Town Council of Mammoth Lakes

Minutes of Regular Meeting

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 3:15 P.m. - 10:15 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, 
• and Councilmember John Wentworth 

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1.

INTERVIEWS

The Town Council will interview the applicants for the Planning and Economic Development Commission as follows:

3:25 p.m. Billy Deaver

3:40 p.m. Steve Shatkin

Members of the Town Council conducted interviews with applicants Billy Deaver and Steve Shatkin.

2.

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes.

3.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

David Eichman, Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce Interim Director, led the flag salute.

4.

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.

Kim Anaclerio, Mammoth Lakes Recreation (MLR) Executive Director, announced that the public comment period for the Sherwins Area Recreation Plan (SHARP) 3 was open through May 3rd. Ms. Anaclerio thanked Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) for the funding for the environmental analysis and said that additional information with links to the project and public comment page could be found on info on MLR's homepage. She announced that there would a Mammoth Trails Community meeting tomorrow at the Community Center on Forest Trail from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

David Eichman, Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce Interim Director, introduced himself and gave an update regarding current Chamber activites.

Lynda Salcido, Mono County Board of Supervisors, announced that Mono County had published their first Annual Report and provided copies of it to staff and Council.

Lena Martinson said that she had recently purchased an Electric Vehicle (EV) and said that she was happy to have attended an Inyo County Board of Supervisors meeting recently to see that they had an EV charging plan and were asking for public comments about it. Ms. Martinson said that she wondered if Mammoth had an EV charging plan.

5.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

Opportunity to add urgency items pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(b)2, if necessary.

There were no additions to the agenda.

Town Manager Rob Patterson reported that the Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Board did not have a quorum for the joint workshop, therefore it would not be a joint meeting but rather a Council meeting with a discussion with some members of the MLT Board and the President and CEO.

6.

WORKSHOP

6.1

Joint workshop with the Board of Mammoth Lakes Tourism to discuss strategic focus and funding.

Councilmember Truax recused himself from this item and left the meeting at 4:15 p.m.

MLT Chair Pat Foster, Board Members John Morris and Tom Parker, and President and CEO John Urdi joined the members of the Council for this item.

Mr. Foster spoke about the process of the creation of the MLT Strategy and Deliverables presentation.

Mr. Urdi outlined the information in the MLT Strategy and Deliverables presentation.

There was discussion among members of Council, the MLT Board, and staff.

7.

COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

7.1

Recognition of Deputy Airport Manager Sierra Waugh for 10 years of service.

Councilmember Truax returned to the meeting.

Town Manager Rob Patterson thanked Ms. Waugh for her years of service.

8.

REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND/OR DEPARTMENTS (AS NEEDED)

Office of Outdoor Recreation Manager Lawson Reif gave an update regarding current office of outdoor recreation activities. There was discussion among members of Council, staff, and Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District (MLFPD) Fire Chief Ales Tomaier. 

Mono County Health Officer Dr. Tom Boo spoke about the three recent Hantavirus deaths in Mono County. Dr. Boo reported that the Eastern Sierra had the highest level of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) cases in the State and provided additional information about the virus and discussed his concerns. He announced that Mono County and Inyo County in collaboration with the local hospitals and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) would hold a joint Hantavirus Community Forum via Zoom tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. There was discussion among members of Council, Dr. Boo, and staff.

9.

STAFF PRESENTATIONS

9.1

Discussion of Summer Wildfire Mitigation Work and New CalFire Hazard Severity Zones Map.

Office of Outdoor Recreation Manager Lawson Reif, USFS Forest Fire Management Officer for the Inyo National Forest Chance Traub, and MLFPD Division Chief Mike McCarthy outlined the information in the Summer 2025 & Future Fire Mitigation Work Presentation. There was discussion among members of Council and staff. 

MLFPD Fire Chief Ales Tomaier provided information regarding hazard concerns at the Mill City site and adjoining areas.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Stacy Corless thanked the Town and partners for engaging in wildfire issues and asked for policy consideration on wildfire risk to support a ban on campfires outside of designated campgrounds.

Dawn Vereuck reported that the Knolls neighborhood had started the process to become a Firewise Community and spoke in support of Ms. Corless' request to ban campfires outside of designated campgrounds. 

