Town Council Special Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Mammoth Brewing Co. Beer Cellar
18 Lake Mary Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Members of the Town Council:
Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, Councilmember John Wentworth 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.
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
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. WORKSHOP
3.1 The Town Council will participate in a priority setting session facilitated by Seana Doherty, Senior Manager at Agnew::Beck Consulting.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Council will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Town Council Priority Setting Session
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 9-4pm
Council Session: 9-3pm
Staff Session: 3-4pm
Facilitation: Agnew::Beck Consulting
AGENDA
Part 1: Council Session
9-3pm (lunch 11:30-noon)
*Times below reflect approximate schedule.
1. Welcome, Meeting Agreements, Agenda Review, Warm-Up Exercise Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening Remarks: Rob Patterson, Town Manager
Establish Meeting Agreements
Review of Agenda
Feedback from Board interviews
2. Town Council Training Spotlight
Time: 9:30-10:30
Topics:
Role of Town Council
Overview of highly effective teams, how are we doing? Decision making for effective team
4. Visioning Exercise: What Do We Envision for the Town in the Next 20 Years? Time: 10:30-11:30
This is a creative exercise, offering Council an opportunity to think about the legacy of their work, the changing world and how to position the Town to be ready for the changes ahead.
Lunch Break: 11:30-noon
5. Setting Priorities for 2025 and Beyond Areas – World Café Process Time: Noon-2:30 (Time certain)
Rotating Group Discussions on Key Priorities for 2025 and beyond.
6. Summary Share-Out + Closing Reflections
Time: 2:30-3pm
Groups Present Key Takeaways
Closing remarks
Next Steps
Part 2: Staff Session (3-4pm)
Agenda
1. Review and discuss feedback from Council input
2. Action Plan based on feedback
3. Next steps, close
9 SHORT TERM VISION: “INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY” General Plan Vision Statement – 2007
COMMUNITY VISION Surrounded by uniquely
spectacular scenery and diverse four-season
recreational opportunities, the community of
Mammoth Lakes is committed to providing the very
highest quality of life for our residents and the highest quality of experience for our visitors.
To achieve this vision, Mammoth Lakes places a high
value on:
1. Sustainability and continuity of our unique
relationship with the natural environment. As
stewards, we support visitation and tourism as
appropriate means to educate and share our abundant
resources. We are committed to the efficient use of
energy and continuing development of renewable
resources.
2. Being a great place to live and work. Our strong,
diverse yet cohesive, small-town community supports
families and individuals by providing a stable
economy, high quality educational facilities and
programs, a broad range of community services and a
participatory Town government.
3. Adequate and appropriate housing that residents
and workers can afford.
4. Being a premier, year-round resort community
based on diverse outdoor recreation, multiday events
and an ambiance that attracts visitors.
5. Protecting the surrounding natural environment
and supporting our small-town atmosphere by limiting
the urbanized area.
6. Exceptional standards for design and development
that complement and are appropriate to the Eastern
Sierra Nevada Mountain setting and our sense of a
“village in the trees” with small town charm.
7. Offering a variety of transportation options that
emphasize connectivity, convenience, and alternatives
to use of personal vehicles with a strong pedestrian
emphasis.
Town Council Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives Statement (Adopted December 20, 2023)
Strategic Priority: Investment in Community Focused Projects Continue implementation of the Town’s Housing Now! Initiative programs to deliver a mix of community housing opportunities (e.g., ‘missing middle’ and Parcel Phase 2). Complete community facilities to enhance programs and services including, community recreation center, performing arts venues, childcare, and parks.
Implement connections and development of “mobility hubs” – including EV stations, Restrooms, & MUPs, transit, & trail connectivity with added amenities (Walk, Bike, Ride Concepts). Finalize design for new broadband infrastructure deployment.
Strategic Priority: Enhance Sustainability & Diversity of Local Businesses & Tourism Economy Partner on amenities on federal lands to enhance visitor & resident experiences with improved recreational access points with parking, signage, trash service & restrooms. Invest in beautification of primary business frontages and supporting services (i.e., animation, parking, snow management & associated Downtown Revitalization Concepts). Engage in the Mammoth Main Base Redevelopment Project to ensure community benefits and long-term added economic value to the Town and region. Leverage state and other resources to support regional arts & culture, events, and sports related facilities to leverage regional competitions and athlete training.
