The Yucca Valley Town Council meeting began with a presentation by the Hi-Desert Water District regarding the sewer system assessment project. Phase 1 of the project is complete; construction on Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in December, starting near the Country Club area and working east, incorporating Storey Park and Sky Harbor.
The Council voted to include the reauthorization of Measures Y and Z on the election ballot this November. After being voted into adoption by voters in 2016, the half-cent tax measures each provide roughly $3 million in annual local funding to the Town. Measure Z funds are applied to reduce the cost of the sewer system assessment, while Measure Y funds are used for various public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life improvements.
A number of attendees spoke in favor of the measures, representing Yucca Valley and its neighboring communities, as well as organizations such as Reach Out Morongo Basin, the Yucca Valley Airport, and the Mil-Tree Veteran Project. Town Clerk Lesley Copeland read several letters from Yucca Valley residents in support of the services at the Senior Center.
“The senior center gives me a well-rounded meal each day that I likely would not get on my own. The cost of food in the market is just more than I can afford. The Senior Center offers clothing, food to bring home, and health activities. These things have helped me stay healthy and make me feel more part of a community. I am 87 years old.”
The Council then hosted a Public Hearing regarding the extension of the moratorium on senior mobile home park conversions. Following community input in January, the Town Council voted to install a moratorium on any conversions from seniors-only to all-ages mobile home parks, allowing the Town time to consider potentially permanent zoning ordinances.
Several community members spoke on the need to maintain seniors-only housing, particularly those designed for an aging demographic. There were also concerns an overlay zone could raise the risk for park owners if markets changed. The Council voted to extend the moratorium, which will be in place until November 24, 2025.
The Town’s Building and Safety Department presented its annual report; new home, ADU, and solar permits have decreased over the last three years, while permitted spas and pools have increased. The Council also awarded the Miracle League Field surface replacement bid to Pro Playground, in preparation for the league opening on September 16.
The Town Council Meeting concluded with Mayor Lombardo reading a Memorial Adjournment in honor of former Mayor and Council Member Bob Leone, who passed on July 27.
