At last night’s Twentynine Palms City Council meeting City Manager Dr. Stone James received a pay increase and the council pushed consideration of entertainment permits down the line.
The regular council meeting began with a presentation to the Twentynine Palms High School TASHA (Teens Against Sexual Harassment) Club for participating in the Cash for Trash and Recycling Program. The city presented a check for $300 and Burrtec Waste Management matched that amount.
Government Relations Manager Shane Moussad from Southern California Edison presented a power point to show all the upgrades SCE has implemented in recent years, especially in emergency management areas and high fire danger zones..
Recipients of a Community Events Grant, Friends of the Twentynine Palms Library and Mil-Tree Veteran Project both reported on all the ways this grant benefitted the recipients and their cause.
Community Development Director Keith Gardner led council through a public hearing concerning changes to the development code on ancillary activities, businesses and entertainment: specifically, creating permits for live entertainment. This matter was tabled for further discussion, until the next meeting on June 10th.
Director of Finance Abigail Hernandez presented the preliminary Two-Year Budgets for the Project Phoenix Funds and Sewer Fund for initial council review, followed by the Two-year Special Revenue Funds Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 & 2026-27.
Noting that Dr. Stone James, the City Manager’s salary is currently the lowest of all city managers in San Bernardino County, a 2.5% salary increase was proposed, as well as an amendment to the City Manager’s employment agreement. This was approved by a 5 to 0 vote.
