TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
March 10, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Councilmember Wright led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor Amy Miranda of First Assembly of God Church, gave the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Mintz.
Changes to the Agenda - Mayor Mintz announced that a Building and Safety Update would be added under Awards, Presentations, Appointments and Proclamations.
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 our website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Building and Safety Update by Building and Safety Inspector Cameron Hepperly.
Inspector Hepperly provided an update on Building and Safety.
2. Proclamation Recognizing March 2026 as Irish-American Heritage Month.
Mayor Mintz read the Proclamation in its entirety and presented the proclamation to Heather Drake.
3. Proclamation Recognizing March 2026 as Women's History Month.
Mayor Mintz read the Proclamation in its entirety and presented the Proclamation to Ms. Mary Kay Sherry.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Bilderain wished his daughter Gena a Happy 15th Birthday. He mentioned that he attended a Finance Subcommittee meeting and meetings with constituents about solar and children's safety. He congratulated our Park and Recreation basketball All Stars who did well at the Needles Tournament.
Councilwoman Ramirez mentioned that she met with a representative from NPHS to discuss their purchase of Habit for Humanity - San Bernardino, she attended the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services' Housing and Homeless Summit, she met with our SCE Liaison, Inland Housing Solutions, she attended the Unity Home fundraiser, and she met with the Budget Subcommittee. She commented that she met with constituents regarding housing issues and sales tax concerns. She commented that with March being Women's History Month, she wanted to take a moment to recognize the women that are leading our homes, our community, and our government. She thanked City Manager Dr.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 10, 2026
Stone James, Mayor Mintz, Councilmember Wright, and Councilmember Bilderain for their guidance and sharing their knowledge.
Councilmember Wright wished his sister a Happy Birthday. He mentioned that he went to the All-Star Basketball Tournament in Needles and the coaches and kids represented Twentynine Palms well, mentioning that every team we took to the tournament made it to the championship game in their division.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott mentioned that he also wanted to say that he appreciates all the women in our community. He commented that he participated in a fundraiser put on by Women of Color Global that was very well attended and it was a successful event. He commented that he met with constituents on various issues such as solar, FLOCK, and housing and homelessness.
Mayor Mintz commented that he attended an SBCTA meeting. He attended a gathering at the Historical Society where Maj. General Clingan was the guest speaker. He met with our SCE Liaison and assisted with a food giveaway with Find Food Bank, and his High School Softball team won their game that day.
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 February 24, 2026.
6. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $1,319,350.36.
7. 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!
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, 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.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 10, 2026
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
8. City Council Salary Increase.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council bring their current monthly salary, established December 10, 2002, into alignment with the State of California standard of $950.00 per month for cities with populations less than 35,000 residents.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report and Power Point Presentation.
Mayor Mintz commented that a public comment was received via email from George Mulopulos in favor of the proposed salary increase.
Scott Curry spoke in favor of this compensation increase.
Joel Klink spoke in favor of a compensation increase.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, to bring their current monthly salary, established December 10, 2002, to $825.00 per month.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: RAMIREZ, SCOTT
NOES: BILDERAIN, WRIGHT, MINTZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
This vote did not pass.
A second motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Mintz to increase the City Council's compensation to $700.00 per month.
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 of a policy regulating the use of City Attorney resources.
3. Discussion on creating a “Recognized Neighborhood Program.”
4. Discussion on the new Federal holidays to coincide with the City’s holiday schedule.
5. Discussion on the use of City funds for grants and the potential reallocation of housing and homeless funds to grants.
6. Discussion to evaluate potential amendments to Chapter 11.36 in the Municipal Code concerning the retail sale of products containing Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH).
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked to add an item to discuss guidelines for the use of City Hall meeting rooms by elected and appointed officials for official city business. Councilmember Wright seconded the item.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 10, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individual(s) addressed the City Council:
Jeff Johnson
Alex Garcia
Hanah Romsburg
Jess Drake
Heather Drake
Ivah Drake
Russ Kohn
Gina Kohn
Scott Curry
Lori Cosgriff
Mary Kay Sherry
Pauline Pisano
Booker Harrap
Gretchen Grunt
Heather H.
Elliott Balsley
Birdie Nixon
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following update: the Public Works Department is out repaving roads, the Senior Center is doing a remarkable job in collaboration with the 29 Palms Food Pantry to distribute food, Theatre 29's recent production of "Cinderella" is underway, the Split Rock Avenue Bridge Project is still under construction and should be complete by December 2026 and our next Community Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026 at the Luckie Park Activity Center (LPAC) from 7:00 a.m. to Noon.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked about a FLOCK presentation that was previously discussed. City Manager James replied that he would look into this.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Mintz adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk