TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting MINUTES
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
May 26, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Korina Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor Amy Miranda, First Assembly of God Church, 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
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 to Feathers 'N Fur Wildlife Rehab Team, Kiwanis Club of Twentynine Palms, and the Twentynine Palms High School Interact 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 the City of Twentynine Palms and Burrtec Waste and Recycling to Feathers n Fur Rehab Team, Kiwanis Club, and the Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club.
2. Presentation by the Youth Council - "A Year in Review." Members of the Youth Council provided a Power Point Presentation about the events and projects they hosted throughout the year.
3. Re-Enlist to Life Housing and Veteran Services Overview and Letter of Support Request.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council direct the City Manager to create a letter of support, signed by the Mayor (and/or all supportive City Council members) for the Re-Enlist to Life Veteran Campus.
Mr. Danny Bevan and Mr. Robert Embry provided a detailed Power Point Presentation about this project.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Bilderain mentioned that he attended the CDBG subcommittee meeting, he participated in the Remembrance 5K Walk/Run aboard the Base, and he had meetings with various constituents.
Councilwoman Ramirez commented that she has been on the road for the past three weeks attending conferences and multiple committee meetings to include the City-County Conference, Reach Out Morongo Basin's Memorial Day Barbecue, the Memorial Day Service at Joshua Tree Cemetery, and she recognized a Marine, SSgt. Rooney, who came
City Council - Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026
to her aid while she was helping a choking victim at a restaurant recently. She mentioned that she attended the Tribal Leaders' Emergency Preparedness and Energy Summit, the San Bernardino County East Desert Regional Steering Committee meeting, a Prop 36 Enforcement and Outreach Operation with San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and multiple community partners. She co-hosted a Military Spouses Appreciation Luncheon and she acknowledged residents in District 2, as she recently drove around and noticed many homes recently cleaned up. She mentioned Proposition 13.
Councilmember Wright mentioned that he attended Smitty's Flea Market Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and he announced that Warhawks football is underway.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott mentioned that he attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at Joshua Tree Cemetery, the 20th Anniversary Celebration for Navy Federal Credit Union, the Reach Out Morongo Basin's Memorial Day Barbecue, and the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Smitty's Flea Market.
Mayor Mintz commented that he attended the City-County Conference, Smitty's Flea Market Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, the Navy Federal Credit Union 20th Anniversary celebration, the Reach Out Morongo Basin's Memorial Day Barbecue, and attended the CDBG subcommittee meeting. He mentioned that his High School Softball team won their first CIF game but unfortunately lost in the second round.
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 May 12, 2026.
6. Twentynine Palms Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District #1, Engineer’s Annual Report, and Levy of Assessment for FY 2026-2027.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-13, (A Resolution of the City Council of the City Twentynine Palms Directing the Filing of the Annual Report for the Twentynine Palms Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1);
2. Receive and approve the Engineer's Report as filed or as amended;
3. Adopt Resolution No. 26-14, (A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms Declaring its intention to order improvements, and to levy and collect assessments pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027).
4. Waste Disposal Agreement (WDA) Amendment 9.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve San Bernardino County Waste Disposal Agreement (WDA) Amendment 9 for the period ending June 30, 2035.
The amendment changes the expiration term of the WDA to June 30, 2035, adjusts the WDA Contract Rate to be equal to 83% of the gate rate, and eliminates the annual adjustment calculations. The WDA rate will be $41.08 per ton, effective July 1, 2026.
5. Appropriation Limit FY 2026-27.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council establish an appropriation limit for Fiscal Year 2026-27 by the adoption of the attached Resolution.
6. Annual Contract with San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for FY 2026 -27.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the annual contract with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for Law Enforcement Services in the amount of $6,220,995, plus incidental costs.
City Council - Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026
7. Amendment #5 to Split Rock Avenue Bridge Design Contract.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Approve Agreement Amendment #5 for Construction Support Services for the “Split Rock Avenue Bridge Project” with Dokken Engineer for a contract amount increase of $104,000 and provide a 10% contingency for a total of $114,400;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Amendment #5 document.
3. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the amended SBCTA agreement to increase the construction amounts to cover amendment #4 and #5 for a total increased amount of $240,900 ($115,000+$104,000 plus 10% contingency)
8. 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!
The following addressed the City Council:
• Heather Drake on item number 11
• Elliott Balsley on item number 9
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 HEARINGS
9. Proposed Revisions to the General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1. Approve Resolution No. 26-12, approving and adopting the General Fund budget revisions for FY 2026- 27, including the following:
a. Budget Revisions (Annual Spending Plan);
b. Employee Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 3.1%; and c. Wage Schedule for FY 2026-27.
2. FY 2026-27 Inter-Fund Transfers:
From the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund ($282,000) a. $160,000 for self-funding
b. $50,000 for playground equipment
c. $40,000 for project management of CDBG project
d. $15,000 for dump truck needed by the Parks maintenance crew e. $17,000 (Up to $120K) to fund the future acquisition of a new Street Sweeper Finance Director Hernandez provided a Staff Report and PowerPoint presentation.
City Council - Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026
Mayor Mintz opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Mintz closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve Resolution No. 26-12, approving and adopting the General Fund budget revisions for FY 2026-27, including the following:
a. Budget Revisions (Annual Spending Plan);
b. Employee Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 3.1%; and c. Wage Schedule for FY 2026-27.
FY 2026-27 Inter-Fund Transfers:
From the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund ($282,000) The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
10. Amendments to the Master Citywide User Fee Schedule for FY 2026-27.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the amendments to the City's Master User Fee Schedule for FY 2026-27.
Finance Director Hernandez presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Mintz opened the Public Hearing.
Having no requests to speak, Mayor Mintz closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to approve the amendments to the City's Master User Fee Schedule for FY2026-27.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
11. Subcommittee Recommendations for Contributions to Non-Profit Organizations.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council approve the subcommittee's suggested contributions to non-profit organizations.
Community Events Coordinator Clinkscales provided the Staff Report.
City Council - Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, to approve the subcommittee's suggested contributions to non-profit organizations.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
12. Introduce Ordinance No. 328, which would Increase City Council Monthly Compensation to $700.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council introduce and approve first reading of Ordinance No. 328 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO TAKE EFFECT AFTER THE NOVEMBER 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND AMENDING TWENTYNINE PALMS MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.04.020 ACCORDINGLY.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, to introduce and approve the first reading of Ordinance 328 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN INCREASE IN COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO TAKE EFFECT AFTER THE NOVEMBER 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND AMENDING TWENTYNINE PALMS MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.04.020 ACCORDINGLY.
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 on creating guidelines for the use of City Hall meeting rooms by elected and appointed officials for official city business.
7. Discussion on the next steps of reallocating $1.3 million for housing.
8. Discussion of Code Enforcement and compliance with Proposition 36 and find a pathway to meeting the new guidance issued by Governor Gavin Newson.
9. Discussion about annexing parcels: APN 0634-05-124 and 0634-05-109, also known as Set Free Ranch.
10. Discussion of a possible safe passage with CalTrans around Donnell Hill.
11. Discussion on a collaboration with Liberty Military Housing to update our RHNA numbers.
12. Study Session regarding the FLOCK cameras.
13. Expedited item to discuss the Cooling Center hours.
City Council - Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026
Councilwoman Ramirez requested a review on the charging stations at Freedom Plaza. Mayor Mintz commented that this is not something that needs a City Council vote, just direction to the City Manager to handle. City Manager Cole commented that he would do some further research and if additional costs would be incurred, then it would come back to the City Council, depending on the amount.
Councilwoman Ramirez requested a review and revision to Municipal Code Chapter 5.08 related to Cannabis uses to bring the City up to par with new legislation and State law. Councilmember Bilderain seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Mintz announced that there were some Public Comment emails sent from constituents for the record:
• Clarence Brucker
• Dan Barber
• Steven Downer
• Heather H.
• Victor Lewis
• Beth Shefield
The following addressed the City Council:
• Heather Drake
• Andrew Wilson
• Jess Drake
• Cindy Bernard
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Cole provided the following update: he participated in the Prop 36 Enforcement Operation and it was enlightening and helped him understand the challenges we face, he mentioned he has been getting up to speed with the sales tax initiative and over the Memorial weekend, the cemetery placed flags on grave sites and if you haven't been by the cemetery, you should go by as there have been many improvements to the area.
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Mintz adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer