Town Council of Mammoth Lakes

Minutes of Special Meeting

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 4:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

437 Old Mammoth Road, Suite Z, Mammoth Lakes

Members Present:

• Mayor John Wentworth, 
• Mayor Pro Tem Bill Sauser, 
• Councilmember Chris Bubser, 
• Councilmember Sarah Rea, 
• and Councilmember Amanda Rice 

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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. Mono County Board of Supervisors Bob Gardner, Lynda Salcido, and Chair Rhonda Duggan were in attendance. 

2.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Forest Supervisor Fred Wong led the flag salute.

3.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments given at this time.

4.

POLICY MATTERS

4.1

Discussion and Direction on Extreme Weather 2022-2023 Emergency Response and Recovery.

Town Manager Daniel C. Holler outlined the information in the staff report and introduced Maria Figueroa, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Ms. Figueroa outlined the programs and services available from FEMA and at the disaster recovery centers set up in Mono County. There was discussion among members of Council, Ms. Figueroa, and staff.

Mono County Director of Emergency Management Chris Mokracek outlined the County's response and recovery efforts. 

Public Works Director Haislip Hayes outlined the Town's response and recovery efforts.

Bill Dunkelberger, Forest Supervisor for the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, spoke about their upcoming fuels reduction efforts. 

Fred Wong, Inyo National Forest District Ranger, outlined their response and recovery efforts. 

Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District Fire Chief Ales Tomaier outlined their response and recovery efforts. There was discussion among members Council, the Board, Chief Tomaier, and Building Official Tom Perry.

There was discussion among members of Council, the Board, and staff regarding an after action report. 

4.2

County Supervisors and Town Council Discussion and Direction on Wildfire Related Programs, Prevention, and Preparedness.

Mono County Fire Prevention Coordinator Wendi Grassechi gave an update regarding her current efforts. 

Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District Fire Chief Ales Tomaier gave an update regarding current District priorities. 

Councilmember Sarah Rea arrived at 5:33 p.m. 

Fred Wong, Inyo National Forest District Ranger, gave an update regarding staffing levels.

Bill Dunkelberger, Forest Supervisor for the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, gave an update regarding staffing levels and current programs.

Jennifer Martin, Inyo National Forest Fuels Planner, gave an update regarding her current work program.

Janet Hatfield, Whitebark Institute, gave a presentation regarding the,Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project progress and challenges.

Justin Nadler, Mono County Solid Waste Superintendent, outlined the current programs offered at the County's solid waste transfer stations.

Town Manager Daniel C. Holler and Mono County Director of Emergency Management Chris Mokracek gave an update regarding the Zonehaven evacuation tool, the upgraded communications system, ongoing education efforts, and the update to the joint Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

There was discussion among members of Council, the Board, staff, Chief Tomaier, Mr. Dunkelberger, Ms. Grassechi, Ms. Hatfield, and Mr. Wong

5.

ADJOURNMENT

The Council adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.