After a presentation by Fire Chief Munsey, the Town Council approved the Consent Agenda except for item number 3, awarding the construction contract to VSS International to complete the Town-Wide Slurry Seal Project. After review, the council approved the contract. The discussion then turned to the status of the Western Joshua Tree. Reporter Hilary Sloane was at the meeting and is here to give you the details…
The state biologist has recommended that the Western Joshua tree not warrant protection and be taken off the endangered species list. Future discussion at the June meeting of the Department of Fish and Wild Life will review the department’s recommendation. The current regulations end tomorrow at 4:30, which leaves both the fate of the Western Joshua Tree and building permits in limbo. The Town Council established that while they wait for the decision, they will be as transparent as possible.
The slurry seal project began with a crack and seal and will continue by applying a Type II Slurry Seal to the bigger fissures in the roads. The funding for this work comes from Measure Y. After reviewing the project; the council unanimously approved the contract with VSS International.
On October 9, 2020, the western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) was designated as a candidate species listed as threatened under California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA). As part of the candidacy process, interim regulations for permits issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were adopted for incidental take (removal) of western Joshua trees during its year-long candidacy period.
Town Manager Curtis Yakimow updated the council on the one-year status report. The state biologist has recommended that the Western Joshua tree not warrant protection. Future discussion at the June meeting of the Department of Fish and Wild Life will review the department’s recommendations. The current regulations end tomorrow at 4:30, which leaves both the fate of the Western Joshua Tree and building permits in limbo. The Town Council established that while they wait for the decision, they will be as transparent as possible.
For Z107.7, this is Hilary Sloane
