The meeting began with a presentation to the Twentynine Palms High School Basketball Team, rewarding them with a cash reward for participating in the Recycling for Cash program. The Council then swore in the current Youth Council, encouraging the young members to amplify their voices and improve communications in Twentynine Palms.
The Council thanked Twentynine Palms High School for their partnership in the recent International Festival.
Items removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion and public hearing included proposed budget revisions for the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and inter-fund transfers, including $250,000 for the animal control shelter program. It also included a projected expenditure of $14.1 million, with law enforcement services and salaries/benefits accounting for 70% of the total operating expenses. Inter-fund transfers included $10,000 from the General Fund to the General Capital Project fund for projects, including $250,000 for the new animal shelter, $160,000 for self-funding the fund, and $10,000 for acquiring a code enforcement vehicle. An additional $35,000 was allocated for a street sweeper. The Council will hold a public hearing to review the budget on June 11.
Councilman Daniel Mintz suggested researching new funding sources as operating expenses are rising. The Council approved the proposed budget revisions.
Discussions on Item 11 of the Consent Calendar involved an approved city fee waiver policy for facility rentals, allowing up to three free rental days in a calendar year. Cindy Bernard of the Desert Trumpet asked, “Who is to determine what is Political?” She suggested revising the language for nonprofit events that advise the community of free community forums. The Council approved the current language.
The Council then discussed Community Events Grants and recommended providing $20,000 in funding.
Terence Latimer of Black Cactus, promoting the Dine 29 Food Festival and Restaurant Week event, expanded restaurant partnerships from the last meeting. The original $1,500 funding for the event was approved, with Mayor Pro Temp Joel Klink questioning why Dine 29 Food included pop-ups, food trucks, and small businesses. Latimer explained the funds would serve city restaurants, large and small, by providing advertising and promotion. Councilman Octavious Scott motioned to fund the event with $9,500, but Mayor Steven Bilderain motioned to approve the original $1,500 and discuss raising the budget later. This motion was approved.
Next, the Council considered contributions to several nonprofit agencies. Four organizations submitted applications and presented their funding requests at a mid-February workshop. The Council recommended allotting $30,000 for the Food Pantry and $20,000 for Reach Out Morongo. The proposal was unanimously approved. The $5,000 for Unity Home was tabled for revisitation, stating the importance of their services and being willing to relook at the amount purposed.
Nancy Black and Carrie Williams of Women of Color Global (WOCG) proposed to partner with the Twentynine Palms Council to build a Resilience Center on a vacant lot at the corner of Cactus and Tumbleweed. Council member Mintz questioned liability, insurance, and the vehicle purchase requested. According to the current proposal, expenses would revert to the city after three years. Mayor Bilderain expressed support for the proposal but noted that further discussion was needed because of the complexity of this 10-million-dollar request. Councilman Scott motioned for staff to consider the proposal’s feasibility, which was unanimously approved.
The meeting concluded with active community input on receiving public recommendations and City accountability.
