Rolling stock inventory condition, capital improvement schedule, the law enforcement costs of homelessness, city signage, and Project Phoenix status were all discussed at the Twentynine Palms City Council meeting last night. Reporter Dan Stork has details…
Cary Harwin delivered the quarterly report of the Desert Regional Tourism Authority, emphasizing its efforts to promote Twentynine Palms, and decrying the shortcomings of the state’s California Welcome Center web site.
A Sheriff’s Department representative told the Council that an arrest of a homeless person for vagrancy or panhandling is followed by 4 to 6 hours of administrative processing, followed by release back onto the streets. The Department’s HOPE program is trying to reduce costs and recidivism by instead directing homeless arrestees to resources that can address their problems more meaningfully.
City Attorney Patrick Munoz delivered a detailed history of the controversial Project Phoenix bond dispute, up to the recent court decision favorable to the City’s view that it can apply bond proceeds to downtown revitalization. Council adjourned to closed session at the end of the open meeting to discuss the litigation with the Department of Finance further.
As part of the budget review process, City staff surveyed the state of “rolling stock” inventory—trucks, mowers, and the like. The Council approved a request to retire several aged or chronically troublesome pieces of equipment.
Council approved the design of new highly-reflective city way-finding and street signs on city-maintained roadway, pending approval by Caltrans of the same design for Route 62. Council also approved the purchase of sign-making equipment.
Finally, Council approved a multi-year capital improvement plan with regard to its goals. Concrete financial allocations for specific projects will be addressed later in the budget process.
