Just prior to Tuesday night’s Twentynine Palms City Council meeting, a workshop on a proposed solar project was held before council turned to city business.
Council chambers were packed last night for a pre-meeting workshop that explored the Community Benefits Package presented by E Group PS Solar, the developer of a proposed 184-acre solar farm north of Two Mile Road. Negotiated by city staff after nearly a year, the project would bring in $500,000 over several years. While the city passed a moratorium on large solar farms in 2012, Assembly Bill 205 (passed in 2022) enabled developers to bypass local laws citing an urgent need for alternative energies. Thus, despite any opposition, the project may happen anyway, which is why the city is negotiating benefits.
Resident concerns include the site being within a “sand transport path” and that the project may fall short of the AB205 requirement, 50 megawatts or more. To be continued.
During the official meeting, the council discussed the need for a sub-committee to help support and guide the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). Concerns included much-needed support for TBID Marketing Director Breanne Dusastre, deeper engagement with stakeholders, and poorly-run meetings. Council approved a sub-committee consisting of Councilmembers Steven Bilderain and April Ramirez.
Council then discussed forming a sub-committee to assist the Housing and Homeless Committee with concerns being a need for more engagement from residents and a more streamlined process. In April 2023, council established the Housing and Homeless advisor committee (HHC) which consisted of five planning commissioners and two at-large community members. On Tuesday night, council created a sub-committee comprised of Councilmembers Octavious Scott and April Ramirez.
The next meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council is July 22.
