CITY OF BISHOP
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 11, 2026
1)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Muchovej called the meeting of the Bishop City Council to order at 5:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, California. 2)
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Councilmember Kong
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Schwartz
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Mayor Muchovej
ABSENT:
None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Pam Foster, City Administrator; Robin Picken, City Clerk; and Dean J. Pucci, City Attorney. 3)
PUBLIC COMMENT PRIOR TO CLOSED SESSION
No public comments were made.
4)
CLOSED SESSION
4.A)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(c): 1 Potential Case Closed Session began at 5:03 p.m. Closed Session ended at 5:53 p.m. 5)
OPEN SESSION
Mayor Muchovej called the open session of the Bishop City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, California. 6)
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Muchovej announced a moment of silence.
7)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Schwartz. 8)
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Councilmember Kong
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Schwartz
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Mayor Muchovej
ABSENT:
None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Pam Foster, City Administrator; Robin Picken, City Clerk; Dean J. Pucci, City Attorney-left the meeting at 7:22 p.m.; Russell A. Hildebrand, Deputy City Attorney joined the meeting at 7:21 p.m.; Bret Russell, Fire Chief; Nate Derr, Police Chief; and Daniel McElroy, Community Services Manager. 9)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were made by:
Jennifer Beaudean, spoke against going cashless at the City Park Pool Tiffany Lau, a local resident, announced an upcoming animated feature titled The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act
at the Bishop Twin Theatre on June 4, 2026
John Bowen, a local resident, spoke in favor of terminating the City's contract with Flock.
Abby Busekrus, a local resident, spoke against Flock cameras.
Matt Paruolo, of Southern California Edison (SCE), announced an in-person public discussion for Mono and Inyo County customers from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Clint Quilter Consolidated Office Building in Bishop.
Hannah Ashby spoke in favor of terminating the City's contract with Flock.
Anna Baglione, a local resident, spoke against Flock cameras and in favor of terminating the City's contract with Flock.
Sasha Hashemipour spoke to terminate the City's Flock camera contract immediately.
Masha Bluestein, a Bishop resident, spoke to terminate the City's Flock camera contract immediately.
Trey French, a local resident, spoke to terminate the City's Flock contract.
Angela Foley, a Bishop resident, spoke against the use of Flock cameras and the use of any Artificial Intellegence (AI) cameras.
Jon Weissman, spoke against Flock cameras.
Robert Hardin, a local resident, spoke against surveillance systems, against Flock cameras and in favor of terminating the City's contract with Flock.
Ana Ally spoke against the use of Flock cameras, to terminate the City's Flock camera contract immediately, and not look at using other similar cameras.
Veronica spoke against Flock cameras and to to terminate the City's Flock camera contract.
Evan Hurley, a local resident, spoke against the use of Flock cameras.
Lina Martensson spoke against the use of Flock cameras.
Alison Eddins, a local resident, spoke against the use of Flock cameras and to terminate the City's Flock camera contracts.
No further public comments were made.
Written public comments were received by:
No name given - Opposing AI surveillance in our community.
Alison Eddins - Opposing AI surveillance; cancel Flock now.
Tyler Beadle - Opposed recent decision to go cash only at our City Park Pool.
Will Young - Requested that Council terminate their contact with Flock Safety.
Celina Chang - Wrote against surveillance systems and against Flock cameras.
Shelby Adami - Opposed Flock cameras in Bishop.
Mihai Giurgiulescu - Requested that Council terminate the City's contract with Flock and remove their cameras effective immediately.
Kyle Altman - Opposes adding more surveillance to the City of Bishop.
No further written public comments were received prior to this meeting's deadline. 10)
REPORT ON ACTIONS TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION AS REQUIRED BY LAW Mayor Muchovej announced that no reportable action was taken in closed session. 11)
PROCLAMATIONS
11.A)
Proclamation - Recognizing Mule Days’ Week - May 19-24, 2026 in the City of Bishop - Requested by Bishop Mule Days Celebration Executive Director Donna Bird Proclamation - Mule Days’ Week May 19-24, 2026
Council read and presented the proclamation to Executive Director Donna Bird and friend Anna Baglione. 12)
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Reports from the Fire, Police, Community Services, and Administration Departments were given on each department’s activities including upcoming and ongoing projects.
12.A)
Fire Department Report - Fire Chief Bret Russell
Fire Department Report - April 2026
12.B)
Police Department Report - Police Chief Nate Derr
Police Department Report - April 2026
12.C)
Community Services Department Report - Community Services Manager Daniel McElroy Community Services Department Report - April 2026
12.D)
Planning Department Report - Principal Planner Ana Budnyk Planning Department Report - April 2026
12.E)
City Administrator Report - City Administrator Pam Foster City Administrator Report - April 2026
13)
COUNTY OF INYO UPDATE
Second District Supervisor Griffiths provided an update on Inyo County business and activities. 14)
NORTHERN INYO HEALTHCARE DISTRICT QUARTERLY UPDATE REPORT
14.A)
Northern Inyo Healthcare District Quarterly Update Report – May 11, 2026 NIHD Report - May 11, 2026
Presentation - NIHD Update May 11, 2026
Northern Inyo Healthcare District Chief Executive Officer Christian Wallis reviewed his report and presentation with Council on the District's programs and activities. 15)
CONSENT CALENDAR
15.A)
March 2026 Budget Report
March 2026 Budget Report
15.B)
March 2026 Financial Reports
March 2026 Bank Reconciliation Report
March 2026 Combined Cash Report
March 2026 Investment Portfolio Report
March 2026 Warrant Register Report
15.C)
Budget Adjustment Request - Reallocation of Fire Department Expense Budget Cover Page
15.D)
Budget Adjustment Request - Reallocation of Water Fund Expense Budget Cover Page
15.E)
Fuel Services Agreement between the City of Bishop and Pilot Thomas- Letter of Extension Cover Page
Fuel Services Signed Agreement
Letter of extension Pilot Thomas 2026
CITY OF BISHOP Fuel Services - Signed
15.F)
Agreement for LPG Propane and Services between the City of Bishop and Hunt Propane.
Cover Page
Hunt Propane Vendor Agreement Final
15.G)
Amendment to the Agreement Between the County of Inyo The Bishop Paiute Tribe and City of Bishop For the Provision of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Cost Sharing.
Cover Page
Amendment Number 3 EMS Cost Sharing Agreement
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Garcia
Seconded/Councilmember Schwartz
Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve the consent calendar.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
16)
NEW BUSINESS
16.A)
City Park Master Plan - Presented by Wood Rodgers
Cover Page
Bishop Parks Master Plan Report
Appendix A to Bishop Parks Master Plan Report - Public Comments Appendix B to Bishop Parks Master Plan Report - Existing Facilities Summary Appendix C to Bishop Parks Master Plan Report - Preliminary Estimate PRESENTATION - Bishop Parks Master Plan - May 11, 2026
Wood Rodgers Principal Planner Derek Kirkland, AICP and Project Landscape Architect Devin Perry, RLA reviewed their presentation with Council.
Public comments were made by:
Jennifer Beaudean asked, in regards to the Park Master Plan, if this is work that we can do ourselves and to clarify if the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was ready yet.
Lynette McIntosh spoke in regards to the A-Frame, grant writing, Bishop Little League, and Visitor services and wanted clarification on these items for the Park Master Plan.
Noel Gabriel-Guacheno spoke to the Park Master Plan survey that clearly showed that the Bishop community wishes that the Bishop Visitor A-Frame be saved and repaired in its current location and our Visitor Center returned to the A-Frame building. She also stated that with the proposed baseball field turned around, the sun will be in the batter's eyes.
No further public comments were made.
Written public comments were received by:
Tyler Beadle - Wrote to supports thoughtful improvements to our City Park, clarification for the proposed "Visitor Services" building, suggestions for a plaque or monument honoring Bishop's original founders & subdividers, and to preserve historic features such as the A-frame.
No further written public comments were received prior to this meeting's deadline.
After consultants Wood Rodgers and City staff answered all of Council's questions, Council provided feedback to staff on this item.
Mayor Muchovej announced a break in the meeting at 8:39 p.m. and readjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Mayor Muchovej announced that Council will skip to Item 16.C then go back to 16.B on the agenda.
16.C)
First Reading and Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section 9.12.010 of the Bishop Municipal Code Relating to the Juvenile Curfew Cover Page
Ordinance - Amending Section 9.12.010 - Juvenile Curfew Chief Derr reviewed this item with Council and introduced Bishop Union High School Student Senate Chair Teagan Orr who was instrumental in working with the Police Department and the Student Senate in updating this item for the City of Bishop.
