TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
December 9, 2025
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
5:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Pro Tem Mintz called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Mintz, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
Adjourn to Closed Session - Mayor Pro Tem Mintz adjourned to Closed Session at 5:02 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION, Government Code Section § 54956.9 (d)(2), (1 case - Ryan Parker Claim).
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Bilderain called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Steve Reyes led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Minister Jeremy Young from The Sanctuary Church, provided the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Mintz, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Bilderain.
Closed Session Announcements - Mayor Bilderain announced that there was 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. Introduction of New Sheriff's Captain, Captain Steve Scovel, and Presentation to Outgoing Captain, Captain Robert Warrick.
Lt. Huff introduced Captain Scovel and passed the floor to Captain Scovel who gave a brief background of himself. Mayor Bilderain then presented Lt. Huff a plaque for Captain Robert Warrick for his service in the Morongo Basin.
2. Presentation by Joshua Tree National Park to the Twentynine Palms Inn.
Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) Superintendent Jane Rogers recognized the Twentynine Palms Inn for their assistance to the Park's Staff during the Furlough.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
December 9, 2025
3. Recognition of Anna Stump and Audrey Philpot for their Work on the 29 Palms Music Festival Series Grant.
City Manager James introduced Ms. Stump and Ms. Philpot. Mayor Bilderain then presented certificates to them for their contributions in obtaining the Music Festival Grant.
4. Presentation by the Twentynine Palms Youth Council on the Year's Achievements.
Chair Hermosillo and Councilmember Walsh gave a presentation on the year's activities.
5. Presentation by the Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC), Review of 2025.
Chair Paul Razo provided a presentation of the PAAC's accomplishments.
6. Comments by Outgoing Mayor and Presentation of the Mayor's Recognition Award and Employee of the Year Award.
Mayor Bilderain presented Bob and Anita Clinkscales with the Citizen of the Year Award for all their contributions to the community and their volunteer efforts to the City. He then presented the Employee of the Year award to Rick Boyd, Animal Control Manager. Mayor Bilderain provided outgoing comments as Mayor.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Scott mentioned that he attended Wing N It's Thanksgiving Dinner, the 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians' Turkey Giveaway and met with many constituents.
Councilmember Wright first acknowledged some birthdays in December, Rochelle, LaVetta, his father and Arianna have birthdays in December. He mentioned that he attended the annual Thanksgiving Service hosted by the Ministerial Association and the JPA meeting. He commented that he was unable to attend the Mayor's Toys for 29 Golf Tournament because he had a Warhawks football game on the same day, and he attended the Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony and was very impressed with the Halo float.
Councilwoman Ramirez mentioned that she, along with NPHS, hosted a Workshop for first time homebuyers, she mentioned that City Manager James was nominated for the Larry Chimbole award that is presented by the League of California Cities. She thanked Dr. James for saving his daughter's life one evening while at City Hall. Her daughter was choking on a piece of candy, and he helped get the candy out. She also thanked City Clerk Villescas for her assistance in calling 9-1-1.
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz commented that he attended the Basin Transit meeting, the Measure I meeting, the SBCTA meeting, the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light parade, and he helped park cars at a Sky's the Limit event. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Mayor Bilderain mentioned that he attended the Partners Against Domestic Violence Fundraiser at Rasta Rita, the Historical Society's Marine Corps Birthday ceremony where he was the Master of Ceremonies, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem's Toys for 29 Golf Tournament, the Youth Council meeting, the Light Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony, and the Base Tree Lighting ceremony. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
CONSENT CALENDAR
7. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
8. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $1,921,729.04.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
December 9, 2025
9. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 326, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms, California Amending Title 8 of the City of Twentynine Palms Municipal Code RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Ordinance No. 255-326, repealing Section 18.01, California Code of Regulations, Chapter 18.01 of Title 18 of the Twentynine Palms Municipal Codes, and sets the matter for a Public Hearing and Ordinance adoption at the City Council meeting of November 12, 2025.
10. Twentynine Palms Farmer's Market and No Parking Signs in Farmer's Market Area within Freedom Plaza.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt a Resolution prohibiting public parking and authorizes the removal of vehicles at prescribed times within Freedom Plaza in the Farmer's Market area.
11. Improving the Accuracy of the 2025/2026 Community Assessment.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager to work with the City Attorney's office to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement for the Phase 1/Limited engagement of Clifford Moss in the amount of $14,000.00.
12. Lot Donation, APN 061725118 located on the east side of National Park Drive between 6719 and 6937 National Park Drive.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize City Staff to work with the City Attorney to accept the donation of APN 061725118 located on the east side of National Park Drive between 6719 and 6937 National Park Drive.
13. Information on the Importance of Periodic Septic System Maintenance.
RECOMMENDATION: The purpose of this agenda item is to make the public aware of the vital need to periodically inspect and maintain your septic system. Proper maintenance will help protect the City's water supply and may help residents avoid expensive repairs. The EPA recommends having a professional inspect your system at least every three years and pump out the system every three to five years. Do your part to protect our water supply!
14. Adoption of Twentynine Palms' Five-Year Strategic Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt the attached Five-Year Strategic Plan and ensure this plan serves as a guide for both the City Council and City staff as they strive improve the City's financial sustainability, improve our community's economic vibrancy, and enhance our quality of life.
Carlos Blandon, Twentynine Palms, spoke on items #12, 14, 15.
Councilmember Wright asked for item number 11 be pulled for discussion.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked for item number 15 be pulled for discussion.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve the remainder of 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
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
December 9, 2025
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
15. Adoption of Twentynine Palms' Five-Year Strategic Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt the attached Five-Year Strategic Plan and ensure this plan serves as a guide for both the City Council and City staff as they strive improve the City's financial sustainability, improve our community's economic vibrancy, and enhance our quality of life.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
Councilwoman Ramirez suggested some edits to the document.
Councilmember Scott made a motion to remove the Ofland wording from the Strategic Plan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Manager James indicated that there was a need to add wording to the Theatre 29 portion of the document. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Scott to have the City continue to look for opportunities to expand the existing theater or possibly build a new theater.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Councilwoman Ramirez indicated that there is nothing relating to AB296 in the Strategic Plan. The consensus of the City Council was to add AB296 to the document which allows the City Manager to ensure we are in compliance with AB296.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mintz, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to adopt the attached Five-Year Strategic Plan and ensure this plan serves as a guide for both the City Council and City staff as they strive improve the City's financial sustainability, improve our community's economic vibrancy, and enhance our quality of life.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: MINTZ, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Mayor Pro Tem abstained from item #11 due to a possible conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers at 7:22 p.m.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
December 9, 2025
16. Twentynine Palms Farmer's Market and No Parking Signs in Farmer's Market Area within Freedom Plaza.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt a Resolution prohibiting public parking and authorizes the removal of vehicles at prescribed times within Freedom Plaza in the Farmer's Market area.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
Carlos Blandon, Twentynine Palms, agrees with this decision to be clearer on the parking at Freedom Plaza.
Roger Thomas, Twentynine Palms, agrees with the time change of 4am to 3pm, that would be helpful.
Councilmember Wright asked if once these signs are put up if that is going to apply only to the one day of Saturday and would the sign say No Parking on Saturday? City Manager James replied yes.
City Clerk Villescas indicated that there is no Resolution attached to the Report and the Recommendation calls for adoption of the Resolution prohibiting public parking within Freedom Plaza in the Farmer's Market area.
City Manager James suggested that the City Council make a motion to approve this item subject to the changes given by the City Council and the finalization of the Resolution by the City Attorney.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Scott, seconded by Councilwoman Ramirez, to approve this document subject to the finalization of the Resolution from the City Attorney's office.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, BILDERAIN
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MINTZ
ABSENT: NONE
Mayor Pro Tem Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 7:42 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING- NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
17. Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council select a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
City Clerk Villescas presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Bilderain made a motion to have Mayor Pro Tem Mintz step into the Mayor's seat. Councilmember Wright seconded the motion. All Councilmembers were in favor.
Mayor Mintz called for nominations for Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Wright nominated Councilmember Scott for Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Scott seconded the nomination. All Councilmembers were in favor.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
December 9, 2025
FUTURE COUNCIL INITIATED ITEMS
1. Shade structures around Freedom Plaza and a possible art fixture with "Freedom Plaza" announcing the location.
2. Discussion on partnering with the Boys and Girls Club.
3. Discussion of a policy regulating the use of City Attorney resources.
4. Maintained Roads vs. Non-Maintained Roads.
5. Parking in Residential Areas.
6. Discussion on creating a "Recognized Neighborhood Program".
7. Moratorium of drive-thru facilities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ven Nathraj, Twentynine Palms, asked the City Council to focus on job creation and education for the upcoming year.
Steve Reyes, on behalf of the Historical Society, thanked Mayor Bilderain for attending their Marine Corps Birthday celebration and serving as Master of Ceremonies.
James Dean, Twentynine Palms, spoke on behalf of "Los Medicos Voladores" aka "The Flying Doctors". He commented that the Flying Doctors just ended their 50th year of service with a vision event here in Twentynine Palms and he thanked the City Council for allowing them to host this event.
Matt Shragge, General Manager of the Twentynine Palms Water District, thanked the Mayor for his two years of service as Mayor. He commented that the Water District is in the middle of a five-year rate study and wanted to inform the public that there will be a rate increase coming and in the midst of this study, he has planned an event, "Coffee with the GM" twice a week to inform the public of what's coming. He also thanked the City for having "Septic Management" on the agenda.
Scott Curry, Newport Beach, thanked Sandy Smith for her leadership. He spoke about the Copper Mountain College Foundation Wreath Auction recently held, raising $21,000 for the Foundation. He praised the community involvement.
M.J. Fiocco, Twentynine Palms, asked the City Council why they are willing to spend $14,000 for an engagement process for a tax increase, but not willing to do any public engagement in sharing the City's Strategic Plan.
Danielle Reed, Twentynine Palms, spoke as a community health worker, she works with clients that are on their recovery journeys from 7OH, which stands for Hydroxymitragynine, a potent opioid alkaloid and known for its pain-relieving and addictive properties. She commented that this has an increasing concern in our community. She mentioned that 7OH is easily accessible in gas stations and convenience stores. It is being presented as harmless and increases the vulnerability in not only adults but puts our youth at risk. She asked the City Council to take action to address the vulnerability and marketing of 7OH.
Marissa Mullens, Reach Out Yucca Valley, spoke about Kratom and 7OH. Both are opioids and are very dangerous. She encouraged the City Council to take action.
Carrie Kish, Program Manager for Reach Out Yucca Valley, spoke regarding 7OH, mentioning that it is not regulated and extremely addictive. She commented that she is concerned for our community, especially the youth and encourages the City Council to begin some dialogue to protect the community.
LeeAnn Clarke, 29 Palms Ministerial Association, thanked the community for their donations and attendance at the Pioneer Days Sunrise Service, which was held on October 19th, as well as the Thanksgiving Service, which was held on Sunday, November 23rd. She commented that the donations from these two events were given to the Alex Roth Memorial Food Pantry and Set Free Church. She mentioned that the next event will be the Martin Luther King Jr. March and Prayer Bowl on January 19, 2026. She thanked Mayor Bilderain for serving as the Keynote Speaker for the Quarterly Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, she thanked City Staff for always assisting the Ministerial Association, especially Park and Recreation and City Clerk Villescas for always assisting with their requests for proclamations for their various services that incorporate the
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
December 9, 2025
cooperation and partnership between the City and our church community. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to a great 2026.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James thanked everyone that worked together to make this city the great city that it is. He also thanked the City Staff, mentioning that this group does a lot with very little. He mentioned that TOT increased by 9% this last quarter.
Mayor Bilderain thanked the Staff, the City Council, his family and friends, and the community for everything they have done for him the past two years as Mayor. He wished the upcoming Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem a successful 2026.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Bilderain adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer