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Council authorizes mayor to sign letter supporting Category C base-access waiver for selected on-base businesses
Summary
The council voted 5-0 to authorize a mayoral letter supporting a Category C waiver that would allow vetted local civilians limited access to revenue-generating on-base facilities (restaurants, theater, golf) while excluding commissary and exchange accesses.
Twentynine Palms — The City Council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to sign a letter supporting a proposed Category C waiver that would permit vetted local civilians to access revenue-generating facilities on the Marine Corps base.
Jesse Montez, deputy assistant chief of staff for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), told the council Category C covers revenue-generating facilities funded by nonappropriated funds. He said the waiver would grant local civilians access to on-base businesses such as the theater, certain eateries (Jersey Mike's, Popeyes) and the golf course but would not include commissary or Marine Corps Exchange access, which are managed under different federal rules.
Several public commenters supported the concept with caveats. One resident cautioned that expanded on-base access might divert customers from small local businesses; Montez responded that most installation employees live in surrounding communities and that increased on-base services can still benefit the local economy through employee spending and improved retention.
Councilmember Scott moved and the council approved a motion authorizing the mayor to sign a letter of support for the Category C waiver; the vote was recorded as 5-0.
