Agenda packet — Mammoth Lakes City Council, March 7, 2023

Town Council Special Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 4:15 p.m.
437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes
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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. 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.

4. POLICY MATTERS

4.1 Adopt the resolution ratifying the proclamation declaring the existence of a local emergency.

5. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Council will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

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1 Background
The Town of Mammoth Lakes and the greater region is experiencing the effects of extreme winter storms, with over 26 feet of snow recorded at Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge (9,000 ft.) during January and February 2023. Additional snow and blizzard conditions continued into March, with additional snow, strong winds, and cold temperatures in the forecast.

These extreme winter conditions have and will continue to create hazardous and unsafe conditions within the Town of Mammoth Lakes with potential damage to structures, stranded motorists, increased traffic accidents, damage to public infrastructure and equipment, and unsafe roadways. The declaration is needed to address the local emergency and to assist in recovery efforts resulting in the need to request State resources that are beyond the control, services, personnel, equipment, and facilities within the Town of Mammoth Lakes and regional mutual-aid area. Due to these conditions the Town Manager declared a state of Local Emergency pursuant to Section 2.48.060 of the Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code. The Town Manager’s declaration must be ratified by the Town Council within 7 days or it terminates. The attached resolution authorizes the Emergency Declaration to be in effect for at least 60 days. It may be terminated sooner or extended by Council.

Analysis
On January 17, 2023, the Mono County Board of Supervisors ratified a Proclamation of Local Emergency issued on January 10, 2023 by Chris Mokracek, Mono County Director of Emergency Services. Director Mokracek issued the Proclamation as a result of the severe winter storms that commenced on January 9, 2023, which prevented emergency access, closed roads, stranded travelers, and exceeded the ability of Mono County road and safety crews to respond.

On March 1, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for 13 counties, including Mono County because of the severe winter storms. The Governor also activated the State Operations Center to 24-hour operations to coordinate the deployment of resources throughout the State. Assistance is currently being provided by the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to the County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

Mono County, through the Office of Emergency Services (OES) is conducting daily briefings with participation from local, regional and state partners. The County and State are addressing significant issues in the Mono City and Bridgeport areas. US Highway 395 has been closed for several days between Lee Vining and Bridgeport with only limited access to Bridgeport and alternative access to Nevada on Highway 167. The closure of US Highway 395 due to avalanches along Mono Lake is expected to last for several days or multiple weeks. These avalanches also caused multi-day power outagesto homes and SCE, supported by multiple emergency responders continue to assist and support residents. Additional avalanches and threats along the US Highway 395 corridor with continual wind and drifting snow has required the commitment of substantial resources. This limits availability and access of mutual aid resources to the north of Mammoth Lakes from assisting within the Town. Road closures on US Highway 395 south bound impacted the delivery of essential items such as fuel, food, and the necessary workers to Mammoth Lakes. The Town along with other agencies have been actively involved in emergency rescues of stranded motorists.

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2 Within the Town, we are experiencing limited snow storage along roadways, causing hazardous driving conditions. Through January and February there were 70 traffic collisions and 12 hit and runs reported by the Mammoth Lakes Police Department. The Police Department, Town Snow Patrol, and Public Works have assisted dozens of motorists who were stuck or otherwise blocking traffic due to severe winter weather conditions. Public Works snow removal operators have encountered several vehicles parked in the roadways creating further dangerous conditions and, in some cases, damage to the vehicles. Several vehicles have been buried by snow. The weather conditions are expected to continue to create difficult and hazardous driving conditions within the Town and region. As a result of storm related structural failures, the Town has issued six building permits for properties in Mammoth Lakes.

The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District has secured two Cal Fire Crews to assist in the Town and region. They are tasked with digging out fire hydrants, clearing public propane tanks and potentially roofs on public buildings. They may also assist clearing bus shelters and other public facilities. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are also impacted and constrained due to the grounding of certain Care Flight operations and the bifurcation of the County due to the closure of US Highway 395. This has resulted in staging of regional agency ambulances and relying on other necessary care flight operations stationed at the Bishop Airport. Wind and snow have also limited flights and cancelled several flights at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, along with cancelled flights at Bishop Airport. The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) has also had to limit bus services or cancel certain routes due to whiteout conditions and heavy snow. The potential loss of public safety communications systems and/or cell phone towers is a major concern due to extended hours of operations on back-up power.

The ongoing financial impacts to residents, homeowner associations (HOAs), and businesses has also been substantial. Road closures impacted hospitality related business, the cost of snow removal is extensive, and the impact on travel for employees has limited some operations, including the Town. To assist in this area, staff will implement a plan to reduce the cost of dumping snow at the snow storage site (snow pit), with the full intention of any savings to be passed on to those paying for the service. With the road conditions, staff is also reviewing options to impose lower speed limits. Slower speeds are being considered due to more pedestrians using narrower streets, limited sight distances, blowing snow, snow removal operations, and icy/snowy hazardous driving conditions.

Summary
The ability of the Town to continue the level of response to the previous and current storm cycles is limited. As part of the regional response and to support mutual-aid requests, Town resources will be called upon to assist other agencies, with unknown potential impacts to infrastructure, public ad private structures, roadway limitations, dangerous driving conditions, and potential for stranded motorists. The extreme weather conditions will continue to have ongoing impacts on the community over the coming weeks. Staff is recommending the Town Council adopt the resolution ratifying the Emergency Declaration issued by the Town Manager on March 3, 2023.

Supporting information includes a copy of the proposed resolution and the Manager’s emergency declaration are provided for Council consideration.

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3 National Weather Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Weather Forecast Office
Reno, NV
Saturday, Mar 4, 2023
Winter Storm This Weekend, More Snowy Periods Next Week Greetings All! Winter continues its icy grip on the region. Random fact for today...we have only reached 60 degrees or greater 7 times at KRNO since Nov 1 this year. There are only 5 years in the climate record (going back to the 1890s) for Reno with less. It's not your imagination that this winter has been colder and snowier than usual! Climate stats aside, plenty to talk about with our next storm knocking on our doorstep this morning. If you need any additional information or assistance, please feel free to call or write back. -Dawn

KEY POINTS
 Gusty winds today with travel and recreation difficulties and areas of blowing dust possible.  More snow this weekend will only compound the ongoing travel and snow load issues in the Sierra.  Additional periods of snow possible for next week.

CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS BRIEFING
• Increased chances for widespread snow with continued travel impacts on Wednesday.

WEATHER RISK OUTLOOK
Risk levels incorporate potential impacts from weather hazards and likelihood of occurrence for a reasonable worst-case scenario.

Sat 3/4 Sun 3/5 Mon 3/6 Tue 3/7 Wed 3/8 Thu 3/9 Fri 3/10 Wind Gusty SW Gusty SW Gusty W-SW ridges
Gusty W-SW
ridges
Gusty W-SW ridges
Gusty W-SW
ridges

Snow Heavy Snow Heavy Snow
Lingering snow & travel
issues
Snow Showers
Sierra
Snow, mainly
Sierra/NE CA.

Spotty showers
Possible
snow
Flooding

Unusual
Temps
Cold Cold Cold Cold Cold Cold Cold
Air
Stagnation

Risk Levels Little to None Minor Moderate Major Extreme

DETAILS

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4  Gusty winds will continue to increase today, lingering into Sunday . The winds will bring ground and air travel concerns along with difficulties for lake and mountain recreation. Areas of blowing dust are expected across the west-central Basin & Range, with potential impacts to I-80, US-95, and Hwy-50.  Light-moderate snow can be expected throughout the weekend in the Sierra, but we’re watching two periods for intense snowfall rates ~2-3”/hour. The first will be noon to 5 pm today for NE CA and the Sierra adjacent to Tahoe, with 3-8 pm for the Sierra in Mono Co. The second arrives after midnight into the early morning hours Sunday. Two main periods of spillover into W NV: This afternoon and evening, and again overnight into Sunday AM. Otherwise, spotty snow showers. Gusty winds will create areas of blowing snow and very low visibility, especially in the Sierra.  Snow showers to linger Monday and Tuesday but will be spottier in coverage. Another winter system dives into the region Wednesday with yet another round of snow, but much less than this weekend’s storm. Still a large range of potential scenarios the end of next week. Stay tuned!

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For the latest forecast updates, visit weather.gov/reno.

If you have questions or would like to submit weather reports, photos, or to unsubscribe from these briefings, email [email protected] or call (775) 673-8100.