Strategic Priority: Environmental Resiliency by Proactive planning and Project Implementation Support marketing and on-the ground engagement to develop a culture of stewardship, responsible recreation, preparedness for natural disasters and to address climate change. Provide support for long-term forest recreational, health and safety projects such as ESCCRP, USFS planning processes, and amenity investment, working with local and regional partners. Engage with recreational planning & development projects that focus on adaptation, resiliency, & mitigation strategies to preserve long-term vitality & diversity of uses. Pursue funding sources to support forest wildfire mitigation projects and housing such as federal and state grants, EIFD/Climate Resiliency Districts and Town resources.
Strategic Priority: Implementation of Enhanced and Required Municipal Services Maintain long-term financial stability to support strategic community investments and resiliency and long-term maintenance and sustainability of capital investments and services. Enhance Town’s public outreach/engagement/information strategies, tools, social media, surveys, customer facing technology services and direct public interaction. Completion of “Civic Center” vision with construction of new Town Offices. Implementation of programs/policies to meet state mandates in solid waste management, electrification, housing development, and climate adaptation.
Town Council
Workshop
2025 PRIORITY SETTING
Town of Mammoth Lakes January 22,
2025
Seana Doherty, Senior Manager Page 6 of 45
2 MORNING (9-11:30)
• Welcome
• Council Foundations
• Visioning Session
AFTERNOON (Noon-3pm)
• Community Input Summary
• Accomplishments from
2024
• Priority Setting
STAFF REVIEW SESSION (3-4)
Agenda
about your facilitator
Seana Doherty (she/her)
• A::B Senior Manager, based in Truckee, California
• Master Facilitator—Institute of Cultural Affairs Certification • National Charrette Institute Certification
• 20+ years experience in facilitation, strategic planning, organizational development, sustainability practices and housing and homelessness fields
• Improve novice, pretty good at rowing rafts down the Grand Canyon
Where We Work
We work across Alaska and the West, with offices in Alaska, Idaho, and California. We thrive when working with
communities of all sizes, Tribes, organizations, and across systems.
What We Work On
We work in and across areas proven to improve
health and well-being for individuals and
communities.
OUR OFFICES
Anchorage | Soldotna | Boise |
Truckee
Board Feedback
FROM PRE-WORKSHOP INTERVIEWS
Goals for the Session
• Strategic Vision:
• Develop a clear, long-term vision for the town (10-30 years). • Reset the council’s focus and align priorities with community values.
• Open Dialogue:
• Encourage open and honest discussions on key issues.
• Address tensions, such as balancing tourism with local needs and differing political viewpoints.
• Practical Tools:
• Establish a 1-page strategic plan to streamline decision-making. • Define roles and expectations to improve council efficiency.
What is the Town doing well?
• Efficient Operations: Strong financial systems and
conservative budgeting practices.
• Effective public services: snow removal, public
transit, and road maintenance.
• Recreation and Infrastructure: Excellent trails and
recreation systems with support from state and federal
funding.
• Welcoming and community-oriented reputation
Town Challenges
• Housing:
• High housing costs and limited availability, affecting workforce retention and community fabric.
• Internal and External Communication:
• Limited open dialogue within the council and inconsistent articulation of viewpoints.
• Weak public relations and lack of recognition of efforts and role. • Balancing Tourism and Community Priorities:
• Over-reliance on tourism (70% of the budget) with tensions around balancing local and tourist priorities
Council Dynamics
• General Respect: The council generally gets along
well, with members sharing a commitment to the town.
• Unclear Understanding of Individual Priorities:
Need to improve mutual understanding of individual
priorities
2025 Priorities Discussion
• Housing: Focus on “missing middle” housing and affordable options.
• Explore immediate and cost-effective housing solutions. • Environmental Sustainability: Address wildfire risk and move towards all-electric infrastructure.
• Community and Aesthetics: Build a community-oriented
environment with year-round amenities and improved aesthetics. • Enhance wayfinding, public Wi-Fi, and Main Street improvements. • Planning and Governance: Update the General Plan with inspiring and actionable goals.
• Strengthen council cohesion and efficiency
11 Quotes
Let’s have frank
conversations
Our Council avoids
hard decisions.
Think there are more similarities than
differences on the Council . We need to
get to know each other.
Everyone is trying to do a good job.
Everything is going well.
We treat each other well
As a Council we need to
reset our vision. The
world has changed. How
are we responding?
Everything is going well.
We treat each other well
Use the session to better
understand Council
viewpoints, share what
they care about.
Let’s define our next BIG priorities
POSSIBILITIES: we need to
think about some of these
This is a chance for us to talk
about things we don’t get to
talk about.
Council Foundations
1. HABITS OF EFFECTIVE COUNCILS
2. DECISION MAKING/COMMUNICATIONS
5 Habits of Highly
Effective Councils
SOURCE: INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
5 Habits of Effective Town Councils
14 Habit Description
Define and Embrace Roles and Responsibilities Clearly delineate roles to prevent conflicts and foster cohesive teamwork within the council.
Establish Clear Goals and Priorities Set specific, measurable objectives aligned with community needs, and revisit them regularly for progress.
Foster Open and Respectful Communication Encourage transparent, respectful dialogue among members, staff, and the community to build trust.
Promote Ethical Behavior and Integrity Uphold high ethical standards and accountability through a well-defined code of conduct.
Encourage Community Engagement Actively seek input from residents and stakeholders to ensure inclusive and comprehensive decision-making.
Roles and Responsibilities
Set Priorities—Think and Act Strategically
“A Councils’ primary responsibility is to determine and achieve the citizens’ desires for the community’s future.
Councils and their administrative teams must accept
responsibility for shaping the future of their communities by expanding their mental horizons to identify and meet the challenges that must be addressed through decisive
leadership and through shared goals for the attainment
of the future.”
Source: Carl H. Neu, Jr. (Public Management, 1997)
Communications and
Decision Making
Town Council Rules
Basic agenda format
19 Announce
Agenda
Item
Report
from
Relevant
Parties
Clarifyin
g
Questio
ns from
Council
Public
Input (if
applicabl
e)
Motion
Initiation
• Discussion
• Voting
20 Discussion in the Motion Process (Per Town
Rules)
Motion Initiation
• Discussion
• Voting
• Managed by Mayor
• Opportunity for each member to ask
additional clarifying questions, share
position on a topic before the vote
• Discussion=Debate
• Opportunity to use time to ask
questions
• Limit to 5 minutes per member
Debate: a formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.
Council
Voting
Procedures
Voting Rules
1) Simple Majority:
Default on most
decisions.
2) Super Majority:
Required for
extraordinary
actions (e.g.
limiting debate)
Voting Vs. Consensus
22 Feature Voting Consensus
Definition A formal process where participants
cast votes to express preferences.
A collaborative process aimed at finding a
solution acceptable to all.
Outcome Decision is based on majority or set
rules (e.g., plurality, supermajority).
Decision is reached when all participants
agree or have no objections.
Focus Quantitative (number of votes). Qualitative (satisfaction of all participants).
Speed Generally faster; suitable for time-sensitive decisions.
Often slower; requires extensive
discussion and negotiation.
Example Voting on a new policy in a town
council meeting.
Deciding on team priorities in a
collaborative workshop.
Discussion
• Clarifying questions?
• How are we doing?
• What could we do better?
• What do you need from staff to make decisions?
• What does staff need from the Council?
Vision Exercise
POSTER
Council Priority Setting
Session
Community Survey
Highlights
TOP 20 SORTED INTO CURRENT COUNCIL PRIORITY AREAS
Survey
• 374 Responses
• One Question
Please provide your comments or recommendations for
Town Council on what the Town should change, build, or
improve on, to make Mammoth Lakes a great place to
live, work, and play!
Survey Summary Around 2024 Council Priorities
1. Investment in Community Focused Projects
2. Enhance Sustainability and Diversity of Local
Businesses and Tourism Economy
3. Environmental Resiliency by Proactive Planning and
Project Implementation
4. Implementation of Enhanced and Required Municipal
Services
1. Community Focused Priorities
Affordable Housing:
1. Increased availability of housing for locals, including middle-income residents and essential workers.
2. Specific focus on housing tied to new developments and better policies to support workers' needs.
Affordable Childcare:
• More childcare options to support working families and help sustain the community’s workforce.
Expanded Summer and Youth Programs:
1. Growth in summer camps and activities for children, including opportunities for skill development and recreation.
1. Investment in Community Focused Projects
Indoor Recreation Facility and Climbing Gym
1. Facilities with trampolines, foam pits, skate parks, climbing walls, and training spaces for athletes and families.
Recreation Expansion Beyond Ice Rink:
• Facilities for other sports like basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and indoor turf fields.
Year-Round Ice Rink Operations:
• Keep the ice rink open throughout the year and better manage its schedule to accommodate locals.
