Town Council Agenda
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes
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 48 hours 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: You may attend the Town Council meetings in person or watch them on the Town of Mammoth Lakes' website at www.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, or may be made in person or via Zoom.
NOTE: All comments will be limited to a speaking time of five minutes.
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1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
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. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Opportunity to add urgency items pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)2, if necessary.
5. INTRODUCTIONS
5.1 Introduce new Airport Maintenance Coordinator Casey Penn.
6. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND/OR DEPARTMENTS (AS NEEDED)
6.1 February 2025 Office of Outdoor Recreation Update.
7. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
7.1 Update on the Snowcreek Development Agreement Amendment.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
8.1 Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 15, 2025.
8.2 Approve the minutes of the special meeting of January 16, 2025.
8.3 Approve the minutes of the special meeting of January 22, 2025.
8.4 Resolution terminating the emergency action to repair flood-damged Mammoth Lakes Police Department station drywall, flooring and related items without competitive bidding.
8.5 Accept Check Register 1/16/25 in the amount of $1,317,274.64. Accept Check Register 1/23/25 in the amount of $286,485.78.
9. 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.
9.1 Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) Annexation No. 1
10. POLICY MATTERS
10.1 Review of Town Council procedure for policy matters and discuss changing the individual public comment period time to three minutes.
10.2 Long Valley Fire Protection District Memorandum of Understanding.
10.3 2025 Town Council Strategic Planning Series – Presentation of Key Initiatives for refinement
11. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Informational reports from Councilmember representatives on committees, commissions, and organizations; general reports on Councilmember activities.
12. CLOSED SESSION
12.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: (One case)
13. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN AFTER CLOSED SESSION
14. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Council will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
1 TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Title: February 2025 Office of Outdoor Recreation Update.
Meeting Date: February 5, 2025
Prepared by: Lawson Reif, Outdoor Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an information item only; no action is required.
ANALYSIS: Attached is the February 2025 Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR) Projects update. The document highlights many (but not all) of the ongoing projects within the OOR. The OOR will be providing once a month written updates in this manner to keep the Council and public informed of the work undertaken by the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Office of Outdoor Recreation Update
February 2025 Update
Created January 27th, 2025
PROJECT BACKGROUND INFORMATION & RELEVENCE UPDATE
SHARP Trails SNC Grant Budget: $510,596.68
Background Info & Relevance
• Recommendations in the Sherwin Area Recreation Plan (SHARP) • Per the Trail System Master Plan – Chapter 6 – Section 6.6 – The successful design, construction, and management of natural soft surface trails is critical to the pursuit of making Mammoth Lakes a year round destination resort community.
SHARP continues to gain positive momentum as
we move toward a proposed action for all trail
segments that do not require further shovel
testing or consultation with USFWS regarding
Whitebark Pine. Nearly all of the trail proposal
East of Snowcreek has been vetted by USFS
specialists and we anticipate a proposed action
and public scoping in the next few months, with
the hope of a decision & the start of construction
in Summer 2025.
The area west of Snowcreek will require further
analysis (archeology and botany) and we are
working with the USFS and our contractor on a
plan to complete that work.
SHARP Trailhead SNC Grant Budget: $953,414.00
Background Info & Relevance
• Recommendations in the Sherwin Area Recreation Plan (SHARP) • Per the Trail System Master Plan – Recommendation N5 – Summer Recreation Nodes lists Sherwin Creek Road, USFS gravel borrow pit as a summer & winter recreation nodes where it is advised to develop restroom facilities, parking, bus service, and signage.
While additional amenities are to be installed,
the new Sherwin Meadows Trailhead is open!
The restroom is open and is on a cleaning
contract 4 days per week, the OOR will monitor
use to determine if this cleaning schedule is
sufficient. Restroom area is also on a shoveling
contract, which will occur after storms. Parking
lot has been striped & regulatory signage
installed. Footings installed for type 2 sign and
interpretive signs. Interpretive signage is in final
stages of edits. Bear boxes and trash should
arrive any day now and bike rack and tool station
have arrived but will be installed in Spring 2025.
Interpretation Background Info & Relevance
• Trail System Master Plan General Recommendations – G4 – Identify opportunities for interpretive signage and work with local experts to develop content.
The 3 new interpretive signs (in partnership with
Whitebark) for the Mammoth Creek Parcel along
with the 2 Clean up the Lake (CUTL) Interpretive
signs have been completed and will be installed
next spring.
In collaboration with MLR, developing 5 new
interpretive signs for the Sherwins Trailhead, we
are in process of completing the final edits and
then production will occur.
Sign Replacement Background Info & Relevance
• Trail System Master Plan General Recommendations – G3 – General consistency for signage along multi-use paths and soft surface trails. • Trail System Master Plan General Recommendations – G16 – Recognize and support the development or an integrated regional Mammoth Lakes Trail System that incorporates the components identified in this Trail System Master Plan.
The Trails Program Manager replaced some MUP
regulatory signage near Snowcreek as we were
seeing some issues in that area. All MUP
regulatory signage will be replaced in Summer
2025.
Trails Planning &
Trail Development
Background Info & Relevance
• Trail System Master Plan General Recommendations – G16 – Recognize and support the development or an integrated regional Mammoth Lakes Trail System that incorporates the components identified in this Trail System Master Plan.
Per direction from the Mammoth Trails
Committee, the OOR will be seeking community
input related to the Mammoth Creek Parcel. The
OOR seeks to glean more information related to
what the community may want, and not want, at
this location in terms of recreation infrastructure.
Per direction from the Mammoth Trails
Committee, a community survey is being
developed to gauge interest in the type, if any, of
recreational development in that area.
Public Information Background Info & Relevance
• TSMP G2 Updated Trail Maps: Provide updated trail maps for each season that cover the primary recreational opportunities available in the Mammoth Lakes area.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation has updated
the winter recreation map and is disseminating
the new version around town. The new version is
also in process of getting on AVENZA maps along
with the Inyo website.
Mammoth Lakes
Trail System
(MLTS) & OSV
Maintenance
Background Info & Relevance
• Non-Funded Challenge Cost Share with the Inyo National Forest. • OSV agreement with the State.
Unfortunately, winter has not been cooperating,
and we have been unable to groom either the
motorized or non-motorized trail network since
roughly before the new year. Once suitable snow
occurs, we will continue our grooming
operations.
Mammoth Lakes Town Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Update on the Snowcreek Development Agreement Amendment.
Council Meeting Date: 2/5/2025
Prepared by: Nolan Bobroff, Community and Economic Development Director Recommended Motion: Discussion only. No formal action or decision is needed.
Summary: During previous updates to the Town Council on the potential amendment to the Snowcreek Development Agreement (SDA)1, there was direction given to staff to hire a consultant to analyze and review the proposed SDA amendment deal points. The goal of the consultant analysis and review wasto have a qualified firm that specializes in development agreements review each of the deal points, confirm that the deal points are clear and have enough detail to ensure the end results are achieved, identify any gaps or loopholes that could be failure points, and provide recommended language updates on the more complicated portions of the agreement.
Based on that direction, the Town hired the law firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP to provide the requested review. An attorney from that firm will provide an update to the Town Council on the analysis and review of the SDA, and the proposed amendments to the SDA, that was conducted.
1 Snowcreek Development Agreement:
https://townofmammothlakes.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5109/SNOWCREEK-DA_FINAL-RECORDED?bidId=
Greg Newbry P. O. Box 8105 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 937-5391 [email protected]
Date: 1-30-2025
To: John Eastman and Town Council
Pursuant to our brief discussion, I am sending you the Council agenda (received today) along with some thoughts regarding the DA. The item does not include their consultant's report, only the marching orders. The Marching orders really only requested a spell-check and confirmation that the DA states what it states. Therefore, the report will likely add little value.
Given this context, it seems to reflect poorly on our Town Government. The update would benefit from including the draft report instead of providing no information whatsoever.
Waiting to provide such at the Council hearing would be irresponsible and unfair to the public resulting in no way to comment or realistically participate.
Due to my negligence in tracking important dates and meetings, I will be out of town. No excuse. Not that anyone knew this was on the agenda. It would be greatly appreciated to get copies of all draft/final copies as well as all correspondence from staff to consultant and consultant to staff.
Below the marching orders (the entire staff report)
No formal action or decision is needed. Summary: During previous updates to the Town Council on the potential amendment to the Snowcreek Development Agreement (SDA)1 , there was direction given to staff to hire a consultant to analyze and review the proposed SDA amendment deal points. The goal of the consultant analysis and review was to have a qualified firm that specializes in development agreements review each of the deal points, confirm that the deal points are clear and have enough detail to ensure the end results are achieved, identify any gaps or loopholes that could be failure points, and provide recommended language updates on the more complicated portions of the agreement. Based on that direction, the Town hired the law firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP to provide the requested review. An attorney from that firm will provide an update to the Town Council on the analysis and review of the SDA, and the proposed amendments to the SDA, that was conducted.
• We recommended providing a list of good consultants (from prior Town Directors) that could truly provide a good analysis and direction. But, when you only want someone to only tell you what you want to hear, then it doesn’t matter who you use.
• Read carefully; review the current DA, confirm it’s clear (geez, really!) • Ensure end results, of course the end is says what it says, (again, really, geez!) • The marching orders say nothing, nothing whatsoever.
When I was a planner there was joke: A consultant is someone you hire to tell you how much money is in your wallet and then keeps half. It appears the Town just did that.
Sincerely,
Please contact me by phone or email if you have any questions.
SNOWCREEK 8 PROJECT
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
Purpose
• Hear from 3rd Party Consultant on their review of the proposed amendments to the Snowcreek Development Agreement
• Goal was to have the consultant: (1) review each of the deal points; (2) confirm that the deal points are clear and have enough detail to ensure the end results are achieved; (3) identify any gaps or loopholes that could be failure points; and (4) provide recommended language updates on the more complicated portions of the agreement.
• Provide an opportunity for the Council to ask questions of the consultant related to the review and analysis of the proposed amendments
2010 Snowcreek VIII Development
Agreement (SDA) Timeline
Jun 2010
SDA effective date
Oct 2023
Request to amend the
SDA was submitted to
the Town
Feb 2024
Workshop with TC to
discuss proposed SDA
Amendment
Jul 2024
Keyser Marston
completed financial
analysis for the SC VIII
project and the SDA
Aug 2024
Workshop with PEDC to
discuss proposed SDA
Amendment
Sep 2024
Workshop with PEDC to
discuss what can be
developed with and
without the SDA
Workshop with TC to
discuss timeline for the
SDA Amendment and
discuss purpose of the
3 rd party consultant
review
Oct 2024
Workshop with TC to
discuss what can be
developed with and
without the SDA
Feb 2025
Workshop with Town
Council to hear from
the 3rd party consultant
on their review of the
proposed SDA
Amendments
Public hearing before
the PEDC
Mar 2025
Public hearing before
the TC
(1st and 2nd Reading)
Apr 2025
Ordinance effective
date for the DA
Amendment
(30-days after 2nd TC
reading)
Jul 2025
SDA will expire if no
action is taken.
SC VIII Phase I
TTM Approved
2010 Snowcreek VIII Development Agreement
• Development Authorized pursuant to Snowcreek Master Plan Update (2009)
• 790 residential units
• 250 resort hotel/suites
• 150 private residence club units
• 18-hole golf course
• Hotel
2010 DA – Affordable
Housing / Financial
Contribution
• Affordable housing requirement:
• 10% of market rate units
• Half of the 10% will be built onsite
• Half of the 10% will be paid
through in-lieu fees
($3,489/market rate unit) and 16.5
FTEE credits already owned by
developer
• No affordable housing mitigation for
non-residential or commercial land
uses
Modifications to State
Housing Laws (since DA
Approval)
• SB 330
• Town may only deny a housing
development project or reduce its
density if project is inconsistent with
objective standards
• “Housing Development Project” = Any
proposal for (1) residential units only, (2)
mixed-use development consisting of
residential and nonresidential uses with
at least 2/3 of the square footage
designated for residential uses
Modifications to State Housing Laws (since DA
Approval)
• SB 330
• Town prohibited from enacting any policy, standard, or condition that would change a property’s land use designation to a less intensive use. • Town prohibited from adopting new standards related to height, density, FAR, setback, lot coverage, if new standards would limit the amount of housing that could be produced as compared to what Town previously permitted
• (Exception for “no net loss” concurrent downzoning and upzoning.)
2010 Terms / New (Proposed) Terms / Current Regulations Current RegulationsNew (Proposed) Term2010 DA Term
Pursuant to Subdivision Map Act, could vest
entitlements for 10-12 years
Initial 20 year term with automatic 5 year extension if 9-hole golf course is operated pursuant to Operations and
Maintenance Plan for entirety of 20 year term.
20 year term
(If hotel and 18 hole golf course not developed
within first 10 years, then term reduced by one
day for every day in the first 10 year term that
hotel, golf course not developed)
No requirement to operate or maintain 9-hole or
18-hole golf course
Within 180 days of recordation of DA, Town and Developer will enter into an Operations and Maintenance Plan for the 9-hole golf course. At a minimum, the agreement will:
• identify the annual operating period
• minimum maintenance standards to ensure the safety
of the public and the community with regards to wildfire risk, nuisance prevention, and infrastructure
improvements
• Commit to maintaining the course in a comparable
manner to Sierra Star
No 9-hole or 18-hole golf course operation or
maintenance standards
Impact and building fees at the rate effective at
building permit
Impact and building fees at the rates established at effective date of modified DA
Impact and building fees at the rates
established in 2010
No requirement to protect the 9-hole golf course
area.
Within 180 days of recordation of DA, Developer shall record a covenant that permanently protects the existing 9-hole golf course area (less the area identified in the SMPU for
residential development) for recreation and open space
purposes.
No protection of the 9-hole golf course area as
open space.
ing that a 10% reduction in the median Force majeure does not apply. Adds language specify home sales value over a 1-year period, as determined by Town, will extend term.
Force majeure extends term, but does not
provide clarity for granting extensions related
to economic downturns.
Affordable Housing
Current RegulationsNew (Proposed) Term2010 DA Term
Affordable housing requirement is
an in-lieu fee of $8,705 per market
rate unit
Same10% of all market rate units shall be
subject to affordable housing
requirements
Onsite units, offsite units and land
dedication may be provided and
the number of affordable
units/amount of land to be
dedicated is determined based on
total in-lieu fee required.
At least 50% of the requirement must
be satisfied through construction of
onsite units at 175% AMI (half of the
units) and 200% AMI (half of the units).
50% of the requirement must be
satisfied through construction of
onsite units at 175% AMI (half of the
units) and 200% AMI (half of the
units).
No more than 50% of the requirement
can be met through provision of in-lieu
fees ($3,489/unit), less the FTEE credit
of 16.5 units. Developer can elect to
deed restrict more units instead of
paying in-lieu fee.
50% of the requirement can be met
through provision of in-lieu fees
($3,489/unit), less the FTEE credit of
16.5 units.
Town Council of Mammoth Lakes
Minutes of Regular Meeting
January 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes
Members Present: Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax,
Councilmember John Wentworth
_____________________________________________________________________
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
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.
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
4. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
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 damage at the Police Station.
This item will be taken as Agenda Item 11.5.
4.1 Emergency Flooding Repairs at Police Department.
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): Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth
Carried (5 to 0)
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
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).
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.
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
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.
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.
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.
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
Moved by Councilmember Bill Sauser
Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Approve the Consent Agenda.
For (5): Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth Carried (5 to 0)
9.1 Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 18, 2024.
9.2 Authorize the Town to execute the Regional Housing Needs Assessment MOU and Cost-Sharing Agreement with Inyo County.
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 agreeing to the reimbursement of Inyo County for the Town’s proportional share of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment report.
For (5): Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth
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.
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
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
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.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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).
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
Authorize the Town Manager to sign all documents related to the closeout of the CDBG CARES Act grants.
For (5): Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth
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.
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
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
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.
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report.
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
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.
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): Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth
Carried (5 to 0)
The Mayor called a recess at 7:36 p.m. and the Council reconvened at 7:41 p.m.
11.3 Provide Direction on Phase 3 of the Parcel.
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.
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
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.
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
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
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): Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, and Councilmember Brent Truax Abstain (1): Councilmember John Wentworth
Carried (4 to 0)
12. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
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 Council adjourned the meeting at 9:58 p.m.
Town Council Minutes
January 15, 2025
16. MAMMOTH LAKES MUNICIPAL SERVICE CORPORATION ANNUAL
MEETING
The Town Council held its annual meeting of the Mammoth Lakes Municipal Service Corporation after the regular meeting of the Town Council.
Jamie Gray, Town Clerk
Town Council of Mammoth Lakes
Minutes of Special Meeting
January 16, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes
Members Present: Mayor Chris Bubser, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, Councilmember John Wentworth Members Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Greg Cook, GC Forest Products, spoke about his development of a wood pellet production facility in the Sierra Business Park in the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
4. POLICY MATTERS
4.1 Discussion with Senator Padilla’s Office on Town topics of importance at the Federal level.
Members of the Town Council, Town staff, Janet Hatfield from the Whitebark Institute, and Ales Tomaier from the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District spoke with Margaret Arechiga, Senior Field
Town Council Minutes
January 16, 2025
Representative for Senator Alex Padilla, about Wildfire Protection, Federal Partners - US Forest Service, Housing Programs, Disaster Recovery, and Implementation of Congressional Initiatives.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Dawn Vereuck outlined her concerns about dispersed camping and the allowance of campfires along the Scenic Loop. She asked that dispersed camping and campfires be prohibited.
Stacy Corless spoke about policy solutions including keeping a portion of money generated in the local forests local.
Greg Cook, GC Forest Products, said that our area's Jeffrey Pine Forest was a treasure that needed to be properly maintained.
There was discussion among members of Council, staff, and Ms.
Arechiga.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned the meeting at 4:29 p.m.
Jamie Gray, Town Clerk
Town Council of Mammoth Lakes
Minutes of Special Meeting
January 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Mammoth Brewing Co. Beer Cellar
18 Lake Mary Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Members Present: Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax,
Councilmember John Wentworth
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. in the Mammoth Brewing Co.
Beer Cellar located at 18 Lake Mary Road, Mammoth Lakes.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments given at this time.
3. WORKSHOP
3.1 The Town Council will participate in a priority setting session facilitated by Seana Doherty, Senior Manager at Agnew::Beck Consulting.
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the agenda and the timeline for the adoption of Town Council priorities.
Members of the Town Council, Town staff, and Seana Doherty, Senior Manager at Agnew::Beck Consulting participated in the workshop regarding the setting of priorities.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ales Tomaier, Fire Chief of the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District, spoke about wildfire concerns.
Laura Beardsley, Executive Director of the Whitebark Institute, spoke about wildfire concerns.
Betsy Truax, Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Director of Community Engagement, spoke about a destination stewardship plan.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The Council adjourned the meeting at 2:49 p.m.
Jamie Gray, Town Clerk
1 TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Title: Resolution terminating the emergency action to repair flood-damged Mammoth Lakes Police Department station drywall, flooring and related items without competitive bidding.
Meeting Date: February 5, 2025
Prepared by: Riley Griesenbeck, Facilities and Asset Manager Haislip Hayes, PE, Public Works Director
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the resolution terminating the emergency action to repair flood-damaged Mammoth Lakes Police Department station drywall, flooring and related items without competitive bidding.
BACKGROUND:
On January 9th, 2025, a water leak occurred at the Civic Center site that resulted in significant amounts of water entering the Mammoth Lakes’ Police Station and pooling at a depth of 2-3” throughout roughly a quarter of the Station. Town Staff, Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District, Mammoth Community Water District and Waterdogs, a local business specializing in disaster restoration, shut the water off immediately upon discovery, removed the standing water, and installed fans and dehumidifiers to prevent extensive water damage. The immediate flooding effects have been remediated and mitigated, however, there are two sections of drywall that have residual moisture and mold concerns.
ANALYSIS:
Waterdogs removed sections of drywall, increased airflow to these sections to prevent mold buildup, and treated the areas of concern with mold prevention compounds. The Town believed it would need contract to perform the necessary drywall repairs and other remediation needed to repair the facility. However, the damage was isolated and was repaired by staff without the need to contract the work. As an emergency contract is no longer needed the Town may end the emergency.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Staff estimates that existing Facilities and Public Works budgets are sufficient to absorb the immediate and projected costs of these repairs. Insurance claims and other reimbursement options will be evaluated, in consultation with Town Manager and Attorney, depending on the final project costs.
2 LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The Council may take recommended action under Public Contract Code sections 20168 and 22050. The relevant sections to the Code are noted here:
20168 In case of an emergency, the legislative body may pass a resolution by a fourfifths vote of its members declaring that the public interest and necessity demand the immediate expenditure of public money to safeguard life, health, or property. Upon adoption of the resolution, it may expend any sum required in the emergency without complying with this chapter. If notice for bids to let contracts will not be given, the legislative body shall comply with Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 22050).
22050 (a) (1) In the case of an emergency, a public agency, pursuant to a four-fifths vote of its governing body, may repair or replace a public facility, take any directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts. (2) Before a governing body takes any action pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall make a finding, based on substantial evidence set forth in the minutes of its meeting, that the emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids, and that the action is necessary to respond to the emergency. (b) (1) The governing body, by a four-fifths vote, may delegate, by resolution or ordinance, to the appropriate county administrative officer, city manager, chief engineer, or other nonelected agency officer, the authority to order any action pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a).
(2) If a person with authority delegated pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) orders any action specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), that person shall report to the governing body, at its next meeting required pursuant to this section, the reasons justifying why the emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids and why the action is necessary to respond to the emergency. (c) (1) If the governing body orders any action specified in subdivision (a), the governing body shall review the emergency action at its next regularly scheduled meeting and, except as specified below, at every regularly scheduled meeting thereafter until the action is terminated, to determine, by a four-fifths vote, that there is a need to continue the action. (2) If a person with authority delegated pursuant to subdivision (b) orders any action specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), the governing body shall initially review the emergency action not later than seven days after the action, or at its next regularly scheduled meeting if that meeting will occur not later than 14 days after the action, and at least at every regularly scheduled meeting thereafter until the action is terminated, to determine, by a four-fifths vote, that there is a need to continue the action, unless a person with authority delegated pursuant to subdivision (b) has terminated that action prior to the
3 governing body reviewing the emergency action and making a determination pursuant to this subdivision.
(3) When the governing body reviews the emergency action pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), it shall terminate the action at the earliest possible date that conditions warrant so that the remainder of the emergency action may be completed by giving notice for bids to let contracts.
RESOLUTION 25-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH
LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, TERMINATING THE EMERGENCY
ACTION TO REPAIR FLOOD-DAMGED MAMMOTH LAKES POLICE
DEPARTMENT STATION DRYWALL, FLOORING AND RELATED ITEMS
WITHOUT COMPETITIVE BIDDING
WHEREAS, California law generally requires the Town to award contracts for “public projects” in excess of $1,000 to the lowest bidder after the completion of a competitive bidding process; and
WHEREAS, Public Contract Code Section 20168 provides that in case of emergency the Town Council may pass a resolution by a four-fifths vote declaring that the public interest and necessity demand the immediate expenditure of Town funds to safeguard life, health, or property, and that if such a resolution is adopted the Town may expend any sum required in the emergency without complying with competitive bidding requirements; and
WHEREAS, Public Contract Code Section 22050 authorizes the Town Council, with a four-fifths vote, to “repair or replace a public facility, take any directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts” if the Town Council finds, based upon substantial evidence, that the emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids, and that the action is necessary to respond to the emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Mammoth Lakes Police Station experienced extreme and unexpected flooding due to a water leak on January 9th, 2025; and WHEREAS, the flooding and water accumulation caused significant damage to Town facilities and infrastructure including damage to drywall, flooring, carpet, and other building components; and
WHEREAS, in adopting Resolution 25-03 on January 15, 2025, the Town Council found and determined that as a result of the flooding-caused damage to the Mammoth Lakes’ Police Station and pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 20168 the public interest and necessity demanded the immediate expenditure of public money to safeguard life, health, safety, and property in the Town of Mammoth Lakes; and WHEREAS, in adopting Resolution 25-03 on January 15, 2025, the Town Council found and determined that based on substantial evidence, including without limitation the staff report presented to the Town Council on January 15, 2025, pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22050, the emergency would not permit a delay resulting from a competitive solicitation for bids, and that responding to the emergency required repair of public facilities and infrastructure, other directly related and immediate actions, and procurement of the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for those purposes, without a competitive bidding process; and
Resolution No. 23-29
WHEREAS, Public Contract Code Section 22050(c)(3) requires the Town Council to terminate the emergency action as soon as conditions warrant, and the repair work at the Mammoth Lakes Police Station has now been completed, such that there is no longer any need to continue the emergency action;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. The Town Council hereby terminates the emergency action ordered pursuant to Resolution 25-03.
Section 3. The Town Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5
th day of February 2025.
__________________________
CHRIS BUBSER, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMIE GRAY, Town Clerk
1 TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Title: Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) Annexation No. 1
Meeting Date: February 5, 2025
Prepared by: Pam Smitheman, Assistant Engineer
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Town Council adopt the attached two resolutions to annex property into the Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) and declaring the results of the landowner election. Waive the first reading and adopt by title only the attached ordinance authorizing the levy of special taxes in the annexation territory in Community Facilities District No. 2023-1.
BACKGROUND:
The Town has received a petition from the developer of the Sierra Nevada Resort (Outbound) project requesting the Town Council complete proceedings to annex the developers’ properties into the Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (CFD) 2023-1.
The petition requests the Town finance services and improvements with a special tax levied against properties included in the annexation territory to the Maintenance CFD. The special tax within the annexation territory (Tax Zone No 2) will be used to fund snow management activities with Tax Zone 2 and administration of the CFD. The annexation map has been recorded with Mono County as shown in Attachment 6. Town Council has previously adopted a resolution declaring its intention to annex the properties into the CFD and authorizing the levy of special taxes and setting the time and date for this public hearing.
Properties are not subject to the tax until an occupancy permit for a qualified residential property has been issued.
Today’s annexation process involves:
a public hearing to consider adoption of a resolution of annexation; special election of landowners. A minimum of 2/3 of votes in favor of annexation are required in order for annexation to proceed;
adoption of a resolution declaring the election results; and introduction and first reading of an ordinance levying of special taxes (formal adoption of the ordinance will occur at the next Council meeting).
2 FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Properties included in the Maintenance CFD are required to pay a special tax once they obtain certificates of occupancy (condominium and hotel units).
The special tax rate within the annexation territory (Tax Zone No. 2) for the 2024/25 fiscal year is $137 per Hotel Unit. The total special tax requirement for the annexation is $24,523.00. The Sierra Nevada Resort project is entitled for 179 hotel units.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The annual resolution for special taxing districts as a mechanism for funding maintenance is Categorically Exempt per section 15060(c)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 25-__: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY INTO A
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT, AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF A
SPECIAL TAX, AND SUBMITTING THE LEVY OF SPECIAL TAX TO
QUALIFIED ELECTORS
2. Resolution No. 25-__: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DECLARING
THE RESULTS OF A SPECIAL ANNEXATION LANDOWNER
ELECTION, DETERMINING VALIDITY OF PRIOR PROCEEDINGS,
AND DIRECTING THE RECORDING OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO
NOTICE OF SPECIAL TAX LIEN
3. Ordinance No. 25-__: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF SPECIAL TAXES IN A COMMUNITY
FACILITIES DISTRICT, INCLUDING CERTAIN ANNEXATION
TERRITORY
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH
LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE ANNEXATION OF
TERRITORY INTO A COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT, AUTHORIZING THE
LEVY OF A SPECIAL TAX, AND SUBMITTING THE LEVY OF SPECIAL TAX TO
QUALIFIED ELECTORS
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2023-1
(MAINTENANCE SERVICES)
ANNEXATION NO. 1
TAX ZONE NO. 2
WHEREAS, under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Sections 53311 and following, California Government Code; hereafter referred to as the “Act”), the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes (the “Town”) previously conducted proceedings to establish the Town of Mammoth Lakes Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) (the “District”), and WHEREAS, this Town Council on December 18, 2024, adopted its Resolution No. 24-59 entitled “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, State of California, Declaring its Intention to Annex Territory into a Community Facilities District and to Authorize the Levy of Special Taxes” (the “Resolution of Intention”) stating its intention to annex the territory to the District pursuant to the Act;
WHEREAS, a copy of the Resolution of Intention, incorporating a description and map of the proposed boundaries of the territory to be annexed to the District and stating the services to be funded by the District and the rate and method of apportionment of the special tax to be levied within the District to pay for the services is on file with the Town Clerk and the provisions thereof are fully incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein;
WHEREAS, on the date hereof, this Town Council held a noticed public hearing as required by the Act and the Resolution of Intention relative to the proposed annexation of territory to the District; WHEREAS, at the hearing all interested persons desiring to be heard on all matters pertaining to the annexation of territory to the District and the levy of special taxes within the area proposed to be annexed were heard and a full and fair hearing was held; WHEREAS, prior to the closing of the hearing, no written or oral protests had been made against the proposed annexation of territory to the District by (i) any registered voter residing in the existing District, or (ii) any registered voter residing in the territory proposed to be annexed to the District, or (iii) any of the owners of land in the existing District, or (iv) any of the owners of land in the territory proposed to be annexed to the District; and
WHEREAS, Annexation Map No. 1 to the District has been filed with the County Recorder of the County of Mono, which map shows the territory to be annexed in these proceedings, and a copy of the map is on file with the Town Clerk.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. All prior proceedings taken by this Town Council with respect to the District, prior annexations, and the proposed seventh annexation of territory thereto have been duly considered and are hereby determined to be valid and in conformity with the Act, and the District has been validly established pursuant to the Act.
3. The boundaries of the territory to be annexed to the District, as set forth in the map entitled “Annexation Map No. 1 of Town of Mammoth Lakes Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services)“ on file with the Town Clerk and heretofore recorded in the Mono County Recorder’s Office on January 14, 2025, in Book 2 at Page 91 of Maps of Assessment and as Document No. 2025000110 and Community Facilities Districts are hereby finally approved, are incorporated herein by this reference, and shall be included within the boundaries of the District, and said territory is hereby ordered annexed to the District, subject to voter approval of the levy of the special taxes therein as hereinafter provided.
4. The provisions of the Resolution of Intention are, by this reference incorporated herein, as if fully set forth herein.
5. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the proposition of the levy of the special tax within the territory to be annexed to the District shall be submitted to the qualified electors of the area to be annexed to the District at an election called therefor as hereinafter provided.
6. This Town Council hereby finds that fewer than 12 persons have been registered to vote within the territory proposed to be annexed to the District for each of the 90 days preceding the close of the public hearing heretofore conducted and concluded by this Town Council for the purposes of these annexation proceedings. Accordingly, and pursuant to Section 53326 of the Act, this Town Council finds that the qualified electors for purposes of the annexation election are the landowners within the territory proposed to be annexed to the District and that the vote shall be by said landowners, each having one vote for each acre or portion thereof such landowner owns in the territory proposed to be annexed to the District.
7. This Town Council hereby calls a special election to consider the measure described in Section 5 above, which election shall be held in the meeting room of the Town Council immediately following adoption of this Resolution. The Town Clerk is hereby designated as the official to conduct said election. It is hereby acknowledged that the Town Clerk has on file the Resolution of Intention, a certified map of the proposed boundaries of the territory to be annexed to the District, and a sufficient description to allow the Town Clerk to determine the boundaries of the territory to be annexed to the District.
8. The voted ballots shall be returned to the Town Clerk no later than immediately following the adoption of this Resolution; and when the qualified electors have voted the election shall be closed.
9. Pursuant to Section 53327 of the Act, the election shall be conducted by hand-delivered ballot pursuant to the California Elections Code.
10. This Town Council acknowledges that the Town Clerk has caused to be delivered to the qualified electors of the District a ballot in the form set forth in Exhibit “A” hereto. The ballot indicated the number of votes to be voted by each landowner.
11. The ballot was accompanied by all supplies and written instructions necessary for the use and return of the ballot. The envelope to be used to return the ballot was enclosed with the ballot, had the return postage prepaid, and contained the following: (a) the name and address of the landowner, (b) a declaration, under penalty of perjury, stating that the voter is the owner of record or authorized representative of the landowner entitled to vote and is the person whose name appears on the envelope, (c) the printed name, signature and address of the voter, (d) the date of signing and place of execution of the declaration pursuant to clause (b) above, and (e) a notice that the envelope contains an official ballot and is to be opened only by the canvassing board.
12. Analysis and arguments with respect to the ballot measures are hereby waived, as provided in Section 53327 of the Act.
13. The Town Clerk shall accept the ballot of the qualified electors in the Town of Mammoth Lakes Town Council meeting room upon and prior to the adoption of this Resolution, whether the ballot is personally delivered or is received by mail. The Town Clerk shall have ballots available which may be marked by the qualified electors at said location on the election day.
14. This Town Council hereby further finds that the provision of Section 53326 of the Act requiring a minimum of 90 days following the adoption of this Resolution to elapse before said special election is for the protection of the qualified electors of the territory to be annexed to the District. The ballots to be executed by the qualified electors of the area to be annexed to the District contains a waiver of any time limit pertaining to the conduct of the election and a waiver of any requirement for ballot measure analysis and arguments in connection with the election. Accordingly, this Town Council finds and determines that, to the extent that the qualified elector submits its ballot, the qualified elector will have been fully apprised of and have agreed to the shortened time for the election and waiver of ballot measure analysis and arguments and will have thereby been fully protected in these proceedings. This Town Council also finds and determines that the Town Clerk has concurred in the shortened time for the election.
15. This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5
th day of February 2025.
___________________________
CHRIS BUBSER, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
JAMIE GRAY, Town Clerk
EXHIBIT A
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2023-1
(MAINTENANCE SERVICES)
ANNEXATION NO. 1
OFFICIAL BALLOT
SPECIAL TAX ELECTION
This ballot is for a special, landowner election. You must return this ballot in the enclosed postage paid envelope to the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Mammoth Lakes no later than the hour of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, either by mail or in person. The Town Clerk’s office is located at 437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite 230, Town of Mammoth Lakes, California.
To vote, mark a cross (X) on the voting line after the word “YES” or after the word “NO”. All marks otherwise made are forbidden. All distinguishing marks are forbidden and make the ballot void. If you wrongly mark, tear, or deface this ballot, return it to the Town Clerk of the Town of Mammoth Lakes and obtain another.
The estimated maximum amount of money raised annually by this measure is expected to be $24,523, in 2024/25 special tax rates, upon full build out of the territory to be annexed to the District, based on the rate and duration of the special tax and subject to the tax escalation factor, as set forth in the rate and method of apportionment of special taxes for the District.
BALLOT MEASURE: Shall the Town of Mammoth Lakes, by and for its Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) (the “District”), be authorized to levy special taxes within the territory annexed to the District pursuant to and as described in the Resolution of Intention to Annex Territory, adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes on December 18, 2024, and shall the annual appropriations limit of the District be increased by the amount of $24,523?
Yes: __________
No: __________
By execution in the space provided below, you also confirm your written waiver of any time limit pertaining to the conduct of the election and any requirement for notice of election and analysis and arguments with respect to the ballot measure, as such waivers are described and permitted by Section 53326(a) and 53327(b) of the California Government Code.
Number of Votes: 7
Property Owner: ______________________
By:
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH
LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE RESULTS OF A SPECIAL
ANNEXATION LANDOWNER ELECTION, DETERMINING VALIDITY OF PRIOR
PROCEEDINGS, AND DIRECTING THE RECORDING OF THE FIRST
AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF SPECIAL TAX LIEN
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2023-1
(MAINTENANCE SERVICES)
ANNEXATION NO. 1
TAX ZONE NO. 2
WHEREAS, under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Sections 53311 and following, California Government Code; hereafter referred to as the “Act”), the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes (the “Town”) previously conducted proceedings to establish the Town of Mammoth Lakes Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) (the “District”), and WHEREAS, in proceedings conducted by this Town Council pursuant to the Act, this Town Council has adopted a Resolution entitled “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, State of California, Authorizing the Annexation of Territory into a Community Facilities District, Authorizing the Levy of a Special Tax, and Submitting the Levy of Special Tax to Qualified Electors” (the “Resolution of Annexation”), which called for a special election of the qualified landowner electors in the territory of land proposed to be annexed to the District; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Resolution of Annexation, which is by this reference incorporated herein, the special election has been held and the Town Clerk has on file a Canvass and Statement of Results of Election, (the “Canvass”) a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, this Town Council has been informed of the Canvass, finds it appropriate, and wishes to complete its proceedings for the annexation of territory into the District.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. The issue presented at the special election was the levy of a special tax within the territory annexed to the District, to be levied in accordance with the formula heretofore approved by this Town Council, all as described in Resolution No. 24-59, entitled “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, State of California, Declaring its Intention to Annex Territory into a Community Facilities District and to Authorize the Levy of Special Taxes” adopted by this Town Council on December 18, 2024.
3. Pursuant to the Canvass on file with the Town Clerk, the issue presented at the special election was approved by the landowners of the territory annexed to the District by more than two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast at the special election.
4. Pursuant to the voter approval, the annexed territory is hereby declared to be fully annexed to and part of the District and this Town Council may levy special taxes therein as heretofore provided in these proceedings.
5. It is hereby found that all prior proceedings and actions taken by this Town Council with respect to the District, the prior annexations, and the territory annexed thereto were valid and in conformity with the Act.
6. Within 15 days of the date of adoption hereof, the Town Clerk shall execute and cause to be recorded in the office of the County Recorder of the County of Mono, an First Amendment to Notice of Special Tax Lien, as required by Section 3117.5 of the California Streets and Highways Code.
7. This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5
th day of February 2025.
___________________________
CHRIS BUBSER, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
JAMIE GRAY, Town Clerk
EXHIBIT A
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2023-1
(MAINTENANCE SERVICES)
ANNEXATION NO. 1
TAX ZONE NO. 2
CANVASS AND STATEMENT OF RESULT OF ELECTION
I hereby certify that on February 5, 2025, I canvassed the returns of the election held on February 5, 2025, in the Town of Mammoth Lakes Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services), Annexation No. 1 of the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the total number of ballots cast in such election and the total number of votes cast for and against the measure are as follows and the totals as shown for and against the measure are full, true and correct:
Qualified
Landowner
Votes
Votes
Cast
Votes
YES
Votes
NO
Town of Mammoth Lakes
Community Facilities District No. 2023-1
(Maintenance Services), Annexation No. 1
Special Tax Election, February 5, 2025 7 _____ _____ _____ BALLOT MEASURE: Shall the Town of Mammoth Lakes, by and for its Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) (the “District”), be authorized to levy special taxes within the territory annexed to the District pursuant to and as described in the Resolution of Intention to Annex Territory, adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes on December 18, 2024, and shall the annual appropriations limit of the District be increased by the amount of $24,523?
Yes: __________
No: __________
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY HAND on February 5, 2025.
By:
Town Clerk
Town of Mammoth Lakes
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MAMMOTH
LAKES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF SPECIAL TAXES
IN A COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT, INCLUDING CERTAIN
ANNEXATION TERRITORY
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 2023-1
(MAINTENANCE SERVICES)
ANNEXATION NO. 1
TAX ZONE NO. 2
WHEREAS, the Town of Mammoth Lakes (the “Town”) has conducted proceedings pursuant to the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Sections 53311 and following, California Government Code; hereafter referred to as the “Act”) to establish the Town of Mammoth Lakes Community Facilities District No. 2023-1 (Maintenance Services) (the “District”) for the purpose of financing the costs of the services and maintenance related to plowing and removal of snow, and maintenance of curbs/sidewalks, landscapes and streetlights, and related appurtenances (the “Services”) as provided in the Act; and WHEREAS, the rate and method of apportionment of special tax for the District (the “Rate and Method”) is set forth in Exhibit B to the Town Council Resolution 23-18 entitled “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, State of California, Establishing the Formation of a Community Facilities District” (the “Resolution of Formation”), which was adopted on April 5, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Town has conducted proceedings to annex territory into the District and, with respect to the proceedings, following an election of the qualified electors in the territory proposed for annexation (the “Annexation Territory”), the Town Council, on February 5, 2025, adopted a Resolution entitled “A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, State of California, Declaring the Results of a Special Annexation Landowner Election, Determining Validity of Prior Proceedings, and Directing the Recording of the First Amendment to Notice of Special Tax Lien.” NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Council of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. By the passage of this Ordinance, the Town Council hereby authorizes and levies the special tax within the District, including the Annexation Territory, pursuant to the Act, at the rate and in accordance with the rate and method of apportionment of special tax set forth in the Resolution of Formation, which rate and method is by this reference incorporated herein. The special tax has previously been levied in the original territory of the District beginning in fiscal year 2022/23 pursuant to Ordinance No. 23-04 passed and adopted by the Town Council on April 19, 2023, and the special tax is hereby levied commencing in fiscal year 2024/25 in the District, including the Annexation Territory, and in each fiscal year thereafter to pay for the Services for the District and all costs of administering the District.
3. The Town’s Finance Director, designee, employee, or consultant of the Town is hereby authorized and directed each fiscal year to determine the specific special tax to be levied for the next ensuing
fiscal year for each parcel of real property within the District, including the Annexation Territory, in the manner and as provided in the Resolution of Formation.
4. Exemptions from the levy of the special tax shall be as provided in the Resolution of Formation and the applicable provisions of the Act. In no event shall the special tax be levied on any parcel within the District in excess of the maximum special tax specified in the Resolution of Formation.
5. All of the collections of the special tax shall be used as provided in the Act and in the Resolution of Formation, including, but not limited to, the payment of the costs of the Services, the payment of the costs of the Town in administering the District, and the costs of collecting and administering the special tax.
6. The special tax shall be collected in the same manner as ordinary ad valorem taxes are collected and shall have the same lien priority and be subject to the same penalties and the same procedure and sale in cases of delinquency as provided for ad valorem taxes; provided, however, that the Town Council may provide for other appropriate methods of collection by resolution(s) of the Town Council. The Finance Director of the Town is hereby authorized and directed to provide all necessary information to the auditor/tax collector of the County of Mono in order to effect proper billing and collection of the Special Tax, so that the Special Tax shall be included on the secured property tax roll of the County of Mono for fiscal year 2024/25 and for each fiscal year thereafter until no longer required to pay for the Services or until otherwise terminated by the Town.
7. If for any reason any portion of this ordinance is found to be invalid, or if the special tax is found inapplicable to any particular parcel within the District, including the Annexation Territory, by a court of competent jurisdiction, the balance of this ordinance and the application of the special tax to the remaining parcels within the District, including the Annexation Territory, shall not be affected.
8. The Mayor shall sign this Ordinance and the Town Clerk shall cause the same to be published immediately after its passage at least once in a newspaper of general circulation for the Town.
9. This Ordinance takes effect upon its adoption.
INTRODUCED and first read on the 5
th day of February 2025; and PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of February 2025.
___________________________
CHRIS BUBSER, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
JAMIE GRAY, Town Clerk
Mammoth Lakes Town Council
Agenda Action Sheet
Title: Review of Town Council procedure for policy matters and discuss changing the individual public comment period time to three minutes.
Council Meeting Date: February 5, 2025
Prepared by: Jamie Gray, Town Clerk
Recommended Motion: Affirm the Council’s current procedure for policy matters and discuss the option to change the individual comment period time from five minutes to three minutes.
Provide direction to staff regarding Town Council’s consensus.
Summary: The current procedure for policy matters outlined in the Guide to Town Council Processes and Procedures and adopted by Resolution No. 24-57 reads: “Town Staff will typically make a presentation, which is followed by questions of the Town Council, public comment, and then Council deliberation and action.” This is usually accomplished as follows:
1. Town staff will make a presentation of the agendized item.
2. The Mayor will poll fellow members of the Town Council for questions of staff.
3. The Mayor will call for any public comment on the item.
4. The Town Council will engage in deliberations as necessary.
5. Any member of the Town Council may make a motion for specific action on the item.
6. Once the motion is confirmed by a second member of the Town Council, a vote of the entire Town Council is conducted.
There was some discussion at the January 22nd Town Council workshop regarding this procedure and staff wanted to confirm that the Town Council still wants to follow the current approved procedure.
In addition, Mayor Bubser requested that the individual public comment period for Town Council meetings be changed from five minutes to three minutes. The Town Council has the authority to set the time for individual public comments.
If the Town Council directs staff to change the current procedure for policy matters or the public comment period time staff will bring back a resolution amending Resolution No. 24-57 and the Guide to Town Council Processes and Procedures for Town Council meetings and related functions and activities.
1 TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Title: Long Valley Fire Protection District Memorandum of Understanding.
Meeting Date: February 5, 2025
Prepared by: Sierra Waugh, Deputy Airport Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the Town to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Long Valley Fire Protection District for the purposes of fire suppression systems, facilities, and procedures at Mammoth Yosemite Airport.
BACKGROUND:
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act requires Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) to develop and determine the Sphere of Influence (SOI) for each applicable local governmental agency that provides services or facilities related to development. In 2009, Mono County LAFCO completed a Municipal Service Review (attached Appendix A) to determine SOI boundaries within the County.
Under the current Mono LAFCO SOI boundaries, Mammoth Yosemite Airport is located within the Long Valley Fire Protection District boundary. Therefore, the Long Valley Fire Department is the jurisdiction having authority at the Airport.
The Airport’s long-standing relationship with the Long Valley Fire Department (LVFD) includes response and inspection. The Airport also continues to train with all fire departments that may respond on behalf of the Long Valley Fire Department through mutual aid agreements, such as Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
ANALYSIS:
This MOU serves to codify the details involved in the response and inspection services that LVFD provides to the Airport. The MOU includes details and procedures for new construction, Airport emergency planning and training, and firefighting services and support. Following the execution of the MOU, the Town and District will work together to develop an inspection and enforcement program regarding all Airport hangars, structures, and fires suppression systems. The District will support the Airport by conducting annual hangar inspections and the Airport will support the District by providing enforcement if needed.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is entered into this _____ day of February 2025, by and between the Town of Mammoth Lakes (hereinafter the “Town”) and the Long Valley Fire Protection District (hereinafter the “District”). Town and District may be referred to herein singularly as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”.
RECITALS
A. The Town is the owner of the Mammoth Yosemite Airport (the “Airport”), which is located within the jurisdiction of the District and within Town limits.
