Reporter Dan Stork split his report on a lengthy Twentynine Palms City Council meeting into two parts. Today: a federal lobbying presentation, a solar energy facility seeks city favor, and a parade anniversary celebration…
At the behest of City Manager Joe Guzetta, federal lobbyist David Turch described to the Twentynine Palms City Council how his firm could help the City in getting federal funds for city projects. Council directed staff to research the cost and services of other firms, to give the Council background for an informed future discussion.
A representative from Clean Focus, which wants to build a 12-acre solar field on a 148-acre parcel at Mesquite Springs and Raymond, which is outside the city, but within the city’s sphere of influence, asked the council to look favorably upon the project. Under a new county ordinance, cities have a say in solar projects in their SOI. Despite a $200,000 inducement offered by Clean Focus to the City, public comment and Council sentiment was uniformly against the project.
Mary Jane Binge sketched her ideas for a 25th anniversary commemoration of the 1991 Desert Storm victory parade. Public comment and council reaction was generally supportive, although one speaker said she believed that resources could be better applied to meet veterans’ needs. Council designated member Cora Heiser as its representative to coordinate with Binge and city staff on the development of ideas.
TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL LOOKS AT SOLAR PROJECT AND AN ANNIVERSARY PARADE