Year-Round Aquatic Center:
1. A large, multi-use swimming facility with features for lap swimming, training, recreation, and therapy.
2. Enhance Sustainability and Diversity of Local Businesses and Tourism Economy
Downtown and Streetscape Enhancements:
• Beautification projects, more vibrant storefronts, and efforts to create a cohesive "town center.“
Local Business and Restaurant Support:
1. Incentives for new restaurants and improvement in the overall dining experience to cater to residents and visitors.
Short-Term Rental Restrictions:
• Policies to limit short-term rentals to ensure housing availability for long-term residents.
3. Environmental Resiliency, Proactive
Planning
Wildfire Preparedness + Forest Health and
Environmental Preservation:
• Increased focus on defensible space, forest thinning, and community education to mitigate wildfire risks.
•Addressing tree stress, pests, and overly dense forests through restoration projects.
Sustainable Tourism Management:
• Balancing visitor influx with local quality of life,
infrastructure preservation, and environmental
sustainability
4. Implement Enhanced + Required Municipal
Services
Public Transportation Improvements:
Better bus routes, including more service to Old Mammoth and Snowcreek areas, along with bus stop enhancements.
Bike, Pedestrian Infrastructure and Traffic Safety:
• Calming measures on Main Street, safer crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, and better traffic enforcement.
•Development of more multi-use trails and bike paths, including safer road crossings and expanded connectivity.
Sidewalk improvements and expansions to enhance pedestrian access and safety, especially in high-traffic areas.
2024
Accomplishments
HOW WE ARE DOING ON 2024 OBJECTIVES
1. Investment in
Community
Focused Projects
35 Objective Projects Completed
Continue Housing Now!
- The Sawyer (Phase I of Parcel): 78 affordable units.- The Kingfisher (Phase II of Parcel): Under construction.- Innsbruck Lodge and Access Apartments.
Complete community facilities
- Community Recreation Center (CRC): Phase I completed.- Performing Arts Venues: Edison Theatre remodel in progress.- Parks completed (e.g., Park at Parcel).
Expand childcare - Repurposed MUSD portable classrooms for childcare.- Childcare facilities at Park at the Parcel.
Develop and enhance parks - Dog Park, Whitmore Ball Field, and track rehabilitation. - Planned Mammoth Creek Park updates.
Implement mobility hubs and
connectivity
- Mobility hub at CRC with EV chargers and parking.- Installed transit shelters and solar safety lights.
Design broadband - Worked with Golden State Connect Authority to deploy middle-mile fiber.
2. Enhance
Sustainability +
Diversity of Local
Business + Tourism
Economy
36 Objective Projects Completed
Improve amenities on
federal lands
- Developed Sherwin Meadows
Trailhead with restrooms, trash
facilities, and signage.
Beautify primary business
frontages
- Main Street Landscaping
Project.- Community Tree
Lighting Ceremony.- Installed
animated snowflakes along key
streets.
Support Main Base
Redevelopment Project
- CEQA/NEPA study plans
developed.- Coordination with
Caltrans and stakeholders.
Leverage arts and sports
facilities
- Hosted regional hockey
games.- Repairs to Whitmore
Track for athlete training.
3. Environmental
Resiliency +
Planning
37 Objective Projects Completed
Promote stewardship and
climate resilience
- Host Program for resource
management and visitor education.-
Removed hazardous trees in key areas.
Support forest and
recreational projects
- Worked on ESCCRP for forest restoration
and fire risk reduction.- Created Sherwins
Trailhead.
Engage in climate
and resiliency strategies
- Participated in over-snow vehicle
management planning.- Designed
sustainable trails and amenities.
Pursue funding for
mitigation and housing
- Partnered with California Consulting for
grant applications.- Adopted “shovel-ready” project plans.
4. Implementation
of Enhanced
Municipal
Services
38 Objective Projects Completed
Maintain financial stability
- Rehabilitated streets and MUPs (e.g., Kelley Road,
Mono Street).
Improve public outreach
- Launched new website with improved functionality. -
Expanded social media presence.
Complete Civic Center construction
- New Town Hall construction underway, including
community spaces and EOC.
Implement policies for state mandates
- Introduced bans on single-use plastics and Styrofoam. - Added green waste collection days.- Hired a
Sustainability Coordinator.
Looking Ahead
• What priorities do we want to put in place this year, to move us towards our vision and 10 year “north stars?”
• How do we position the Town today, to be ready for
tomorrow?
• What specific, actionable objectives are my priority? The Councils collective priorities?
Priority Setting
Workshop