Last night’s meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council was mostly business as usual, though the council heard from several residents concerned about the proliferation of Vacation Home Rentals and illegal marijuana grows. Reporter Heather Clisby was there …
The Twentynine Palms City Council gathered last night and approved the formation of an ad hoc committee with the Twentynine Palms Water District to address wastewaster solutions. Councilmember McArthur Wright and Mayor Pro Tem Karmolette O’Gilvie will serve on the committee.
Presented by City Manager Frank Luckino, the Special Fund Budget for fiscal years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 was reviewed and approved by the council.
The council heard from residents concerned about the increase of Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) and asked for moratoriums on permits. Indian Cove resident Heidi Heard asked the council to imagine the street they grew up on. “Now imagine no familiar neighbors, only strangers that change every few days,” Heard said. The city currently has 46 pending permits.
The swarm of illegal marijuana grows in the region was also discussed. Sheriff’s Captain Luke Niles stated that while law enforcement is working diligently to raid and shut down each operation, there are still approximately 250-300 grows in the Morongo Basin. Additional discussion included the idea of laying additional per-plant fines and possibly adding liens to offending properties.
The next meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council will take place on July 27.
