Town Council - January 15, 2025
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.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Officer Saulque 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.
Mayor Bubser spoke about the love and sympathy that the Mammoth community had for their Southern California neighbors, and announced the Fire Relief Donation Drive that the Town was holding.
Brianna Goico, President and CEO of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce, gave an update regarding current Chamber activities.
Mark Drew, Executive Director for the Eastern Sierra Land Trust, introduced himself to the Council and the community.
4. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Opportunity to add urgency items pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)2, if necessary.
Town Manager Rob Patterson reported that Town staff had an urgency item to add to the agenda.
ACTION:
It was moved by Councilmember Bill Sauser, seconded by Councilmember John Wentworth, and carried by a 4-0 vote with Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice absent that Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)2, the Council hereby determines that there is a need for immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the Town subsequent to the posting of the agenda pursuant to subdivision (a), said item being:
Resolution finding emergency circumstances that justify the award of an emergency contract for repair of flood damages at the Police Station.
This item will be taken as Agenda Item 11.5.
4.1 Emergency Flooding Repairs at Police Department.
1. Emergency Flooding Repairs at Police Department 1-15-25.pdf
2. R25-XX Emergency Contracting.pdf
This item was taken as Agenda Item 11.5.
Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Moved by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Seconded by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Adopt the resolution finding emergency circumstances that justify the award of an emergency contract for repair of flood damages at the Police Station.
For (5)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Carried (5 to 0)
5. INTRODUCTIONS
5.1 Introduce new Senior Accounting Assistant Dora Bessenbacher.
Accounting Manager Stephanie Trujillo introduced Ms. Bessenbacher to the Council and the community.
5.2 Introduce new Engineering Assistant Trace Calvin.
Engineering Manager Amy Callanan introduced Mr. Calvin to the Council and the community.
5.3 Introduce new Police Officer Julio Gonzalez.
Police Chief Dan Casabian introduced Officer Gonzalez to the Council and the community.
6. TOWN COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS
6.1 Recognize the promotion of Richard Marchant to Police Corporal.
Police Chief Dan Casabian announced Officer Marchant's promotion to Corporal.
Mayor Pro Tem Rice arrived at 4:17 p.m.
6.2 Recognition of Revenue Accountant Danny Earls for ten years of service.
Town Manager Rob Patterson thanked Mr. Earls for his years of service.
7. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
7.1 Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) Broadband Update presented by Barbara Hayes, Chief Economic Development Officer of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC).
1. GSCA Broadband - TOML Jan 2025.pdf
Barbara Hayes, Chief Economic Development Officer of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), gave a presentation regarding the Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) Broadband Update. There was discussion among members of Council and Ms. Hayes.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Rich Boher asked questions about the project. Town Manager Rob Patterson, Ms. Hayes, and Town Attorney Andrew Morris responded.
Brianna Goico, President and CEO of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce, said that they were looking forward to this effort for the business community.
Greg Baron, Sierra Manors HOA Manager, asked if there was an opportunity for 5G wireless. Ms. Hayes responded.
7.2 Lease to Locals Program – Mid-Contract Update.
1. Action Sheet - L2L Mid-Contract Update.pdf
2. Slide Deck - L2L Mammoth Lakes - Update (Jan 2025).pdf Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff introduced Chase Janvrin, General Manager of Placemate. Mr. Janvrin gave a presentation regarding the Lease to Locals Program Update. There was discussion among members of Council and Mr. Janvrin.
CONSENSUS:
Town Council agreed that Town Staff and Placemates could address minor alterations/exceptions to the program.
8. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND/OR DEPARTMENTS (AS NEEDED) Police Chief Dan Casabian gave an update regarding current police activities during the holidays. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Office of Outdoor Recreation Manager Lawson Reif gave an update regarding current outdoor recreation activities. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Parks and Recreation Director Stuart Brown gave an update regarding current recreation activities.
The Mayor called a recess at 6:02 p.m. and the Council reconvened at 6:07 p.m.
Ales Tomaier, Fire Chief of the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District, reported on the deployment of resources down south. He spoke in support of staying balanced with priorities. There was discussion among members of Council and Chief Tomaier.
8.1 January 2025 Public Works CIP Update.
1. January 2025 Public Works CIP Update.pdf
2. Capital Project Update January 2025.pdf
There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
Town Manager Rob Patterson requested that Agenda Item 9.2 be removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.
Moved by
Councilmember Bill Sauser
Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Approve the Consent Agenda.
For (5)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Carried (5 to 0)
9.1 Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 18, 2024.
1. December 18, 2024 Minutes.pdf
9.2 Authorize the Town to execute the Regional Housing Needs Assessment MOU and Cost-Sharing Agreement with Inyo County.
1. Action Sheet - Regional HNA MOU.pdf
2. MOU - Regional HNA.pdf
3. Scope of Work - Inyo County-BAE Contract.pdf
4. BAE - HNA Proposal 2024.10.28.pdf
This item was removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.
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:
Greg Baron, Sierra Manors HOA Manager, asked if they were going to look into workforce/employee housing.
Moved by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Seconded by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Authorize the Town to
execute
the MOU with Inyo County
agree
ing
to
the
reimburse
ment of
Inyo
County for the Town’s proportional share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment report.
For (5)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Carried (5 to 0)
9.3 Adopt the resolution approving the Fiscal Year 23/24 Report on Development Impact Fees on New Development within the Town.
1. FY23-24 AB1600 DIF Report.pdf
2. 23-24 Report.pdf
3. Resolution 23-24.pdf
9.4 Accept Check Register 12/18/24 in the amount of $1,268,373.47. Accept Check Register 12/20/24 in the amount of $4,264.50. Accept Check Register 1/3/25 in the amount of $1,892,823.69. Accept Check Register 1/9/25 in the amount of $838,364.65.
1. Check Register 12182024.pdf
2. Check Register 12202024.pdf
3. Check Register 01032025.pdf
4. Check Register 01092025.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 Public hearing to discuss the accomplishments of the Town’s CDBG CARES Act Grants (20-CDBG-CV1-00028 & 20-CV-2-3-00093).
1. Action Sheet - CDBG CARES Act Closeout.pdf
The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff outlined the information in the staff report.
With no members of the public coming forward to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
Moved by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Seconded by
Councilmember Bill Sauser
A
uthorize the
Town Manager to sign all documents related to the closeout of the CDBG CARES Act
grants
.
For (5)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Carried (5 to 0)
11. POLICY MATTERS
11.1 Town Council Strategic Planning Series – Presentation of community survey results and request for public comment. This item will be heard at 6:00 p.m.
1. Strategic Planning Series - Community Workshop.pdf
2. Community Survey Results.pdf
3. Stacy Corless Public Comment.pdf
This item was taken out of order.
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ben Comfort spoke in support of a public bike park. There was discussion among members of Council and Mr. Comfort.
Greg Baron, Sierra Manors HOA Manager, said that parking was a major issue in Town and proposed parking garages at the Park and Ride Lot. and on the Forest Service land in between the Fire Station and the Welcome Center.
Robert Provost said that he agreed with Mr. Baron and that he was concerned with traffic on Old Mammoth Road. He proposed that Old Mammoth Road be a one-way street.
Jennifer Leanty spoke in support of an indoor training facility.
Tony Bright spoke in support of a public bike park.
Kimberly O'hara spoke in support of additional recreational facilities.
Kenna McCarthy said that she agreed with Ms. Leanty.
Betsy Truax, Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Vice President of Community Engagement, encouraged the public to take the MLT community sentiment survey.
Janet Hatfield, Whitebark Institute, spoke in support of wildfire resiliency efforts.
Gil Campos spoke in support of a public bike park.
Sheila Brode spoke in support of an indoor multi-use facility and an indoor pool.
Michelle Waltig spoke in support of a crosswalk bridge or underground crossing at the Village.
An employee who worked at the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park spoke in support of a public bike park.
Email from Stacy Corless emphasizing the importance of wildfire and climate resilience.
Laura Beardsley, Whitebark Institute, spoke in support of wildfire resilience.
There was discussion among members of Council.
11.2 Plan for allocation of additional Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) received from Measure L.
1. Allocation of Measure L.pdf
2. Resolution.pdf
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brianna Goico, President and CEO of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber supported the funding dedication to housing.
There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
The Mayor called a recess at 7:36 p.m. and the Council reconvened at 7:41 p.m.
Moved by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Adopt the resolution
approving the plan for integration of the TOT rate change, committing all funds provided by the 2 additional percentage points of TOT rate (13% to 15%) to Housing Now! program revenue, as amended to direct the Town Manager to provide annual reporting on the revenue and expenditure of Measure L funds including cumulative numbers from year to year for the term of the measure.
For (5)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Carried (5 to 0)
11.3 Provide Direction on Phase 3 of the Parcel.
1. Provide Direction on Phase 3 of the Parcel.pdf
2. Parcel Phase 3 1-15-25.pdf
Councilmember Sauser recused himself due to his home ownership in close proximity to The Parcel and left the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff, Engineering Manager Amy Callanan, and Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Greg Baron, Sierra Manors HOA Manager, gave his recommendations regarding which direction to build in and room for parking in addition to garages.
There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
CONSENSUS:
Density and site orientation:
Locate curved/meandering road and MUP along S / E property line and accommodate south-facing buildings, user safety, and to facilitate efficient snow removal.
Reduce density to improve neighborhood character (Quality of life for the residents over max-density.) Building Type & Spacing:
20’ min spacing between buildings.
Mix of 2-plex to 4-plex.
Non-linear building configuration.
“Smart design” for snow management and access.
Lot #4:
Move forward with Lot 4 in design, but plan to build in a later phase.
Open space:
Create small open spaces for active/passive recreation, snow storage, and drainage.
Councilmember Sauser returned to the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
11.4 Town Council Adoption of California Joint Strategy for Sustainable Outdoor Recreation & Wildlife Resilience.
1. Adoption of Joint Strategy.pdf
2. Joint Strategy Document.pdf
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ben Comfort, Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access (MLTPA) Board of Directors, spoke in support of Council adoption of the Strategy.
There was discussion among members of Council.
Moved by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Seconded by
Councilmember Brent Truax
Adopt “California’s Joint Strategy for Sustainable Outdoor Recreation & Wildfire Resilience,” as published by The California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force in March of 2023, as a guiding document in the Town’s effort for resource protection, community investment, and public safety.
For (4)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Abstain (1)
Councilmember John Wentworth
Carried (4 to 0)
12. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
1. Councilmember Reports.pdf
Informational reports from Councilmember representatives on committees, commissions, and organizations; general reports on Councilmember activities.
Councilmember Truax attended the Mammoth Lakes Recreation Board meeting.
Councilmember Wentworth attended the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District meeting and the Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rice attended the Eastern Sierra Community Housing Board meeting.
13. CLOSED SESSION
13.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (One Case).
At 9:40 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 9:57 p.m. and announced that there was no reportable action taken.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Council will adjourn to a special meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
The Council adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
16. MAMMOTH LAKES MUNICIPAL SERVICE CORPORATION ANNUAL MEETING
1. 01152025 Agenda.pdf
2. Agenda Item 2 - Annual Report.pdf
3. Agenda Item 3 - 02212024 Minutes.pdf
The Town Council held its annual meeting of the Mammoth Lakes Municipal Service Corporation after the regular meeting of the Town Council.