Twentynine Palms, California Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting - 14 Jul 2026
Published: Jul 14, 2026
City Council Advances 1% Sales Tax Measure for November Ballot
The City Council considered and adopted two resolutions related to a proposed 1% transaction sales and use tax measure to be placed on the November 3, 2026, general municipal election ballot. The first resolution orders the submission of the measure to voters, specifying its purpose includes funding for 911 and emergency response times, police officers and patrols, street and sidewalk repair, flood and natural disaster response, park maintenance, and upgrading the animal shelter. It is estimated to generate approximately $2 million annually and requires audits and public spending disclosures. The second resolution sets priorities for filing written arguments and directs the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis. Public comments from Kimberly Zysax supported the measure, citing the city's efficient use of limited resources, while Mary Alice Ansler expressed concern about the 'vague wording' and sought clarification on the ballot language. The council emphasized that placing the measure on the ballot gives residents the power to decide and that funds would go into the general fund with public input during the budget process. Both resolutions passed with a 5-0 vote.
City Council Adopts Policy on Brown Act Changes Amidst Public Input on Meeting Procedures
The City Council discussed and adopted a new policy concerning the induction of policies related to Brown Act changes, specifically outlining procedures for technology failures during public meetings. The policy states that if technology fails, the meeting would pause for up to an hour for repairs. If unsuccessful, the meeting could resume. Public comments from Kimberly Zysax and Cindy Bernard raised concerns about potential limitations on public speaking time and the clarity of the policy regarding these limits. The City Manager acknowledged these points and committed to reviewing and adjusting the policy to ensure reasonable meeting lengths without suppressing public input. The council ultimately voted to adopt the policies.
Residents Raise Alarms Over Unsanctioned Mining and Solar Development in City's Sphere of Influence
During public comments, residents Audrey Pott and Cindy Gerard raised significant concerns about potential mining and energy development within the city's sphere of influence. Pott emphasized the need for community understanding and voice regarding mining's impact on the city's character and requested a future agenda item for discussion. Gerard detailed a newly constructed solar farm within the city's sphere of influence, arguing its construction violated county ordinances by not notifying the water district and presenting an inaccurate staff report regarding distance. She suggested the county owes compensation to 29 Palms residents, proposing options like opening the Lear Fire Station, providing a Sheriff's Service Officer, or negotiating community benefits from the developer. Gerard also mentioned upcoming meetings with county officials to understand the situation and urged the council to be vigilant about energy development in their sphere of influence.
Councilmember Proposes Discussion on Reallocating Funds for Grant Writing
Councilmember Wright mentioned that the Warhawks football team is starting its season and seeking sign-ups [cite: 177-180]. Councilmember Ramirez discussed attending meetings regarding ecotourism and tribal communities, as well as conversations with Morongo Unified School District about resources for new laws [cite: 168-169]. Mayor Mitz noted attending the Hope Center ribbon cutting and the Great Race event [cite: 209, 211]. Councilmember Scott mentioned attending the Flock Community Roundtable and thanked staff and the community for participation [cite: 197-198]. Mayor Mitz also mentioned pulling papers for re-election [cite: 227]. During future initiated items, Councilmember Scott proposed discussing the reallocation of funds set aside for a shade structure outside City Hall, which is currently in limbo, specifically for grant writing purposes [cite: 659-661].
Residents Voice Concerns Over Flock Surveillance Technology and Council Conduct
During the public comment period, concerns were raised regarding the use of Flock surveillance technology. Beth Sheffield explained 'pattern of life' and 'heat map' features, noting Flock's marketing contrasts with its claimed capabilities. She also mentioned the LAPD discontinuing its Flock contract due to inaccuracies and potential liabilities. Catherine Powell echoed these concerns, specifically highlighting data security and the perpetual license for data use by Flock. She urged the council to schedule a dedicated discussion on Flock before the contract renewal and to consider the LAPD's decision. Lynette Ramirez also spoke about the need for a code of conduct and ethics for council members, referencing an incident where personal items of homeless individuals were displayed as trash in a video, and a song choice that was deemed inappropriate. She requested the council enforce professional decorum for all parties.
Get Weekly Development News of Twentynine Palms
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Twentynine Palms News archive
City Council - Regular Meeting - 14 Jul 2026
City Council - Regular Meeting - 14 Jul 2026
City Council - Regular Meeting Amended - 23 Jun 2026
City Council - Regular Meeting Amended - 23 Jun 2026
City Council - Regular Meeting Amended - 23 Jun 2026
Board of Education Meeting June 16, 2026
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twentynine Palms ,California Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Twentynine Palms, California | From $25/year