TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session MINUTES City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
April 14, 2026
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Bill Easter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Ms. LeeAnn Clarke, 29 Palms Ministerial Association, provided the Invocation.
Roll Call - The following Councilmembers were present: Bilderain, Ramirez, Scott, Wright, Mintz.
Closed Session Announcements - None.
Changes to the Agenda - None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Presentation to the Twentynine Palms High School Tennis Team and the Rotary Club 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 and Recycling Services and the City of Twentynine Palms to the Twentynine Palms High School Tennis Team and Twentynine Palms Rotary Club for their participation in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program.
2. Proclamation Recognizing April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.
Mayor Mintz read the Proclamation in its entirety.
3. Proclamation Recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Mayor Mintz read the Proclamation in its entirety.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Bilderain wished everyone celebrating a birthday in April a Happy Birthday, especially Councilwoman Ramirez. He mentioned that he attended the IFest and the Levitt Music Series Concert, the Ace Hardware 50th Anniversary Celebration and other various meetings.
Councilwoman Ramirez commented that she attended the San Bernardino County EDRSC meeting, a meeting with Morongo Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas, a senior leadership meeting, a meeting with Partners Against Violence, and meetings to discuss solar. She attended IFest and the CalCities’ Desert/Mountain Division meeting.
Councilmember Wright commented on the All-Star Basketball teams that participated in the tournament in Redondo Beach and did well. He wished everyone celebrating a birthday in April a Happy Birthday.
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 14, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Scott mentioned that he attended the ASYMCA Quarterly Luncheon at the college where two servicemembers were honored, IFest and the 50th Anniversary celebration at Ace Hardware.
Mayor Mintz commented that he attended the Basin Transit meeting, the Chuck Caplinger mural restoration event, the SBCTA meeting, Community Cleanup and the 1st music series concert put on by the Levitt Foundation. He mentioned that his High School softball team had a game before this meeting and won 19-9.
CONSENT CALENDAR
4. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
5. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $1,366,653.80.
6. Deferred Compensation Plan and OBRA Plan Update.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Approve the consolidation of the City's deferred compensation plans into one.
2. Adopt the Deferred Compensation Plan and OBRA Part-Time Plan with Empower.
3. Authorize and direct the City's Plan Administrator to execute all the required documents to move forward with the new Plan with Empower.
7. Approve Funding for Replacement of Major Playground Equipment Parts.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Approve the procurement and installation of major playground equipment parts at various City parks in the amount of $50,000 broken down as follows:
a. Luckie Park - $16,933 (quote from Miracle Recreation Equipment Company) b. Knott's Sky Park - $18,758 (quote from GameTime)
c. Installation costs, contingencies, and emergency repairs - $14,309.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to proceed with the purchase including acceptance of quotes within his approval authority.
3. Approve the use of reserves in the amount of $50,000 from the Capital Projects Fund to fund this procurement.
4. Approve the corresponding budget adjustments in the Capital Projects Fund for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
8. Downtown Septic System Management Contract Renewal.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Approve the contract for the Project Phoenix Wastewater System Operations and Maintenance with the County of San Bernardino Special Districts Department County Service Area 70 (CSA 70) in the amount of $409,233.63.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to execute the contract.
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
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 14, 2026
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
PUBLIC HEARING- NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
9. Council Chambers Audio and Video Upgrade for SB707.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the purchase from Rat Sound Systems in the amount of $21,483.92 for the upgrades to the Council Chambers as a result of SB707 and authorize Staff to pay at the time of order. This equipment is a special order, and we do not have an established relationship with this vendor.
IT Manager Marshall presented the Staff Report.
Susan Peplow addressed the City Council on this item.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, to approve the purchase from Rat Sound Systems in the amount of $21,483.92 for the upgrades to the Council Chambers as a result of SB707 and authorize Staff to pay at the time of order. This equipment is a special order, and we do not have an established relationship with this vendor.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
10. Consideration of Resolution No. 8760 Approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan Developed by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council Adopt Resolution No. 26-08 approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan developed by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.
City Manager James introduced Mr. Otis Greer, SBCTA, who presented a Power Point Presentation on this item.
Carlos Blandon addressed the City Council and Mr. Greer on this item.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to adopt Resolution No. 26-08, approving the Measure I Continuation Expenditure Plan developed by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 14, 2026
11. Consideration of Joint Powers Agreement Participation in the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt a Resolution (Resolution will be presented prior to or at the time of the meeting) approving membership in the Joint Powers Authority for the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust and authorize the Mayor and/or City Manager to execute the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement, subject to non-substantive clerical changes, and appoint the Mayor or a member of the City Council to represent the City as a board member of the newly formed Trust Board of Directors.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report and Power Point Presentation.
The following addressed the City Council:
• Ms. Filo Atuatasi, Twentynine Palms
• Scott Curry, Twentynine Palms
• Bill Easter, Twentynine Palms
• Carlos Blandon, Twentynine Palms
• Mary Jane Binge, Twentynine Palms
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez and seconded by Councilmember Bilderain to adopt Resolution No. 26-09, approving membership in the Joint Powers Authority for the San Bernardino Regional Housing Trust and authorize the Mayor and/or City Manager to execute the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement, subject to non-substantive clerical changes, and appoint the Mayor or a member of the City Council to represent the City as a board member of the newly formed Trust Board of Directors.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
12. JTNPA Workforce Housing on City-owned 17-acre Site.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to work with JTNPA on a land lease to allow for the long-term usage of all or a portion of the 17 +/- acres located west of Adobe Road and south of Theatre 29. The lease would come back to City Council for final approval along with additional project details prior to execution.
City Manager James introduced Ms. Jacqueline Guevara who provided a Power Point presentation.
The following addressed the City Council:
• Brian Benton, Twentynine Palms
• Carlos Blandon, Twentynine Palms
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to work with JTNPA on a land lease to allow for the long-term usage of all or a portion of the 17 +/- acres located west of Adobe Road and south of Theatre 29. The lease would come back to City Council for final approval along with additional project details prior to execution.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 14, 2026
13. Councilmembers Use of City Letterhead.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council discuss individual Councilmember's use of City letterhead on projects or initiatives that have not gone before the entire City Council for consideration.
City Manager James presented the Staff Report.
The following addressed the City Council:
• Elliott Balsley
• Mary Jane Binge
After a brief discussion, the consensus of the City Council was to not have names on the City Letterhead but also add a disclaimer at the bottom of the letterhead.
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.
8. Discussion on the next steps of reallocating $1.3 million for housing.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked for a discussion about Code Enforcement and compliance with Proposition 36 in order to find a pathway to meeting the new guidance issued by Governor Gavin Newson. Councilmember Bilderain seconded the item.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked for a discussion about annexing parcels: APN 0634-05-124 and 0634-05-109, also known as Set Free Ranch. Councilmember Wright seconded the item.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked that the Solar project be brought back as the Solar company has revised its development to comply with AB205. The item did not receive a second.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following provided public comment:
• Mark Spangenberg
• Stacey Smith
• Elizabeth Rodriguez
• LeeAnn Clarke
• Mary Jane Binge
• Eric Linnert
• Victor Lewis
• Shanese Risper
• Heather H.
• Heather Drake
• Elliott Balsley
Mayor Mintz mentioned that the City received emails for the record from:
City Council - Regular Meeting with Closed Session
April 14, 2026
• Denise Cullum - Fishalisious
• Suzanne Lyons
• 29 Palms Creative Center
• Peter Lang
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager James provided the following update: He reminded everyone to take the online survey for the proposed sales tax measure, the Levitt Grant Music Series continues this coming Saturday at Freedom Plaza, and he updated everyone on the Community Cleanup Day recently held.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - Mayor Mintz adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at 8:22 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
1. Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 – PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT: Title - City Manager.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Mintz and the City Council came out of Closed Session into Open Session with nothing to report and revisited the adjournment. The action was changed from adjourning the meeting from Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to Monday April 27, 2026. The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer