Town Council - November 19, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Councilmember Truax attended the meeting remotely from 1702 State Street, Meeteetse, WY 82433.
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
Pat Foster led the flag salute.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Public Comment portion of the agenda provides the public with an opportunity to address the Town Council on matters not otherwise listed on the agenda. Under California law the Town Council is prohibited from generally discussing or taking action on items not included in the agenda; however, the Town Council may briefly respond to comments or questions from members of the public. Therefore, the Town Council will listen to all public comment, but will not generally discuss the matter or take action on it. Requests for service from the Town may also be made at the Town offices during regular business hours. Members of the public desiring to speak on a matter appearing on the agenda should ask the Mayor for the opportunity to be heard when the item comes up for Council consideration.
Brianna Goico, President & CEO of the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Mammoth Community Foundation, gave an update regarding current Chamber and Foundation activities. There was discussion among members of Council and Ms. Goico.
Billy Stade introduced the concept of activating a space in the peninsula to be used as a winter Town square. He asked for a conditional use permit.
Lynda Salcido, Mono County Board of Supervisors, spoke about the Pack Fire and expressed appreciation to the Town of Mammoth Lakes and other agencies that helped during the emergency.
4. TOWN COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS
4.1 Recognition of Records Supervisor Krystle Stewart for 10 years of service to the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
Chief Dan Casabian thanked Ms. Stewart for her years of service to the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
4.2 Recognition of Fleet Superintendent Lon Adams for retirement and twenty-five years of service to the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
Public Works Director Haislip Hayes and other Town staff members thanked Mr. Adams for his years of service.
5. WORKSHOP
5.1 Workshop with the Board of Mammoth Lakes Tourism to review fiscal year 2024-25 accomplishments.
1. Joint Meeting MLT Fall 2025(1).pdf
2. Marketing Year in Review - FY24-25(1).pdf
3. Town Deliverables FY24-25(1).pdf
Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Board Members Mary Beth Ericson, Tom Parker, Cristi Quesada-Costa, Kirk Wallace, Treasurer John Morris, Secretary John Mendel, and Chair Pat Foster were in attendance. MLT Vice Chair Eric Clark was absent.
John Urid, MLT President & CEO, announced that he will be leaving MLT to go to Visit Huntington Beach and his last day at MLT will be December 19th.
Mr. Urdi, Betsy Truax, MLT Vice President of Community Engagement, Ally Watson, MLT Public Relations Manager, Laura Wattles, Content Marketing Manager, Samantha Lindberg, MLT Senior Marketing Manager, and Sarah Winters, MLT Vice President of Marketing, gave a presentation regarding the annual report. There was discussion among members of Council, the MLT Board, and staff.
6. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Opportunity to add urgency items pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)2, if necessary.
There were no additions to the agenda.
7. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
7.1 High Sierra Energy Foundation (HSEF) update presented by Pam Bold, HSEF Executive Director.
1. HSEF_20 Years_TOMLpptx.pdf
Ms. Bold gave a presentation regarding the HSEF update. There was discussion among members of Council and Ms. Bold.
8. REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND/OR DEPARTMENTS (AS NEEDED) Ales Tomaier, Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District Fire Chief, and Town Manager Rob Patterson spoke about the response to the Pack Fire. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
8.1 November 2025 Public Works Engineering CIP Update.
1. November 2025 Public Works Engineering CIP Update.pdf Councilmember Wentworth asked questions regarding the CIP Update and Public Works Director Haislip Hayes responded to the questions.
9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
9.1 Receive a presentation on enforcement efforts related to trash and wildlife issues.
1. Trash Spill Enforcement.pdf
Town Manager Rob Patterson, Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff, Police Chief Dan Casabian, Police Services Technician Ryan Tanaka, and Code Compliance Officer Mike Martyr gave a presentation regarding trash and wildlife issues. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
The Mayor called a recess at 6:31 p.m. and the Council reconvened at p.m. 6:35 p.m.
9.2 Receive a presentation and discuss the draft Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.
1. Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Review Draft.pdf
2. Mono_County_MJLHMP_TC.pdf
Assistant to the Town Manager Pam Kobylarz gave a presentation regarding the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Seconded by
Councilmember Bill Sauser
Approve the Consent Agenda.
For (5)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Carried (5 to 0)
10.1 Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 5, 2025.
1. November 5, 2025 Minutes.pdf
10.2 Approve the resolution authorizing the removal of the real property located at 165 Old Mammoth Road, Unit 53 in the Sierra Manors Condominium complex from the rental market and authorizing the sale of the unit under the Town’s Housing Now! BRIDGE Program
1. Sierra Manor 53 Sale Authorization.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - TC Resolution for the sale of Sierra Manors Unit 53.pdf
10.3 Continue approval of emergency contract for Town Yard Waste Oil Tank Replacement.
1. Approval to Continue Emergency Installation of Aboveground Waste Oil Tank .pdf
2. R25-48.pdf
10.4 Accept Check Register 10/30/25 in the amount of $439,607.75. Accept Check Register 11/6/25 in the amount of $1,542,269.81.
1. Check Register 10302025.pdf
2. Check Register 11062025.pdf
11. 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.
11.1 Public hearing for consideration of an appeal of the October 8, 2025 Planning and Economic Development Commission decision to approve the 54 Mono Street Apartments entitlement application consisting of Use Permit 24-003, and Design Review 24-006, and
1. 54 Mono Appeal.pdf
2. Staff Report.pdf
3. Attachment A - TC Resolution.pdf
4. Attachment B - Appeal Application.pdf
5. Attachment C - Applicant Response to Appeal.pdf
6. Attachment D - Project Plans and Materials.pdf
7. Attachment E - Conditions of Approval for TPM 36-158 .pdf
8. Attachment F - TOML Access Easement Letter 2023.12.21.pdf Adjustment 25-005.
The Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m.
Councilmember Sauser announced a conflict since his property was close to the proposed project, recused himself, and left the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Town Attorney Andy Morris outlined the rules that apply to the Council's decision regarding the appeal.
Assistant Planner Gina Montecallo gave a presentation outlining the information in the staff report.
Keith Erickson, appellant, said that he did not want to share his driveway with the proposed project and should not have to since he had a recorded exclusive easement.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Hanif S. P. Hirji, representing owner of proposed project, spoke in favor of the proposed project.
There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Paul Rudder, representing the Ericson's, spoke in support of the Ericson's efforts to appeal the decision of the Planning and Economic Development Commission (PEDC).
Pete Miner, owner of 28 Mono Street, said that he was the property owner adjacent to the easement which would affect his quality of life. He encouraged the Town to allow a separate driveway.
Bipin Morari, owner of 54 Mono, said that the PEDC had already checked all of the details asked the Town Council to not continue the item. There was discussion among members of Council and Mr. Morari.
Brent Cooley, worked with Mr. Morari on project and general manager of local hotel, the matter will be resolved in their favor in court. Town Council does not get to take sides in the matter and they met obligation of the Town's rules.
Kimberly Erickson, appellant, said that they were promised exclusive use of the driveway when they bought their property. She spoke in support of appealing the PEDC decision.
The Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:52 p.m.
There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
The Mayor called a recess at 8:11 p.m. and the Council reconvened at 8:22 p.m.
There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Councilmember Sauser returned to the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Moved by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Continue the public hearing to December 17, 2025.
For (3)
Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, and Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice Against (1)
Councilmember Brent Truax
Conflict (1)
Councilmember Bill Sauser
Carried (3 to 1)
12. POLICY MATTERS
12.1 Consider a second amendment to the terms of the contract with Placemate to operate the Lease to Locals program.
1. L2L Contract Extension 2.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Lease to Locals Extension Memo.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Lease to Locals Presentation 2025.11.19.pdf Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff introduced Isaac Landman, Placemate. Mr. Landman gave a presentation regarding the request for a second amendment to the contract with the Town.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ulla-Britt Libre, The Sheet, asked questions about the Lease to Locals Program. Mr. Landman responded.
There was discussion among members of Council.
Moved by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Direct
the Town Manager
to execute a second
amendment to the
Placemate
contract to
:
(1) make the contract term subject to the availability of program funding; (2) adjust the performance-based administrative fee to $2,200 per property; and (3) increase the program rent limits by 20%.
For (4)
Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Against (1)
Councilmember Bill Sauser
Carried (4 to 1)
12.2 Air Service Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Inyo County, Town of Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes Tourism, and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to provide funding for Air Service, Minimum Revenue Guarantee for Commercial Air Service at Bishop Airport (BIH)
1. Air Service MOU - BIH.pdf
2. ESAA Commercial Air Service Cost Sharing Agreement Town.pdf Councilmember Truax announced a conflict, recused himself, and left the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Councilmember Truax returned to the meeting at 9:11 p.m.
Moved by
Councilmember John Wentworth
Authorize the Town Manager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding defining the agency relationships in delivering funding for commercial air service at Bishop Airport.
For (4)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, and Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice Conflict (1)
Councilmember Brent Truax
Carried (4 to 0)
12.3 Pre-Audit Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2024-25, including June 30, 2025, Fund Balances and Fiscal Year 2025-26 Quarter 1 budget adjustments.
1. Staff Report - FY 2025-26 Fund Balance Quarter 1 Update FINAL.pdf
2. FY25-26 Fund Balance.pdf
3. 11.5 Resolution Mid-Year Budget Amendment A.pdf
4. FY25-26 Budget Amendments Q1.pdf
Finance Director Megan Chapman and Town Manager Rob Patterson gave a presentation outlining the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.
Moved by
Councilmember Bill Sauser
Seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
Receive the pre-audit actual financial presentation for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and adopt the resolution amending the FY25-26 budget as recommended in Attachment A.
For (5)
Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember John Wentworth, Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember Brent Truax Carried (5 to 0)
13. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
1. Councilmember Reports.pdf
Informational reports from Councilmember representatives on committees, commissions, and organizations; general reports on Councilmember activities.
Councilmember Sauser attended the Town employees annual Winter Weather Get Together (WWGT) event.
Councilmember Truax attended the Mammoth Lakes Recreation Board meeting.
Councilmember Wentworth attended the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District meeting, the Sierra Jobs Recreation Tourism Working Group meeting, and the Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rice attended the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
Mayor Bubser attended the Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, the Town County Liaison meeting, and the Eastern Sierra Wildfire Alliance meeting.
14. CLOSED SESSION
14.1 Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6.(a), Conference with Labor Negotiators, the Town Council will meet with its representatives, Town Manager Rob Patterson, Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff, Human Resources Manager Amanda Pelham, and Jack Hughes, Partner with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, with respect to the following Employee Organizations: Mammoth Lakes Police Officers Association.
At 9:44 p.m. the Mayor announced that the Council would be entering into closed session for purposes as stated in the agenda.
15. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN AFTER CLOSED SESSION
The Council reconvened from closed session at 9:56 p.m. and announced that there was no reportable action taken.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The Town Council will adjourn to a regular meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
The Council adjourned the meeting at 9:56 p.m.