A full agenda for the Twentynine Palms City Council produced a meeting almost four hours long. Reporter Dan Stork tells what went down, starting with the passing of the long-discussed vacation home rental ordinance…
Vacation home rental ordinance approved
The Twentynine Palms City Council devoted the largest block of time at its Tuesday meeting to a public hearing on a vacation home rental ordinance. It passed unanimously. Before it did, many citizens had their final say. Jim Harris worried about financial responsibility for damage to dirt roads, and economic damage to motels located near VHRs. Ash Maharaj raised concerns about liability, impact on Transient Occupancy Tax revenues, and the lack of a cost/benefit analysis. Vicky Talley recommended a Conditional Use Permit, rather than the simpler business permit in the proposed ordinance. Bill Talley warned against litigation following revoked permits, and the cost of administration of the ordinance. Heather Schlegel gave an impassioned defense of the ordinance as a key element in the economic future of Twentynine Palms. Ed Valoran opined that renters here are more likely to visit the National Park than to party down. Lee Bailey cited vacation home rentals as a way to tap into the Park’s 1.6 million annual visitors. CJ Horn suggested a referendum to gauge the citizenry’s true feelings about the ordinance. Jack Briggs said that citizens have had ample opportunity to weigh in, and that failure to allow vacation home rentals would be a lost opportunity. Jerry Hagman said that vacation home rentals could help reduce the number of empty rental properties. Paul Smith said that Twentynine Palms needs to catch up with surrounding communities that are benefiting economically from vacation home rentals. Ann Congdon described an economic ripple effect that would create new jobs in the city. Greg Mendoza saw potentially bad short-term renters as less of a problem than bad long-term renters. In the end, Council members reassured themselves that the actuality of vacation home rentals could always be reviewed and acted upon appropriately.
Mattos asks city to embrace tourism
Jerry Mattos called upon the city to get serious about executing a tourism plan, marketing itself as THE place to stay for the 19 million potential visitors who live within 2 ½ hours of Twentynine Palms. He drew a picture of the economic future of Twentynine Palms, based upon tourism. Mattos cited the geographical isolation, the greater attractiveness of Yucca Valley to large chains, and the policy of military bases to favor on-base economic development over support of local business as economic realities that were nobody’s fault.
In a separate public comment, Mattos also urged the Council to retain Acting City Manager Larry Bowden as the permanent City Manager.
CDBG grants
City staffer Randy Councell presented two plans for allocation of the $104,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds. One plan would split the funds among city park improvements and three local non-profits. A plan was approved to allocate all CDBG funds to the park improvements, with support of non-profits from the general fund to be considered separately. The vote was 4-1, Cora Heiser dissenting.
Social Host Ordinance
The council unanimously passed a social host ordinance, that puts in place administrative measures to penalize adults who allow underage drinking at gatherings on properties for which they are responsible. Cora Heiser questioned whether this added anything useful to existing laws, but joined her colleagues in support for the measure. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Russ Wilkie described the ordinance as another tool for law enforcement, with faster application than existing laws.
Planning Commission Appointments
The council decided to extend to March 27 the deadline for applications for Planning Commission vacancies. Development Director Jim Hamilton said that Commissioners Greg Mendoza and Carey Alderson wish to continue to serve, but Bill Easter would like to step down. Mayor Joel Klink appointed Dan Mintz and McArthur Wright to review applications.
Federal Lobbyist interviews
The council directed Acting City Manager Larry Bowden to schedule interviews with firms interested in acting as the city’s federal lobbyist as he saw fit. Mayor Klink designated Cora Heiser and himself to be the application review committee.
Contribution to PERS unfunded liability
Acting City Manager Larry Bowden said that contributing $1 million of city money to its unfunded liability in the state’s Public Employee Retirement System would save the city a substantial amount of money. Bowden pointed to the minuscule interest being earned by the funds now, and the historically strong performance and promising trend of PERS investments. He also noted that the city would stay well within its conservative reserve criteria, even if the funds were diverted as suggested. Council was persuaded and approved the contribution unanimously.
Heiser asks for reconsideration of future agenda criteria
Stung by her inability at the last council meeting to get a reconsideration of the city’s medical marijuana policy on the council agenda, Cora Heiser asked that the policy of requiring two votes to put an item on the agenda be reconsidered at a future meeting. She received the required second vote.
Theatre 29 repays city loan for sign
Gary Daigneault presented the City with a $3,000 check, repaying a loan to Theatre 29 for a portion of the cost of its electronic sign.
