The Twentynine Palms City Council chambers was packed last night of curious residents, supportive family members, and an unmistakable holiday atmosphere, all to wrap up 2022. Reporter Heather Clisby was there …
Last night’s Twentynine Palms City Council meeting was busy and festive, with Outgoing Mayor Karmolette O’Gilvie bestowing two esteemed awards, and the swearing in of a new councilmember.
O’Gilvie presented the Employee of the Year award to Eli Marshall, director of Information Services for the city, before honoring resident and business owner, James Baskin, with the Mayor’s Recognition Award. Incoming Mayor McArthur Wright then honored O’Gilvie with an honorary gavel from the council. The newly elected Octavious Scott (District 4) was sworn in alongside re-elected councilmembers, Daniel Mintz (District 3) and McArthur Wright (District 5).
Mayor Wright also recognized the Twentynine Palms High School Girls’ Volleyball Team for their successful season, coming in second at the CIF-SS Division 8 championship game.
In a public hearing, Nicole Criste of Terra Nova, a planning and research firm, presented the state-required updates to the Housing, Safety and Land Use Elements of the General Plan. The updates included a map of potential affordable housing, flood/wildfire-risk maps, and a climate change element. All were approved by the council.
A representative from the San Bernardino Housing Trust then presented before the council, urging them to approve a “letter of interest” to participate, describing the agency as a “tool to bring outside dollars to this region to build affordable housing.” The council agreed, with Councilmember Mintz noting, “When they took away our redevelopment funds, it hurt. So, yes, let’s do this.”
Other updates include the official opening of Grocery Outlet on Thursday, December 15 at 8:00 a.m., the completion of Luckie Park pool in late March/early April, and “Coffee with a Cop” this Friday morning at the Twentynine Palms Starbucks.
