Even without any public hearings, the Twentynine Palms City Council meeting ran to nearly three hours last night, with presentations on a grand solar energy plan and Project Phoenix status, plus discussions on Mural in a Day, Planning Commission appointments, and team building exercises. Dan Stork was there, and summarizes the proceedings…
Before its regular meeting, the Twentynine Palms City Council gathered at the site of the planned Dollar General Store, just east of Del Taco, for a ceremonial groundbreaking. According to Dan Cordoba, the project manager for Dynamic Development, construction is scheduled to start this week. Back at City Hall, resident Aaron Kyle presented his vision for a 25-year plan in which the City would build its own solar electricity generating facilities, which would meet all city needs while providing free electricity to city residents and businesses, including an anticipated water treatment plant. The plan is based on a law that obligates Edison to buy energy from such facilities. Interim Development Director Matt McCleary and City Attorney Patrick Munoz gave updated status on Project Phoenix, emphasizing the wisdom of pursuing litigation against the state to retain bond proceeds for city development projects. Council threw its support behind a resolution aimed at the retention of county court services in Needles, Barstow, and Big Bear. After Action Council 29 provided documentation for the Mural in a Day project, whose funding the Council rejected at its previous meeting, the Council voted unanimously to supply the $10,000 requested for the project.
Council agreed that the previously-appointed task force of members Mintz and Harris should push forward with interviewing the four applicants for two Planning Commission seats, and make a recommendation at the next Council meeting. In discussing a team-building suggestion brought to the agenda by Council member Cora Heiser, the other members pressed her to explain her vision of such a program. She was short on specifics, except for desiring a low-cost program. City Manager Richard Warne said he would develop some ideas and bring them back to Council.
TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL IN MARATHON SESSION LAST NIGHT
