TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL
City Council - Regular Meeting Minutes
City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
www.29palms.org
July 28, 2026
CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Mintz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance - Matt Shragge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation - Pastor Nick Foley, Set Free Church-Wonder Valley, 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. Engineer Update by City Engineer Richard Pedersen.
City Engineer Pedersen provided an update on the various projects within the City.
COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS ATTENDED
Councilmember Bilderain commented that he had meetings with citizens and has been trying to get his daughter ready for the new school year. He also mentioned that he is working on having a District 1 Town Hall meeting, details to follow.
Councilwoman Ramirez mentioned that she participated in some webinars that were offered through a Federal Government Agency on AI, she met with Charter Communications, a presenter with League of California Cities, and she met with multiple constituents regarding complaints they had.
Councilmember Wright commented that he attended a Basin Transit meeting and met with constituents.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott mentioned that he met with constituents about some concerns they had.
Mayor Mintz commented that he attended the meeting regarding the new Mine that is being proposed in the Morongo Basin, and a Basin Transit meeting. He announced that the City has not heard anything from the State regarding E-Solar.
CITY MANAGER UPDATE
City Manager Cole provided the following updates: Park and Recreation swim lessons are coming to an end as the end of summer is approaching, 64 kids were hosted at the City's Summer Day Camp program, we had a hot weekend this past weekend and the upcoming weekend is forecasted to be hot, so Staff has been recruited to man the Cooling Center for the weekend as we anticipate the heat index will reach 110, Code Enforcement has moved forward on five properties that were burnt and declared public nuisances to clean them up, and the City has spent $8,000 in attorney fees for processing public records requests for the month of June.
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 28, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Waive the Reading of Ordinance and Approve the Reading by Title Only.
3. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $300 - Semper Fi Sports.
4. Approval of Project Phoenix Warrant Register Totaling $47,362.88.
5. Approval of Warrant Register Totaling $2,424,928.05
6. Information on the Importance of Periodic Septic System Maintenance.
7. Treasurer's Report - FY 2025-26 Quarter 4.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and approve the Treasurer's Report for the 4th Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025-26.
8. Adoption of Measure I Five-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-24, approving the Measure I Five-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.
9. Approval of License Agreement with the San Bernardino County for Rack Space Located at the Donnell Hill Communication Site.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council: 1. Approve the five-year license agreement with the San Bernardino County for rack space located at the County's communication site, commonly known as Donnel Hill Communication Site, for an amount not to exceed $27,029, and 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to fully execute the agreement.
10. Acceptance of Contribution from the Twentynine Palms Water District for the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Study.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council formally accepts the $200,000 contribution from the Twentynine Palms Water District for the USGS study.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked to pull item # 7 and 8. Councilmember Bilderain announced that he would abstain from item #3 and Mayor Mintz announced that he would abstain from item #4.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Councilwoman Ramirez, to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted, with Councilmember Bilderain abstaining from item #3 and Mayor Mintz abstaining from item #4.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: BILDERAIN FROM ITEM #3 AND MINTZ FROM ITEM #4
ABSENT: NONE
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 28, 2026
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR DISCUSSION
7. Treasurer's Report - FY 2025-26 Quarter 4.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and approve the Treasurer's Report for the 4th Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked a few questions regarding the Treasurer's Report. City Manager Cole replied that he would obtain the answers for her once he spoke with the Finance Director.
8. Adoption of Measure I Five-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt Resolution No. 26-24, approving the Measure I Five-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked some questions regarding the Measure I Five-Year Plan.
After a brief discussion on the detailed information for the Five-Year Plan, a motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez and seconded by Councilmember Wright, to approve items #7 and #8.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Twentynine Palms Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District #1, Confirming Assessment and Levying Assessment for FY 2026-2027.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council:
1) Conduct the Public Hearing.
2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-25; a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms confirming the diagram and assessment and levying assessment pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
City Engineer Pedersen provided 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 adopt Resolution No. 26-25; a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms confirming the diagram and assessment and levying assessment pursuant to the Lighting and Landscaping Act of 1972 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
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
July 28, 2026
12. San Bernardino County Fire (SBCFD) Fire Code Update.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council hold a Public Hearing, and conduct the first reading of an Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE CODE (REFERENCING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTIAL CODE) ALONG WITH CERTAIN CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND EXCEPTIONS, RELATING TO FIRE REGULATIONS.
Assistant Fire Marshall Curtis Markloff presented the Staff Report and PowerPoint presentation.
