Tonight, the Twentynine Palms City Council will wrap up 2023 in their usual fashion tonight, by playing their own version of ‘musical chairs.’
But first, the council will hear a presentation on the state of Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) by Jane Rogers, JTNP Superintendent. Mayor McArthur Wright will then give the annual State of the City Address, followed by a presentation of Employee of the Year and the Mayor’s Recognition Award.
Then, the installation of a new mayor and mayor pro tem will commence with an informal switching of chairs, or dais positions. Traditionally, these leadership roles have been determined by the highest number of votes received in the last election. Earlier this year, on May 9, the council voted to instead apply the numerical order of districts, beginning with District 5, Wright’s district. Following the order of succession, Steven Bilderain (District 1) will become mayor and Joel Klink (District 2) will take the mayor pro tem seat.
The council will then ponder alternate sites and related costs for the proposed wastewater treatment plant. Though the city has been granted $50M from the state for the project, $1M has been deducted for expected planning costs, leaving $49M, far less than the council anticipated. Due to both cost concerns and resident outcry about the initial location, there are three new site options to explore. Those sites, and related costs, will be discussed in detail this evening.
The meeting takes place on Tuesday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road. It can be livestreamed or viewed on-demand via the city’s website, www.29palms.org
