CITY OF BISHOP
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JULY 13, 2026
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Muchovej called the meeting of the Bishop City Council to order at 4:31 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, California. 2) ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Mayor Muchovej
ABSENT:
None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Pam Foster, City Administrator; Robin Picken, City Clerk; Alison Bishop, incoming City Clerk; Dean J. Pucci, City Attorney; Bret Russell, Fire Chief; Nate Derr, Police Chief; and Daniel McElroy, Community Services Manager. 3) PUBLIC COMMENT PRIOR TO CLOSED SESSION
No public comments were made.
CLOSED SESSION
4.A) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code § 54957 - Title: Fire Chief
4.B) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code § 54957 - Title: Police Chief
Closed Session began at 4:32 p.m. Closed Session ended at 6:03 p.m. 5) OPEN SESSION
Mayor Muchovej called the open session of the Bishop City Council to order at 6:05 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
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The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Kong.
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; Alison Bishop, incoming City Clerk; Dean J. Pucci, City Attorney; Bret Russell, Fire Chief; Nate Derr, Police Chief; and Daniel McElroy, Community Services Manager. 9) PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were made by:
Dustin Del Giudice, a Bishop-area resident and member of the local soccer community, spoke in support of rebuilding Field 6, also known as the Quinn Murphy Memorial Field, to provide a safer playing surface for youth and adult players.
Brenda Morris, a local business owner, expressed concern about recent water and sewer bill increases and requested that the Council place the issue on a future agenda for public discussion and consideration of the rate structure.
Lynette Mcintosh, a local resident and former business owner, spoke regarding the financial impact of water and sewer rate increases on businesses, churches, agencies, renters, and property owners, and asked the City to consider adjustments or a more gradual increase.
Megan Avila, a Bishop resident and soccer coach, spoke in support of completing the Field 6 rebuild and described the field's heavy use and current safety concerns.
Judy Dufort, owner of Vanity Salon, described the impact of the water and sewer rate increase on her business and asked the Council to reconsider the amount or timing of the increase.
Rick Klug offered congratulations to retiring City Clerk Robin Picken and incoming City Clerk Alison Bishop and recited a prayer for the Council, City staff, and community.
Cosmo, a Bishop resident and Bishop Union High School soccer player, spoke in support of the Field 6 rebuild and described the field's unsafe playing conditions.
Kevin Rivos, a Bishop resident and soccer player, spoke in support of the Field 6 rebuild and described an ankle injury sustained while playing on the field.
No further public comments were made.
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Written public comments were received by:
Wyatt Douda - wrote to oppose Flock cameras, and requested that the City Council make it a priority to remove remaining Flock cameras.
Alyse Caton, Regional Commissioner of AYSO, Region 150 - wrote on behalf of AYSO in support of the Field 6 restoration project.
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
City Attorney Pucci reported that no reportable action was taken in Closed Session. 11) PRESENTATIONS
11.A) PRESENTATION - Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).
Overview - Presented by_LAFCO Executive Officer Cathreen Richards.
LAFCO Presentation 7 13 2026
LAFCO Executive Officer Cathreen Richards provided an overview of LAFCO's purpose, membership, planning and regulatory responsibilities, spheres of influence, municipal service reviews, and the special districts operating in Inyo County. Ms.
Richards also discussed LAFCO's plans to retain a consultant to begin updating municipal service reviews and answered Council's questions regarding out-of-area service agreements and LAFCO funding.
Council thanked Ms. Richards for her presentation.
11.B) PRESENTATION - Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG).
Update - Presented by_ ESCOG Wildfire Coordinator Kristen Pfeiler.
ESCOG Presentation - 07 13 2026
ESCOG Wildfire Coordinator Kristen Pfeiler provided an update on regional wildfire resiliency efforts, including the Eastern Sierra Wildfire Alliance, potential Sierra Nevada Conservancy funding, workforce development, biomass utilization, and the $4.5 million Eastern Sierra Community Wildfire Defense Project. Ms. Pfeiler discussec Firewise USA communities and identified opportunities for the City to join the Alliance identify priority projects, and support local workforce and biomass utilization efforts.
After answering Council's questions, Ms. Pfeiler stated that she would continue coordinating with the Bishop Fire Department on Firewise opportunities.
Council thanked Ms. Pfeiler for her presentation.
12) DEPARTMENT REPORTS
12.A) Fire Department Report - Fire Chief Bret Russell
Fire Department Report - June 2026
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July 13, 2026
fire CRuse reported that the department responded to 44 calls during June, including two significant structure fires and several vegetation fires around the Fourth of July. Chief Russell thanked the department's volunteers and paid staff for their service.
12.B) Police Department Report - Police Chief Nate Derr Police Department Report - June 2026
Police Chief Derr reported on Fourth of July operations, the public safety procession honoring Judd Simons, the department's review of alternatives to the Flock camera system, and efforts to begin parking enforcement. Chief Derr also reported that public information regarding when to call 911 helped reduce unnecessary emergency calls over the holiday weekend.
12.C) Community Services Department Report - Community Services Manager Daniel McElroy.
Community Services Department Report - June 2026
Community Services Manager McElroy reported that new sand had been installed at the volleyball courts, the court resurfacing project was complete, and the pool luau and community party drew approximately 145 swimmers. Mr. McElroy thanked Council, City staff, public safety personnel, vendors, and community volunteers for a successful Fourth of July celebration and reported on recruitment for activity and program leader positions.
12D) Planning Department Report - Principal Planner Ana Budnyk Planning Department Report - June 2026
No report was given.
12.E) City Administrator Report - City Administrator Pam Foster City Administrator Report - June 2026
City Administrator Foster welcomed Alison Bishop as the incoming City Clerk and announced that retiring City Clerk Robin Picken would be recognized at the next Council meeting. Ms. Foster also discussed upcoming improvements to department reporting and thanked the Parks crew and Council for their work on the Fourth of July celebration.
In response to Council questions, Ms. Foster reported on the Line Street water main replacement project and coordination with Caltrans, as well as planned parking, wayfinding, overnight parking, and daylighting-law recommendations associated with the parking study.
13) COUNTY OF INYO UPDATE
Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths commended the City on its Fourth of July celebration, reported on the opening of new playground equipment at Mendenhall Park in Big Pine, and discussed the recent regional CoLab Summit. Supervisor Griffiths also reported that FEMA had restored California-specific equipment July 13, 2026 418
reimbursement rates and acknowledged the passing and community service of Judd Symons.
14) CONSENT CALENDAR
14.A) May 2026 Budget Report
May 2026 Budget Report
14.B) May 2026 Financial Reports
May 2026 Bank Reconciliation Report
May 2026 Combined Cash Report
May 2026 Investment Portfolio Report
May 2026 Warrant Register Report
14.C) Ratification of Prior-Year South Warren Street Project Reimbursement Cost Allocation
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14.D) Resolution - Conflict of Interest Code
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Resolution No. 2025-05 - Conflict of Interest Code
Proposed Resolution - Conflict of Interest Code 2026 07 13
14.E) Part-time Accounting Clerk | / II Job Description & 2026-2027 Part-time Salary Schedule
PT Accounting Clerk l
2026-2027 Part Time Salary Schedule
No public comments were made.
Motion/Councilmember Garcia Seconded/Councilmember Schwartz Councilmember Garcia made a motion to approve 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
15) NEW BUSINESS
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15.A) Discussion Regarding. Parks and Recreation Facility Use Fees and Community Facility Use Practices
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City Administrator Foster reviewed the City's current practices for City Park facility use, reservations, fee waivers, reciprocal agreements, and the staff and operating costs associated with organized recreation programs.
Council discussed reservation priorities, equity among user groups, staff time and maintenance costs, school district reciprocity, and the use of in-kind contributions or community improvement projects in lieu of fees.
Council expressed support for developing a consistent facility-use policy that reflects actual costs, encourages user groups to invest in the park, and avoids creating cost barriers to youth participation.
Public comments were made by:
Dustin Del Giudice spoke in support of in-kind service opportunities and cautioned against fees that could make youth sports unaffordable.
No further public comments were made.
Council directed staff to research comparable community practices and return with policy options, including reasonable fee schedules and in-kind alternatives for nonprofit and community organizations. No formal action was taken.
15.B) Discussion Regarding. Potential Workforce Housing Occupancy.
Requirements for New Residential Development
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City Administrator Foster reviewed regulatory and incentive-based options for preserving housing opportunities for local residents and the workforce, including inclusionary housing requirements, development agreements, City participation in development costs, deed restrictions on City-owned property, and down-payment assistance requirements.
City Attorney Pucci discussed legal limitations on occupancy restrictions and the City's greater flexibility when it owns property or provides financial assistance.
Council discussed the need to preserve both rental and homeownership opportunities Tor local workers without creating additional barriers to private development. Council expressed support for exploring the acquisition of suitable LADWP property for workforce housing and for including owner-occupancy, resale, and recapture provisions in the City's forthcoming down-payment assistance program where legally permissible.
Public comment were made by:
Tyler, a Bishop resident, encouraged the City to consider existing vacant housing, coordinate with Eastern Sierra Housing, and pursue LADWP property for workforce housing with appropriate resale restrictions.
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No further public comments were made.
Council directed staff to continue exploring LADWP property opportunities and to return with policies for the planned down-payment assistance program. No formal action was taken.
15.C) Discussion Regarding Potential Participation in Supporting Year-Round Commercial Air Service at the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport Cover Page
City Administrator Foster reported that United Airlines had offered year-round service, initially through San Francisco, if regional partners could provide an additional $200,000 minimum revenue guarantee for the shoulder seasons. Ms. Foster requested direction on whether staff should participate in regional discussions regarding potential City support; no funding commitment was requested.
Council discussed the regional economic benefits of commercial air service, flight connectivity, the existing contributions of regional partners, and whether Bishop Tourism Business Improvement District funds or other City resources could lawfully support air service.
Public comments were made by:
Pat Foster, Chairman of the Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board, described the urgency of the opportunity, existing partner contributions, Mammoth Lakes Tourism's current funding commitments, and outreach to additional regional partners. Mr. Foster stated that United had not provided a firm deadline but that partners were working to close the funding gap promptly.
Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths summarized Inyo County's prior capital and ongoing operating contributions to the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport and the additional staffing costs anticipated with year-round service.
No further public comments were made.
Council directed staff to continue participating in regional discussions, consult with the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Bishop regarding potential funding sources, and explore an appropriate City contribution without committing to the full $200,000 gap.
No formal action was taken.
16) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Council requested confirmation that a post-event Mule Days presentation would be scheduled and requested a proclamation honoring the life and service of Judd Symons.
No further requests were made for future agenda items.
17) COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Members reported on meetings and community events they attended, including ESCOG, ESTA, the regional CoLab Summit, an Eastern Sierra emergency July 13,2026 718
medical services meeting, the Fourth of July celebration, and the memorial service for Judd Symons.
18) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Muchovej adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Stephen Muchovej, Mayor
Attest:
Alison Bishop, City Clerk
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