Town Council - September 04, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes.
Councilmember Rea requested that she be allowed to join the meeting remotely under the just cause provisions of Government Code Section 54953(f)(2)(A)(i) due to illness.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
John Mendel led the flag salute.
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.
Jennifer Kreitz spoke in support of Mono County's Measure K, which would be an increase in TOT on the ballot in November.
4. WORKSHOP
4.1 Workshop with the Board of Mammoth Lakes Tourism to discuss the Media Plan Presentation and the Destination Management Plan.
1. MLT Joint Meeting.pdf
2. MLT Presentation.pdf
3. Hunden - Mammoth Lakes Tourism Agreement 8-24-24.pdf Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board Chair Pat Foster, Vice Chair Eric Clark, Secretary John Mendel, Board Member John Wentworth, Board Member Kirk Wallace, and Board Member Mary Beth Ericson were in attendance. Treasurer John Morris and Board Members Tom Parker and Cristi Quesada-Costa were absent.
Executive Director of Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) John Urdi gave a presentation outlining MLT's Media Plan and proposed destination Stewardship Plan. Mr. Urdi introduced Betsy Truax, MLT Community Engagement Director, who spoke about community initiatives that she was working on. Town Manager Rob Patterson noted that a recommendation to fund the proposed Destination Marketing Plan was in a later agenda item. There was discussion among members of Council, members of the MLT Board, and staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Pam Mitchell said that the Town needed to go out to the public for engagement, instead of expecting the public to come to us.
The Mayor called a recess at 5:01 p.m. and the Council reconvened at 5:11 p.m.
5. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Opportunity to add urgency items pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)2, if necessary.
There were no additions to the agenda.
Town Manager Rob Paterson requested that Agenda Item 7 be taken out of order.
6. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND/OR DEPARTMENTS (AS NEEDED)
6.1 September 2024 Public Works Engineering Capital Projects Update.
1. September 2024 Public Works Engineering Capital Projects Update - Written.pdf
2. Capital Project Update September 2024.9.4.pdf
6.2 September 2024 Office of Outdoor Recreation Update.
1. September 2024 Office of Outdoor Recreation Update.pdf
2. OOR_TOMLCouncilUpdate_090424.pdf
Office of Outdoor Recreation Manager Lawson Reif outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
7. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
7.1 Joint Presentation – California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Town of Mammoth Lakes for Incident Involving Bear and Human Interaction.
1. DFW.pdf
This item was taken out of order.
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the incident and introduced Assistant Chief for California Department of Fish and Wildlife George Struble who outlined other bear incidents in the area and the steps they took to euthanize the bear. There was discussion among members of Council and Assistant Chief Struble. Russell Black, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Wildlife Program Manager, outlined their black bear management project. Mr. Russell said that their staff were actively working with bears and wildlife conflict and that they were no aware of any conflicts with the bear that were reported before this incident.
Fred Wong, Mammoth Lakes District Ranger, said that the Forest Service had jurisdiction over the campgrounds and that they wanted to focus on education through social media, camp ground hosts, and flyers. He said that in future they would increase the number of interpretive talks given at the campgrounds. There was discussion among members of Council and Mr. Wong.
Mr. Patterson spoke about the Town's future efforts regarding educating people about wildlife.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Araceli Contreras spoke of the incident with the her, her mom, and the bear and the aftermath of that incident.
Tanner Bissonette said that there needed to be sticks for rule breakers and that the community needed to do better.
A Native American elder asked how to communicate with tourists better. She said that we needed to fine people and enforce code violations.
Cathy Spalding, Cold Creek camp host, outlined her experiences with the bear. She said that she had never seen Forest Service or CDF staff at the campgrounds, but she had seen Mammoth Lakes Police Department (MLPD) staff MLPD. She said that she spends time telling campers the rules but does not have any authority over the campers. She said that there needed to be more of a presence of the fining agencies to educate to change human behavior.
Cathy's husband said that only MLPD staff showed up to help. He said that the federal agencies only showed up to kill the bear. He said that we needed more signage and more fines.
Suzanne Nottingham announced a new organization in Town, the Bear Advocates of the Eastern Sierra, which she said will focus on public education and bear advocacy.
Steve Searles said that people had sought him out so he has to release information. He said that the feds were responsible for the bear's death.
Nick Falkingham asked the Town to create statutes to fine people and hold theme accountable for their actions that lead to the detriment of animals.
Delaney, camp host, said that we needed education to support camp hosts.
A speaker said that there was disrespect shown on every level and that we needed an affiliation with the tribe.
Traci Walker said that her child started the petition and she read a portion of it.
Tamara Skeets, member of the Bishop Pauite tribe, said that we should know we are on indigenous lands and that the bears were our ancestors and family.
Cheri Heringer said that we did not need to educate locals. She asked about what happened to the historical ways of handling bears.
Richard Goss said that we needed to get over the idea of keeping nature natural and wild and that we needed to adapt and do something.
Jennifer Burrows said that we had responsibility to nature. She said that she had never seen CFG education. She spoke in support of Steve Searles Connie Moyer said that we needed solutions and spoke in support of Steve Searles training the bears.
The Mayor called a recess at 7:01 p.m. and the Council reconvened at 7:14 p.m.
There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
8.1 Parcel Leasing Update – September 2024.
1. Parcel Leasing Update - Sept 2024.pdf
Jennie Reed, Buckingham Property Management, gave a leasing update regarding The Parcel. Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff and Shellan Rodriguez, SMR Development representing the Pacific Companies, spoke about income qualification requirements and tax credit funding criteria. There was discussion among members of Council and Ms. Reed.
8.2 Housing Now! Program Update – September 2024.
1. Housing Now! Update - Sept 2024.pdf
Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Donna said that she had concerns about the onsite person. Mr. Bobroff responded.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by
Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bubser
Seconded by
Councilmember Amanda Rice
Approve the Consent Agenda.
For (5)
Mayor Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Councilmember Sarah Rea, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bubser, and Councilmember Amanda Rice Carried (5 to 0)
9.1 Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 21, 2024.
1. August 21, 2024 Minutes.pdf
9.2 Waive the reading and adopt by title only the ordinance adopting and enacting a new Municipal Code for the Town of Mammoth Lakes; providing for the repeal of certain ordinances not included therein; providing for the manner of amending such code; and
1. Action Sheet - Municipal Code adoption.pdf
2. Ordinance for Code adoption 081224.pdf
providing when such code and this ordinance shall become effective.
9.3 Accept the Project Closeout Report for the Chain Link Fence Repair Project.
1. Chain Link Fence Repair Project Closeout Report.pdf
9.4 Accept Check Register 8/21/24 in the amount of $2,064,035.41. Accept Check Register 8/29/24 in the amount of $2,064,035.41.
1. Check Register 08212024.pdf
2. Check Register 08292024.pdf
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearing Procedure.
The Mayor will open the public hearing and then: Statement and presentation by staff. Statement and presentation by property owner or appellant. Questions from the Town Council. Call for testimony. Rebuttal to previous testimony by property owner or appellant. Close the public hearing, terminating public testimony. The Town Council will deliberate the matter and arrive at a decision.
10.1 2024/25 Parks and Recreation Department Winter Fee Schedule Amendments.
1. 2024-25 Parks and Recreation Department Winter Fee Schedule Amendments.pdf
2. Town Council Staff Report_PRD Fee Schedule Winter Ammendment_9-4-2024.pdf
3. FY2024-25 RESOLUTION_Fee schedule ammendment_9-4-2024.pdf The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:58 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Director Stuart Brown outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT'
Betsy Truax said that this was always a tough issue when she served on the Parks and Recreation Commission and that this was a good solution.
The Mayor closed the public hearing at 8:12 p.m.
Councilmember Rea left the meeting at 8:01 p.m.
