non-profit organization grant program. Now it appears that funding is being removed, so what is this non-profit supposed to do, especially when their upcoming event will be in November and they were counting on funding from the City for this event? She asked the City Council to reconsider this change.
Jimmy Brower, Twentynine Palms, spoke regarding the Community Events Grant program being removed from the budget. He asked the City Council to reconsider the removal of this program.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz commented that he understands where Ms. Waite is coming from when she says their organization was counting on that funding. He asked the City Council address this when we discuss the strategic plan.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright to approve
1. Resolution No. 25-09, approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 & 2026-27 General Fund Budget including the following:
a. Annual Spending Plan
b. Employee Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%
c. Wage Scale and Classification Schedule
2. Inter-fund transfers for FY 2025-26:
a. Transfers from the General Fund to Capital Projects Fund for the following:
-$160K for self-funding and
-$25K to be put aside for the future acquisition of a street sweeper (up to $120,000 per fiscal year).
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz added that the City Council revisit the allocation of funds as it relates to event grant funds.
City Council - Regular Meeting
June 10, 2025
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
14. Proposed Two-Year Special Revenue Funds Budget for FY 2025-26 & 2026-27.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve:
1. Resolution No. 25-10 that authorizes the adoption of the Special Revenue Funds Budget for the Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
2. Interfund transfers for admin fees in FY 2025-26
a) $10K from the Gas Tax Fund to the General Fund
b) $10K from the Measure I Fund to the General Fund
c) $26K from the Successor Agency Fund to the General Fund Finance Director Hernandez presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Eric Menendez spoke regarding increasing revenue for the City through TBID, such as increasing the TOT tax.
He mentioned that he has been looking at the TBID budget and will be emailing Finance Director Hernandez questions he has.
Mayor Bilderain closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, to approve Resolution No. 25-10 that authorizes the adoption of the Special Revenue Funds Budget for the Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27 and Interfund transfers for admin fees in FY 2025-26; a) $10K from the Gas Tax Fund to the General Fund
b) $10K from the Measure I Fund to the General Fund
c) $26K from the Successor Agency Fund to the General Fund The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
15. Proposed Two-Year Budget: Project Phoenix Funds and Sewer Fund - FY 2025-26 & 2026-27.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve:
1. Resolution No. 25-11 authorizing the adoption of the Project Phoenix Funds and Sewer Fund Budgets for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
2. Approve Inter-fund transfer of $70K from the General Fund to the Sewer Fund to subsidize its operating expenses for FY 2025-26.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz recused himself from this item due to a possible conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers at 7:38 p.m.
Finance Director Hernandez presented the Staff Report.
City Council - Regular Meeting
June 10, 2025
Mayor Bilderain opened the Public Hearing.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked if Ms. Hernandez knew or thought when the bleeding of the single operating expenses is going to stop or is the City going to keep subsidizing that fund.
Mayor Bilderain closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott to approve
1. Resolution No. 25-11 authorizing the adoption of the Project Phoenix Funds and Sewer Fund Budgets for Fiscal Years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
2. Approve Inter-fund transfer of $70K from the General Fund to the Sewer Fund to subsidize its operating expenses for FY 2025-26.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 7:46 p.m.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
16. Five-Year Strategic Plan Update.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report and update to the Strategic Plan. This agenda item is for information only.
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Discussion on the General Plan Update.
2. Shade structures around Freedom Plaza and a possible art fixture with "Freedom Plaza" announcing the location.
3. Discussion on abandoned homes in the community.
4. Discussion on reorganizing the Homeless and Housing Committee.
5. Discussion on partnering with the Boys and Girls Club.
6. Discussion on reviewing policies for non-profits who receive funding from the City.
7. Discussion of a policy regulating the use of City Attorney resources.
8. Discussion on Reach Out Yucca Valley.
9. Discussion on exploring a partnership with Jamboree for affordable housing.
10. Maintained Roads vs. Non-Maintained Roads
11. Discussion on exploring a partnership with Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services (NPHS) for an owneroccupied rehab program.
Mayor Bilderain asked if any of these items could be removed. After a brief discussion, the City Council determined that items 3,6, and 8 can be removed from the list.
City Council - Regular Meeting
June 10, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS
LeeAnn Clarke, Action 29 spokesperson, commented on the uprising of tagging in our community. She commented that most recently, someone tagged the mural that is on the wall at Maximilliano's Mexican Restaurant. She mentioned that Councilmember Scott requested a mural tour for our dignitaries, and they are working on getting that scheduled.
Carlos Blandon, Twentynine Palms, spoke about the closing of Rite Aid, asking if the City plans to bring another pharmacy to the area.
Eric Menendez spoke regarding community engagement and his recent arrest for the graffiti he wrote on the Visitor's Center windows. He asked that the City Council take a good look at the reauthorization of the TBID.
Audrey Philpot, Twentynine Palms, spoke on behalf of the committee that is submitting for the Levitt Foundation grant.
She commented that she is happy to report that the committee is now an affiliate of the Basin wide Foundation. She asked for a letter of support from the City Council.
Veno Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, provided handouts to the City Council. He commented about an email he sent the TBID Marketing Director regarding the Taiwan FAM tour group, who was going to visit our community.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James mentioned that his update was going to be a discussion about the Future Council Initiated Items, so he did not have any additional information to share.
Mayor Bilderain announced that the City Council would not be meeting on July 8 or August 12.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting in memory of Christine Diane Foley at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer