TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
March 23, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Ms. Anna Stump led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - LeeAnn Clarke, Twentynine Palms Ministerial Association, gave the invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Mintz.
Closed Session Announcements - None.
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 our website and clicking on the "Meeting Agendas" link.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Presentation Recognizing Diane Olsen on Her Retirement.
Mayor Mintz presented Ms. Olsen with a plaque for her service with the City of Twentynine Palms.
2. Transportation Update by Reach Out 29.
Ms. Robin Schlosser, Director of Reach Out 29, provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Bilderain congratulated Ms. Olsen on her retirement. He mentioned that he attended the Basketball Tournament, the Rotary Carnival, and had multiple meetings with constituents.
Councilwoman Ramirez mentioned that she attended the East Valley Regional Steering Committee (EVRSC) meeting, the Carnival, and met with constituents about the future of our city.
Councilmember Wright wished his sister a Happy Birthday and his friend Johnny Smith. He congratulated Ms. Olsen on her retirement. He commented that he attended the Carnival and the Basketball Tournament held here this past weekend.
He mentioned that one of our teams won first place at the Beaumont Tournament and won the Kings trophy.
Councilmember Wright presented the trophy to the audience, mentioning that everyone did very well.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott congratulated Ms. Olsen on her retirement and mentioned that he met with constituents about future projects for the City.
Mayor Mintz congratulated Ms. Olsen on her retirement. He commented that he attended the Rotary Carnival, the Basketball Tournament, the MDAQMD meeting, and he reminded everyone that Community Cleanup Day is on April 4th.
He announced that the first concert as a part of the music series is the evening of April 4th.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 23, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
4. Approval of Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held on March 10, 2026.
5. Housing Element and General Plan Status Annual Reports.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council accept the Housing Element Annual Progress Report and the General Plan Status Report and forward them to the State.
6. Investment Policy.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council review and approve the City's Investment Policy for FY 2025-26.
7. Acceptance of Work for the Luckie Park ADA Improvements Project.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Accept the work completed by Roadway Engineering & Construction Corp as part of the abovementioned project for a total contract cost of $96,934.00.
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.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wright, 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 HEARINGS
*Public comment time for Item number 9 will be reduced to two (2) minutes per person*
8. Project Closeout: Elm Avenue Project Funded under the Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Homekey Set-Aside.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending the following actions:
1. Hold a Public Hearing;
2. Review the results of the Elm Avenue Project funded under the Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Homekey Set-Aside; and
3. Approve the closure of the project.
Finance Director Hernandez presented the Staff Report and Power Point Presentation.
Mayor Mintz opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Mintz closed the Public Hearing.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 23, 2026
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to Review the results of the Elm Avenue Project funded under the Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBGCV) Homekey Set-Aside; and Approve the Closure of the Project.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
9. E-Group Solar Project.
Councilmember Bilderain recused himself from this item due to a conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council hold a Public Hearing, adopt four Resolutions, and conduct the first reading of four Ordinances entitled:
1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA
AMENDING THE TWENTYNINE PALMS GENERAL PLAN TO ESTABLISH THE RENEWABLE
ENERGY (E) LAND USE DESIGNATION AND REDESIGNATE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM RURAL LIVING/LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT – 5-ACRE MNINIMUM (RL-5) TO
RENEWABLE ENERGY (E)
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA
AMENDING THE TWENTYNINE PALMS GENERAL PLAN TO REDESIGNATE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM RURAL LIVING/LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT – 5-ACRE MNINIMUM (RL-5) TO SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL – 1 ACRE MINIMUM (RS-1).
3. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT – 5 ACRE MINIMUM (RL-5) TO RENEWABLE ENERGY (E).
4. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA
REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM RURAL LIVING/LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT – 5-ACRE MNINIMUM (RL-5) TO SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL – 1 ACRE MINIMUM (RS-1).
5. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 19.23 AND CHAPTER 19.141 TO THE TWENTYNINE PALMS DEVELOPMENT CODE.
6. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) 23-000009 TO AUTHORIZE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 184-ACRE COMMERCIAL SOLAR FIELD PROJECT.
7. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 23-000001 FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A 184-ACRE COMMERCIAL SOLAR FIELD PROJECT.
8. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS CERTIFYING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH NO. 2024021042) AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS.
Community Development Director Gardner presented the Staff Report and provided a Power Point presentation. He then passed the floor to Mr. Robert Smith, spokesperson for E-Group Solar.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked Mr. Smith some questions related to the State's regulations and the Community Benefits Package.
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 23, 2026
Mayor Mintz also addressed Mr. Smith on some items that were brought up in discussions.
Mayor Mintz announced the following names of those that submitted an email or letter for the record on this item:
* Suzanne Lyons
* Peter Lang
* Heidi Heard
* Heather Vincent
* Agua Caliente Band of Mission Indians
* Pat Flanagan
* Jeffrey Dickman
* Hannah
* Melanie Allen
* Andrea
* Kelly Burnett
* Richard Hug
* David Brennan
* Todd Smallwell, Phd.
* Joanna Baskin
* James Baskin
There were also two emails with a petition of signatures.
Mayor Mintz opened the Public Hearing.
The following addressed the City Council:
* Mary Kay Sherry
* Evan Cuellar
* Cindy Bernard
* Kurt Keppeler
* Ben Holstrom
* Chuck Burr
* Jim Krushat
* Eric Menendez
* George Mulopulous
* Erin Flanagan (speaking for Pat Flanagan)
* Kat Talley-Jones
* John Talley-Jones
* Heather Drake
* Gina Kohn
* Russ Kohn
* Kayla Neeley
* Dayne Austin
* Hanah Romsburg
* Alex Garcia
* Johnnie Ward
* L.R. Sanders
* Jeff Johnson
* Catherine Powell
* Chris Carraher
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 23, 2026
* Beth Sheffield
* Elliott Balsley
* Philip Smart
* Stephanie Ballard
* David Fick
* Aidan Marshall
* Joseph Candelaria
* Herb Mark
* Carlos Blandon
Mayor Mintz closed the Public Hearing.
After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Scott, to deny this project.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: RAMIREZ
ABSTAIN: BILDERAIN
ABSENT: NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS - 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).
7. Discussion on creating guidelines for the use of City Hall meeting rooms by elected and appointed officials for official city business.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked for a discussion on joining the San Bernardino County Housing Trust. Councilmember Wright seconded the item.
Councilmember Ramirez asked for a discussion on the reallocation of $1.3 million dollars, also known as the bond monies from Project Phoenix. Councilmember Wright seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following addressed the City Council:
* LeeAnn Clarke
* Heather Drake
* Birdie Nixon
* Carlos Blandon
* Ben Holstrom
City Council - Regular Meeting
March 23, 2026
* Eric Menendez
* Heather H.
* Susan Peplow
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following updates: thanks to Eli Marshall, IT Director and Solid Waste and Recycling Manager, who applied for a CalRecycle SB1383 grant, the City was awarded a grant for $73,000, which purchased five (5) freezers and three (3) refrigerators which went to the Sanctuary Church, Twentynine Palms Food Pantry, and the Senior Center.
Mayor Mintz made one final comment before adjourning the meeting. He wished Director Gardner a Happy Birthday.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Mintz adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer