Last night’s meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council was busy with action items concerning sales tax, tourism, Project Phoenix, a services review, and – at long last – the first steps toward a new pool at Luckie Park. Reporter Heather Clisby has details…
The Twentynine Palms City Council gathered last night and approved a resolution that aims to level the playing field for cities like Twentynine Palms that do not collect sales tax for online shopping. Only cities that include an Amazon Fulfillment Center can do so under state law. A vote at the annual Cal Cities Conference later this month will address the disparity.
Breanne Dusastre, marketing director for the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), presented on the success of TBID, noting website upgrades, an increased social media presence and advertising in Palm Springs Airport and along Interstate 10. The council approved TBID’S annual marketing plan and budget while also green-lighting a 1.5 percent per-night tax which will be in addition to the city’s 9 percent Transient Occupancy Tax. The TBID is anticipated to collect $265,000 in its’ fifth year of operation.
Regarding Project Phoenix, Yucca Avenue will be renamed “Freedom Way” and the plaza will be known as “Freedom Plaza.” Resident Melissa Silva submitted the winning entries and will receive $300.
After 89 years, Luckie Pool is finally getting replaced. The council authorized City Manager Frank Luckino to work with Holt Architecture to begin designs immediately. Luckino noted that in addition to design costs, approximately $276,000, the construction costs of $2.3 million dollars will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The council approved a special service review by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to look for redundancies between the city of Twentynine Palms, the Twentynine Palms Water District (TPWD) and the Twentynine Palms Public Cemetery District. TPWD’s General Manager Ray Kolisz attended the meeting refuting the effort, noting that the city “has no experience operating a utility” and that water rates and services may be affected. Several councilmembers noted that the concerns were premature and any moves toward a “partnership” would involve community buy-in.
