Michael Errante

The meeting agenda included discussions on the Airport Improvement Project, specifically updates on the RW12/30 Safety improvement project and the Beacon Project, noting the old beacon dates back to the WWII era. There was discussion regarding a meeting with the FAA concerning capital improvements, particularly crack-filling on Taxiway Alpha, where the FAA cited future abandonment plans as a reason for not funding the improvements. The successful delivery and operation of the 100 Low Lead Truck were reported. Availability of oxygen at KBIH versus KMMH was addressed. The Supervisor of Airport Operations report noted ongoing mowing/weed abatement, the filling of an Airport Technician position, and the retirement of Steve Karamitros. Public comment included a request to potentially reschedule future meetings due to conflicts and a note on high fuel usage during the Lone Pine Fly-In.

The special session of the Board of Supervisors began with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Following a brief period for public comment, the Board recessed into a closed session to discuss the evaluation of two public employees: the Environmental Health Director and the Health and Human Services Director. Upon reconvening in open session, it was reported that no action required public reporting was taken during the closed session. The meeting was subsequently adjourned.

The meeting agenda covered several key items, including the recognition of an employee for 10 years of service. The Consent Agenda involved the approval of a resolution designating the Inyo Council for the Arts as a California State Arts Council Partner and authorization for a significant purchase order for Kamstrup Water Meters to modernize water infrastructure in Laws, Independence, and Lone Pine. The Regular Agenda included a community update on the Bonanza Peak Solar Project, noting the removal of the battery energy storage system, an introduction to the new Tecopa Campground and Hot Springs Concessionaire (Flippin-Hamrick LLC), approval of new concession rates for the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground & Pools, and a workshop featuring updates from various entities like the Amargosa Conservancy and the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District. An addendum addressed the approval of a resolution in support of the proposed Amargosa Basin National Monument. Discussions during the October 21, 2025, meeting included updates on the Golden Mussel mitigation strategies, proposed changes to the Environmental Health fee schedule, and approval of an ICEA side letter and an interim CAO contract amendment.

The Board of Supervisors meeting agenda included the introduction of several new county employees from the Clerk-Recorder's Office and the Sheriff's Office. Consent agenda items involved the appointment of a new member to the Inyo Fish & Wildlife Commission, declaring election results from the November 8, 2022 Statewide General Election, ratifying an agreement for real property purchase in Lone Pine, approving an agreement for indigent legal defense services, adopting findings pursuant to AB 361 regarding the State of Emergency, ratifying a Standard Agreement for Local Public Health Emergency Preparedness, and approving an amendment to an agreement for Recycling & Waste Management services. Regular agenda items included a presentation on designating highway segments for combined use in Tecopa, adopting an interim ordinance temporarily suspending new short-term rentals, approving a contract for the Deputy Director for the Water Department, changing authorized strength in Health and Human Services, and amending the Office of Emergency Services Budget related to a Hazard Mitigation grant. A Closed Session was scheduled to discuss existing litigation and real property negotiations concerning local landfills.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss anticipated litigation. Key actions taken in open session involved the election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for calendar year 2018. Department reports included an update on the failing Independence Town Water System transmission main. New employees were introduced across multiple departments. The Board approved resolutions concerning the application for a Mosquito Surveillance Grant (RESO# 2018-01) and setting salary and terms for Management and Non-Represented Employees (RESO# 2018-02 and 2018-03). A bid was awarded for the purchase of a 10-wheel dump truck. Re-appointments were made to the Eastern Sierra Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. An amendment was approved for the Bishop Waste Contract. The Board accepted the 2018 committee assignments, with one member requesting no assignments, and appointed members to the Local Agency Formation Commission and the Great Basin Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors. Authorization was granted to hire seasonal field assistants for the Weed Management and Mosquito Abatement Programs, and to fill several vacancies within the Health and Human Services (HHS) department, including an Assistant Director and Specialists. A contract with New Jersey Prevention Network for WISE Program training was approved. The Sheriff's request to fill numerous positions (Lieutenant, Sergeant, Investigator, Corporal, Deputy, Correctional Officer) from the General Fund was approved. The Library was authorized to fill vacant Librarian and Coordinator positions. The Board voted to continue several existing local emergencies: "Here It Comes Emergency," "Rocky Road Emergency," "Land of EVEN Less Water Emergency," "Gully Washer Emergency," and "Death Valley Down But Not Out Emergency." Finally, the Board approved the rescheduling and consolidation of elections for the Lone Pine Fire Protection District and Sierra North Community Services District. The meeting recessed for a joint session with the Planning Commission to discuss draft proposed commercial cannabis ordinances, focusing on cultivation allowances in specific zones, setback requirements, and notification radii. Following public comment, the Board directed staff to return with a first reading of the ordinances incorporating the Board's December 5 recommendations and adding language to allow non-volatile manufacturing in Rural Residential zones.