BREAKING NEWS - TWO PLANNING COMMISSIONERS STEP DOWN
Leslie and Dickson announce resignations at May 16 Commission meeting
In a surprise announcement tearful new appointee Eileen Leslie resigned from the Planning Commission at today’s meeting, “I really believe in public service, and I feel that I’m not a time waster. So I want to apologize because I wouldn’t have taken this position knowing I would have to recuse myself on so many issues.”
The meeting kicked off with reports of meetings attended and the resignation of recently reappointed Commissioner Jason Dickson who is leaving the state for a new job, “I will miss all of you, it’s been a great time, a good five years or so we’ve been together. I know Twentynine Palms will continue without me, but they are wholeheartedly in my heart. I will definitely miss Twentynine Palms.”
Continuing with meetings and reports, Leslie relayed that the TBID (Tourism Business Improvement District) is considering separating “from being under the guise of the Council.” She also mentioned attending the TBID budget meeting, “which left me somewhat dismayed.”
Leslie then went on to resign, adding “It’s not just short term rentals, its CUPs (conditional use permits), bars, restaurants, licenses, Project Phoenix - so all of these things I would probably have to recuse myself on. So at this time I am going to resign my position.”
Commission Chair Jim Krushat then turned to Commissioner Max Walker, “With two resignations, Max, it’s now up to you!” Walker assured the room that he intends to stay on the Planning Commission.
In other Commission business, the Truth Tabernacle Church has purchased the current Desert Trail building, which also features a mural about the history of the Desert Trail. The change from a commercial building to a church requires a CUP. The CUP applicant reassured the Commission that the Church does not plan to move the mural and the CUP was approved. The fate of the Desert Trail was not discussed.
Without explanation, Krushat then cut the live feed prior to the Homeless Committee Organization Study Session. We understand the reason is that the City does not record Committee meetings.
It should be noted that with these resignations, and the required recusal of Krushat, the Planning Commission will be one member short of a quorum on any short term rental business including the revision of the short term rental ordinance. It appears that the revision will be on hold until new Planning Commission members are appointed.
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