10.

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember Truax requested that Item 10.6 be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion.

Mayor Pro Tem Rice requested that Item 10.4 be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion.

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
  Seconded by Councilmember Bill Sauser

  Approve the Consent Agenda, with Councilmember Truax recused on Agenda Items 10.2 and 10.5.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

10.1

Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 2, 2025.

10.2

Waive the second reading and adopt by title only the Ordinance making the required CEQA and Municipal Code findings, and approving District Zoning Amendment 24-001 to amend the 2021 Amended Phase One Clearwater Specific Plan.

10.3

Waive the second reading and adopt by title only the Ordinance making the required CEQA and Municipal Code findings, and approving the Amended and Restated Snowcreek Development Agreement.

10.4

Award contract for the first phase of engineering design (PS&E) services for the Main Street Multi-Use Path (MUP) to Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

This item was removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

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

  Authorize the Town Manager to execute an agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for the first phase of engineering design (PS&E) services for the Main Street Multi-Use Path (MUP) and execute amendments to the contract, within the funding allocation, as necessary to advance project design.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

10.5

Extension of Marketing and Operational Support Agreements with the LA Kings Hockey Club, L.P., and JV Ice PV, LLC (ASEC). 

10.6

Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support from the Town of Mammoth Lakes to the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board for the designation of Hot Creek as an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW).

This item was removed from the consent for separate discussion.

Town Manager Rob Patterson and Town Attorney Andrew Morris 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

  Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support designating Hot Creek as an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) with the second paragraph amended to combine the first sentence with the last sentence and cut out the middle.

  For (3)	Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Councilmember John Wentworth
  Against (2)	Councilmember Bill Sauser, and Councilmember Brent Truax

  Carried (3 to 2)

10.7

Accept Check Register 3/27/25 in the amount of $139,504.78. Accept Check Register 4/1/25 in the amount of $403,796.51. Accept Check Register 4/2/25 in the amount of $650,899.97.

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

Conduct the public hearing and adopt the Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within Assessment District 93-1 (Juniper Ridge).

The Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:40 p.m.

Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the information in the staff report.

With no members of the public coming forward to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 6:42 p.m.

• Moved by Councilmember Bill Sauser
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice

  Adopt the Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessment within Assessment District 93-1 (Juniper Ridge) for the Fiscal Year 2025/26.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

11.2

Conduct the public hearing and adopt the Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within Assessment District 93-4, Zone 1 (The Bluffs) – Maintenance District No.1.

The Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:43 p.m.

Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the information in the staff report.

With no members of the public coming forward to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 6:44 p.m.

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
  Seconded by Councilmember Brent Truax

  Adopt the attached Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within the Bluffs Assessment District No 93-4, Zone 1 for the Fiscal Year 2025/26.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

11.3

Conduct the public hearing and adopt the Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within the special maintenance district Old Mammoth Road Benefit Assessment District No. 2002-1.

Councilmember Brent Truax recused himself from this item and left the meeting. 

The Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:46 p.m.

Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the information in the staff report.

With no members of the public coming forward to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 6:47 p.m.

Councilmember Truax returned to the meeting. 

• Moved by Councilmember Brent Truax
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice

  Adopt the attached Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within the Old Mammoth Road Benefit Assessment District No. 2002-1 for the Fiscal Year 2025/26.

  For (4)	Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, and Councilmember John Wentworth
  Abstain (1)	Councilmember Brent Truax

  Carried (4 to 0)

11.4

Conduct the public hearing and adopt the Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within the special maintenance district North Village Benefit Assessment District No. 2002-2, Zone 1.

The Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:49 p.m.

Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the information in the staff report.

With no members of the public coming forward to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 6:50 p.m.

• Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice
  Seconded by Councilmember Bill Sauser

  Adopt the attached resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within special maintenance district North Village Benefit Assessment District No. 2002-02, Zone 1 for the Fiscal Year 2025/26.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

11.5

Conduct the public hearing and adopt the Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within Benefit Assessment District No. 2014-1 (Mammoth View).

The Mayor opened the public hearing at 6:51 p.m.

Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the information in the staff report.

With no members of the public coming forward to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 6:53 p.m.

The Mayor called a recess at 6:54 p.m. and the Council reconvened at 7:02 p.m.

• Moved by Councilmember Brent Truax
  Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice

  Adopt the attached Resolution ordering the levy and collection of assessments within the Mammoth View Benefit Assessment District No. 2014-1 for the Fiscal Year 2025/26.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

12.

POLICY MATTERS

12.1

Appointment to the Planning and Economic Development Commission.

Mayor Bubser thanked the two applicants for their interest in the open position on the Planning and Economic Development Commission.

Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff spoke about the onboarding process for new planning commissioners. There was discussion among members of Council and staff. 

• Moved by Councilmember Brent Truax
  Seconded by Councilmember John Wentworth

  Appoint Billy Deaver to serve on the Planning and Economic Development Commission with a term expiring on July 31, 2026. 

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

12.2

Approve McCoy Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) Joint Development and Use Agreement with Kern Community College District (KCCD).

Town Manager Rob Patterson, Public Works Director Haislip Hayes, and Town Attorney Andy Morris outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Kendra Knight, Mammoth Lakes Foundation Executive Director, thanked the Town and Council for their support of this project.

• Moved by Councilmember Bill Sauser
  Seconded by Councilmember John Wentworth

  Authorize the Town Manager to finalize and execute a Joint Development and Use Agreement with Kern Community College District (KCCD) for the McCoy Arts and Cultural Center (MACC).

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

12.3

Approval of Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mono County Whitmore Recreation Area Joint Operations and Maintenance Agreement.

Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report.  There was discussion among members of Council and staff.

• Moved by Councilmember Bill Sauser
  Seconded by Councilmember Brent Truax

  Approve Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mono County Whitmore Recreation Area Joint Operations and Maintenance Agreement (“Agreement”), subject to final legal review and approval by Mono County.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

12.4

Initial review of Town planning efforts and introduction of the Parks and Recreation Master Planning process.

Public works Director Haislip Hayes, Community and Economic Development Director Nolan Bobroff, Parks and Recreation Director Stuart Brown, and Town Manager Rob Patterson outlined the information in the staff report. There was discussion among members of Council and staff.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Betsy Truax, Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Vice President of Community Engagement, reported that MLT had executed a contract for Destination Management Planning and had made their consultant aware of this process and believed some of the work in their process could help inform the Parks and Recreation Master Planning.

• Moved by Councilmember Bill Sauser
  Seconded by Councilmember John Wentworth

  Direct the Town Manager to form a Brown Act Advisory Committee that will function as the Town Council's body for the development of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and appoint Mayor Pro Tem Rice to the Committee and Mayor Bubser as an alternate to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) Advisory Committee.

  For (5)

  Mayor Chris Bubser, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, Councilmember Bill Sauser, Councilmember Brent Truax, and Councilmember John Wentworth

  Carried (5 to 0)

13.

COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS

Informational reports from Councilmember representatives on committees, commissions, and organizations; general reports on Councilmember activities.

Councilmember attended the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting, the Local Transportation Commission (LTC) meeting, the Chamber Luncheon at Parallax with a discussion on financial awareness, and the Business After Hours at the Hospital with CEO Tom Parker providing a construction update. 

Mayor Pro Tem Rice attended the Eastern Sierra Community Housing meeting.

Councilmember Wentworth attended the Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) Board meeting and provided an update on the California Jobs First program.

Mayor Bubser said that she would be meeting with Congressman Kiley on Friday regarding the adverse affects of the federal funding cuts on local communities. 

Councilmember Truax requested that Claire Murphy's name be added to the plaque at the back of the Council Chamber with the names of fallen Ski Patrollers.

Ms. Bubser recommended that tonight's meeting be adjourned in honor of fallen Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller Claire Murphy.

14.

CLOSED SESSION

At 8:22 p.m. the Mayor announced that the Council would be entering into closed session for the purposes as stated in the agenda.

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, and Human Resources Manager

Amanda Pelham with respect to the following employee associations: the Mammoth Lakes Police Officers’ Association and the Mammoth Lakes Police Supervisory Association.

15.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACTION TAKEN AFTER CLOSED SESSION

The Council reconvened from closed session at 9:00 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, May 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

The Council adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. in honor of fallen Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller Claire Murphy.