CITY OF BISHOP
City Council Meeting Minutes
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022
6:00
P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Schwartz called the meeting of the Bishop City Council to order at 6:02 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, California.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Pastor Tim Homan of the Grace Lutheran Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Ellis.
4. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, and Mayor Schwartz ABSENT:
None.
ALSO PRESENT:
Deston Dishion, City Administrator
Robin Picken, City Clerk
Dean J. Pucci, City Attorney
Joe Dell, Fire Chief
Richard Standridge, Police Chief
Nora Gamino, Public Works Director
Elaine Kabala, Associate Planner/Economic Development Coordinator Dan McElroy, Community Services Manager
5. PUBLIC COMMENT – NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: This time is set aside to receive public comment on matters not calendared on the agenda. When recognized by the Mayor, please state your name and address for the record and please limit your comments to three minutes. Under California law the City Council is prohibited from generally discussing or taking action on items not included in the agenda; however, the City Council may briefly respond to comments or questions from members of the public. Therefore, the City Council will listen to all public comment but will not generally discuss the matter or take action on it.
No public comments were made.
6. INTRODUCTION OF NEWLY HIRED ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR – City Administrator Deston Dishion will introduce newly hired Assistant Finance Director Ethan Aukee to Council.
City Administrator Dishion introduced newly hired Assistant Finance Director Ethan Aukee to Council and announced that Ethan Aukee will start working for the City starting Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Ethan Aukee expressed his excitement to start work with the City and thanked Council and staff for this opportunity.
7. PRESENTATIONS
A.
PRESENTATION OF CITY TILE – Presentation of City Tile to Freda Lindsay in appreciation for serving as a videographer for the City of Bishop City Council Meetings from 2008 to 2022.
Item 7A
Mayor Schwartz announced this item and presented Freda Lindsay with a City Tile for her many years as the City Council's immediate past videograher. Council thanked Freda Lindsay for her services.
B.
2022 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS – Council will recognize four city employees this year for their years of service. Police Communications Operator Olivia Hartshorn will be recognized for five years of service, Police Officer Karla Jimenez will be recognized for five years of service, Police Officer Brady Peek will be recognized for ten years of service, and Police Sergeant Doug Mairs will be recognized for 20 years of service.
Item 7B
Police Chief Standridge and Mayor Schwartz recognized four City employees this year for their years of service. Police Communications Operator Olivia Hartshorn was recognized for five years of service, Police Officer Karla Jimenez was recognized for five years of service, Police Officer Brady Peek was recognized for ten years of service, and Police Sergeant Doug Mairs was recognized for 20 years of service. Police Officers Karla Jimenez and Brady Peek were able to attend this meeting and thanked Council for their service awards.
8. COUNTY OF INYO UPDATE REPORT – Prepared and presented by Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths.
Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths provided an update on Inyo County business and activities.
9. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Updates on department activities will be given by the Department Heads and/or their staff.
Reports from the Fire, Police, Public Works, Community Services, Planning, and Administration Departments were given on each department’s activities including upcoming and ongoing projects.
A.
Fire Chief Joe Dell
Fire Chief Dell reported to Council on current work on the Fire Department Joint Powers Authority Ad Hoc Committee's request to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for a consultant to evaluate emergency services effectiveness and operations, and an update on the Fire Department's Water Tender chassis build and delivery.
B.
Police Chief Richard Standridge
Police Chief Standridge reported to Council on the excellent work that the Police Department Service Awardees Sergeant Mairs, Officer Peek, Officer Jimenez, and Communications Operator Hartshorn have done and continues to do for the department and the community; Chief Standridge also reported to Council on the recent acquisition, via the California Joint Powers Authority (CJPIA), of a Wellness Application called Cortico which will go live in January 2023; Chief Standridge also thanked Police Department Communications Operator and Reserve Officer Jessica Scida and Sergeant David Scobie for their work on the Shop with a Cop event, announced that the department is working on getting ready for Operation Santa, and that both he and Officer Peek will be attending Parent Night at Bishop Union High School.
C.
Public Works Director Nora Gamino
Public Works Director Gamino reported to Council on the good work that the Public Works staff is doing to continue to provide quality drinking water to the public, and for their continued wastewater and storm water management; Public Works Director Gamino also reported on the clearing of drains, street sweeping schedule, an update on the East Line Street bridge project, meetings attended to discuss the Bishop Area Wastewater Authority (BAWA) acquisition of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) land for new waste discharge fields, fielding good questions for the Whitney Alley Request for Proposals (RFP) due January 3, 2023, and an update on the meetings with Caltrans regarding the Bishop's ADA Sidewalks project which is a repaving project on Main Street through downtown and Line Street that also gives the City the opportunity to discuss landscaping options.
D.
Community Services Manager Dan McElroy
Community Sevices Manager McElroy reported to Council on the delivery of dirt for the ballfields, High School and Mammoth Soccer, Bike Park update, the installation of pedestrian lights at the City Park, an Aquatics Coordinator and a Recreation Coordinator job descriptions, the scheduled Kids Night Out on Friday, and thanked Program Site Coordinator Nancy Gonzalez for all her work on the After School Program.
E.
Associate Planner/Economic Development Coordinator Elaine Kabala Associate Planner and Economic Development Coordinator Kabala reported to Council that the Planning Commission will recommend that Council adopt the proposed Specific Plan that was reviewed by the Planning Commission this past month, a permanent local housing application has been submitted and accepted by California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and provided Council with a signage enforcement update.
F.
City Administrator Deston Dishion
City Administrator Dishion reported to Council on recent meetings attended related to the Bishop Airport, plans to attend a future Chamber of Commerce meeting to discuss sidewalk cleaning downtown, and recent meetings attended related to Emergency Medical Services.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR – NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: All matters under the Consent Calendar are considered routine by the City and will be acted on by one motion.
A.
FOR APPROVAL/FILING
1. City Council Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2022
Item 10A.1
2. City Council Meeting Minutes – November 28, 2022
Item 10A.2
3. 2023 City of Bishop City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission Meetings Item 10A.3
4. Length of Service Award Budget Adjustment
Item 10A.4
5. A Resolution Authorizing Application For, and Receipt of, SB 2 Planning Grants Program Funds Resolution to amend California Department of Housing and Community Development SB2 signatory authority Item 10A.5
B.
FOR INFORMATION/FILING
1. Fire Department Report - October 2022
Item 10B.1
2. Police Department Report – November 2022
Item 10B.2
3. Public Works Department Report – November 2022
Item 10B.3
4. Community Services Department Report – November 2022 Item 10B.4
5. Planning Department Report – November 2022
Item 10B.5
6. Administration Department Report – November 2022
Item 10B.6
7. Planning Commission Meeting Agenda – November 29, 2022 Item 10B.7
8. Public Works Building Permits Issued Report – November 2022 Item 10B.8
No public comments were made.
Moved by: Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Muchovej to approve the Consent Calendar as presented with the requested typographical error corrected on the Police Department Report.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
11. PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION
A.
PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING/INTRODUCTION OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE RELATING TO ADOPTING AND ENACTING A RECODIFIED VERSION OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF BISHOP - Council to hold a public hearing to hear and consider public input on the proposed ordinance relating to adopting and enacting a recodified version of the municipal code for the City of Bishop and to consider approving the first reading and introduction of the proposed ordinance – Administration.
Item 11A
City Clerk Picken reviewed this item with Council. Mayor Schwartz opened the public hearing. No public comments were made. Mayor Schwartz closed the public hearing. The Council made comments in support of this ordinance and had no further questions.
Moved by: Councilmember Kong, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ellis to approve first reading and introduction of the proposed ordinance by title only.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND ENACTING A RECODIFIED VERSION OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE CITY OF BISHOP, CALIFORNIA; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES NOT INCLUDED THEREIN; PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER OF AMENDING SUCH CODE; AND PROVIDING WHEN SUCH CODE AND THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
B.
PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING/INTRODUCTION OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE RELATING TO ADOPTING A MIXED USE OVERLAY, AND RELATED RESOLUTIONS – Council to hold a public hearing to hear and consider public input on the proposed resolutions and ordinance relating to adopting a Mixed Use Overlay for the City of Bishop and to consider adopting a resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Downtown Bishop Specific Plan and Mixed Use Overlay and Adopting the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and to adopt a resolution adopting the Downtown Bishop Specific Plan and Mixed Use Overlay; and to consider approving the first reading and introduction of a proposed ordinance adding Chapter 46 (“Mixed Use Overlay Downtown Zone”) to Title 17 (”Zoning”), Adding Chapter 47 (‘Mixed Use Overlay Zone”) to Title 17 (“Zoning”), Amending Section 17.08.120 (“Definitions – Motel or Hotel”) and Amending Commercial Parking Standards Provided in Sections 17.48.070 (A), 17.52.070 (A) and 17.56.080 (A) of the Bishop Municipal Code – Planning.
Item 11B
Item 11B - Bishop Downtown Specific Plan - Letter of Support from Sunstone Management Item 11B - Presentation on the Downtown Bishop Specific Plan and Mixed Use Overlay Associate Planner and Economic Development Coordinator Kabala reviewed this item with Council. City Administrator Dishion thanked Associate Planner and Economic Development Coordinator Kabala for her work on this item. Associate Planner and Economic Development Coordinator Kabala thanked the public for their continued engagement, the Planning Commission for their critical review of the documents, the Council for their support through the years, City staff for their support in putting this document together, and to the City's consultants, Robert Edgerton of Helix and Tim Bevins of Alta Planning and Design. Both Robert Edgerton and Tim Bevins joined the meeting via videoconference and was introduced to Council by Associate Planner and Economic Development Coordinator Kabala.
Mayor Schwartz opened the public hearing.
Tim Bevins of Alta Planning and Design presented Council with an overview of the Specific Plan and Robert Edgerton of Helix presented Council with an overview of the Environmental Impact Report.
Associate Planner and Economic Development Coordinator Kabala provided Council with the next steps and implementation of the Downtown Specific Plan and Mixed Use Overlay.
After staff addressed and clarified all of Council's questions, Mayor Schwartz asked for any public comments. No public comments were made.
Mayor Schwartz closed the public hearing.
After further discussion by Council, a motion was made for each proposed resolution and the proposed ordinance as follows:
Moved by: Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve the proposed resolution certifying the final Environmental Impact Report and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Downtown Specific Plan and Mixed-Use Overlay and adopting the mitigation monitoring and reporting program by title only.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN AND MIXED-USE OVERLAY AND ADOPTING THE MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
Moved by: Councilmember Muchovej, seconded by Councilmember Kong to approve the proposed resolution adopting the Downtown Bishop Specific Plan and Mixed Use Overlay by title only.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE DOWNTOWN BISHOP SPECIFIC PLAN AND MIXED-USE OVERLAY AND ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2022-01 AMENDING THE CITY OF BISHOP GENERAL PLAN TO INCORPORATE THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN BOUNDARY WITHIN THE LAND USE MAP AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
Moved by: Councilmember Muchovej, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to approve the first reading and introduction of a proposed ordinance adding Chapter 46 (“Mixed Use Overlay Downtown Zone”) to Title 17 (”Zoning”), Adding Chapter 47 (‘Mixed Use Overlay Zone”) to Title 17 (“Zoning”), Amending Section 17.08.120 (“Definitions – Motel or Hotel”) and Amending Commercial Parking Standards Provided in Sections 17.48.070 (A), 17.52.070 (A) and 17.56.080 (A) of the Bishop Municipal Code by title only.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 46 (“MIXED USE OVERLAY DOWNTOWN OVERLAY ZONE”) TO TITLE 17 (“ZONING”), ADDING CHAPTER 47 (“MIXED USE OVERLAY NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSITION ZONE”) TO TITLE 17 (“ZONING”), AMENDING SECTION 17.08.240 (“DEFINITIONS – MOTEL OR HOTEL”) AND AMENDING COMMERCIAL PARKING STANDARDS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 17.48.070 (A), 17.52.070 (A) AND 17.56.080 (A)
OF THE BISHOP MUNICIPAL CODE
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
12. NEW BUSINESS
A.