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 the first reading of an Ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO.329
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE CODE (REFERENCING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTIAL CODE) ALONG WITH CERTAIN CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND EXCEPTIONS, RELATING TO FIRE REGULATIONS.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
13. Recission of the Ofland Resort Project.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council conduct the first reading of an Ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE No. 330:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING ORDINANCE 322 AND ORDINANCE 323, WHICH APPROVED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 25-00004, ESTABLISHED THE OPEN-SPACE CONSERVATION ZONE (OS-C), AMENDED THE CITY’S ZONING MAP, APPROVED REZONING 25-000001 AND REZONING ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER NO. 0614-121-15 FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL,
ESTATE DENSITY (RS-E) TO COMMERCIAL TOURIST (C-T) AND OPEN SPACE-CONSERVATION (OS-C).
That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 26-26:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION 25-17 AND RESOLUTION 25-18, WHICH ADOPTED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 24-000002 AND APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 24- 000003.
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 28, 2026
Community Development Director Gardner (Director Gardner) presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Mintz opened the Public Hearing.
The following addressed the City Council:
Cindy Bernard
John Talley-Jones
Having no more requests to speak, Mayor Mintz closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Wright, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, to conduct the first reading of an Ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE No. 330:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING ORDINANCE 322 AND ORDINANCE 323, WHICH APPROVED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 25-00004, ESTABLISHED THE OPEN-SPACE CONSERVATION ZONE (OS-C), AMENDED THE CITY’S ZONING MAP, APPROVED REZONING 25-000001 AND REZONING ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER NO. 0614-121-15
FROM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, ESTATE DENSITY (RS-E) TO COMMERCIAL TOURIST (C-T) AND OPEN SPACE-CONSERVATION (OS-C).
That the City Council adopt a Resolution entitled:
Resolution 26-26:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION 25-17 AND RESOLUTION 25-18, WHICH ADOPTED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 24-000002 AND APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 24-000003.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT, MINTZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
14. Ordinance for Sewer Regulations, Establishing a FOG Program, and Related Topics.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council hold a Public Hearing, and conduct the first reading of an Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA PERTAINING TO THE USE OF, DISCHARGES TO, AND CONNECTIONS TO THE CITY’S DOWNTOWN SEWER SYSTEM; ESTABLISHING A FATS, OILS, AND GREASE CONTROL AND PERMITTING PROGRAM; PROHIBITING THE DISCHARGE OF CERTAIN MATERIALS INTO THE CITY SEWER SYSTEM; AND ESTABLISHING ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES RELATED THERETO.
Mayor Mintz announced that he would be recusing himself from this item due to a possible conflict of interest and left the Council Chambers at 6:56 p.m.
Director Gardner presented the Staff Report.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott opened the Public Hearing.
The following addressed the City Council:
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 28, 2026
Eileen Leslie
John Masterson
Having no more requests to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Scott closed the Public Hearing. After a brief discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Scott suggested that this item be brought back to vote on at a future meeting.
ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Scott, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain, to table this item contingent upon whether we can get an extension on the project.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ, SCOTT, WRIGHT,
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: MINTZ
ABSENT: NONE
Mayor Mintz returned to the Council Chambers at 7:27 p.m.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
15. Community Resilience Center Grant.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council will discuss and provide direction to the City Manager on how to proceed with the Community Resilience Center Grant.
City Manager Cole presented the Staff Report.
The City Council then addressed questions to representatives from California Consulting, the firm that former City Manager James contracted with to assist in obtaining this grant.
The following addressed the City Council:
Lashara Maea
Shanese Risper
Cindy Bernard
Mae Ford
David Marquez, California Consulting, provided additional information about the grant.
After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Councilwoman Ramirez, seconded by Councilmember Bilderain to move forward with pursuing this grant.
The above motion was carried by the following:
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: BILDERAIN, RAMIREZ
NOES: SCOTT, MINTZ
ABSTAIN: WRIGHT
ABSENT: NONE
Based on the vote, this item did NOT pass.
City Council - Regular Meeting
July 28, 2026
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.
5. Discussion regarding a Moratorium on Data Centers.
6. Discussion on reallocating funds that were set aside for City Hall shade structures to grant writing.
Councilwoman Ramirez asked for a discussion on creating a Customer Service Survey. City Manager Cole mentioned that this is something the City has had in the past and we can work on bringing that back.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following addressed the City Council:
Heather Huguenor (sent an email for the record)
Beth Sheffield
Ricky Johnson
Dr. Bruce Spencer
Cindy Bernard
Mark Van Horne
Scott Curry
Eileen Leslie
ADJOURNMENT - Mayor Mintz adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 25, 2026.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Villescas, CMC
City Clerk/Public Information Officer