TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
January 27, 2026
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
5:15 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the Closed Session to order at 5:15 p.m.
Roll Call -- The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, and Mintz.
City Manager James announced that an additional item needs to be added to the Closed Session, which came to light after the agenda was posted last week. This item requires a motion, second and vote in order to add it to the agenda.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to add the additional Closed Session item.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Adjourn to Closed Session - Mayor Mintz adjourned to Closed Session at 5:19 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation, Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (1 case).
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Former Councilmember Joel Klink led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Suzy Dick, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Mintz.
Closed Session Announcements - There was nothing to report from the Closed Session.
Changes to the Agenda - None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Mintz 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.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
January 27, 2026
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
2. Presentation to the Twentynine Palms High School Soccer team for their Participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott presented checks in the amount of $300 each from Burrtec Waste Management and the City of Twentynine Palms to the High School Soccer team for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
3. Palms N Paws Animal Shelter Department Update.
Animal Control Manager Boyd provided an update on the Animal Shelter.
4. Presentation by the Park and Recreation Department on a Grant Recently Received from the National Recreation and Park Association (NPRA).
Recreation Programs Supervisor Tessier provided a presentation on a grant received by Park and Recreation.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Bilderain mentioned that he attended the MLK Walk and Prayer Bowl, he met with some citizens, and he has been attending a lot of High School basketball games.
Councilwoman Ramirez commented that she also attended the MLK Walk and Prayer Bowl, the San Bernardino County Homeless and Housing Summit, she participated in the Point in Time Count, she mentioned that she has started an initiative for parents and guardians that want to prevent crimes against children.
Councilmember Wright commented that he attended the MLK Walk and Prayer Bowl, the Basin Transit meeting and he's been attending Park and Recreation Basketball games to support the youth.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott mentioned that he attended the MLK Walk but was unable to stay for the Prayer Bowl as he had some meetings with constituents that day, and he attended a Copper Mountain College Basketball game.
Mayor Mintz mentioned that he attended the MLK Walk and Prayer Bowl, the MDAQMD meeting, the ASYMCA Servicemember of the Quarter Luncheon held at Copper Mountain College, the Basin Transit Meeting and he participated in the Point in Time Count, the Z107.7 Up Close Show and he helped park cars at the Sky's the Limit event.
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 January 13, 2026. Minutes for the Closed Session and Regular Meeting were included.
7. Treasurer's Report - FY 2025-26 Quarter 2.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and approve the Treasurer's Report for the 2nd Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025-26.
8. 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the 2026 City Council meeting schedule.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
January 27, 2026
9. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Creating Chapter 19.101 of the Development Code Pertaining to Ancillary Activities, Businesses, and Entertainment (Development Code Amendment No. 25-000003).
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council hold a second reading and adopt the Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 25-00003, ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES, BUSINESSES, AND ENTERTAINMENT.
10. Material Acquisition for the Road Overlay from Blue Diamond with the SB 1 Funds for FY 2025-26.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the purchase of materials for road overlay work during Fiscal Year 2025-26 from Blue Diamond to repair/maintain various streets within City limits at an amount not to exceed $787,500.
11. Acceptance of Work for the Elm Avenue Tenant Improvement Project.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Accept the work completed by KNC Construction as part of the Elm Avenue Tenant Improvement project for a total contract cost of $189,500.00.
2. Direct the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for the contract work.
3. Direct the Finance Director to release the retained funds 30 days after the Notice of Completion has been filed, provided no claims are filed against the contractor.
12. City-Wide Channel Trail Class I Bike Path Project Add Services.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the request for additional funding for the design of the CityWide Channel Trail Class I Bike Path Project in the amount of $72,830.
13. Award a Construction Contract for the Luckie Park ADA Parking Improvements Project.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Review and approve the Plans, Specifications and Engineer's Estimate for the Luckie Park ADA Parking Improvements Project;
2. Award a contract for the “Luckie Park ADA Parking Improvements Project; CDBG Project- TPL-24-1- 003G/0307 to Roadway Engineering, in the amount of $98,399.00 and authorize a Ten Percent (10%) Contingency in the amount of $9,840.00, for a total amount of $108,239.00.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into the Contract including any necessary amendments.
14. Importance of Periodic Septic System Inspection and Maintenance.
RECOMMENDATION: This agenda item communicates the importance of periodic septic system inspection and maintenance to ensure (i) your septic system is operating correctly, and (ii) the septic system is not polluting our community's ground water.
15. 2026/2027 CDBG Funding Prioritization.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve and prioritize the allocation of CDBG funds for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 to the City's Luckie Park rehabilitation and accessibility construction project.
16. Five-Year Strategic Plan Final Draft Adoption.
RECOMMENDATION: During the December 8, 2026, City Council meeting the City Council adopt the attached Five-Year Strategic Plan with two edits. Both edits have been made. The attached plan is the final copy of Twentynine Palms' first Five-Year Strategic Plan. This plan serves as a guide as staff and stakeholders work to improve the City's financial sustainability, improve our community's economic vibrancy, and enhance Twentynine Palms' quality of life.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
January 27, 2026
The following spoke on items on the Consent Calendar:
Carlos Blandon spoke on item #12.
Heather Drake spoke on item #14.
Eric Menendez spoke on item #12.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION – None.
PUBLIC HEARING - None.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
17. Adopt a Resolution Establishing a Maintained Road List.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council Adopt Resolution No. 26-02, which will formally establish a Maintained Road List.
Community Development Director Gardner (Director Gardner) presented the Staff Report and PowerPoint presentation.
Susan Peplow, spoke in favor of the Maintained Road List.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to adopt Resolution No. 26-02, which formally establishes a Maintained Road List.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
18. Preserving City Services: Community Survey Research Results Regarding a Potential 2026 Tax Measure.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council accept the January 17, 2026, community survey results and confirm the City Council's October 14, 2025, approval allowing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Clifford Moss for the reminder of Clifford Moss's proposed engagement (Phase II).
Mr. Adam Problosky presented the Staff Report and Power Point presentation.
Eric Menendez commented that the City needs to use resources more effectively.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
January 27, 2026
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to accept the January 17, 2026, community survey results and confirm the City Council's October 14, 2025, approval allowing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Clifford Moss for the reminder of Clifford Moss's proposed engagement (Phase II).
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
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. Parking in Residential Areas.
5. Discussion on creating a "Recognized Neighborhood Program".
6. Discussion on the new Federal holidays to coincide with the City's holiday schedule.
7. Discussion on the use of City funds for grants and the potential reallocation of housing and homeless funds to grants.
Councilmember Bilderain requested a discussion of a policy on proper attire and conduct. Mayor Mintz seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Mintz mentioned that the City Council received the following emails for Public Comment for the record:
Richard DeMarco
Jess Drake, Heather Drake, and Iva Drake
The following individual(s) addressed the City Council:
Suzanne Lyons
Pauline Pisoro
Austin Shupe
LeeAnn Clarke
Eric Menendez
Jess Drake
Heather Drake
Gretchen Grunt
Diana Rosendaal
Elliott Balsley
Stacy Solie
Jack
Ivah Drake
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
January 27, 2026
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James commented that the Sullivan Road/Hatch Rd Bike Path plans are currently being created, the next step is the design phase which should be completed in the coming months, the Downtown Package Treatment Plant is currently under construction and should be completed by the end of March and then our Staff will be trained on FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) which will monitor restaurants in the downtown area to ensure they are not dumping these three items into the sewer lines. He mentioned that the FLOCK system does not have a contract with US Immigration and Customs or any sub agencies of the Department of Homeland Security, FLOCK does not share customer data with any federal agency without a local customer's choice and control. He also mentioned that a court decision came down today that stated the FLOCK system does not infringe on the 4th amendment rights.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Mintz adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer