Town Council Special Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 9, 2023, 5:00 p.m.
Teleconference Only - No Physical Location
Members of the Town Council:
Mayor John Wentworth, Mayor Pro Tem Bill Sauser, Councilmember Chris Bubser, Councilmember Sarah Rea, Councilmember Amanda Rice
NOTE: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Town Clerk at (760) 965-3602. Notification prior to the meeting will enable the Town to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28 CFR 13.102-35.104 ADA Title II)
NOTE: Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the Town Offices located at 437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite 230 during normal business hours. Such documents are also available on the Town of Mammoth Lakes website at www.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov subject to staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.
NOTE: All comments will be limited to a speaking time of five minutes.
NOTE: This meeting will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of Assembly Bill 361 which amends certain requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act. While Suite Z is still open to the public, it is strongly encouraged that you watch the Town Council meetings on the Town of Mammoth Lakes' website atwww.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov, on the local government cable channel 18, or via Zoom. Public comments can be submitted to the Town Clerk at [email protected]. before and during the meeting.
ZOOM INFORMATION
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:
Please type in or cut and paste in this URL to join. https://monocounty.zoom.us/s/92958002088 Or join by phone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Webinar ID: 929 5800 2088
International numbers available: https://monocounty.zoom.us/u/acobwlnMsm Public comments can also be given through Zoom by logging in or dialing in and raising your hand.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Public Comment portion of the agenda provides the public with an opportunity to address the Town Council on matters not otherwise listed on the agenda. Under California law the Town Council is prohibited from generally discussing or taking action on items not included in the agenda; however, the Town Council may briefly respond to comments or questions from members of the public. Therefore, the Town Council will listen to all public comment, but will not generally discuss the matter or take action on it. Requests for service from the Town may also be made at the Town offices during regular business hours.
Members of the public desiring to speak on a matter appearing on the agenda should ask the Mayor for the opportunity to be heard when the item comes up for Council consideration.
3. POLICY MATTERS
3.1 Winter Storm Event(s) Planning, Preparation, and Response.
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.1 Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, the Council will hold a conference to consider evaluation of a public employee: Town Manager.
5. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN AFTER CLOSED SESSION
6. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Council will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Mammoth Lakes Town Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Winter Storm Event(s) Planning, Preparation, and Response.
Council Meeting Date: 1/9/2023
Prepared by: Daniel C. Holler, Town Manager
Recommended Motion: No formal action requested
Summary:
Based on projected number of storm events through the next few weeks and amount of snow accumulations that may occur, staff will provide Council with an overview of the preparation process Town staff works through for these types of events. This includes the pre-planning work, preparations, communications, and response. These types of events will generate a mix of calls for service, “thank yous”, complaints, a mix of conditions on roadways and sidewalks, and other storm related impacts. As several questions and comments have already been received, having an opportunity to discuss these, others, and the Town’s overall management and response to these events in a Council setting is appropriate. This allows for the same information to be shared to all members and to any public members participating (listening) in a single setting. Attached is a sample of the information that we are putting out for the community. Due to the storm event, it is anticipated that this will be a teleconference (Zoom) only meeting as attendance by staff and Councilmembers will be limited.
P U B L I C S E R V I C E A N N O U N C E M E N T
Date: Sunday, January 8, 2023
Contact: Stuart Brown, Parks and Recreation Director | Public Information Officer Phone: (760) 965-3696 | (760) 914-7110
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov
BE PREPARED FOR PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOWFALL, POTENTIAL
FLOODING AND BLIZZARD CONDITIONS
Mammoth Lakes, CA – The Town of Mammoth Lakes is notifying all residents and visitors to be prepared for a potent ‘Atmospheric River’ bringing heavy Sierra snow, strong winds, and a mixture of heavy wet snow and low-elevation flooding concerns through Wednesday, January 11, 2023. The State Operations Center (SOC) anticipates that this may be one of the most challenging and impactful storms to touch down in California in recent memory.
Winter Storm Warning
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Mono County and Mammoth Lakes in effect through early Wednesday morning. The forecast is for major snow accumulations of 2 to 5 feet. The heaviest snowfall begins early Monday morning through midday Tuesday above 7,000 feet. Snow levels may sharply rise to 7,000-8,000 feet around midday on Monday with areas below 7,000 feet experiencing heavy rainfall. Sierra ridge winds could exceed 100 mph with gusts to 50 mph in the lower elevations.
Weather Impacts
During this period of time, travel is expected to be very difficult in whiteout conditions and possible road closures, with many roads in Mammoth Lakes impassable. With this amount of snow and heavy snowpack, avalanches are a significant concern. Visit the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center for the latest forecast.
Be Snowsmart!
Be prepared and be Snowsmart this winter by following a few simple rules and lifesaving tips. View our Winter SnowSmart Page for links to road and highway conditions, current chain restrictions, transit services, tow companies, taxi & shuttle services, emergency information, and more. During heavy snowfall, please stay off the roads and let our snow removal operators clear the roads and sidewalks. Don’t put on chains when you have to – put on chains before you need them.
Stopping in roadways is dangerous and is to be avoided. The Town clears several miles of sidewalks for your safety. Do not walk on the streets with vehicles and plows and do not walk in-front of snow removal equipment.
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Town of Mammoth Lakes
P.O. Box 1609
Mammoth Lakes, CA, 93546
Ph: (760) 965-3600
Fax: (760) 934-7493
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BE PREPARED FOR PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOWFALL, POTENTIAL FLOODING AND BLIZZARD CONDITIONS Contact: Stuart Brown, Parks and Recreation Director | Public Information Officer – (760) 965-3696 | (760) 914-7110 Public Information
The Town advises residents and visitors to be prepared by listening to KMMT 106.5, Sierra Wave 92.5 or KIBS 100.7 FM for chain restrictions, road closures or shelter openings. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 for assistance.
Winter Storm Temporary Road Closures
In advance of the winter storm the Town of Mammoth Lakes has closed Sherwin Creek Road and the Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop for the duration of the storm.
Parking
Unless signed otherwise, it is a violation of the Town of Mammoth Lakes municipal code to park on any roadway from November 1 through April 30. Please park all vehicles, including boats and trailers, as far off the roadway as possible and inside the orange snow stakes. Identify your vehicle’s location with poles to keep it visible for snow removal operators. Overnight parking in Town maintained parking lots is not permitted.
Transit Services
We recommend you park your vehicle (off the roadway and behind the orange snow stakes) and take the bus. The FREE Red Line operates 7-days per week from 7:00am until 5:30pm. The Red Line provides service throughout town via Old Mammoth Road and Main Street traveling between The Village and Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge.
Contact ESTA at (760) 924-3184 or download the free Transit app for updated routes and schedules.
Mammoth Yosemite Airport
The Town advises passengers to contact Advanced Air at 1-800-393-7035 regarding updated flight schedules with the anticipated impacts from the winter storm.
Road Conditions & Chain Restrictions
For updated road conditions and chain restrictions visit the Caltrans Quickmap site or call (800) 427-ROAD or dial 511.
• Requirement 1 (R1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle. • Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: (Four wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
• Requirement 3 (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.
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BE PREPARED FOR PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOWFALL, POTENTIAL FLOODING AND BLIZZARD CONDITIONS Contact: Stuart Brown, Parks and Recreation Director | Public Information Officer – (760) 965-3696 | (760) 914-7110 Winter Driving Tips
Caltrans reminds drivers to always carry chains when driving in winter conditions.
Keep a full tank of gas, carry blankets, water, food, a shovel, gloves, a flashlight, ice scraper and a shovel. Allow extra time for travel. For additional tips, please visit the Caltrans Winter Driving Tips webpage: https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips.
Important Life Safety Message
The Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Lakes Fire Department would like to remind residents of several life safety issues. These include the accumulation of large amounts of snow/ice on roofs, the blockage of vents for heating and hot water appliances, and the maintenance needed to safely use propane. Additionally, we request that residents keep property addresses visible and fire hydrants cleared.
Winter Propane Safety Reminders
• You should NOT smell propane in your home. If you smell gas or are experiencing signs of a gas leak, immediately exit the premises, and then call the AmeriGas 24/7 Emergency Line at (800) 805-0659 - or call 911 for immediate assistance.
• Keep equipment clear of snow and ice. The weight of these elements could eventually break gas connections.
• Keep gas appliance vents clear of snow and ice to avoid gas fumes from becoming trapped in your home.
• Clear a path to your propane tank.
• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors.
• Propane Safety First website: http://www.propanesafetyfirst.com/ • Call the MLFD at (760) 934-2300 for additional information.
Important Contact Numbers
Mammoth Hospital (760) 934-3311
Mammoth Lakes Police Department (760) 965-3700
Mammoth Lakes Fire Department (760) 934-2300
Mono County Sheriff’s Department (760) 932-7549
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area On-Hill Emergency Hotline (760) 934-0611 Caltrans, Current Highway Conditions (800) 427-7623 or 511 Town of Mammoth Lakes Building Division (760) 965-3635
Public Utilities
AmeriGas Propane (760) 934-2213
Southern California Edison (800) 611-1911
Eastern Sierra Propane (760) 872-2955
Mammoth Community Water District (760) 934-2596 or
(760) 914-0395
The Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mono County Emergency Management continues to encourage residents and visitors to be “READY Mono” as storm patterns impact the Eastern Sierra. Please visit the Emergency Information page on the Town’s website for emergency preparedness or the Town’s facebook page for storm updates:
https://www.facebook.com/townofmammothlakes.
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