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5 TRAVEL ALERT:

If you have plans to or are considering travel in or through Mono County soon, please read on.

Extreme winter weather has recently impacted Mono County and its communities, so much so that the Governor declared a State of Emergency on March 1, 2023. Another major storm is expected to arrive tomorrow (Saturday, March 4th) and more wild weather is possible through March.

AS OF MARCH 3, 2023:

Avalanches have closed a section of U.S. 395 (still shown as open on Google/Apple maps) just north of Lee Vining, which may take two or more weeks to clear and reopen.

The avalanches have also caused power outages in communities north of Mono Lake, including Mono City and Bridgeport. Other road closures have isolated residents and visitors and caused temporary sh ortages in food and fuel. Our incredible first responders and plow crews are stretched thin.

Reduced snow storage has made for narrow roads with poor visibility and limited parking. There are several other safety issues (limited sidewalks for pedestrians, heavy snow loads on buildings, and dangerous snow shedding from roofs, etc.) to be mindful of when visiting. Our intention is not to frighten or over-dramatize, but give you an idea of what can happen during these more major storms and prepare you for current conditions in our small but mighty mountain towns.

The snowfall has been truly amazing this year, and with more on the way, we appreciate your patience and consideration when visiting Mono County.

Travel is not recommended during the storms. If you do visit, please come prepared (food, fuel, supplies) and plan ahead - it's likely the roads will close again (temporary closures - for example 395 between Mammoth Lakes and June Lake, or 395 from Bishop to June Lake or Lee Vining. Mountain passes like 120 W, 108, and 89 are closed seasonally and not plowed like U.S. 395).

RESOURCES FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Visit READY Mono - The Mono County Office of Emergency Management's website for up-to-date information related to these winter storms and other local emergencies. We encourage you to check that page, and keep a close eye on the weather and road conditions, prior to visiting.

Local agency social media channels are often the most up-to-date. Here are a few to bookmark:
 Caltrans District 9: Facebook Twitter
 National Weather Service - Reno: Facebook Twitter
 Mono County Sheriff's Office: Facebook Twitter
Do not try and navigate around road closures or take alternate roads.

Do not follow Google/Apple maps, your GPS, or ask Siri for the back way.

If Caltrans says the roads are closed, they are closed.

Do not put yourself or others at risk by following your GPS off the main routes. Please visit Roads.dot.ca.gov for up to the minute road conditions/chain restrictions or use the Caltrans Quick Map: Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Mono County road closure information can be found on the Mono County Department of Public Works - Road website. They do their best to keep the site updated. Generally, if a major road like U.S. 395 is closed, smaller 2-lane county roads like Benton Crossing Road are also absolutely closed. When county crews can access and plow them, the site will be updated.

Please also be sure to check Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain websites for updates on operations at the ski areas.

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6 TRAVEL ALERT:

If you have plans to or are considering travel in or through Mono County soon, please read on.

AS OF MARCH 3, 2023:

Avalanches have closed a section of U.S. 395 (still shown as open on Google/Apple maps) just north of Lee Vining, which may take two or more weeks to clear and reopen.

The snowfall has been truly amazing this year, and with more on the way, we appreciate your patience and consideration when visiting Mono County.

RESOURCES FOR TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Do not follow Google/Apple maps, your GPS, or ask Siri for the back way.

If Caltrans says the roads are closed, they are closed.

You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Please also be sure to check Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain websites for updates on operations at the ski areas.

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RESOLUTION NO. 23 -

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL

OF THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,

RATIFYING THE PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE EXISTENCE

OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, Section 2.48.060 of the Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code appoints the Town Manager as the director of emergency services; and WHEREAS, Section 2.48.070 of the Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code empowers the Town Manager to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency in accordance with Government Code Section 8630 if the Town Council is not in session; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 8630, a local emergency proclaimed by the Town Manager may not last longer than seven days unless ratified by the Town Council; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2023 the Town Manager of the Town of Mammoth Lakes made findings due to extreme winter snowstorms that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property have arisen within the Town, as a result of the severe weather and snow accumulations. The impact of the winter storms has and will create hazardous and unsafe conditions within the Town of Mammoth Lakes with potential damages to structures, stranded motorists, increased traffic accidents, damages to public infrastructure and equipment, and unsafe roadways; and WHEREAS the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes was not in session at the time of the emergency proclamation issued by the Town Manager, and must ratify such proclamation in order for it to remain in effect past March 10, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the current emergency conditions within the Town of Mammoth Lakes are expected to remain in effect past March 10, 2023.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that a local emergency now exists throughout the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the emergency proclamation issued by the Town Manager on March 3, 2023 and attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is hereby ratified; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOVLED AND RATIFIED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the California Office of Emergency Services and to Mono County officials; and

