Dennis Freundt

The special meeting was called to order following the roll call and public comment session, which was subject to strict time limits and procedures regarding non-agenda items. The primary agenda item was a Planning Commission Continuing Education Training session facilitated by the Deputy City Attorney. The training covered the Role of the Planning Commission, including its jurisdiction over legislative recommendations (General Plan, Zoning Codes) and quasi-judicial matters (CUPs, Variances), as well as limitations on its jurisdiction (e.g., money, real estate transactions). Significant time was dedicated to reviewing the Brown Act, detailing what constitutes a meeting, exceptions, and enforcement. Further discussion focused on due process concerns, such as avoiding bias, pre-judging decisions, and proper hearing procedures, including the necessity of substantial evidence in the administrative record for determinations. The session also outlined rules of order for motions and covered foundational land use principles, including police power, state preemption, General Plan requirements, affordable housing mandates, specific plans, and the CEQA review process concerning mitigation and conditions imposition.

The Bishop Area Wastewater Authority Board of Directors meetings covered a range of topics including the approval of audited financial statements, updates on land acquisition from LADWP, the CWSRF agreement, and the development of RFQs for planning and design. Discussions also included a regional septage disposal plan, debriefs on wastewater treatment plant tours, and updates on the State Revolving Fund. The board addressed the potential for Inyo County to utilize BAWA as a backup for septage disposal, the need for economic analysis, and the possibility of amending the PER grant. Updates were provided on the JPA ad hoc committee and land acquisition from DWP.

The council discussed the structural evaluation of the A-Frame, potential enhancements for summertime overnight visitors, and various departmental activities, including updates from the Fire, Police, Public Works, Community Services, and Planning departments. The council also addressed the Rosa Fire, community updates such as the National Night Out and the Fall Community Citizens Academy, and infrastructure projects like the disconnection of Well 1. Additionally, the council discussed the housing study, parking study, and the structural engineer assessment of a building, as well as appointments to the Planning Commission, an agreement with Southern California Edison for streetlight conversion, and an introduction to the Water and Sewer Rate Study and Capital Improvement Plans.

The meeting included a presentation honoring the retiring City Administrator, Deston Dishion, for his 30 years of public service. The council also recognized the Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance for 25 years of community service. Department reports were presented by the Fire, Police, Public Works, Community Services, Planning, and Administration Departments. The council discussed parking requirements for Studio Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and directed staff to prepare two ordinance options for consideration. A future agenda item was requested to discuss upgrades to the volunteer firefighters' bathroom/restrooms. Council members reported on meetings and community events they attended, and current legislation related to trucking was mentioned for a future agenda item.

The Bishop City Council meeting included discussions and reports from various departments including Fire, Police, Public Works, Community Services, Planning, and Administration. The council discussed options for the future of the A-frame building at the City Park and directed staff to contract for a structural engineering report. An ordinance relating to regulating electric mobility devices was also addressed. A future public meeting was requested to continue discussions of the A-frame with the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Information Center Executive Board.