CITY OF BISHOP
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 11, 2023
1)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ellis 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)
MOMENT OF SILENCE - As we begin another meeting tonight, let us pause for a brief moment of silence to individually reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in other silent activity.
Mayor Ellis announced a moment of silence.
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mayor Pro Tem Garcia will lead the pledge of allegiance.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia. 4)
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Councilmember Kong
Councilmember Schwartz
Councilmember Muchovej
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Mayor Ellis
ABSENT:
None.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Deston Dishion, City Administrator
Robin Picken, City Clerk
Dean J. Pucci, City Attorney
Ethan Aukee, Assistant Finance Director
Bret Russell, Fire Chief
Nate Derr, Police Chief
Nora Gamino, Public Works Director
Dan McElroy, Community Services Manager
5)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were made by:
Jeff Griffiths, representing the Inyo Council for the Arts, presented a state of the arts report to Council on behalf of Lynn Cooper who was unable to attend this meeting. Jeff Griffiths also announced the retirement of Inyo Council for the Arts Executive Director Lynn Cooper after 23 years of service and introduced Inyo Council for the Arts newly appointed Executive Director Sharon Freilich who has been on board since November. Jeff Griffiths ended his report to Council by asking Council to consider recognizing Lynn Cooper for her support for the arts in Bishop at a future meeting.
Rick Klug, a local resident, recited a prayer.
No further public comments were made.
6)
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
6.A)
Fire Department - Fire Chief Bret Russell
Fire Department Report - November 2023
Fire Chief Russell reported to Council on the number of calls received, a public service announcement made on the 9-1-1 dispatching process for the Bishop Volunteer Fire Department, the assignment of Captains to assume duty officer coverage, a live fire training held last Wednesday which he observed the skill levels of their volunteers, announced the high number of volunteers responding to calls and attending training, an update on how the fire department hires new members, and announced his appreciation to local volunteers for their time given to respond to calls, as well as to local businesses and their owners for allowing the Bishop Fire Department volunteers to respond to calls during working hours. Shared a public service announcement relating to keeping your live Christmas trees watered and answered questions relating to propane gas calls.
6.B)
Police Department - Police Chief Nate Derr
Police Department Report - November 2023
Police Chief Derr reported to Council on the number of calls received, assisting the Chamber of Commerce, Fire Department and Public Works Department at the Christmas parade, the Shop with a Cop event and thanked Police Sergeant Scobie and Jessica Scida from the District Attorney's office for their work in organizing this year's Shop with a Cop event, the upcoming Operation Santa event, and shared a public safety announcement relating to being aware of criminal activities this time of year and tips to help you protect yourself from becoming a victim of a crime of opportunity.
6.C)
Public Works Department - Public Works Director Nora Gamino Public Works Department Report - November 2023
Public Works Director Gamino reported to Council on several capital projects: the East Line Street Bridge project, the West Line Water Main Replacement project, and highlighted the consent calendar item addressing a task order to finish off work on Warren Street.
6.D)
Community Services Department - Community Services Manager Dan McElroy Community Services Department Report - November 2023
Community Services Manager McElroy reported to Council on continued work on putting up holiday decorations and all the work that needs to be done for all of the events going on, increase on park field use, announced upcoming programs, and working with the Community Garden on the bid process to seek a general contractor for the Urban Greening Grant project.
6.E)
Planning Department - Assistant Planner Ana Budnyk
Planning Department Report - November 2023
Assistant Planner Ana Budnyk was absent and excused.
6.F)
Administration - City Administrator Deston Dishion
City Administrator Report - November 2023
City Administrator Dishion reported to Council on the upcoming parking study, the Planning Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2023, a meeting to be scheduled with all of the fire chiefs and individuals who run Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the area in order to discuss the completed EMS study and findings, a meeting with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss their loan programs to address future large capital projects, and a meeting with Inyo County Treasurer on available small County treasury loans. 7)
PRESENTATIONS
7.A)
2023 Employee Service Awards
Police Chief Derr introduced Police Records Clerk Victoria Toy to Council to recognize her for her five years of service with the City of Bishop. Mayor Ellis presented Victoria Toy with her service award and thanked her for her years of service.
Public Works Director Gamino announced that all three public works staff members were unable to be in attendance since they were all working on addressing a current water leak. Therefore, she announced that she was sorry they were unable to be present and expressed her appreciation to Public Works Lead Maintenance Worker Hector Martinez for five years of service, Public Works Maintenance Worker Jake Kiddoo for fifteen years of service, and Public Works Secretary Michele Rhew for fifteen years of service. Mayor Ellis was sorry to have missed them and asked Public Works Director Gamino to please present each of them with their service award on behalf of the City Council.
City Administrator Dishion introduced City Clerk Robin Picken to Council to recognize her for ten years of service with the City of Bishop. Mayor Ellis presented Robin Picken with her service award and thanked her for her years of service. 8)
CONSENT CALENDAR
9)
CONSENT CALENDAR FOR APPROVAL/FILING
9.A)
2024 City of Bishop City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission Meetings 2024 COUNCIL & COMMISSION MEETINGS
9.B) Assistant Fire Chief Job Description
Assistant Fire Chief Job Description
Assistant Fire Chief Job Description Essential Function Analysis
9.C)
Community Services Officer Job Description
Community Services Officer Job Description
9.D)
Full Time Monthly Salary Schedule - July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 2023-2024 Full Time Monthly Salary Schedule
9.E)
South Warren Street Improvement Design Task Order
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South Warren Street Improvements Design Task Order
10)
CONSENT CALENDAR FOR INFORMATION/FILING
10.A)
Building Permit Report
Building Permit Report - November 2023
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Muchovej
Seconded/Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Councilmember Muchovej made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Schwartz, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Mayor Ellis Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
11)
NEW BUSINESS
11.A)
2022 - 2023 Audited Financial Statements
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2022 - 2023 Audited Financial Statements
Assistant Finance Director Aukee reviewed this item with Council.
No public comments were made.
Council thanked Assistant Finance Director Aukee for his report and after answering all of Council's questions, the following motion was made.
Motion/Councilmember Muchovej
Seconded/Councilmember Kong
Councilmember Muchovej made a motion to approve and accept the City of Bishop's audited financial statements for fiscal year 2022-2023.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Schwartz, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Mayor Ellis Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
11.B)
Proposition 4 Calculations Report, Gann Appropriations Limit Cover Page
2023 Proposition 4 Calculations Report
Assistant Finance Director Aukee reviewed this item with Council.
Public comments were made by:
Noe Gadea, who asked about the status of the Lagoon Street project. Council advised Noe Gadea that the item that addresses Lagoon Street was just approved on the consent calendar under Item 9E. South Warren Street Improvement Design Task Order.
No further public comments were made.
Motion/Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Seconded/Councilmember Schwartz
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia made a motion to approve and accept the report as presented.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Schwartz, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Mayor Ellis Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
11.C)
Approve Expenditure to Acquire the Services of Rojas Communications Group Cover Page
Bishop Proposal from Rojas Communications Group
City Administrator Dishion reviewed this item with Council.
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Schwartz
Seconded/Councilmember Muchovej
Councilmember Schwartz made a motion to approve the expenditure of $4,000.00 per month for services provided by Rojas Communications Group with a not to exceed amount of $48,000 for 12 months starting February 1, 2024.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Schwartz, Councilmember Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Mayor Ellis Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
11.D)
Bishop City Park Facility Use 2023-2024
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Community Use and Partnerships
Facility Use 2022-2023
Council discussed and provided staff with the following input on facility use at the City Park. - There is no reason not to provide lighting on Fields 2 and 3. - Review current fees and charges and consider charging more for field use. - Move strategically forward on developing Fields 5 and 6. - Look at where we are and where we need to be in order to come to fruition on the Parks Master Plan. - Update the Park Master Plan with our current fields.
- Let us make the most efficient use of the space we have. - Look at the field behind the elementary school to maximize all the fields that are available to use that are not just City owned and maintained. - Council asked City Administrator Dishion and Community Services Manager McElroy to see how they can facilitate a conversation with the schools and the use of other fields in the city with lights. - Evaluate what is the economic impact and the return on investment to the City. - Update the Park Master Plan which was done in 2009.
- If we want soccer here, we need painted lines, flat fields, and adjacent to each other. - Field 6 is in very poor condition, need to bring up to shape. - Figure out a strategic plan.
No public comments were made.
11.E)
Call for Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
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City Administrator Dishion reviewed this item with Council and called for the election of Mayor and opened the nominations.
Councilmember Schwartz nominated Jose Garcia for Mayor. Mayor Ellis seconded.
No further nominations were made.
No public comments were made.
Mayor Ellis asked for a motion to close the nominations.
Motion/Councilmember Muchovej Seconded/Mayor Pro Tem Garcia Councilmember Muchovej made a motion to close the nominations.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmembers Kong, Schwartz, Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Mayor Ellis Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Mayor Ellis called for a motion to elect Jose Garcia as Mayor for the City of Bishop.
Motion/Councilmember Muchovej Seconded/Councilmember Kong Councilmember Muchovej made a motion to elect Jose Garcia as Mayor for the City of Bishop.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmembers Kong, Schwartz, Muchovej, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, and Mayor Ellis Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Newly elected Mayor Garcia thanked Jim Ellis for his service as Mayor and presented him with a gavel, that reads as follows, in honor of his past service as Mayor.
JIM ELLIS
MAYOR
CITY OF BISHOP
12/12/2022-12/11/2023
12/10/2018–12/09/2019
12/09/2013–12/08/2014
Mayor Garcia called for the election of Mayor Pro Tem and opened the nominations.
Councilmember Schwartz nominated Karen Kong for Mayor Pro Tem.
No further nominations were made.
No public comments were made.
Mayor Garcia asked for a motion to close the nominations.
Motion/Councilmember Muchovej Seconded/Councilmember Ellis Councilmember Muchovej made a motion to close the nominations.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmembers Kong, Schwartz, Muchovej, Ellis, and Mayor Garcia Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Mayor Garcia called for a motion to elect the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Bishop.
Motion/Councilmember Muchovej Seconded/Councilmember Schwartz Councilmember Muchovej made a motion to elect Karen Kong as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Bishop.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmembers Kong, Schwartz, Muchovej, Ellis, and Mayor Garcia Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Public comment was made by Mexican Consulate Adriana Gonzalez Carrillo who congratulated Mayor Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem Kong for their election.
Mayor Garcia shared comments both in English and Spanish relating to his election as Mayor for the City of Bishop and what it means to him both personally and politically.
Public comment was made by Mayor Garcia's daughter Michelle Garcia who congratulated Mayor Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem Kong for their election. Michelle Garcia also thanked everyone for their respect in staying to hear her father's comments which he has expressed his appreciation to reach his "American Dream" and has done all this work for this community and this town.
No further public comments were made.
11.F)
Mayoral Committee and Agency Appointments for 2024
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Council Committee & Agency Appointments 2023
Mayor Garcia reviewed this item with Council. After Council reviewed and discussed the current Mayoral Committee and Agency Appointments, Council came to a consensus to:
1. Update the City/County Liaison Committee appointments to: Mayor Garcia and Councilmember Ellis with Alternate Appointee Mayor Pro Tem Kong.
2. Discontinue the Bishop Fire Department Fire Executive Committee. The City Council and the Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners will meet in joint meetings instead.
3. Update the Desert Mountain Division - Voting Delegate to Mayor Garcia with Alternate Councilmember Ellis.
No further changes were requested.
No public comments were made.
12)
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Muchovej, with consensus from the Council, asked City staff to bring a discussion relating to what the City of Bishop can or cannot do to bring a company to Bishop.
No other requests were made.
13)
COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Members reported on meetings and community events that they attended. 14)
ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor reminded everyone that the Tuesday, December 26, 2023 regular meeting is cancelled and adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m. to the City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. ______________________________________
Jose Garcia, Mayor
Attest: ______________________________
Robin Picken, City Clerk