CITY PARK FRONT RESTROOM REHABILITATION CONSTRUCTION FINAL PAYMENT – Council consideration to approve amending the approved City Park Front Restroom Rehabilitation Project payment not-to-exceed amount by $1,478.00 for a contract total of $35,478.00 – Community Services.
Item 12A
Community Services Manager McElroy reviewed this item with Council.
No public comments were made.
Moved by: Councilmember Garcia, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ellis to approve amending the approved City Park Front Restroom Rehabilitation Project payment not-to-exceed amount by $1,478.00 for a contract total of $35,478.00.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
13. GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION - OATH OF OFFICE AND REORGANIZATION A.
OATH OF OFFICE AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION - The City Clerk will administer the oath of office and delivery of Certificates of Election to Stephen J.C. Muchovej, and Karen Schwartz for the two City Council seats who were both appointed to the offices to which they were nominated and are considered to be the same as being elected on November 8, 2022 - Administration.
Item 13A
City Clerk Picken administered the oath of office and delivered the Certificates of Election to Stephen J.C. Muchovej and to Karen Schwartz for the two City Council seats who were both appointed to the offices to which they were nominated and are considered to be the same as being elected on November 8, 2022.
B.
CALL FOR SELECTION OF MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM - The City Administrator will call for the selection of Mayor. The new Mayor will assume their position as chair and call for nominations for Mayor Pro Tem - Administration.
Item 13B
City Administrator Dishion called for the election of Mayor and opened nominations for Mayor.
Mayor Schwartz nominated Mayor Pro Tem Ellis.
No further nominations were made.
No public comments were made.
City Administrator Dishion called for a motion to close the nominations.
Moved by: Councilmember Muchovej, seconded by Councilmember Kong to close the nominations.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
City Administrator Dishion called for a motion to elect the Mayor for the City of Bishop.
No public comments were made.
Moved by: Mayor Schwartz, seconded by Councilmember Muchovej to elect Mayor Pro Tem Ellis as Mayor for the City of Bishop.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Ellis, Mayor Schwartz NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
Newly elected Mayor Ellis presented outgoing Mayor Schwartz with a gavel to honor Mayor Schwartz's service as Mayor from 12/13/2021 to 12/12/2022.
Mayor Ellis called for the election of Mayor Pro Tem and opened the nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
Councilmember Schwartz nominated Councilmember Garcia.
No further nominations were made.
No public comments were made.
Mayor Ellis called for a motion to close the nominations.
Moved by: Councilmember Muchovej, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to close the nominations.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Ellis NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
Mayor Ellis called for a motion to elect the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Bishop.
No public comments were made.
Moved by: Councilmember Muchovej, seconded by Councilmember Schwartz to elect Councilmember Garcia as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Bishop.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Muchovej, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Ellis NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
None
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
5 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 0 Absent.
Motion passed 5-0.
C.
MAYORAL COMMITTEE AND AGENCY APPOINTMENTS - Council will review and discuss the 2023 Committee and Agency Assignments – Administration.
Item 13C
City Administrator Dishion reviewed this item with Council.
Council reviewed and discussed the Mayoral Committee and Agency Appointments.
No public comments were made.
Moved by: Councilmember Muchovej, seconded by Councilmember Kong to approve the requested modifications to be made to the Bishop City Council committee and agency assignments for the 2023 calendar year.
AYES:
Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Muchovej, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Ellis NOES:
None
ABSENTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
ABSTAINS:
None
RECUSALS:
None
SUMMARY:
4 Yeas; 0 Nays; 0 Abstains; 1 Absent.
Motion passed 4-0.
Jose Garcia left the meeting at 8:13 p.m. and returned at 8:15 p.m.
14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Kong asked to bring back a discussion on the Parks and Recreation Programs.
No further requests were made for future agendas items.
15. COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Members reported on meetings and community events that they attended.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor reminded everyone that the Monday, December 26, 2022 regular meeting is cancelled and adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. to the City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. ___________________________________
Jim Ellis, Mayor
Attest: ______________________________
Robin Picken, City Clerk