Last night, the Twentynine Palms City Council met for a two-hour meeting covering a wide range of topics, though a bombshell announcement from Parks and Recreation led to a passionate debate about the July 4 tradition. Reporter Heather Clisby was there …
The Twentynine Palms City Council had a full agenda and a full house at last night’s meeting. The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District gave a detailed presentation on “Community Risk Reduction Applications.” Several members of the district explained how they are using technology to combat arson, wildfires and illegal fireworks.
The council welcomed new employee Abigail Hernandez Conde, who will be assistant finance director.
The Twentynine Palms High School softball team was recognized for its participation in the trash for cash program.
The council approved all six designs for the Art in Public Places banners that will be hung from streetlights between major city events. The 45 banners will be at a cost of $15,000, to come form the Public Arts Advisory Commission’s budget.
In great anticipation of California re-opening on June 15, the council approved the re-instatement of sports programs and facilities. Recreation Supervisor Kary Minatrea then informed the council that Tortoise Rock Casino informed her that, for the first time, the casino will host a fireworks display on July 4. Traditionally, the annual fireworks display has been alternately hosted by the city and the Marine base; this year, it was the city’s turn.
After much discussion, the council narrowly approved a plan to move the city’s July 4 festivities to Knott’s Sky Park and piggyback on the casino’s fireworks display. The plan will re-purpose the pyrotechnics budget and earmark that $40,000 for other Parks and Recreation events. It would also lighten the work load for the fire department.
Councilmembers Joel Klink and McArthur Wright were not pleased with the casino’s plan and regretted that it had not been communicated to the council. They both voted against the plan, and Mayor Daniel Mintz gave the final vote to break the tie.
The council did not approve a letter of support for AB 821, as Assembly member Jim Cooper pulled the bill that would’ve clarified language around relocating a sexually violent predator. Inexplicably, the bill faced opposition from state hospitals and public defenders.
The council proclaimed that April was National Donate Life Month. Rita Jackson drove two and a half hours to accept the proclamation . Her late daughter, Jasmine Marie Jackson, died at 20 and was an advocate for organ donation
