The Live Stream was down at the Yucca Valley Town Council meeting, and Reporter Hilary Sloane was home with a seasonal cold. Able to only get the last half hour of the meeting, it was clear the Council heard the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department presentation on Fentanyl and Drug Trends and reviewed a COVID-19 Prevention Plan revision.
Sloane was able to get onto the meeting platform before the end. Staff reported on a proposal for emergency storm cleanup and shoulder maintenance services. Councilmen Merl Abel thanked the town for a very efficient job after the recent storms. Town Manager Curtis Yakimow reported on the Region Wide Strategic plan currently in progress. Some of the highlights reported were:
Retail Operations and Gap Analysis, Supporting Town as Economic Hub
They are ensuring Effective EMT Services to Town Residents w/ County Fire and new infrastructure.
They are engaging with Partners on Various Infrastructure Projects, such as the Yucca Trail Airport District, the High Desert Water District (HDWD), Recycled Water, and Hwy 62 Rehabilitation.
Yakimow said Strategic planning is important to ensure the town is moving forward. He added the town’s innovative information platforms, assisted successfully in moving forward with the Transient Occupancy Tax. These methods will be employed in the future on routine informational items. The Short-term Vacation Rental Ordinance review has been completed; North
Park access has been completed. Progress is being made on the Onaga Trail project, which is already improving the safety of residents.
Lastly, Yakimow reported the Fish and Wildlife Commission has said that State legislation is being drafted to decide the fate of the Joshua Tree.
There is nothing conclusive at this time.
