CITY OF BISHOP
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
AUGUST 10, 2026
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt called the meeting of the Bishop City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, California. 2) ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Councilmember Kong
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Schwartz
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
ABSENT:
Mayor Muchovej
OTHERS PRESENT: Pam Foster, City Administrator; Jessica Ortiz, Clerk; Dean J.
Pucci, City Attorney; Adam Marcellin, Deputy Fire Chief; and Anastasiia Budnyk, Principal Planner
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Pro Tem Freundt announced a moment of silence.
4) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Schwartz. 5) PUBLIC COMMENT
Mary Matlick recited a prayer.
No further public comments were made.
6) DEPARTMENT REPORTS
6.A) City Administrator Report - City Administrator Pam Foster Admin Monthly Report - July 2026
City Administrator Foster reviewed her report with Council. Meeting with LADWP, opportunities to look forward to.
6.B) Fire Department Report - Fire Chief Bret Russell
Fire Department Report - July 2026
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Deputy Fire Chief Marcellin provided an update on July fire calls, standby activities, and ongoing tire inspections. He reported that hotel inspections are nearing completion, and that the department is transitioning to a new reporting system. He also announced the upcoming 9/11 Stair Climb and encouraged community members to sign up. Council discussed fire inspection requirements, noting that hotels and schools are subject to mandated inspections, while mobile home parks and restaurants fall under state jurisdiction.
Councilmember Kong commended Deputy Fire Chief Marcellin for his dedication to conducting inspections and promptly providing inspection reports.
6.C) Police Department Report - Police Chief Nate Derr
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Police Department Report - July 2026
Police Chief Derr was not in attendance and did not provide a report.
6.D) Community Services Department Report - Community Services Manager Daniel McElroy
Community Services Department Report - July 2026
Community Services Manager Dan McElroy was not in attendance and did not provide a report.
6.E) Planning Department Report - Principal Planner Ana Budnyk Cover Page
Planning Department Report - July 2026
Principal Planner Budnyk provided an update on the Parking Implementation Plan, which was distributed to all business license holders for review and comment. She discussed proposed changes to parking time limits and noted that additional public input is being sought. Parking signage and wayfinding improvements will also be implemented as part of the plan.
Councilmember Garcia asked for details regarding where the plan was posted.
City Administrator Foster stated the plan is posted on the city website and will be on the next council meeting agenda.
7) COUNTY OF INYO UPDATE
Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths provided an update on the Rock Fire and Cinderblock Fire, noting that both fires are fully contained. He also reported open recruitment for the County Administrator and Public Works Director positions. Final approval for the Owens River canoe and kayak project is expected August 11; plans and CEQA are complete, with LADWP lease negotiations still underway. Preparations are also underway to support year-round flights at the airport.
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No public comments were made.
8) CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A) City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES 2026 01 12
MINUTES 2026 01 26
8.B) Approval to Purchase a Replacement Live Scan Fingerprint System Cover Page
Biometrics4All
Idemia
8.C) Ratification of Sourcewell Purchase Order and Consideration of Prepayment Option Relating to Ladder Truck Purchase
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Sourcewell Purchase Order
Ladder Truck MOU
Prepayment Offer Letter
Original Vendor Proposal
Change Orders to Purchase Order
Rosenbauer Sourcewell Contract
8.D) Budget Adjustment for East Line Street Bridge Project Cover Page
8.E) Ratification of Spending Authority for the Bishop Park Courts Resurfacing Project
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April 27, 2026 Staff Report
Change Order 1
Muni enter Garla Made a motion to approve CONSENT CALE A Motion passed 4-0
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Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Mayor Muchovej
NEW BUSINESS
9.A) Reject and Readvertise Bids for the Field 6 Rehabilitation Project.
City Administrator Foster reviewed the report with the Council. The bids were rejected, and the project will be revised before being sent out for bid again. Construction is expected to commence this winter.
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Motion/Councilmember Schwartz Seconded/Councilmember Garcia Councilmember Schwartz made a motion to approve City Council to reject all bids received for the Field 6 Rehabilitation Project and authorize staff to re-advertise the project with revised bid documents.
Motion passed 4-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Mayor Muchovej
9.B) Signage Repair and Removal Grant Program
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DRAFT_ INFORMATION APPLICATION PACKET
Principal Planner Budnyk reviewed the item with Council. She explained that the grant program will support the City's Signage Ordinance by helping make the community more visually appealing and consistent while assisting property owners with updating older signage. The grant will provide funding for sign maintenance and replacement, with applicants eligible to receive up to 50% of eligible costs, or $3,000 for pylon signs.
Councilmember Schwartz requested clarification regarding updates to existing signage. It was determined that repairs done prior to the grant application are ineliaible for reimbursement.
Resident Dustin Del Giudice made a public comment, asking for clarification on which businesses could apply. It was noted that businesses within the City limits qualify.
Motion/Councilmember Schwartz Seconded/Councilmember Kong Councilmember Schwartz made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Signage Repair & Removal Grant Program Application, and Authorize the Planning Department to administer the program.
Motion passed 4-0
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Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Mayor Muchovej
9.C) Updated Assistant City Administrator/Finance Director Job Description & 2026/2027 Full-time Salary Schedule
Assistant City Administrator - Finance Director Job Description 2026-2027 Full Time Salary Schedule-DRAFT 08.10.26
City Administrator Foster reviewed the item with Council, noting that City staff works diligently to provide services and that additional high-level coordination would improve efficiency. She explained that the Finance Director position is currently underutilized, and that increasing the budget would allow the City to better utilize the position and provide more effective coordination and services.
Motion/Councilmember Schwartz Seconded/Councilmember Garcia nance Die or do motion in 2020ve 27 any sed Assistant Cit Motion passed 4-0
Ayes: Councilmember Kong, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Schwartz, Mayor Pro Tem Freundt
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Mayor Muchovej
10) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Kong asked whether an ordinance for fire inspections of other locations was necessary. Deputy Fire Chief Adam Marcellin stated that an ordinance could be developed to allow inspections of restaurants and other locations.
Councilmember Kong suggested further discussion on the matter. City Attorney Dean Pucci noted that the ordinance could be beneficial but expressed concern regarding enforcement. It was noted that the Fire Department has the authority to require an inspection in an emergency. Council agreed to further evaluate the need and 11) COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Council Members reported on meetings and community events that they attended. 12) PUBLIC COMMENT PRIOR TO CLOSED SESSION
No public comments were made.
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13) CLOSED SESSION
13.A) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6 - Agency Designated Representative: City Administrator Pam Foster. Employee Organization: Bishop Police Officers Association.
Closed session began at 6:33 p.m. Closed session ended at 7:00 p.m.
REPORT ON ACTIONS TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION AS REQUIRED BY City Attorney Pucci announced that no reportable action was taken in closed session. 15) ADJOURNMENT
The Mayor Pro Tem adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m. to the City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., Regular Meeting, in the City Council Chambers.
lets
Dennis Freundt, Mayor Pro Tem
Attest:
Alison Bishop, City Clerk
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