Planning Commission recommendation tabled by Council

Pat Doody.

At their Nov. 12 meeting, the Tehachapi Planning Commission reviewed and approved a tentative parcel map dividing two commercial parcels totaling 10.3 acres located at the end of Bailey Court in Tehachapi into seven parcels, and recommended the Tehachapi City Council approve the map and a finding that a Notice of Exemption satisfies the California Environmental Qualty Act (CEQA).

Development Services Director Jay Schlosser said, at this time, the division was for mapping purposes only, no specific project. Four lots would have access from Bailey Court with the remaining three to have access from a future Valley Blvd. Schlosser said that as there are no City plans at this time to extend Valley, access to the three remaining lots would most likely come from Dennison Road.

The project was brought before the City Council at the Dec. 2 meeting. However, Schlosser asked to table the discussion as the city had received a communication that day from Pioneer Law Group, the attorney for the Tehachapi Cummings Community Water District (TCCWD), voicing concerns that the city's proposal did not address the management of the area's water and challenging the findings of the Planning Commission. As both City Manager Greg Garrett and City Attorney Tom Schroeter were absent, the Council voted to table all discussion until the next Council meeting.

In other Council business, with the Feb. 2 expiration of the term of Maryann Paciullo, who represents the City of Tehachapi on the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District Board of Directors, the Council unanimously voted to advertise for candidates to fill the position.

Jessica Garner, who is lead planner for the City's Reindeer Rush Scavenger Hunt event taking place from until Dec. 23, announced that 28 businesses had signed up and that passports are available at City Hall. Shoppers take the passport to participating businesses, Garner explained, find the little stuffed reindeer and get their passport stamped. When they have at least five stamps, bring the passport to City Hall to be entered in a drawing for a grand prize.

All were reminded to attend Hometown Christmas on Dec. 7.

The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C St.