Twentynine Palms City Council opts not to move visitor center

The Twentynine Palms City Council faced a packed agenda last night that began with results from the city’s annual audit. CPA Brianna Schultz, representing independent auditors Rogers, Anderson, Malody, & Scott (RAMS) issued an “unmodified opinion” – the highest ranking of an audit. The city has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – “the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting” for the past fifteen fiscal years.

Council considered relocating the Twentynine Palms Visitor Center from 73484 Twentynine Palms Highway across the street closer to the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center at Freedom Plaza. The city’s visitor center averages 100 visitors weekly while the park’s center averages 3,000 so the hope was to allow for more exposure. However, after hearing pleas from residents and city staff on the matter, council opted to explore expanding center staffing instead.

Council reviewed updates to the City Fee Waiver Policy No. 1 and Facility Rental Rules and Regulations. There was some pushback from residents on the proposed reduction of the number of times per year a non-profit could request a facility fee waiver from three to one; ultimately, council compromised to allow two times per year. Proposed language will also clarify that fee waiver requests from non-profits looking to rent city facilities would need to come before council during a regular meeting.

General Manager Matt Shragge of the Twentynine Palms Water District (TPWD) presented on how the city relies on the health of four aquifers and that residents should avoid dumping grease or chemicals down the drain and have their septic tanks inspected every 3-5 years to protect city groundwater.

To help oversee the design and construction of the new animal shelter, a council subcommittee was created. Councilmembers Dan Mintz and McArthur Wright volunteered.

There was an update on the city’s efforts to create affordable housing. (Mayor Steven Bilderain read a letter from the California Fair Political Practices Commission that effectively cleared Councilmember Octavious Scott from any conflict of interest with regards to the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition in case there was any misperception on the matter.)

Council wrestled with the disappointing reality that Milestone, the developer they had hired to create affordable housing on the three-acres west of City Hall, had run out of money. Per the California Surplus Land Act (SLA) – a law requiring local agencies to prioritize the use of their surplus land for affordable housing, parks, and schools – the city will likely create a request for proposal to other developers, but the matter is tabled for the time being.

On the same item, council discussed adjustment programs that help seniors and disabled homeowners stay in their homes longer by installing wheelchair ramps, walk-in showers, door levers (instead of knobs) and lifting recliners. Executive Director Robin Schlosser of Reach Out Morongo Basin informed the council that the organization has helped 350 homeowners Basin-wide in the last four years (75-100 houses in Twentynine Palms.) Schlosser said the program is much-needed with a steady waiting list. Council signaled it would explore funding for this.

In his City Manager Update, Stone James urged residents to prepare for the weekend rainstorm noting that sandbags are available for pick up from City Hall and local fire stations.

The next meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council will be on Tuesday, December 9.

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