After a month-long absence, the Twentynine Palms City Council gathered before a standing room-only crowd to bid farewell to a retiring attorney, meet new city employees, talk trash, and hear a heartfelt apology from the city’s mayor.
Last night’s meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council was one for the books. Though the wastewater treatment plant was not on the agenda, the meeting took place immediately following a ‘Stop the Sewer’ rally at Veterans Park, adjacent to City Hall. (In the City Manager Update at the meeting’s conclusion, Frank Luckino stated that the city is “hoping to get the grant for funding so residents will not have to pay as much.”)
After a proper retirement sendoff for the county’s Deputy District Attorney Michelle Bergey, four new city employees were introduced from three departments.
There were two items pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. The first pertained to a recommendation by the Events Ad Hoc Committee to provide $12K (out of a $50K events fund) for four proposed events, including a book festival, a spell-a-thon, and a poetry slam. After some discussion, the funding was unanimously approved.
The second item pulled concerned a contract agreement with Caroline Partamian to facilitate the Creative Corps Grant (from the California Arts Council) for the Public Arts Advisory Council (PAAC). Partamian would run workshops, host programs, and develop the mentorship program. The item was also approved.
Next, the council approved a promissory note of $20K to Morongo Basin Arch to address homelessness. There was discussion about a Navigation Center, a cooling and/or heating center to be available to the unhoused. President Astrid Johnson thanked the council and stated that Arch continues to look for “other funding sources that are consistent.” Arch had originally asked the council for the funds to address a gap as it can take up to a year or more to obtain state funds. Johnson assured the council that “whatever money you give us is uniquely for Twentynine Palms.”
Next came a welcome surprise for most, the removal of an agenda item concerning a proposed Council Code of Conduct. Several in the audience had attended the meeting to voice concerns but instead, Mayor McArthur Wright read a statement that not only removed the item from the agenda, but offered an extensive apology to residents, city staff, and his fellow councilmembers. Here is the statement:
“Upon careful review of the example presented by our dedicated staff, and subsequent moments of reflection, I respectfully request a withdrawal of this agenda item. To my esteemed fellow councilmembers, I extend my sincere apologies if my intentions were misconstrued as an attempt to curtail or regulate our expressions or actions. As elected representatives, we stand as the voice of our esteemed citizens, and my intent was to never interfere with this fundamental duty. I deeply regret any misunderstanding that may have arisen from the presentation of this agenda item. To the cherished residents of Twentynine Palms, I offer my heartfelt apology for any unintended implication that I sought to hinder or impede our councilmembers from dutifully representing your interests. My commitment to this city and its citizens is unwavering, and my sole desire is to work for the betterment of our community. To our dedicated staff, I extend my apologies for the time and effort invested on this agenda item. I acknowledge the precious nature of your contributions, and the importance of directing our collective energy toward the pressing matters that demand our attention. Thank you for your diligence in addressing this issue. I humbly propose the withdrawal of this agenda item pending the council’s concurrence, and instead, I respectfully suggest that our capable staff assess our parliamentary procedures to ensure that we are exemplifying the higher standards and we are setting an example for our sub-committees to follow. I express my gratitude for your time and consideration of this matter and may ya’ll be blessed abundantly. With utmost respect, Mayor Wright.”
The next agenda item concerned a five-year/$1 annual lease agreement with Aha Projects! for the relocation of Mojaveland, an art-focused miniature golf site behind Theatre 29. Councilmember Klink inquired about that same property being eyed for the long-proposed Pioneer Park and Luckino stated that Mojaveland’s owner, Anna Stump, is aware that the golf site would have to relocate should the park project move forward. The lease is widely seen as a win/win; Mojaveland will benefit from sharing a paved parking lot and ADA-compliant bathrooms, while also exposing mini-golf fans to local theater.
City Attorney Patrick Munoz then addressed the council regarding SB1383, the state law that mandates all municipalities offer organic waste collection. “We are a little behind the 8-ball here, in terms of our ability to implement,” said Munoz. The goal is to keep food waste out of landfills and applies to residences and businesses. A 35-gallon cart will be delivered and picked up on a regular trash day. Munoz explained that the city is required to mandate this system and the contract amendment includes a heavy emphasis on education. Additional costs to customers add up to $7.34 per household which Burrtec has offered to spread out over four years – $2.10 for the first three years, $1.04 for the last year. The resolution to approve the amendment to the franchise agreement with Burrtec to implement the organic waste collection was approved 5-0.