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Garcia
Seconded/Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve the first reading and introduction of an ordinance amending Section 9.12.010 of the Bishop Municipal Code to modernize the City’s juvenile curfew regulations, ensure compliance with current legal standards, and align with California provisional driver’s license restrictions by title only.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BISHOP, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 9.12.010 OF CHAPTER 9.12 OF TITLE 9 OF THE BISHOP CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING TO THE JUVENILE CURFEW Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
16.B)
School Resource Officer (SRO) Program Update
Cover Page
Police Chief Derr and SRO Lawson reviewed this item with Council.
Public comments were made by:
Alison Eddins spoke in support of the police department school resource officers and the work that they do but requested that they also collaborate with school specialists in order to focus on preventative care and to know how best to work with children and young adults with cognitive disorders who too often find themselves getting into trouble and on the wrong path in life.
SRO Lawson acknowledged and thanked Alison Eddins for her comments.
No further public comments were made.
Written public comments were received by:
Tyler Beadle who wrote in support of continuing this important program.
No further written public comments were received prior to this meeting's deadline.
16.D)
Review of the Utility Rate Assistance Program Application Form Cover Page
Utility Rate Assistance Program Application Form
City Administrator Foster reviewed this item with Council.
No public comments were made or received on this item.
Council provided direction to staff to add the choice of "None" to the application with stated directions, qualifications, and the specific Area Median Income (AMI) criteria to be met. After a brief discussion, Council came to a consensus and agreed to set the AMI criteria at 60% of AMI or below, with the required tax return documents as verification.
Motion/Councilmember Schwartz
Seconded/Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Schwartz made a motion to approve the proposed Utility Rate Assistance Program application form with the requested changes.
Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
16.E)
Request Caltrans to initiate a Project Initiation Document on Truck Route to the east of the City of Bishop Cover Page
Caltrans Truck Route Request Draft Letter
Attachment A - Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic Counts Mayor Muchovej reviewed this item with Council.
Public comments were made by:
Tye Devore, a Bishop resident, expressed his concerns relating to the bypass location, its safety for people and kids, and is there a way to cut down the traffic noise to nearby neighborhoods. And he briefly spoke against Flock cameras in our community.
Tiffany Lau, a local resident, asked for clarification on what systems truckers will use to know about the truck bypass? Council confirmed same systems we all use in driving and appropriate signage.
Sharon, a Bishop resident, spoke to her concerns of the property owners along the proposed truck bypass will not be negatively impacted.
No further public comments were made.
Written public comments were received by:
Wylder Wilson wrote to support getting trucks off Main Street.
Tyler Beadle wrote regarding his concerns for small towns and tourism suffering once bypasses opened and traffic diverted. Tyler Beadle asked for more specifics on proposed alignments, airport impacts, and an analysis on effects on tourism and businesses.
Elaine Kabala wrote in support of the City Council moving forward with a Project Initiation Document (PID) to evaluate the feasibility of a truck route connecting regional truck traffic around the City of Bishop to Highway 6.
Erik Leitch wrote in support of a truck bypass.
Paul Mandell wrote in support of a truck bypass.
Sarah Purcell wrote in support of a truck bypass.
No further written public comments were received prior to this meeting's deadline.
Mayor Muchovej clarified that the PID would be to continue Highway 6 to get to the south of town.
After further discussion by Council, a motion was made.
Motion/Councilmember Schwartz
Seconded/Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Schwartz made a motion to approve the direction given to staff to formally request that Caltrans initiate a Project Initiation Document to evaluate a potential truck route east of the City of Bishop, and approve the draft letter for transmittal with the requested change in language to the first paragraph of the second page that states, "Specifically, the City requests the PID evaluate the feasibility of a designated mandatory truck route to the east of the airport including a realignment concept with State Route 6 that could reconnect to U.S. Highway 395 five to ten miles south of the City." Motion passed 5-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt, Mayor Muchovej Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
17)
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Garcia, with consensus from Council, asked to bring back a discussion to reevaluate the use of Flock at a future meeting. No further requests were made for future agendas items. 18)
COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Members reported on meetings and community events that they attended. 19)
ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m. to the City Council Special Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. ______________________________________
Stephen Muchovej, Mayor
Attest: ______________________________
Alison Bishop, City Clerk