The Twentynine Palms City Council worked crisply through a lengthy agenda at its Tuesday night meeting. Reporter Dan Stork lists what was accomplished…
Before the agendized business of the Twentynine Palms City Council, the Council viewed a video that gave the history and works of the 35 air quality management districts throughout California. The clean theme continued during public comment and Larry Bowden’s final update as Interim City Manager, as illegal dumping and blighted lots– and what to do about them–were brought to public attention. Bowden also said that it is proving difficult to replace the crosswalk lights downtown at Tamarisk.
Budget adjustments
The Council approved adjustments to the City’s budget described by Finance Director Ron Peck, covering:
- City contributions to unfunded pension liability, approved at a previous meeting;
- Purchase of a right of way near Cienega, so Caltrans can put in sidewalks;
- Funds for traffic light projects at Encelia and at Lear, which are getting underway sooner than expected.
Purchase of a grader
The purchase of a used grader in purportedly excellent condition for $108K was approved. This replaces vintage equipment whose operation past its legal life will not be allowed much longer. The new grader will be paid for by a loan from the general fund to a special fund, which will be paid back at 2.5 percent interest. Some of the cost is expected to be recouped by selling the old grader out of state; Nevada and Arizona are not so careful about air quality.
Selecting delegates to the So Cal Association of Governments
Cora Heiser will be the Council delegate to the May 7-8 conference of the Southern California Association of Governments. Joel Klink is the alternate delegate.
Federal lobbyist recommendations
Council approved the recommendation of Cora Heiser and Joel Klink that The Ferguson Group be selected as the City’s Federal lobbyist. Two other firms were considered. Heiser noted that lobbying has shifted from procuring earmark projects for clients to find grant opportunities, and writing proposals. The selected firm is the only one with a California office, and had the best grant-writing references.
City-owned lots and house at the corner of SR 62 and Lear
The Council decided to have buildings on city-owned property at the corner of Lear and State Route 62 demolished, allowing for future use of the property for commercial service business usage. Rejected were the alternatives of remodeling and renting the house, or of selling it to a private party.
Permit processing fees for Vacation Home Rentals
Council approved a staff recommendation for vacation home rental permit processing fees. The suggested fee was $154 for an initial fee, and $46 for annual renewal, with the understanding that these may be adjusted to reflect administrative cost, after the city has gained some experience with VHRs. These fees are in addition to business fees and inspection fees.
Planning for the Strategic Planning Workshop
New City Manager Frank Luckino sketched an agenda for the April 11 Strategic Planning Workshop, and requested that its scheduled hours be noon to 6 p.m. He suggested that participants concentrate on weaknesses identified in an earlier SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis.
