TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting Minutes
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
July 14, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Danny Bevan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Sister Judy Bennett from 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. Community Leadership Award Presentation Related to VOCA Funding.
City Manager Cole explained what VOCA (Victims of Crimes Act) is. He then passed the floor to Councilwoman Ramirez who presented certificates of recognition to some people in the community who advocated to keep VOCA funding in the community.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Bilderain thanked Staff for the remodel of the Council Chambers, he thanked the Park and Recreation Staff for the successful 4th of July event, he mentioned that he attended the FLOCK Town Hall meeting and met with constituents.
He commented that City Clerk Villescas celebrated her birthday last week.
Councilwoman Ramirez mentioned that she attended the FLOCK Roundtable discussion, a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Webinar, multiple meetings with tribal leaders and had conversations with Morongo Unified School District.
Councilmember Wright commented that he attended the 4th of July event at Knott's Sky Park, and he wished City Clerk Villescas a Happy Birthday. He reminded everyone that Warhawks football is up and running and that the season officially begins on July 27th, and he officially announced that he is going to run for reelection for City Council, District 5.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott mentioned that he attended the 4th of July event and thanked the Park and Recreation Department for all their hard work putting the event together, he thanked the Kiwanis Club for their participation in reading the Declaration of Independence, he attended the FLOCK Roundtable discussion and officially announced that he is running for reelection for City Council District 4.
Mayor Mintz commented that he attended the ASYMCA Luncheon, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Hope Center, the Great Race event at Luckie Park, the 4th of July event at Knott's Sky Park and the Basin Transit "Pack the Bus" event at Walmart. He thanked Eli Marshall, IT Manager and the Public Works Staff, for all their hard work in renovating the Council Chambers and he officially announced that he is running for reelection for City Council, District 3.
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 14, 2026
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Cole provided the following updates: he reiterated what Mayor Mintz said about Staff getting the Council Chambers renovated and complete for this meeting, he mentioned that the Cooling Center is at the Senior Center, 6539 Adobe Road and will open when the heat index reaches 110. He commented on the functionality of the EV Chargers at Freedom Plaza and reminded everyone that there is a meeting tomorrow from 5:30-7:30 at Copper Mountain College relating to the Music Valley Mine.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
3. 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.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
4. Designation of Delegate for the Annual CalCities Conference.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council designate a Delegate and Alternate Delegate for the CalCities' Annual Conference.
City Manager Cole presented the Staff Report.
Councilwoman Ramirez volunteered to be the Delegate and Mayor Mintz volunteered to be the Alternate Delegate. All Councilmembers were in favor.
5. Senate Bill 707 (SB707) Introduction of Policies Related to Brown Act Changes.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1). Receive and file information on SB707; and
2). Review, discuss and provide recommendations to Staff on the new policies.
City Manager Cole presented the Staff Report.
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 14, 2026
The following addressed the City Council:
Kimberly ZZyZX
Cindy Bernard
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to 1).
Receive and file information on SB707; and 2). Review, discuss, and approve the policies for SB707.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
6. Adoption of Resolutions (1) Ordering the Submission of a City Council Initiated Ballot Measure Related to the Adoption of an Ordinance Establishing a 1% Transaction (Sales) and Use Tax at the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election; and (2) Setting Priorities for Written Arguments and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis.
RECOMMENDATION: That, should it decide to move forward with the proposed ballot measure, the City Council:
1.) Adopt- Resolution No. 26-22: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms, California, ordering the submission to the qualified electors of the City of a certain measure relating to the adoption of a 1% Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax at the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as called by Resolution No. 26-19.
2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-23: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms, California, setting priorities for filing a written argument regarding a City Council initiated measure (Ordinance) establishing a one percent (1.00%) Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax at a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and directing the City Attorney to prepare and Impartial Analysis.
City Manager Cole presented the Staff Report.
The following addressed the City Council:
Kimberly ZZyZx
Mary Alice Amsler
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilwoman Ramirez, to:
Adopt- Resolution No. 26-22: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms, California, ordering the submission to the qualified electors of the City of a certain measure relating to the adoption of a 1% Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax at the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as called by Resolution No. 26-19.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to:
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 14, 2026
Adopt Resolution No. 26-23: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms, California, setting priorities for filing a written argument regarding a City Council initiated measure (Ordinance) establishing a one percent (1.00%) Transactions (Sales) and Use Tax at a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and directing the City Attorney to prepare and Impartial Analysis.
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 the use of City funds for grants and the potential reallocation of housing and homeless funds to grants.
3. Discussion on the next steps of reallocating $1.3 million for housing.
4. Review and revision to Municipal Code 5.08 related to Cannabis uses to bring the City up to par with new legislation and State Law.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott added a discussion on a Moratorium with Data Centers in the City of Twentynine Palms. Mayor Mintz seconded the item.
Councilwoman Ramirez added a discussion on pursuing a designation as an opportunity zone. Councilmember Wright seconded the item. She also added a discussion about the reallocation of funds that were set aside for the shade structure that was supposed to go outside of City Hall to grant writing. Councilmember Wright seconded the item.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following addressed the City Council:
Beth Sheffield
Catherine Powell
Audrey Philpot
Cindy Bernard
Heather Huguenor (by email)
Lynette Ramirez
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Mintz adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer