Chair Jeremy Goico said that Memorial Day Weekend was a success for Black Tie and that it was good to see a lot of people in Town. Chair Goico reported that he had employees as well as clients report that they had come across several abandoned campfires around the Scenic Loop, Shady Rest/Inyo Crater area and in the forest, many of which were ringed with dry wood. He spoke about fire safety and said that he would like to speak with Town of Mammoth Lakes (TOML) Trails Manager Joel Rathje with regard to how to follow up on this problem. He said that he had spoken with members of the Mammoth Lakes Police Department (MLPD) about visitor behavior and was told that the tourists had been great, however, there had been a few issues with locals and the recent TikTok BB gun challenge.
Secretary John Mendel said that he was troubled by Chair Goico's comments and reported that he sits on the Fire Commission. Mr. Mendel said that he felt selling pallets of firewood in Town was contributing to the campfire issue and reminded everyone that the Forest Service had the ability to close the Forest down if they felt the fire risk was too high.
Board Member Larry Crabb reported that his business was down 30% in May, but the Memorial Weekend had been busy. Mr. Crabb said that he was concerned about this summer and future summers with regard to an economic downturn/recession.
Board Member Deb Radcliffe said that a recession could be beneficial to the Town in the way of visitation from our drive market versus air travel due to the expense of flying out of the area. Ms. Radcliffe reported that there was a lot of traffic in The Village and at local restaurants over the weekend and said that she was excited to see people engaged and outdoors.
Board Member Bill Sauser reported that he had been out of town over the holiday weekend. Mr. Sauser said that there were miscommunications with campers and that most of the people on the Scenic Loop were camping illegally. He said that many were locals that were living there, not tourists dispersed camping and said that we may need to work with the Forest Service on enforcement.
Treasurer John Morris reported average numbers at Snowcreek for Memorial Day Weekend. Mr. Morris said that TOML Administrative Services/Finance Director Rob Patterson would present information at tonight's Town Council meeting with regard to certifying properties, potential changes to business tax certificates, and encouraged everyone, especially those in the lodging industry to listen in. He reported that Mr. Patterson had recently attended a Lodging Steering Committee meeting and had discussed changes to enforcement and how Short Term Rentals (STRs) worked. He announced that the driving range at Snowcreek was open daily and said that he hoped the golf course would open by July 4th, however, they were dealing with supply chain and equipment issues.
There was discussion among members of the Board.