The Twentynine Palms City Council gathered last night to discuss committee budgets, secure appointments and celeb rate progress. Reporter Heather Clisby was there…
Last night’s Twentynine Palms City Council meet took place in brightly lit chambers under new LED bulbs. All city buildings now include the same energy efficient system that will save the city $85,000 a year, according to City Manager Frank Luckino.
The Public Arts Advisory Committee’s budget was up for discussion and representatives were on hand to explain two new requests: the hiring of a part-time media director and actions around mural restorations. While there were concerns around the duplication of what the Tourism Board also does with the media, the council ultimately approved the budget, 3-2.
Luckino updated the council on a number of issues, namely the city’s application for a $2 million cultural and natural resources grant, part of Prop 68. Partnering with Joshua Tree National Park, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the city hopes to apply grant funds to build a 5,000-square-foot cultural center as part of Project Phoenix. Luckino says the next step is a site visit, but he thinks the city has a strong chance of securing the funds as the project is “shovel ready.”
