The Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors met last night to hold public hearings on rate changes and discuss the Well TP-2 Project. Reporter Heather Clisby was there…
During its monthly meeting last night, the Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors hosted two public hearings on rate changes, though the meeting was sparsely attended.
The first public hearing was on proposed miscellaneous fees and charges pertaining to new accounts, credit cards, termination tags, and fire flow letters. With no public comment, the fees were approved.
The next public hearing was to establish a schedule of rates for monthly water service charges. Per the requirement of Proposition 218, the board mailed a notice to all city customers on December 11, announcing a 45-day protest period. A majority of parcel owners (4,086) would have had to reject the new rates in writing but the district received just 14 protest letters so the new rates were approved and will apply beginning February 1. The percentage increase varies depending on usage and meter size.
The Board then acknowledged that the Well TP-2 Project qualifies as a Class 3 categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act. Bids for construction of the well were also discussed. After consulting engineering expertise, the board selected the lowest bidder, M. Brey Electric in Beaumont, for the job.
“Too bad we could not keep the job local,” said Director Bob Coghill, “but I understand the circumstances.”
“The entire board wishes that,” said President Carol Giannini.