B. The Parties wish to enter into this MOU in order to help ensure the adequacy of fire suppression systems, facilities and procedures at the Airport, including, but not limited to, the availability of water at the Airport for fire suppression purposes.
AGREEMENT
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
2. The whole of the Airport is contained within Long Valley Fire Protection District. Therefore, the District is the authority having jurisdiction for purposes of providing fire protection services. This is represented in the Mono Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Recommendation document (Appendix A). The District maintains a mutual aid agreement with Mammoth Lakes Fires Protection District for secondary response.
3. All new construction, both Town and private, shall be reviewed by the District prior to issuance by Town of any permit or the start of construction. The district shall perform its review of each project within 30 days of submission.
4. For each Town project at the Airport for which the payment of fees is required, the Town shall pay to the District all fees incident to new construction per the District’s fee schedule.
5. For each Town project at the Airport for which the payment of Development Impact Fees is required, the Town shall pay Mono County all fire mitigation fees in accordance with the adopted Development Impact Fees effective as of August 8, 2003, or as amended thereafter.
6. The Town and the District agree to jointly develop an inspection and enforcement program regarding all airport hangars, structures, and fire suppression systems, new and preexisting.
The District or designee shall be responsible for conducting annual inspections of both public and private property at the Airport. Town, via its designated Airport employees, shall be responsible for coordination with the District, issuing advance notice to private property owners, and providing access to public property. Town shall be responsible for code enforcement per the inspection and enforcement program, subject to the availability of resources to undertake code enforcement.
7. The Town maintains an Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) per Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) regulations. The District shall participate in annual reviews of the AEP and training.
8. The Town shall provide field and structure access to the District by means of an emergency access/egress point from State Highway 395 at mid-field. The Town shall maintain and verify KNOX box access and key codes for District access. District and its employees and volunteers shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations when accessing Airport property, including without limitation all FAA regulations applicable to airports.
9. The Town staffs an Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle as required by its airport certification. When additional ARFF coverage is requested by the Town, the District shall provide that coverage. The District may coordinate the support with other districts if District personnel and equipment are not available or not available in a timely manner or not available to provide the level of coverage requested by Town. The Town shall be invoiced based on each district’s published OES state rates. In the event the District cannot provide ARFF support, cannot provide timely support, and/or cannot provide the level of support requested by Town, the Town reserves the right to contract with a private ARFF provider.
10. This MOU supersedes all other agreements, either oral or in writing, between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and it contains all the covenants and agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter in any manner whatsoever. Each Party to this MOU acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any Party or anyone acting on behalf of any Party, which are not embodied herein, and that no other agreement, statement or promise not contained in this MOU shall be valid or binding. No amendment or modification of this MOU shall be binding unless set forth in writing and executed by authorized representatives of each Party.
11. If any action at law or equity is necessary to enforce or interpret the terms of this MOU, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to attorney’s fees, cost and disbursements actually incurred in good faith by the Party in addition to any other relief to which it may be entitled.
12. This MOU may be executed in two counterparts, one by each Party, which method of execution shall in no way affect its validity.
13. This MOU shall be reviewed by both Parties concurrent with the AEP review annually. This MOU shall remain in effect in perpetuity unless terminated by one of the Parties with written notice to the other party 90 days prior to the effective termination.
14. There are no third-party beneficiaries of this MOU, and no rights are granted to any third party hereby.
TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES LONG VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT __________________________ _____________________________ By: Rob Patterson, Town Manager By: Lorinda Beatty, Chairperson _________________________ _____________________________ Date Date
APPENDIX A
(Mono LAFCO)
Municipal Service Review
And
Sphere of Influence Recommendation
Long Valley Fire Protection District
Mono County, California
October 2009
Prepared By:
Mono County Local Agency Formation Commission
P.O. Box 347
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
phone (760) 924-1800; fax (760) 924-1801
[email protected]
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review i
October 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summary......................................................................................................................................... 1 Municipal Service Review Determinations .............................................................................. 1 Sphere of Influence Findings.................................................................................................... 4 Sphere of Influence Recommendation...................................................................................... 4 Reorganization Recommendation............................................................................................. 4 I. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 6 Municipal Service Reviews ...................................................................................................... 6 Relationship Between Municipal Service Reviews and Spheres of Influence ......................... 6 II. Long Valley Fire Protection District......................................................................................... 7 District Overview...................................................................................................................... 7 Service Area........................................................................................................................ 7 Population Characteristics .................................................................................................. 7 Services Provided................................................................................................................ 9 ISO Rating .......................................................................................................................... 9 Land Ownership.................................................................................................................. 9 Surrounding Fire Protection Facilities................................................................................ 9 Fire Hazard........................................................................................................................ 10 Planned Land Uses............................................................................................................ 10 Mono County Fire Safe Standards.................................................................................... 10 Fire Safe Council .............................................................................................................. 10 District Issues of Concern................................................................................................. 12 District Planning ............................................................................................................... 12 District Services...................................................................................................................... 13 Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Response ....................................................... 13 Mutual Aid and Service Agreements................................................................................ 13 Infrastructure and Facilities .............................................................................................. 14 Communications ............................................................................................................... 15 Administration and Staffing.............................................................................................. 15 Service Activity ................................................................................................................ 16 Funding and Budget.......................................................................................................... 16 III. Service Review Analysis and Determinations........................................................................ 18 Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies.................................................................................... 18 Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area..................................................... 19 Financing Constraints and Opportunities................................................................................ 22 Cost Avoidance Opportunities................................................................................................ 23 Opportunities for Rate Restructuring...................................................................................... 24 Opportunities for Shared Facilities ......................................................................................... 25 Government Structure Options ............................................................................................... 27 Evaluation of Management Efficiencies................................................................................. 28 Local Accountability and Governance.................................................................................... 28
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review ii
October 2009
IV. Sphere of Influence Recommendation.................................................................................... 30 Present and Planned Land Uses .............................................................................................. 30 Present and Probable Need for Public Facilities and Services ............................................... 31 Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services ................................ 32 Social or Economic Communities of Interest ......................................................................... 32 Sphere of Influence Recommendation.................................................................................... 32 Reorganization Recommendation........................................................................................... 34 V. References............................................................................................................................... 35
FIGURES
Figure 1 Long Valley Fire Protection District Boundaries.......................................................... 8 Figure 2 Long Valley Wildland Fire Hazard Areas................................................................... 11 TABLES
Table 1: Long Valley Fire Protection District Services and Programs...................................... 14 Table 2: Long Valley Fire Protection District Facilities............................................................ 15 Table 3 Long Valley Fire Protection Equipment and Vehicles ................................................. 15 Table 4: Long Valley Fire Protection District Call Log--2005.................................................. 16 Table 5: Long Valley Fire Protection District Funding, FY 2007-2008.................................... 17 Table 6: Buildout Figures for LongValley................................................................................. 20
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 1 October 2009
SUMMARY
Municipal Service Review Determinations
1. Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies
• The expansion and renovation of existing facilities will be needed to maintain or increase the quality of service provided by the district, as well as to serve development at buildout.
The district has planned for the required expansion and renovation of its facilities in its Master Facilities Plan.
• Accelerated development will place more pressure on the Long Valley FPD to augment its service capacities, particularly in the southeastern and northwestern portions of the district. Those areas of the district may require new and increased infrastructure. The district has planned for new infrastructure at Sunny Slopes and at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport; those projects are included in the Master Facilities Plan. • The replacement of aging equipment and/or the purchase of additional equipment will be needed to maintain or increase the quality of service provided by the district. The district has also planned for its future equipment needs in its Master Facilities Plan.
2. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area • The Mono County General Plan Land Use Element allows for significant additional growth in the area served by the Long Valley FPD.
• Growth is anticipated to occur primarily in and adjacent to existing developed areas and to be primarily single-family residential development with a mix of multi-family residential development and commercial uses in Crowley Lake. • The residential population in the area served by the Long Valley FPD is projected to increase to 1,865 by 2,020 and 2,005 by 2,030, creating an increased demand for fire and emergency medical services.
• The population will continue to age, creating an increased demand for emergency medical services.
• In addition to the projected residential growth, Long Valley’s population experiences significant seasonal increases due to tourism. If additional development occurs at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, the visitor population within the boundaries of the district may increase substantially.
• Visitors to the area will continue to increase demand for services such as emergency medical response and vehicular accident response while providing no commensurate increase in revenues available to provide those services.
3. Financing Constraints and Opportunities
• The Long Valley FPD’s future financing will continue to rely heavily on property tax revenues.
• The adequacy of property tax revenues to fund local facilities and services has steadily declined over time. There is a need to ensure that property tax assessments are kept current.
• It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain existing service levels as costs increase over time.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 2 October 2009
• The district recently developed a Master Facilities Plan and revised its Development Impact Fees in order to ensure that new development pays for the infrastructure and equipment necessary to provide service to that development. • There are opportunities to coordinate with other fire districts and agencies to reduce costs.
4. Cost Avoidance Opportunities
• Long Valley is a discrete geographic area within Mono County; there is no duplication of service efforts or overlapping or inefficient service boundaries. • The Long Valley FPD is a volunteer department with an elected board of commissioners—administrative costs are generally low.
• The district strives to keep operations and maintenance costs low by sharing services and training with other districts.
• Cooperation among fire districts is an important part of reducing costs. • The cost of volunteer training is unavoidable and may be lost when trained volunteers leave the district. A possibility exists for the district to offer benefit contracts so that a volunteer agrees to be with the district for a specific amount of time or to reimburse the district for training costs. LVFPD offers a volunteer length of service award. With a minimum of 10 years of service the volunteer receives $60 to $120 per month at age of 60 as long as they have attended 33% of the training and attended 60% of the calls for three years. Cost to LVFPD is ~ $5,000 per year.
• Integrated planning, especially long range planning, is an important part of cost avoidance. The district has a Master Facilities Plan that addresses the demands imposed by growth within the district.
5. Opportunities for Rate Restructuring
• All funding mechanisms have inherent limitations that may prevent their implementation, use or restructure.
• The Long Valley FPD should seek additional opportunities to reduce costs through cooperation and sharing with other agencies.
• The district should continue to seek grant funding.
6. Opportunities for Shared Facilities and Resources
• The largest impediment to greater sharing of resources and facilities in Mono County is geographic separation between fire protection districts. • Fire districts in Mono County can share resources through joint training sessions, shared purchasing, and the implementation of mutual aid agreements. • The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for Mono County contains a number of mitigation measures to address fire hazard planning in the county’s communities. While the focus of the plan is on mitigation planning for wildland fire hazards, the mitigation measures identified in the plan apply to all fire hazards in the area. Responsibility for implementing those fire hazard planning measures rests with the County, the Regional Planning Advisory Committees, and local fire protection districts. • USFS and BLM Federal Fuels Management Projects adjacent to private lands from Long Valley to Tom’s Place, including Sunny Slopes that provide an opportunity for sharing resources.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 3 October 2009
7. Government Structure Options
• In regions of the county with separate, distinct communities that are geographically remote from each other, public services are most logically provided by single purpose special districts rather than by a larger entity such as the county.
8. Evaluation of Management Efficiencies
• The Long Valley FPD is managed by an elected board of commissioners, a fire chief, an assistant chief, a division chief for equipment, a training officer and a part time board secretary.
• The district has planned for the future in order to maintain its service levels while providing for the needs of future development.
• The district has a Master Facilities Plan and an Equipment Replacement Plan.
9. Local Accountability and Governance
• The Long Valley FPD complies with the minimum requirements for open meetings and public records.
• The district seeks to inform the community and affected groups of district activities. • The district provides educational classes in Crowley Lake.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 4 October 2009
Sphere of Influence Findings
1. Present and Planned Land Uses
Present land uses in the area served by the Long Valley FPD includes residential, commercial, and public uses in the communities in the southern portion of the district and commercial and industrial uses in the northern portion of the district. The planned land uses for community areas are similar with future development concentrated primarily within and adjacent to existing development. If additional development occurs at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, the visitor population within the boundaries of the district may increase substantially.
2. Present and Probable Need For Public Facilities and Services The Long Valley FPD has an existing and continuing need for public facilities and services to serve the increasing and planned development in the area.
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services The district currently provides an adequate level of service but has identified a need to improve both its facilities and services in order to serve additional development and to improve services to existing development.
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest
The district area exhibits social and economic interdependence with Mammoth Lakes, the only incorporated community in the County. However, since Mammoth Lakes is an incorporated community and Long Valley is part of the county’s unincorporated area, that interaction is not relevant in establishing the sphere of influence for the Long Valley FPD.
Sphere of Influence Recommendation
The Sphere of Influence for the Long Valley Fire Protection District should remain as it is, coterminous with the boundaries of the district.
Reorganization Recommendation
Mammoth Yosemite Airport, which is owned and operated by the Town of Mammoth Lakes, is located within the boundaries of the Long Valley FPD. Currently, both the Long Valley FPD and the Mammoth Lakes FPD respond to emergencies at the airport and have similar response times to the airport. The Long Valley FPD and the Mammoth Lakes FPD have established agreements to enhance response levels in the airport vicinity.
The Town of Mammoth Lakes, as the FAA permitted airport operator, has the responsibility for aircraft firefighting and rescue. Long Valley FPD has responsibility for structural fire protection, although the district also responds to all incidents involving aircraft. The Long Valley FPD has a small auxiliary station at the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery, which is intended to provide additional coverage in response to recent development at the airport until additional facilities can be completed at the airport.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 5 October 2009
The airport is an island of property owned by the Town of Mammoth Lakes, outside of the Town boundaries. Town governmental departments fulfill administrative, managerial, and operational functions at the airport. The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District is a special district and a separate legal entity from the Town of Mammoth Lakes. As such, it would not be appropriate for the Mammoth Lakes FPD to assume responsibility for structural fire protection at the airport.
However, should the Mammoth Lakes FPD become a town department, then the town’s fire department should assume responsibility for structural fire protection at the airport.
Section 56001 of the California Government Code states that:
The Legislature also finds that, whether governmental services are proposed to be provided by a single-purpose agency, several agencies, or a multipurpose agency, responsibility should be given to the agency or agencies that can best provide government services.
If a change in service provider appears warranted, such a change should occur only with the support of the Long Valley FPD and only when it can be demonstrated that service will be improved by the change of provider.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 6 October 2009
I. INTRODUCTION
Municipal Service Reviews
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 requires Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) to conduct comprehensive reviews of all municipal services in each county in California and to periodically update that information. The purpose of the municipal service reviews is to gather detailed information on public service capacities and issues.
Relationship Between Municipal Service Reviews and Spheres of Influence The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act requires LAFCOs to develop and determine the Sphere of Influence (SOI) for each applicable local governmental agency that provides services or facilities related to development. Government Code Section 56076 defines a SOI as “a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local agency.” Service reviews must be completed prior to the establishment or update of SOIs (§56430(a)). Spheres of influence must be reviewed and updated as necessary, but not less than once every five years (§56425).
The information and determinations contained in a Municipal Service Review are intended to guide and inform SOI decisions. Service reviews enable LAFCO to determine SOI boundaries and to establish the most efficient service provider for areas needing new service. They also function as the basis for other government reorganizations. Section 56430, as noted above, states that LAFCO can conduct these reviews “before, in conjunction with, but no later than the time it is considering an action to establish a SOI.”
The Long Valley Fire Protection District Municipal Service Review is being conducted in response to, and in conjunction with, an update of the sphere of influence for the district.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 7 October 2009
II. LONG VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
DISTRICT OVERVIEW
Service Area
The Long Valley Fire Protection District (Long Valley FPD) was formed in 1974 to provide fire protection to the communities in Long Valley, i.e. Sunny Slopes, Aspen Springs, Crowley Lake, McGee Creek, and Long Valley. The district boundaries include approximately 114 square miles of public and private lands along Highway 395 in Long Valley (see Figure 1).
Long Valley is bordered to the south by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, to the east by the Volcanic Tablelands, to the north by the Glass Mountains, and to the west by the Mammoth Lakes area.
Highway 395 provides the major access through the area. Crowley Lake Drive provides secondary access to local communities. Surface waters in the area include Lake Crowley and a number of streams throughout the valley. Topography in the area is characterized by the relatively flat floor of the valley, gently sloping hills to the sides of the valley floor and steep slopes above the hills. Vegetation on the valley floor includes pastureland and wetlands.
Vegetation on the surrounding hills includes sagebrush scrub, junipers, and pinyon pines.
The district covers a large disperse area along Highway 395, from the Highway 395 and State Route 203 junction in the northwest to Tom’s Place in the southeast. The district also provides service outside its boundaries, south along Highway 395 to milepost MNO 3.5 on the Sherwin Grade, up Rock Creek Canyon to Rock Creek Lake, and north on Benton Crossing Road. The district boundaries include the Mammoth Pacific Geothermal Plant, Mammoth Yosemite Airport, the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery, business and industrial uses at Sierra Business Park, resort uses at Convict Lake, recreational uses at Whitmore Park, housing and research facilities at the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Lab (SNARL), and a Caltrans road maintenance facility and housing. The communities in Long Valley, with the exception of Crowley Lake, include predominantly singlefamily residential development. Crowley Lake includes residential and commercial uses, a county park, community center and ball fields, county road facilities, and a water treatment facility. Tom’s Place also includes limited commercial uses.
Population Characteristics
Mono County GIS estimates that there are 1033 parcels in the district, including 504 developed parcels (residential or commercial parcels valued at $10,000 or more). The Long Valley FPD estimates that there are approximately 2000 residents within the district and 485 households receiving services.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 8 October 2009
Figure 1
Long Valley Fire Protection District Boundaries
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 9 October 2009
Population data from the 2000 US Census and California Department of Finance population estimates show the population of Long Valley to be 1,147 in 2000 and 1,170 in 2003 (Table 3, Mono County Housing Element). In 2000, 5 percent of the population in Long Valley was under 5 years old, 22 percent was 5-17 years old, 68 percent was 18 to 64, and 6 percent was over 65 (Table 8A, Mono County Housing Element). At that time, Long Valley had one of the highest percentages of school-age children and one of the lowest percentages of seniors in the unincorporated areas.
In 2000, there were 440 households in Long Valley (Table 12, Housing Element). Eighty-five percent of the households were owner-occupied and 15 percent were rented (Table 12, Housing Element). At that time, Long Valley had the lowest percentage of renters in the unincorporated area.
Services Provided
The district serves a full time residential population in the Crowley Lake communities as well as business and industrial uses at the Geothermal Plant, Mammoth Yosemite Airport, and Sierra Business Park, and travelers along Highway 395. It provides fire prevention/suppression and emergency medical response services, search and rescue, wildland firefighting, hazmat handling, technical rescue, hydrant testing, school safety programs, community education, permit approvals and development proposal reviews.
ISO Rating
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) is a private organization that supplies information used by underwriters to evaluate and price particular risks, including fire protection. ISO staff gathers information on individual properties and communities and, in turn, insurers use that information in underwriting personal and commercial property insurance, commercial liability and workers compensation policies. The ratings range from a score of 10 (no fire protection at all) to 1 (best fire protection possible). The ISO rating for the Long Valley FPD is 5/9. The LVFPD qualifies for and has applied for an 8B rating because the department is capable of pumping 200/gpm for 20 minutes and they have 4,000 gallons on wheels.
Land Ownership
The district includes private lands surrounded by large areas of public lands. Private lands are concentrated in the Crowley Lake communities. Much of the valley floor is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Inyo National Forest. Crowley Lake and the land surrounding it are owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which, along with the BLM, is the largest landowner in the district.
Surrounding Fire Protection Facilities
The closest fire protection district to the Long Valley FPD is the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District, which is located approximately 15 miles north of the district via US 395 and SR 203.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 10 October 2009
Fire Hazard
Wildfire hazards are considered to be one of the most prevalent natural hazards in Mono County due to their repeated occurrence, the damage they have caused in the past, and the geographically widespread nature of the hazard (Mono County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan). Most of the developed parcels in the Long Valley FPD are in areas identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) as Wildland Fire Hazard Areas (see Figure 2). Inyo County, U.S.F.S. and Inyo National Forest participated in the Wildland Hazard Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Mono County chose not to participate.
Planned Land Uses
The Mono County Land Use Element provides for substantial additional development in Long Valley, primarily in the communities along Crowley Lake Drive. The additional development allowed by the plan in community areas would be a mix of single-family residential uses, multiple-family residential uses, and commercial uses. Additional development is also proposed for the commercial and industrial uses in the northern part of the district (Mammoth Geothermal Plant, Sierra Business Park).
Additional development may also occur at Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Due to legal and environmental considerations, there is currently a building moratorium on all new construction at the airport. The Town of Mammoth Lakes, the owner and operator of Mammoth Yosemite Airport, plans to reestablish scheduled air service at the airport by December, 2008. When air service is resumed, the longterm future development plans for the airport may be amended.
Mono County Fire Safe Standards
The Mono County Fire Safe Standards (Chapter 22 of the Mono County Land Development Regulations) apply to new development in State Responsibility Areas, generally areas outside fire district boundaries. They are intended to provide the same practical effect as the State’s Fire Safe Regulations. The Fire Safe Standards establish basic wildland fire protection standards in the State Responsibility Areas of Mono County for emergency access; signing and building numbering; private water supply reserves for fire use; roof covering standards; and vegetation modification.
Fire Safe Council
Fire safe councils are non-profit organizations created to advise citizens how best to deal with the threat of wildfires to homes, communities and natural resources in the urban/wildland interface. Fire safe councils provide information on creating defensible space around structures, creating fire safe landscaping, and provide home inspections. The Eastern Sierra Regional Fire Safe Council provides fire safe information to homeowners and communities throughout Inyo and Mono Counties. Many communities in Mono County have local fire safe councils. An attempt was made to form a local fire safe council within the boundaries of the Long Valley Fire Protection District. That attempt was sponsored by the Long Valley Regional Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) but failed due to insufficient community support.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 11 October 2009
Figure 2
Long Valley Wildland Fire Hazard Areas
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 12 October 2009
District Issues of Concern
The district has indicated a number of ongoing needs to support its services, including:
• working with the Town of Mammoth Lakes to develop a comprehensive public safety infrastructure to support development at Mammoth Yosemite Airport; • improving communication between the county, the town, and the district; • training and keeping an adequate volunteer force of EMTs; • obtaining a paramedic ambulance for the area;
• complying with CAL-OSHA requirements for volunteer fire departments; • additional support in the County Auditor’s office which acts as the accounting department for all fire districts in the county except the Mammoth Lakes FPD; and • conducting county business that pertains to the volunteer fire departments at a time when volunteers can participate without taking time off from their regular employment. • The LVFPD is audited annually and contracts with a private contractor to conduct the audit.
District Planning
The district has a Strategic Plan, a five-year Master Plan, and a five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). In addition, the district commissioned a Development Impact Fee Nexus Calculation Report to assess land use and long range needs and to proposed projects to meet those needs.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 13 October 2009
DISTRICT SERVICES
Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Response
Structural fire protection is provided from the district’s main fire station in Crowley Lake. The district has a second small station at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery, where one engine is housed. Two volunteers live at the fish hatchery. The district has one career firefighter and 30-35 volunteer firefighters. There are approximately 75 fire hydrants within the district. The district estimates that 90 percent of the populated area within the district is accessible within 5 minutes and the remaining 10 percent of the populated area is accessible within 10 minutes. As a result, the average response time to an emergency within the district is approximately 5 minutes. The district also responds to calls south along the Sherwin Grade area of Highway 395 to the sand shed (MNO 3.5) and to calls in Rock Creek Canyon south to Rock Creek Lake. They also attends calls on Benton Crossing Road to Wildrose Summit and to the end of Rock Creek Road in Inyo County. AB 1004 prohibits fire departments from billing for services.
The district provides emergency medical response with 12 of the volunteer firefighters qualified as EMT1s. All volunteers receive formal training in emergency medical response. Fourteen of the volunteers have completed First Responder Training and one is qualified as an EMT Paramedic. The County Division of Emergency Medical Services does not operate a paramedic ambulance in Long Valley; the nearest ALS ambulance is in Mammoth Lakes.
All district personnel are trained in HazMat response and Wildland Firefighting. Ten personnel have received training in technical rescue techniques including low angle, swiftwater, and ice rescue. The district also reviews development proposals and building permits, tests active systems and hydrants, and provides school safety programs, CPR training, and fire safe/wildland fire prevention information.
Mutual Aid and Service Agreements
Mono County contains eleven fire protection districts, all of which belong to a county fire service association and are party to a countywide mutual aid agreement. The agreement formalizes the procedure for each district to send personnel and equipment to fires and emergencies beyond district boundaries when needed. The districts have also established informal service areas for the unserved private lands that are outside of any local fire protection district. These informal service areas reflect a recognized moral – not legal – responsibility of the districts to assist in the protection of life and property in such areas.
The district maintains an automatic aid agreement with the Mammoth Lakes FPD and a sphere of influence agreement with the Bishop Fire Department covering areas located outside of both districts. The district also maintains assistance by hire with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the US Forest Service (USFS), and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF).
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 14 October 2009
Table 1: Long Valley Fire Protection District Services and Programs Type of Service Provider Service Capacity and Other Notes Fire Services
Fire Suppression All Staff
Residential Inspection Staff
Commercial Inspection Staff
Burn Permits Not provided
Fire Safe Inspections Staff
Hydrant Inspections Staff
Defensible Space/Brush
Reduction Staff
HazMat Staff All staff trained
Rescue Services
Swift Water Rescue Staff 20 trained
Rope Rescue Staff 20 trained
Extrication/Vehicle Rescue Staff 30 trained
Medical Services
Basic Life Support 12 EMTs 1 EMT Paramedic
First Responder 14 First Responders
Other Safety Services and Programs
Public Education Program Staff
School Programs Staff
Community Activities Staff CPR training
Development
Plans Review Chief
Permit Approval Chief
Will-Serve Letters Chief
Infrastructure and Facilities
District facilities include the main fire station in Crowley Lake and a second station at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery. The district also owns a parcel of land in Sunny Slopes on which it intends to build an additional fire station.
District equipment includes the following: four engines/pumpers, one water tender three rescue vehicles, two are capable of patient transport, and two command vehicles. Seventy-five percent of the equipment was purchased new; the remainder was purchased used.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 15 October 2009
In addition, the district has safety equipment for all volunteers, including personal alert safety systems (PASS) and personal protective clothing (PPE), as required by Federal, State and local laws and standards, including those established by OSHA and NFPA. The district has 30 selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Table 2: Long Valley Fire Protection District Facilities Existing Facility:
Type/Size
Year Built or
Remodeled Facilities Characteristics
Main Fire Station
Crowley Lake
Latest remodel
in 2003
7 bays, 3 baths,
kitchen, 2 bedrooms,
day room
Master Facilities Plan contains
projects and improve facilities at the
Main Fire Station
Hatchery Station
Hot Creek --- 2 bays only
1 engine kept there, 2 volunteers live
at the Hatchery
Table 3: Long Valley Fire Protection Equipment and Vehicles Vehicle/Year/Model Capacity & GPM1 Location and Other Notes Ford Expedition SUV Command Vehicle
Ford Bronco Command Vehicle
Rescue Vehicle BLS equipment, no patient
transport
Rescue Vehicle BLS equipment, patient transport
Engine 1000 gpm, 1000 gallons
Engine 1000 gpm, 500 gallons
Engine 750 gpm, 500 gallons
Engine To be utilized as a rserve engine
and for major incidents
Water Tender 500 gpm, 3200 gallons
Communications
Fires and medical emergencies are dispatched to the Long Valley FPD from the Mono County Sheriff’s Office in Bridgeport via the county’s 911 emergency system. The district currently contains no cell phone towers and cell coverage is inadequate. The district has complete internet access. The district has indicated that it has a need to replace some of its pagers and handheld radios as they age. The LVFPD and Los Angeles Department of Water and power are pursuing an agreement to construct a cell tower at the station.
Administration and Staffing
1 GPM= gallons per minute.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 16 October 2009
The district is managed by an elected board of commissioners. The board meets once a month at the main fire station. Notice of meetings is posted on the outside bulletin board at the Main Station and at the public bulletin board at the Crowley Lake Store. Minutes are posted on the bulletin board at the main station.
The district is staffed by a fire chief, an assistant chief, a division chief for equipment, a clerk/secretary, and 30-35 volunteer firefighters. The volunteers receive training on a regular basis (approximately 10 hours a month), covering a wide variety of topics. The training officer arranges for qualified instructors. The district also participates in multi-agency drills run by the Mono County Fire Chief’s Association. Volunteers also attend seminars and training courses outside of the district.
Service Activity
The Long Valley FPD responded to 99 calls in 2005. The Long Valley FPD’s service calls are 41 percent emergency medical calls and 35 percent vehicle accident calls.
Table 4: Long Valley Fire Protection District Call Log--2004 Incident Type Summary Number of Responses Percentage (%) Structural 6 6%
Vehicle Accident 35 35%
Emergency Medical 41 41%
HazMat 2 2%
Rescue 3 3%
Wildland Fire 4 4%
False Alarm 1 1%
Other 7 7%
TOTAL 99 100%
Funding and Budget
The Long Valley Fire Protection District relies heavily on property tax revenue for its funding, with fire mitigation fees providing a much smaller source of revenue. The district has one outstanding loan which will be paid off in 2013. The building loan is expected to be paid in full by December 2009 and the new rescue vehicle is a ten year loan.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 17 October 2009
Table 5: Long Valley Fire Protection District Funding, FY 2007-2008 Revenues
Tax Allocation $314,540
Homeowners Exemption 793
Interest 20,756
Fire Mitigation Fees 49,729
Other 39,375
Total Revenues 425,193
Expenditures
Equipment: Lease Payment 52,243
Service and Supplies 255,398
Insurance 22,772
Total Expenditures 330,413
Revenues Over Expenditures 94,780
Note: Unknown impact on the LVFPD with the current downturn of the economy.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 18 October 2009
III. SERVICE REVIEW ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATIONS
Government Code §56430 requires the analysis of nine factors when assessing the capabilities of public service agencies. Each of the required factors is discussed below as it pertains to fire protection districts in general and the Long Valley Fire Protection District specifically.
1. Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies
Overview
Purpose: To evaluate the infrastructure needs and deficiencies of a district in terms of capacity, condition of facilities, service quality, and levels of service and its relationship to existing and planned service users
The infrastructure elements of fire protection and emergency services include facilities (stations), rolling stock (engines and ambulances), dispatch systems, water supplies and roadways. Service also depends on trained personnel.
In the context of fire and emergency services, infrastructure needs and deficiencies are indicated by facilities that do not provide adequate capacity to accommodate current or projected demand for service in the affected area. Adequacy of service can be measured by reviewing response times, coverage, mutual aid, staffing and the underlying water and roadway systems.
Long Valley FPD--Facilities
The Long Valley FPD currently has two fire stations, the main station in Crowley Lake and an auxiliary station at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery. The district’s Master Facilities Plan contains plans to upgrade the main fire station in Crowley Lake to include 24-hour housing capability in order to meet the demands of development at General Plan buildout, to participate in the construction of a fire station at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport in order to serve the demands of development in the more northerly area of the district, and to construct a station in on a parcel of land the district owns in Sunny Slopes to serve development there. There is currently a building moratorium at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport so the district is utilizing the station at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery for calls in the northern portion of the district.
Long Valley FPD--Apparatus and Other Equipment
Seventy-five percent of the district’s equipment was purchased new; the remainder was purchased used. The district’s Master Facilities Plan contains plans to purchase additional equipment to serve development throughout the district; specifically in the Sunny Slopes area and the Mammoth Yosemite Airport area.
Long Valley FPD--Personnel
The district has a current volunteer staff of 30-35. Currently, 15-20 volunteers are available to respond during the middle of the day. Although Long Valley has a large population of residents aged 18-64, the majority of them work outside of the community in which they live, either in Mammoth Lakes or Inyo County.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 19 October 2009
Long Valley FPD--Dispatch System
The emergency services dispatch system in Mono County is operated by the Mono County Sheriff’s office from facilities in Bridgeport. The district has indicated that improvements could be made in addressing and mapping for the district area, specifically the County’s parcel database should be in a format usable by the fire districts and discrepancies in 911 address data need to be corrected.
Mono County, along with the Town of Mammoth Lakes and emergency service providers throughout the county, is in the process of a 911 Addressing Project for the entire county.
Addresses are being input into the county’s GIS system and being field checked for accuracy.
Once the project is complete, 911 dispatchers in Bridgeport will see the location of a call displayed on an interactive map on their computer and will be able to describe the location more accurately and quickly to emergency services personnel.
Long Valley FPD--Roadways
The main access through the district is Highway 395, a paved, four-lane highway. Secondary roads within the district are primarily paved, two-lane county-maintained roads.
Long Valley FPD--Water Supply
Within the district, water is provided by several small water companies. There are approximately 75 hydrants in the district. In addition, the district owns a large water tender and intends to acquire a small water tender that has the speed necessary to respond along with a pumper.
Determinations
• The expansion and renovation of existing facilities will be needed to maintain or increase the quality of service provided by the district, as well as to serve development at buildout.
The district has planned for the required expansion and renovation of its facilities in its Master Facilities Plan.
• Accelerated development will place more pressure on the Long Valley FPD to augment its service capacities, particularly in the southeastern and northwestern portions of the district. Those areas of the district may require new and increased infrastructure. The district has planned for new infrastructure at Sunny Slopes and at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport; those projects are included in the Master Facilities Plan. • The replacement of aging equipment and/or the purchase of additional equipment will be needed to maintain or increase the quality of service provided by the district. The district has also planned for its future equipment needs in it Master Facilities Plan.
2. Growth and Population Projections for the Affected Area Overview
Purpose: To evaluate service needs based on existing and anticipated growth patterns and population projections.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 20 October 2009
Existing and Anticipated Residential Growth Patterns in Long Valley Residential development in the district is concentrated in the communities located in the southern portion of the district. Future residential growth is anticipated to occur primarily in and adjacent to existing developed residential areas. Aside from development in Crowley Lake, most existing and planned development will be single-family residential development. Existing and planned development in Crowley Lake includes single-family and multi-family residential development, commercial uses, lodging, and public facilities. The Mono County General Plan Land Use Element provides for the following buildout in the Long Valley:
Table 6: Buildout Figures for Long Valley
Land Use Designation Density Acres
Maximum
Potential
Dwelling Units
ER Estate Residential 1 du/acre 349 123a
RR Rural Residential 1 du/acre 143 24b & d
SFR Single-Family Residential 5.8 du/acre 339 896c
MFR-M Multiple-Family Residential – Moderate 15 du/acre 4 60 MFR-H Multiple-Family Residential – High 15 du/acre 9 135 MU Mixed Use 15 du/acre 37 555
C Commercial 15 du/acre 39 585
PF Public/Quasi-Public Facilities --- 34 ---
AG Agriculture 1 du/2.5 ac. 3 1
SP Specific Plan --- 80 114e
Total Private Lands 1,037 2,493
RM Resource Management – Federal/State --- 10,270 ---
OS Open Space – LADWP 1 du/80 acres 8,625 107
Total 19,932 2,600
Notes: du = dwelling unit
a. 10 acres designated ER 1.5 (1.5-acre min. lot size); 188 acres designated ER 3(3-acre min. lot size); 122 acres designated ER 5 (5-acre min. lot size).
b. 71 acres designated RR 10 (10-acre min. lot size); 69 acres designated RR 5 (5-acre min. lot size). c. 6 acres designated SFR 10,000 (10,000 square feet min. lot size); 179 acres designated SFR 15,000 (15,000 square feet min. lot size); 80 acres designated SFR 0.5 (0.5-acre min. lot size); 50 acres designated SFR 1 (1 acre min. lot size); 24 acres designated SFR 7,500 (7,500 sq. ft. min. lot size). d. 58 acres in Long Valley covers an area impacted by avalanches which requires special studies for development. No development plan has been submitted for that area. e. 80 acres in Hilton Creek is the Lakeridge Ranch Specific Plan, which permits the development of 114 single-family residences.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 21 October 2009
Commercial and Industrial Uses
The Long Valley FPD boundaries include a number of large commercial and industrial uses, spread out over the district. Some small-scale commercial and industrial uses are located in the Crowley Lake communities. Most of the larger commercial and industrial uses are located in the northern part of the district at Sierra Business Park, Mammoth Pacific Geothermal Plant, and in the vicinity of Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Additional development at the business park and the geothermal plant would be similar to existing development at those sites.
Additional development may also occur at Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Due to legal and environmental considerations, there is currently a building moratorium on all new construction at the airport. The Town of Mammoth Lakes, the owner and operator of Mammoth Yosemite Airport, plans to reestablish scheduled air service at the airport by December, 2008. When air service is resumed, the longterm future development plans for the airport may be amended.
Seasonal Population
In addition to the projected residential growth, Long Valley’s population experiences significant seasonal increases due to tourism, and to a lesser degree to second homeowners. Long Valley and surrounding areas accommodate large numbers of recreational users and are a vacation destination for outdoor and wilderness activities such as fishing and hiking. Should all of the planned development occur at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, the visitor population within the boundaries of the district will increase substantially.
While these visitors cause an increased demand for services such as emergency medical response, vehicular accident response, and search and rescue, there is no commensurate increase in revenues available to provide those services. Highway 395 also experiences heavy recreational use with traffic headed to Mammoth Lakes. Vehicular accidents on Highway 395 form a large component of the district’s responses.
Residential Population Projections
Population data from the 2000 US Census and California Department of Finance population estimates show the residential population in Long Valley to be 1,467 in 2000 and 1,497 in 2003.
In 2000, there were 440 households in Long Valley. The population in the Long Valley FPD is projected to increase to 1,865 by 2020 and 2,005 by 2030 (State Department of Finance Report P-3, Population Projections). Overall, the population in Mono County is aging. The median age in the unincorporated area increased from 33 in 1990 to 40.1 in 2000 (Mono County Housing Element). The number of seniors 65 years and older increased from 10 percent of the unincorporated population in 1990 to 12 percent in 2000. Of the communities in the county, Long Valley had a smaller size population of seniors 65 years and older and a larger population of school-aged children.
Determinations
• The Mono County General Plan Land Use Element allows for significant additional growth in the area served by the Long Valley FPD.
• Growth is anticipated to occur primarily in and adjacent to existing developed areas and to be primarily single-family residential development with a mix of multi-family residential development and commercial uses in Crowley Lake.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 22 October 2009
• The residential population in the area served by the Long Valley FPD is projected to increase to 1,865 by 2,020 and 2,005 by 2,030, creating an increased demand for fire and emergency medical services.
• The population will continue to age, creating an increased demand for emergency medical services.
• In addition to the projected residential growth, Long Valley’s population experiences significant seasonal increases due to tourism. If additional development occurs at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, the visitor population within the boundaries of the district may increase substantially.
• Visitors to the area will continue to increase demand for services such as emergency medical response and vehicular accident response while providing no commensurate increase in revenues available to provide those services.
3. Financing Constraints and Opportunities
Overview
Purpose: To evaluate factors that affect the financing of needed improvements.
Expenses for special districts generally fall into one of three categories: (1) acquisition of facilities and major capital equipment, (2) employee expenses, and (3) ongoing operations and maintenance costs. The primary criteria that should be considered when evaluating adequacy of potential funding sources is availability, adequacy to meet the need, equity between existing and future residents, stability, and ability to cover on-going operating and maintenance costs.
Long Valley FPD
The Long Valley FPD is dependent on property taxes as its single most important source of revenue, with fire mitigation fees as a much smaller source of revenue. In 2003, the district commissioned a Master Facilities Plan (MFP) to undertake a comprehensive identification of the capital projects and capital acquisitions necessary to preserve the existing levels of service currently provided for and paid for by the existing community as well as to provide for additional growth. The report also calculated the development impact fees necessary to fund those required projects. Following the completion of the report, the district adopted new development impact fees/fire mitigation fees. The district intends to periodically review and adjust the development impact fees in order to insure that the district collects sufficient funds to construct the additional infrastructure and obtain the equipment necessary to serve new development.
The district regularly applies for and receives grant funding. In recent years, the district has received the following grants:
BLM Fire Assistance 90/10 Grants—3 grants in the last 7 years totaling $45,000 CDF Rural Fire Assistance 50/50 Grants—3 grants in the last 7 years totaling $48,000 Office of Traffic Safety—2 grants totaling $26,000
The district notes that:
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 23 October 2009
“The Fire District annually applies for Grants from various sources for specific projects.
With the passage of time the Grant environment is changing and we anticipate fewer dollars available in the future. For example, the ‘Assistance to Firefighters’ grant program is funded until 2010 with no guarantee that it will be refunded. Long Valley has utilized the grants it has received to augment District equipment purchase dollars as part of the Districts efforts operate with equipment in compliance with NFPA Standards and CALOSHA requirements.
We will continue to utilize this approach and not anticipate using grant receipts to support other operational costs.”
(Long Valley FPD letter, October 20, 2007)
Determinations
• The Long Valley FPD’s future financing will continue to rely heavily on property tax revenues.
• The adequacy of property tax revenues to fund local facilities and services has steadily declined over time. There is a need to ensure that property tax assessments are kept current.
• It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain existing service levels as costs increase over time.
• The district recently developed a Master Facilities Plan and revised its Development Impact Fees in order to ensure that new development pays for the infrastructure and equipment necessary to provide service to that development. • There may be opportunities to coordinate with other fire districts and agencies to reduce costs.
4. Cost Avoidance Opportunities
Overview
Purpose: To identify practices or opportunities that may aid in eliminating unnecessary costs.
Cost avoidance opportunities are defined as actions to eliminate unnecessary costs derived from, but not limited to, duplication of service efforts, higher than necessary administration/operation cost ratios, use of outdated or deteriorating infrastructure and equipment, underutilized equipment or buildings or facilities, overlapping/inefficient service boundaries, inefficient purchasing or budgeting practices, and lack of economies of scale.
Long Valley FPD
Generally, in Mono County each community area is a discrete geographic area and, as a result, there is no duplication of service efforts or overlapping or inefficient service boundaries. Long Valley is its own discrete geographic area; the nearest community is Mammoth Lakes, approximately 10 miles to the north.
• The Long Valley FPD is managed and administered by an elected board of commissioners, a chief, assistant chief, division chief for equipment, a training officer and a part time board secretary, and volunteer firefighters. The department conducts joint training with other fire departments. As the level of cooperation among fire districts in the county has increased in recent years, the districts routinely share information and best
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 24 October 2009
practices in order to reduce or avoid unnecessary costs. One cost that is difficult to avoid is volunteer training because the state and federal government mandate required training and they also require mandatory equipment standards. Small districts may spend limited resources to train volunteer personnel only to have those qualified volunteers leave the district.
Since some of the district’s infrastructure and equipment is old, the district has developed a Master Facilities Plan, which contains plans to renovate and expand existing facilities as well as to develop new facilities to serve additional development. The district also has an equipment replacement plan.
Determinations
• Long Valley is a discrete geographic area within Mono County; there is no duplication of service efforts or overlapping or inefficient service boundaries. • The Long Valley FPD is a volunteer department with an elected board of commissioners—administrative costs are generally low.
• The district strives to keep operations and maintenance costs low by sharing services and training with other districts.
• Cooperation among fire districts is an important part of reducing costs. • The cost of volunteer training is unavoidable and may be lost when trained volunteers leave the district. A possibility exists for the district to offer benefit contracts so that a volunteer agrees to be with the district for a specific amount of time or to reimburse the district for training costs.
• Integrated planning, especially long range planning, is an important part of cost avoidance. The district has a Master Facilities Plan that addresses the demands imposed by growth within the district.
5. Opportunities for Rate Restructuring
Overview
Purpose: To identify opportunities to positively impact rates without decreasing service levels.
As noted in the Financing Constraints and Opportunities Section, funding for fire protection districts in Mono County relies heavily on property tax revenues combined with mitigation fees, augmentation funds, and other smaller revenue sources (grants, fundraisers, etc.). Each of these categories has inherent constraints that prevent an agency from restructuring them.
Long Valley FPD
Property taxes – In California, the maximum property tax assessed on any land is generally 1% of the property’s value.
Fire Mitigation Fees – The district charges development impact fees to offset the impacts of new development. Fees for a single-family residence are $2,157. All the other fire protection districts in the county charge mitigation fees ranging from $.30 to $.75 per square foot of new construction, or a set fee. The countywide average is $.63 per square foot. Set fees range from
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 25 October 2009
$832 in June Lake, with an additional fee for construction above 2000 square feet, to $3,119 in Wheeler Crest.
Grants – Grant money is a one-time source that is useful in funding certain special projects but may be too unreliable or variable for ongoing expenses or recurring needs. The district has applied for and received grant funding in the past.
Determinations
• All funding mechanisms have inherent limitations that may prevent their implementation, use or restructure.
• The Long Valley FPD should seek additional opportunities to reduce costs through cooperation and sharing with other agencies.
• The district should continue to seek grant funding.
6. Opportunities for Shared Facilities
Overview
Purpose: To evaluate the opportunities for a jurisdiction to share facilities and resources to develop more efficient service delivery systems.
Sharing facilities and resources can result in a more efficient and cost-effective delivery of resources.
Long Valley FPD
Due to the geographic distance between most communities in the county, sharing facilities is not possible. Fire districts do share resources through mutual aid agreements. The most beneficial sharing of resources to residents in the County is the practice of deploying the nearest resource to an emergency. While there are costs associated with mutual aid and/or automatic aid, there is a direct benefit when an agency can rely on its neighbors for support. This ensures that residents of the County can be assured that there will be someone who will respond to an emergency without regard to jurisdictional issues. The fire districts in Mono County tend to do this very well.
The Long Valley FPD shares resources in several other ways:
• They attend shared training sessions with other fire departments. • They maintain mutual aid agreements with BLM, CDF, USFS (for wildland fires), and all fire districts in the county through the fire chiefs association. • They attend monthly county fire chiefs meetings.
The Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan prepared for Mono County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes identified a number of mitigation measures to address fire hazard planning in the county’s communities. While the focus of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is on mitigation planning for wildland fire hazards, the mitigation measures identified in the plan apply to all fire hazards in the area, i.e.:
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 26 October 2009
Mitigation W-3: Review and, if necessary update, the County’s General Plan land use policies and regulations and building regulations to ensure that they address fire hazard planning as a component of the development process.
• Statewide California Building Code 7A incorporated into Chapter 22 of the Mono County General Plan.
Mitigation W-5: Develop community-level fire plans for communities throughout the county, utilizing resources and assistance from the California Fire Alliance. These fire plans should address the following:
• Developing an informed, educated public that takes responsibility for its own decisions relating to wildfire protection.
• Developing an effective wildfire suppression program for local communities. • Developing an aggressive hazardous fuel management program. • Revising land use policies and standards to ensure that they protect life, property and local resource values.
• Implementing construction and property standards that provide defensible space. • CWPP – Community Wildlife Community Plan.
• Each property owner has been sent California Public Resources Code for hazard mitigation.
Mitigation W-6: Develop and implement an ongoing countywide program to increase public awareness of wildland fire hazards.
Mitigation W-7: All communities and fire protection districts should participate in the Eastern Sierra Regional Firesafe Council.
Mitigation W-10: Help local landowners participate in the state’s Vegetation Management Program (VMP), when applicable. The Vegetation Management Program (VMP) is a cost-sharing program that focuses on the use of prescribed fire and mechanical means to address wildland fire fuel hazards and other resource management issues on State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands. At this time only LADWP properties qualify.
Mitigation W-10: Help local landowners participate in CDF’s hazardous fuel reduction program. At this time CDF does not have a hazardous fuel program – they will do inspections only.
Mitigation W-11: Help local groups of landowners participate in the BLM’s Wildland Urban Interface Grant Awards program for hazardous fuel reduction.
Responsibility for implementation of these mitigation measures lies with the County, the Regional Planning Advisory Committees, local fire protection districts, and the County Office of Emergency Services.
Determinations
• The largest impediment to greater sharing of resources and facilities in Mono County is geographic separation between fire protection districts. • Fire districts in Mono County can share resources through joint training sessions, shared purchasing, and the implementation of mutual aid agreements. • The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for Mono County contains a number of mitigation measures to address fire hazard planning in the county’s communities. While the focus of the plan is on mitigation planning for wildland fire hazards, the mitigation measures identified in the plan apply to all fire hazards in the area. Responsibility for
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 27 October 2009
implementing those fire hazard planning measures rests with the County, the Regional Planning Advisory Committees, and local fire protection districts. • USFS and BLM Federal Fuels Management projects adjacent to private land from Long Valley to Tom’s Place, including Sunny Slopes that provide an opportunity for sharing resources.
7. Government Structure Options
Overview
Purpose: To consider the advantages and disadvantages of various government structures to provide service.
Government Code §56001 declares that it is the policy of the State to encourage orderly growth and development essential to the social, fiscal, and economic well being of the State. The Code further states that “this policy should be effected by the logical formation and modification of the boundaries of local agencies, with a preference granted to accommodating additional growth within, or through the expansion of, the boundaries of those local agencies which can best accommodate and provide necessary governmental services.” For local agency consolidations to occur there has to be significant (and popularly desired) cost savings or an increase in service. For fire protection districts, consolidations might be recommended if any of the following would occur as a result of consolidation:
1. A reduction in the number of stations where service coverage might create unnecessary overlap.
2. An increase in the staffing of stations where currently staffing is limited.
3. An increase in staffing that reduces response times can be achieved.
4. A reduction in the number of senior administrative staff can be achieved.
5. Economies of scale for costly services can be attained.
Long Valley FPD
The Long Valley communities are isolated from the nearest fire district by 10-15 miles and terrain that is often hazardous in winter. The geographic constraints make it infeasible for the Long Valley FPD to consolidate with another FPD. The boundaries of the Hilton Creek Community Service District and County Service Area #1 are included within the boundaries of the Long Valley FPD. LAFCO policy generally promotes the consolidation of districts where they overlap; however, the districts overlap primarily in the community of Crowley Lake. The FPD serves a much broader area outside of the community. Consolidation between the districts is therefore not recommended.
Determinations
• In regions of the county with separate, distinct communities that are geographically remote from each other, public services are most logically provided by single purpose special districts rather than by a larger entity such as the county.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 28 October 2009
8. Evaluation of Management Efficiencies
Overview
Purpose: To evaluate the quality of public services in comparison to cost.
As defined by OPR, the term “management efficiency,” refers to the organized provision of the highest quality public services with the lowest necessary expenditure of public funds. An efficiently managed entity (1) promotes and demonstrates implementation of continuous improvement plans and strategies for budgeting, managing costs, training and utilizing personnel and customer service and involvement, (2) has the ability to provide service over the short and long term, (3) has the resources (fiscal, manpower, equipment, adopted service or work plans) to provide adequate service, (4) meets or exceeds environmental and industry service standards, as feasible considering local conditions or circumstances, (5) and maintains adequate contingency reserves. “Management Efficiency” is generally seen as organizational efficiency including the potential for consolidation.
The purpose of management is to effectively carry out the principal function and purpose of an agency. Good management will ensure that the agency’s mission is accomplished and that the agency’s efforts are sustainable into the future. Unfortunately, “good management” is a relatively subjective issue, and one that is hard to quantify.
Long Valley FPD
The Long Valley FPD is managed by an elected board of commissioners, a fire chief, and assistant fire chief. Management input is also provided during monthly Mono County fire chief meetings. Although the district is a relatively small district with limited physical, financial, and personnel resources, it has planned for the future in order to maintain its service level for existing customers as well as to meet the needs of future development.
The district has a Master Facilities Plan and an Equipment Replacement Plan. The district’s current ISO rating is 5/9.
Determinations
• The Long Valley FPD is managed by an elected board of commissioners, a fire chief, and an assistant chief, a division chief for equipment, a training officer and a part time board secretary.
• The district has planned for the future in order to maintain its service levels while providing for the needs of future development.
• The district has a Master Facilities Plan and an Equipment Replacement Plan.
9. Local Accountability and Governance
Overview
Purpose: To evaluate the accessibility and levels of public participation associated with an agency’s decision-making and management processes.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 29 October 2009
Special districts such as fire protection districts are required to adopt budgets at open public meetings and to file their budgets with the county auditor. They are required to have annual or biennial independent audits. Districts are subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act for meetings, agendas and minutes. They are also subject to the Public Records Act.
Complying with the minimum open meeting and information requirements is not sufficient to allow an adequate amount of visibility and accountability. Outreach efforts, including convenient meeting times, additional notice of meetings and dissemination of district information, are desirable.
Long Valley FPD
The Long Valley FPD complies with the minimum open meetings and public information requirements. The board meets monthly at the main fire station. Meeting notices and agendas are posted at the main fire station and at the Crowley Lake Store. Minutes are posted at the fire station. The Long Valley FPD also utilizes the recently installed Crowley Area Information System radio service to provide the community with information about fire district activities.
When the district is considering the adoption or amendment of ordinances that could affect specific groups within the community, the district strives to inform those groups of the proposed action. For example, when the district proposed amendments to the most recent edition of the California Fire Code, the local Contractors Association was informed of the proposed amendments.
The district provides fire education and CPR classes in Crowley Lake.
Determinations
• The Long Valley FPD complies with the minimum requirements for open meetings and public records.
• The district seeks to inform the community and affected groups of district activities. • The district provides educational classes in Crowley Lake.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 30 October 2009
IV. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE RECOMMENDATION
In determining the sphere of influence for each local agency, Government Code §56425 requires the Local Agency Formation Commission to consider and prepare a written statement of its determination with respect to four required findings. Each of the required findings is discussed below as it pertains to the Long Valley Fire Protection District.
1. Present and Planned Land Uses
Discussion:
Present land uses in the area served by the Long Valley FPD include residential, commercial, and public uses in the communities located in the southern portion of the district and larger commercial and industrial uses located primarily in the northern portion of the district. The Mono County GIS estimates that there are 1033 parcels in the district, including 504 developed parcels (residential or commercial parcels valued at $10,000 or more). Population data from the 2000 US Census and California Department of Finance population estimates show the population in Long Valley was approximately 1,467 in 2000 and 1,497 in 2003. In 2000, there were 440 households in Long Valley.
The Mono County General Plan Land Use Element provides for the following buildout in Long Valley:
Table 6: Buildout Figures for Long Valley
Land Use Designation Density Acres
Maximum
Potential
Dwelling Units
ER Estate Residential 1 du/acre 349 123a
RR Rural Residential 1 du/acre 143 24b & d
SFR Single-Family Residential 5.8 du/acre 339 896c
MFR-M Multiple-Family Residential – Moderate 15 du/acre 4 60 MFR-H Multiple-Family Residential – High 15 du/acre 9 135 MU Mixed Use 15 du/acre 37 555
C Commercial 15 du/acre 39 585
PF Public/Quasi-Public Facilities --- 34 ---
AG Agriculture 1 du/2.5 ac. 3 1
SP Specific Plan --- 80 114e
Total Private Lands 1,037 2,493
RM Resource Management – Federal/State --- 10,270 ---
OS Open Space – LADWP 1 du/80 acres 8,625 107
Total 19,932 2,600
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 31 October 2009
Notes: du = dwelling unit
a. 10 acres designated ER 1.5 (1.5-acre min. lot size); 188 acres designated ER 3(3-acre min. lot size); 122 acres designated ER 5 (5-acre min. lot size).
b. 71 acres designated RR 10 (10-acre min. lot size); 69 acres designated RR 5 (5-acre min. lot size). c. 6 acres designated SFR 10,000 (10,000 square feet min. lot size); 179 acres designated SFR 15,000 (15,000 square feet min. lot size); 80 acres designated SFR 0.5 (0.5-acre min. lot size); 50 acres designated SFR 1 (1 acre min. lot size); 24 acres designated SFR 7,500 (7,500 sq. ft. min. lot size). d. 58 acres in Long Valley covers an area impacted by avalanches which requires special studies for development. No development plan has been submitted for that area. e. 80 acres in Hilton Creek is the Lakeridge Ranch Specific Plan, which permits the development of 114 single-family residences.
Additional development may also occur at Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Due to legal and environmental considerations, there is currently a building moratorium on all new construction at the airport. The Town of Mammoth Lakes, the owner and operator of Mammoth Yosemite Airport, plans to reestablish scheduled air service at the airport by December, 2008. When air service is resumed, the longterm future development plans for the airport may be amended.
In addition to the projected growth, Long Valley’s population experiences significant seasonal increases due to tourism, and to a lesser degree to second homeowners. Long Valley and surrounding areas accommodate large numbers of recreational users and are a vacation destination for outdoor and wilderness activities such as fishing and hiking. Should all of the planned development occur at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, the visitor population within the boundaries of the district will increase substantially.
Finding:
Present land uses in the area served by the Long Valley FPD include residential, commercial, and public uses in the communities in the southern portion of the district and commercial and industrial uses in the northern portion of the district. The planned land uses for community areas are similar with future development concentrated primarily within and adjacent to existing development. If additional development occurs at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, the visitor population within the boundaries of the district may increase substantially.
2. Present and Probable Need For Public Facilities and Services Discussion:
Increased development throughout the district’s service area will create an increased need for fire protection services now. The buildout allowed by the General Plan will create a greater demand for those services in the future. In addition, development at Mammoth Yosemite Airport maycreate substantial additional demand for emergency services. Additional development may also occur at Mammoth Yosemite Airport. It should be noted that the Federal Aviation Commission will not allow building in the no fly zone.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 32 October 2009
Finding:
The Long Valley FPD has an existing and continuing need for public facilities and services to serve the increasing and planned development in the area.
3. Present Capacity of Public Facilities and Adequacy of Public Services Discussion:
The district has no latent powers; fire protection is the only service it is authorized to provide.
The district provides adequate services with its existing facilities, infrastructure, and personnel.
Its ISO rating is 5/9. The district has identified a number of needs to continue to provide adequate service as well as to serve additional development, i.e.: additional fire stations, additional communications devices, newer apparatus to replace some existing trucks, additional apparatus to serve new development and funding to provide all of the above.
Finding:
The district currently provides an adequate level of service but has identified a need to improve both its facilities and services in order to serve additional development and to improve services to existing development.
4. Social or Economic Communities of Interest
Discussion:
The communities and scattered development in Long Valley interact socially and economically with the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Interaction with other communities and regions in Mono County is limited due to the physical distances involved and the lack of commercial and social centers in other communities. Mammoth Lakes is the only incorporated community in the County; services there are provided by the Town and several special districts. Although residents of Long Valley share social and economic communities of interest with Mammoth Lakes, the physical distance between the communities and the fact that one is an incorporated entity and the others are not make the interdependence of the communities irrelevant in determining the sphere of influence for the district.
Finding:
The district area exhibits social and economic interdependence with Mammoth Lakes, the only incorporated community in the County. However, since Mammoth Lakes is an incorporated community and Long Valley is part of the county’s unincorporated area, that interaction is not relevant in establishing the sphere of influence for the Long Valley FPD.
Sphere of Influence Recommendation
The Sphere of Influence for the Long Valley Fire Protection District should remain as it is, coterminous with the boundaries of the district.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 33 October 2009
The Long Valley Fire Department sphere includes the area north of Highway 203 and they have no desire to change the scope of their sphere at this time.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 34 October 2009
Reorganization Recommendation
Mammoth Yosemite Airport, which is owned and operated by the Town of Mammoth Lakes, is located within the boundaries of the Long Valley FPD. Currently, both the Long Valley FPD and the Mammoth Lakes FPD respond to emergencies at the airport and have similar response times to the airport. The Long Valley FPD and the Mammoth Lakes FPD have established agreements to enhance response levels in the airport vicinity.
The Town of Mammoth Lakes, as the FAA permitted airport operator, has the responsibility for aircraft firefighting and rescue. Long Valley FPD has responsibility for structural fire protection, although the district also responds to all incidents involving aircraft. The Long Valley FPD has a small auxiliary station at the Hot Creek Fish Hatchery, which is intended to provide additional coverage in response to recent development at the airport until additional facilities can be completed at the airport.
The airport is an island of property owned by the Town of Mammoth Lakes, outside of the Town boundaries. Town governmental departments fulfill administrative, managerial, and operational functions at the airport. The Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District is a special district and a separate legal entity from the Town of Mammoth Lakes. As such, it would not be appropriate for the Mammoth Lakes FPD to assume responsibility for structural fire protection at the airport.
However, should the Mammoth Lakes FPD become a town department, then the town’s fire department should assume responsibility for structural fire protection at the airport.
Section 56001 of the California Government Code states that:
The Legislature also finds that, whether governmental services are proposed to be provided by a single-purpose agency, several agencies, or a multipurpose agency, responsibility should be given to the agency or agencies that can best provide government services.
If a change in service provider appears warranted, such a change should occur only with the support of the Long Valley FPD and only when it can be demonstrated that service will be improved by the change of provider.
Long Valley Fire Protection District -- Municipal Service Review 35 October 2009
V. REFERENCES
References Consulted
California State Department of Finance
Demographic Research Unit
Population and housing estimates and projections
California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
Cortese-Knox Act
Guidelines on Municipal Service Reviews
Long Valley Fire Protection District
Letter from Fred Stump, Chief, dated October 20, 2007.
Mono County Community Development Department
911 Addressing Project, Mono County & Town of Mammoth Lakes. An Introductory Look at the Project, Including Needs, Goals, and Process.
Mono County, Division of Emergency Medical Services
Staff Report: Emergency Medical Services Workshop for the Tri-Valley. June 20, 2006.
Mono County Local Agency Formation Commission
Long Valley Fire Protection District Sphere of Influence Report, February 1987.
Mono County Planning Department
Mono County General Plan. 1993.
Mono County General Plan, Revised Land Use Element and Land Development Regulations. 2001.
Mono County Housing Element. 2004.
Mono County Master Environmental Assessment. 2001.
Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for Mono County and Mammoth Lakes. 2006.
Revenue and Cost Specialists, LLC
Development Impact Fee Nexus Calculation Report for the Long Valley Fire Protection District. 2003.
The Housing Collaborative LLC et.al.
Eastern Sierra Housing Needs Assessment. 2004.
Persons Consulted
Long Valley Fire Protection District
Fred Stump, Chief
1 TOWN COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Title: 2025 Town Council Strategic Planning Series – Presentation of Key Initiatives for refinement
Meeting Date: February 5, 2025
Prepared by: Rob Patterson, Town Manager
Pam Kobylarz, Assistant to the Town Manager
Haislip Hayes, Public Works Director
Stu Brown, Parks & Recreation Director, PIO
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a presentation from staff and provide consensus comments edits on major categories and individual task points as developed from offsite meeting of January 22, 2025.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On November 6, 2024, the Town Council began the Strategic Planning Series (SPS) with the goal of adopting a one-page statement defining the Council’s Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives for 2025.
The order and outline of the planned Strategic Planning Series are as follows:
November 6, 2024 - Overview of Strategic Planning Series and review of public comments received from the Town’s 40th Anniversary Visioning Exercise November 20, 2024 - Town Core Services Update
December 4, 2024 - Review 2023 Town Council Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives
December 18, 2024 - Presentation and review of major policy, projects, planning efforts and workplan items.
January 15, 2025 – Input from the public to inform the Town Council’s Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives for 2025.
January 22, 2025 - Strategic Planning Workshop to discuss and determine 2025 strategic priorities.
February 5, 2025 - Presentation of draft 2025 Strategic Priorities and Key Initiatives for refinement
February 19, 2025 – Final review and format
March 5, 2025 – Final Adoption
The Town Council has been working through strategic planning efforts for the last few months. This effort has included receiving information from staff and the community to
2 frame the focus for 2025. While this effort does focus on the next 12 months, all activity is building toward a long-term vision for the community.
On January 22, 2025, the Town Council conducted an offsite meeting to review these various data points, combined with their own vision for the future. This meeting was a facilitated discussion with several goals for the day. Leading up to this effort, Town Council members were interviewed by the facilitator to determine the focus and desired outcomes from this time together. The first session of the day included a discussion on the goals for the day and feedback received from these interviews. The morning session was an opportunity for the Town Council to work on team dynamics and a better understanding of why each member was dedicating their time to the community through their service on Council. This understanding was instrumental in a visioning exercise conducted in the late morning to pause and see our community and how it may evolve with changing climate and technology. This was accomplished through a few group exercises with broad topics presented and an opportunity to work together to formulate a long-term (20-year) vision for the Town of Mammoth Lakes. By focusing on this long-term vision, goals and work plans for near term efforts started to take shape.
In the afternoon session, the Town Council spent 2.5 hours working through group exercises to identify specific items focus points and how they may fit together. The individual discussions helped to form common areas of interest. These common topics were later used as group headings for a larger discussion. As all items were placed into these groups, both staff and the attending public were able to address these groups and items for additional context. The last 30 minutes included a reflection on the events of the day as well as the next steps that staff would take to bring forward a draft document of strategic priorities for 2025. This staff report is the working draft of those efforts and an opportunity for the Town Council to review and provide guidance to refine the work plans.
With the broad range of topics, this document contains more information than will fit in the final document, so more work will be needed to bring the final Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives forward for adoption. As staff assembled these notes, it was important to give each area as much descriptive detail as possible to illustrate intent. The purpose of this discussion with the Town Council is to confirm that our interpretation of these topics are adequately captured in this document. As part of the presentation, staff will cover each item individually, seeking confirmation or suggested edits for clarification. Staff is confident that through input received on this item, a final product will start to take shape.
On February 19th, staff will provide a summarization of these items in the suggested format along with language for both short-term and long-term vision statements. At that meeting, final wordsmithing and edits will be captured for a final adoption on March5th.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION:
Below you will find the key groups and their individual work plan for review. All aspects of this document are under review and should be adjusted. Staff will provide summaries and a descriptive 2-3 sentences under each heading, to describe the goal of that section. To provide clarity in the process staff used to arrive at these focus points, staff have included the meeting notes from the January 22nd meeting as attachments to this agenda item.
3 Community Investment to enhance growth, development and quality of life for our citizens
Continue implementation of the Town's Housing Now! initiative program to deliver a mix of community housing opportunities with a strategic focus on the "missing middle"
Complete construction of the childcare facility on College Parkway. Identify and contract with an operator for the facility that will coordinate with other service providers to deliver a comprehensive childcare program town wide. Work with State partners on the implementation of middle and last mile fiber project. Investigate leveraging new fiber infrastructure to provide free townwide public Wi-Fi network.
Work with partners to expand the capabilities and capacities of community foundations to support Town initiatives.
Continue townwide beautification efforts that showcase the beauty of our environment and pride we have in our town. Augment wayfinding, and mobility planning and upgrades that reflect an efficient and well-organized community.
Invest in the Town’s recreation infrastructure and deliver high-quality, affordable and sustainable recreation programming and amenities
Initiate development of a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will help to inform future Measure R and Measure U expenditures by including updated goals and policies and an analysis of the supply, demand and needs for park and recreation facilities and services within and surrounding the Town of Mammoth. Provide and enhance access, availability and affordability of multi-purpose, yearround, indoor and outdoor recreation Parks and Recreation amenities in Mammoth Lakes accessible to all residents and visitors.
Expand discounted in-person, limited sale Membership and Play Pass products and maximize access to summer camps/programs and further expand availability of products and services for families.
Work with Federal partners to provide temporary assistance in their time of need and transition: Ensure staffing level are appropriate to meet community expectations; Implement the sustainable recreation program; Manage recreation amenities on Federal Lands to deliver the visitor experience necessary for our success.
4 Community resiliency and protection through project identification and implementation
Augment the Town’s emergency management operations efforts and develop effective coordination with partners.
Enhance fire safety and resiliency through a collaborative and integrated framework with federal, regional, and local partners including support of ESCCRP and community wide efforts.
Complete comprehensive update of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) incorporating winter 22/23 After Action Review implement strategies and incorporate new mitigation projects to protect the community Increase utilization of the Airport facilities in a role that will protect the community.
Partner with federal, state, and local partners to provide air resources for firefighting and EMS rapid transit.
Investigate opportunities to improve emergency management within the Town including the implementation of mitigation measures, staff and community training, and public engagement and outreach.
Develop a wildlife action and education plan, including implementation of proactive wildlife management strategies, including review of current practices, Municipal Code updates, and working with partners on outreach and education. Actively engage in the development of the biomass facility.
5 Augmentation of Municipal Services to support a vibrant, cohesive community Increase community engagement and outreach efforts, including a focus on Spanish-language offerings and Latino community engagement. Review and update snow management plans to reflect changing community needs and technology enhancements. Identify a long-term solution for snow storage for our community.
Maintain long-term financial stability to ensure support for strategic community investments and resilience and long-term maintenance and sustainability of capital investments and services.
Monitor changes to State and Federal policies to address our changing political climate to ensure we appropriately adjust programs/policies to meet local objectives.
Provide 24/7 police staffing levels and continue evaluating public safety needs. Conduct comprehensive review of all Town plans and determine priority of future plan updates. Focus on how these plans integrate with each other, seeking cohesive, “connective points” for seamless integration.
Develop a comprehensive strategy to update the Town’s vision statement, planning documents and fee schedules. This process should serve to identify potential sites for future projects, potential locations for a permanent outdoor event site and potential locations for in-town staging for both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities.
Review and evaluate development impact fees (DIF) to maximize community benefits.
Focus on reducing our impact on the natural environment including implementation of plastic water bottle ban and identifying funding sources and contracting to develop a Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP).
Review and update codes and policies related to E-bikes, MUPs, Sidewalks and parking to improve efficiency and safety.
Continue to implement the Town’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and complete community facilities to enhance programs and services including mobility elements, the Community Recreation Center and park enhancements.
Continue construction of the Town Hall project targeting a late summer 2026 completion date and continue to invest in the Mammoth Arts and Cultural Center.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive a presentation from staff and provide consensus comments edits on major categories and individual task points as developed from offsite meeting of January 22, 2025.
1 Feb 5, 2024
Presentation of Key Initiatives for refinement
Strategic Planning Process
November 6, 2024 - Overview of Strategic Planning Series and review of public comments received from the Town’s 40th Anniversary Visioning Exercise
November 20, 2024 - Town Core Services Update
December 4, 2024 - Review 2023 Town Council Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives December 18, 2024 - Presentation and review of major policy, projects, planning efforts and workplan items.
January 15, 2025 – Input from the public to inform the Town Council’s Strategic Priorities and Key Objectives for 2025.
January 22, 2025 - Strategic Planning Workshop to discuss and determine 2025 strategic priorities. 2
January 22 Workshop
3
Town Council Strategic Priority Categories
Current TC Priority Categories Proposed TC Priority Categories Investment in Community Focused Projects Community Investment Enhance Sustainability and Diversity of Local Businesses and Tourism Economy
Recreation Infrastructure
Environmental Resiliency by Proactive Planning and Project Implementation
Community Resiliency
Implementation of Enhanced and Required Municipal Services Municipal Services 4
Town Council Priorities and Objectives
Capturing intent and concepts from the workshop
Short-term one-year outlook
Actionable objectives
Realistic scope
Work program vs. projects vs. priorities
5
Community Investment to enhance growth, development and quality of life for our citizens
Continue implementation of the Town's Housing Now! initiative program to deliver a mix of community housing opportunities with a strategic focus on the "missing middle"
Complete construction of the childcare facility on College Parkway. Identify and contract with an operator for the facility that will coordinate with other service providers to deliver a comprehensive childcare program town wide. Work with State partners on the implementation of middle and last mile fiber project. Investigate leveraging new fiber infrastructure to provide free townwide public Wi-Fi network. Work with partners to expand the capabilities and capacities of community foundations to support Town initiatives. Continue townwide beautification efforts that showcase the beauty of our environment and pride we have in our town.
Augment wayfinding, and mobility planning and upgrades that reflect an efficient and well-organized community. 6
Invest in the Town’s recreation infrastructure and deliver high-quality, affordable and sustainable recreation programming and amenities Initiate development of a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan that will help to inform future Measure R and Measure U expenditures by including updated goals and policies and an analysis of the supply, demand and needs for park and recreation facilities and services within and surrounding the Town of Mammoth. Provide and enhance access, availability and affordability of multi-purpose, year-round, indoor and outdoor recreation Parks and Recreation amenities in Mammoth Lakes accessible to all residents and visitors. Expand discounted in-person, limited sale Membership and Play Pass products and maximize access to summer camps/programs and further expand availability of products and services for families. Work with Federal partners to provide temporary assistance in their time of need and transition: Ensure staffing level are appropriate to meet community expectations; Implement the sustainable recreation program; Manage recreation amenities on Federal Lands to deliver the visitor experience necessary for our success. 7
Community resiliency and protection through project identification and implementation
Augment the Town’s emergency management operations efforts and develop effective coordination with partners. Enhance fire safety and resiliency through a collaborative and integrated framework with federal, regional, and local partners including support of ESCCRP and community wide efforts. Complete comprehensive update of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) incorporating winter 22/23 After Action Review implementation strategies and incorporate new mitigation projects to protect the community Increase utilization of the Airport facilities in a role that will protect the community. Partner with federal, state, and local partners to provided air resources for firefighting and EMS rapid transit. Investigate opportunities to improve emergency management within the Town including the implementation of mitigation measures, staff and community training, and public engagement and outreach. Develop a wildlife action and education plan, including implementation of proactive wildlife management strategies, including review of current practices, Municipal Code updates, and working with partners on outreach and education. Actively engage in the development of the biomass facility. 8
Augmentation of Municipal Services to support a vibrant, cohesive community
Increase community engagement and outreach efforts, including a focus on Spanish-language offerings and Latino community engagement.
Review and update snow management plans to reflect changing community needs and technology enhancements. Identify a long-term solution for snow storage for our community.
Maintain long-term financial stability to ensure support for strategic community investments and resilience and long-term maintenance and sustainability of capital investments and services. Monitor changes to State and Federal policies to address our changing political climate to ensure we appropriately adjust programs/policies to meet local objectives.
Provide 24/7 police staffing levels and continue evaluating public safety needs. Conduct comprehensive review of all Town plans and determine priority of future plan updates. Focus on how these plans integrate with each other, seeking cohesive, “connective points” for seamless integration. 9
Augmentation of Municipal Services to support a vibrant, cohesive community (continued)
Develop a comprehensive strategy to update the Town’s vision statement, planning documents and fee schedules. This process should serve to identify potential sites for future projects, potential locations for a permanent outdoor event site and potential locations for in-town staging for both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. Review and evaluate development impact fees (DIF) to maximize community benefits. Focus on reducing our impact on the natural environment including implementation of plastic water bottle ban and identifying funding sources and contracting to develop a Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP). Review and update codes and policies related to E-bikes, MUPs, Sidewalks and parking to improve efficiency and safety. Continue to implement the Town’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and complete community facilities to enhance programs and services including mobility elements, the Community Recreation Center and park enhancements. Continue construction of the Town Hall project targeting a late summer 2026 completion date and continue to invest in the Mammoth Arts and Cultural Center.
10
Next Steps
Incorporate Town Council consensus
Refine and consolidate objectives
Formatting
February 19, 2025 – Final review and format
March 5, 2025 – Final Adoption
11
Agenda Item ________
File No. ____________
AGENDA BILL
Subject: Councilmember Reports
Initiated by: Jamie Gray
______________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND:
Each member of the Town Council is appointed to serve as a Town representative to a number of committees, commissions, and organizations.
These groups meet infrequently and from time to time the representatives will report to the rest of the Council at a regularly scheduled meeting.
In addition, Councilmembers on occasion participate in meetings, conferences and seminars, and their reports on these educational opportunities are of benefit to the rest of the Council.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
California Government Code requirements pertaining to the open meeting act stipulate that all items for discussion must be listed on the agenda before the matter can be discussed and/or acted upon. To meet this requirement, and the intent of the Brown Act, Councilmember Reports are listed on each agenda to allow representatives to report to the rest of the Council at these meetings.
The following is a list of the commission/committees on which members of the Council serve:
Land Use:
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) – Rice, Truax, and Bubser as alternate
Airport Land Use Commission – Rice, Truax, and Bubser as the alternate Mono County Collaborative Planning Team (CPT) – Senior Planner Kim Cooke and Bubser and Truax as alternates
Intergovernmental Relations:
Town and County Liaison Committee – Bubser, Rice, and Town Manager and Sauser as alternate
Desert Mountain Division of the League of California Cities – Sauser and Town Manager as alternate
Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG) – Bubser, Wentworth, and Sauser as alternate
Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District – Wentworth and Bubser as alternate
League of California Cities City Voting Delegate – Bubser and the Town Manager as the alternate
California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Board – Truax and Assistant to the Town Manager as alternate
Transportation:
Local Transportation Commission (LTC) – Bubser, Sauser, and Truax; Town Manager as alternate
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) Board – Bubser and Sauser Local Issues:
Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Board – Wentworth
Mammoth Lakes Recreation (MLR) Board – Truax
Eastern Sierra Community Housing Board – Rice
Treasury Oversight Committee – Finance Director; Town Manager as alternate LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS:
According to the California Open Meeting Act, commonly referred to as the Brown Act, the agenda must reflect every matter to be discussed by a governing body.
RECOMMENDATION(S):
This agenda bill is submitted for information only.