At last night’s meeting, the Yucca Valley Town Council introduced a new employee, Yolanda Perez, Administration Assistant in Code Compliance, and received the Grubstake Days update report from Wanda Stadum, President and CEO of the Morongo Basin Chamber of Commerce.
The Grubstake Days Celebration, partly financed by the town of Yucca Valley, is a much-loved and anticipated event held over the Memorial Day weekend. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade will be the Morongo Basin Historical Society, and the theme is “Old Timers.” The events will begin with a kickoff Mixer on May 25, chamber Golf on May 26, the parade on May 27, the 2K, 5K, and 10K run on May 28, along with the Pony Express ride and Kid’s Day on May 29.
Jessica Rice, Yucca Valley senior management advisor, presented the updated report on SB1383, the California state bill establishing methane-reduction goals and addressing food insecurity. State regulations require that jurisdictions conduct education and outreach on organic recycling to all residents, businesses, haulers, solid waste facilities, local food banks, and other food recovery organizations. Because of the education part of the mandate, the town of Yucca Valley is updating its contract with Tripepi Smith, a marketing, technology, and public affairs consulting services provider, to meet its obligation for transparency, education, and compliance.
An additional important update is because of difficulties Burrtec is encountering with the supply chain; the staff is investigating alternative resources until Burrtec can step back in. Rice also reported that the current project fee increase in trash hauling to meet the State’s green mandates would be 50% higher. Councilmen Merl Abel stated he wanted residents to know the town is doing everything possible to keep rates reasonable, including holding off increases until necessary.
The construction contract with American Asphalt South, Inc., for the Measure Y, Town-Wide Crack Seal Project, was reviewed and filed in additional business. Every road is flurry sealed every 5 to 7 years to maintain safe driving conditions.
The Council also received the Planning Division Annual Report from Associate planner Jared Jerome and Assistant planner Evan Willoughby. Jerome explained the town planning and permitting process in a detailed and comprehensive report. In additional information presented by staff, the Little League pedestrian project is going well. The Onaga pedestrian project is encountering some problems but will proceed, and Star Cafe and Chipotle will be on the planning commission agenda next week.
In answer to a resident’s question, staff reported no removal process for fallen Joshua Trees. Still, after the last couple of storms, the trees presenting safety issues will be removed and reported to the Fish and Game Commission. In addition, there will be a review of the Aquatic and Recreation Center color palette and materials before the next council meeting on March 21, between 5:00 – 5:30.
The Yucca Valley Airport District Board of Directors meets in regular session tonight (March 8) to discuss fencing security, communication protocols and signage updates. The board will also discuss job descriptions for the roles of airport manager and treasurer.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Yucca Valley Senior Center at 6:30 p.m.
