The City of Twentynine Palms opened up City Hall to the public at last nights’ city council meeting as the council welcomed a new sheriff lieutenant, reviewed construction user fees and updated COVID-19 changes and guidelines. Reporter Heather Clisby was there …
For the first time in weeks, the Twentynine Palms City Council meeting allowed for public attendance last night though face masks were required and social distancing was enforced.
Morongo Basin Sheriff Captain Luke Niles gave a brief crime report and noted that while crime is on the rise overall, assaults in the county are down. Niles also noted that while assaults against deputies are up countywide and nationwide, the city has noted a dip in these altercations.
There was much discussion around the proposed amended Master Fee Schedule. While the council visited the issue back in November, the fees took effect in February. After citizen complaints about too-high construction fees, the city reviewed and compared to fees in Yucca Valley, Redlands and San Bernardino County. Community Development Director Travis Clark spearheaded the review and reported a more simplified process and a readjustment in user fees to be more in line with the county. City Manager Frank Luckino noted that the fees had not been increased since 2008.
Local business owner Aaron Kyle, came before the council asking that the fees be removed, noting economic stress of the average city homeowner. After initially raising the fee to $90, the council agreed to the proposed amendments and to reduce the user fee to $65.
Luckino then presented an update on “all thing COVID” regarding city business. Recreation Program Supervisor Kary Minatrea updated the council on draft plans for the city’s pool, day camp and movies at Luckie Park. Once finalized, the plans will be announced and will be implemented with new precautionary measures around COVID-19.