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Resolution No. 23 -

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IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED AND RATIFIED that during the existence of said local emergency the powers, functions, and duties of the emergency services organization of the Town of Mammoth Lakes shall be those prescribed by law, by ordinances and resolutions of this Town, and by the Town of Mammoth Lakes Emergency Operations Plan; and
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the Town Council shall review the need for continuing the local emergency in not less than 60 days from the date of the Town Manager’s proclamation of emergency, and shall proclaim the termination of the local emergency at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant, pursuant to Government Code Section 8630.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 7th day of February 2023.
________________________________
JOHN WENTWORTH, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
JAMIE GRAY, Town Clerk

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F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
Date: Saturday, March 4, 2023
Contact: Stuart Brown, Parks and Recreation Director & Public Information Officer Phone: (760) 965-3696
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov

TOWN MANAGER DECLARES THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL

EMERGENCY IN MAMMOTH LAKES FROM EXTREME WINTER

SNOWSTORMS
Mammoth Lakes, CA - On March 3, 2023, Town Manager Daniel C. Holler declared by proclamation the existence of a local emergency in the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

This action is the result of the extreme winter snowstorms experienced during the months of January and February causing conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property in the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Over 26 feet of snow was recorded at Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge (9,000 ft.) during this time period, with additional snow, strong winds and cold temperatures forecast in March. “Getting the necessary life-saving resources to our community as a result of these relentless and damaging winter storms is the Town’s highest priority,” stated Holler. “This Proclamation allows the Town to access additional state and regional resources needed to address this on-going local emergency.” These extreme winter conditions have and will continue to create hazardous and unsafe conditions within the Town of Mammoth Lakes with potential damages to structures, stranded motorists, increased traffic accidents, damages to public infrastructure and equipment, and unsafe roadways. The declaration is needed to address the local emergency and to assist in recovery efforts resulting in the need to request state resources that are beyond the control, services, personnel, equipment and facilities within the Town of Mammoth Lakes and regional mutualaid area. --MORE--
Town of Mammoth Lakes
P.O. Box 1609
Mammoth Lakes, CA, 93546
Ph: (760) 965-3690
Fax: (760) 934-7493

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TOWN MANAGER DECLARES THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY IN MAMMOTH LAKES FROM EXTREME

WINTER SNOWSTORMS
Contact: Stuart Brown, Parks and Recreation Director | Public Information Officer – (760) 965-3696 The authority to proclaim a local emergency by the Town Manager is authorized by Section 2.48.060 of the Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code that appoints the Town Manager as the Director of Emergency Services. In addition, Section 2.48.070 of the Municipal Code empowers the Town Manager to request the Town Council to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency in accordance with Government Code section 8630. Town Council shall take action to ratify the proclamation within seven days.

On January 17, 2023, the Mono County Board of Supervisors ratified a Proclamation of Local Emergency issued on January 10, 2023 by Chris Mokracek, Mono County Director of Emergency Services. Director Mokracek issued the Proclamation as a result of the severe winter storms that commenced on January 9, 2023, which prevented emergency access, closed roads, stranded travelers, and exceeded the ability of Mono County road and safety crews to respond.

On March 1, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for 13 counties, including Mono County as a result of the severe winter storms. The Governor also activated the State Operations Center to 24-hour operations to coordinate the deployment of resources throughout the state. Assistance is currently being provided by the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to the county and the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

State, regional and local interagency collaboration that this proclamation empowers is critical to ensuring the Town is able to respond to emergencies such as this to better serve and to provide the necessary life-saving resources and assistance for the residents and visitors of Mammoth Lakes.
--END--

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Mammoth Lakes City CouncilMarch 7, 2023

Mammoth Lakes City Council
March 7, 2023