Moved by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Seconded by
Councilmember Amanda Rice
Approve by resolution ‘Exhibit A’ as presented for
LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes Membership
Products and Pricing for the 2024/25 Winter season. Direct the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss, analyze, and provide recommendations for Town Council consideration regarding the identified resident/non-resident fee discussion questions and department operational concerns and present these recommendations to Town Council as part of the annual Town Council, Park and Recreation Department Fee Schedule Amendment Public Hearing, on March 5, 2025. Direct the Town Manager to schedule a workshop/consultation with the Town Council as the Town Manager deems appropriate with the advice and counsel of the Town Attorney to frame up the discussion and the workshop that may between the Town Council, staff, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
For (4)
Mayor Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bubser, and Councilmember Amanda Rice Absent (1)
Councilmember Sarah Rea
Carried (4 to 0)
11. POLICY MATTERS
11.1 Authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with the State giving the Town of Mammoth Lakes authority over the Inyo National Forest Groomed Trail System.
1. Authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with the State giving TOML authority over Inyo N.F. Groomed Trail System.pdf
2. C24550014.TOML.DRAFT1.pdf
3. InyoOSV_CouncilPresentation_090424.pdf
Office of Outdoor Recreation Manager Lawson Reif outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Moved by
Mayor Bill Sauser
Seconded by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Authorize t
he
Town Manager to execute an agreement with the State giving the Town of Mammoth Lakes
the authority to perform all functions of the Over-Snow Vehicle Grooming program on the Mammoth & Mono Lake Ranger Districts of the Inyo National Forest.
For (4)
Mayor Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bubser, and Councilmember Amanda Rice Absent (1)
Councilmember Sarah Rea
Carried (4 to 0)
11.2 Town of Mammoth Lakes priorities for the FY24/25 Inyo National Forest Program of Work.
1. Town of Mammoth Lakes priorities for the FY2425 Inyo National Forest Program of Work.pdf
2. FY2425_INYO_POW.pdf
Office of Outdoor Recreation Manager Lawson Reif outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Moved by
Mayor Bill Sauser
Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bubser
Approve the proposed or modified Town priority areas of work to be submitted to the Inyo National Forest for consideration for inclusion in their FY24/25 Program of Work .
For (4)
Mayor Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bubser, and Councilmember Amanda Rice Absent (1)
Councilmember Sarah Rea
Carried (4 to 0)
11.3 Presentation on budget performance through the fourth quarter FY23-24 and approval of Budget Amendments.
1. 4th quarter FY23-24.pdf
2. Presentation.pdf
3. Resolution.pdf
4. Attachment A - Budget Amendments.pdf
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Betsy Truax, Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Vice President (VP) of Community Engagement, outlined the need for the urgency to execute this contract.
Moved by
Mayor Bill Sauser
Seconded by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Adopt the proposed resolution amending the Fiscal Year 23-24 budget as recommended in Attachment A – Budget Adjustments, as amended to designate $2M to Housing Undesignated Fund with the rest remaining in Unallocated Fund Balance. For the Destination Management Plan contract funding, add a contract stipulation that partners would need to be willing to participate in order for the contract to be executed.
For (3)
Mayor Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, and Mayor Pro Tem Chris Bubser Against (1)
Councilmember Amanda Rice
Absent (1)
Councilmember Sarah Rea
Carried (3 to 1)
12. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
1. Councilmember Reports.pdf
Informational reports from Councilmember representatives on committees, commissions, and organizations; general reports on Councilmember activities.
Councilmember Rice attended the Town's 40th anniversary celebration.
Mayor Pro Tem Bubser thanked staff for the Town's 40th anniversary celebration.
Councilmember Wentworth attended the Town's 40th anniversary celebration, the Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board meeting, and the Eastern Sierra Council of Governments meeting.
Mayor Sauser attended the Town's 40th anniversary celebration, was involved in the Chamber of Commerce's selection committee for their annual awards, and attended the Mammoth Trails Committee meeting.
13. CLOSED SESSION
13.1 Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6.(a), Conference with Labor Negotiators, the Council will meet with its representatives, Town Manager Rob Patterson, Police Chief Dan Casabian, and HR Manager Amanda Pelham with respect to the following Employee Organizations: Mammoth Lakes Police Officers Association At 9:21 p.m. the Mayor announced that the Council would be entering into closed session for the purposes as stated in the agenda.
14. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN AFTER CLOSED SESSION
The Council reconvened from closed session at 9:43 p.m. and announced that there was no reportable action taken.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Council will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
The Council adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m.