Bishop public meetings in 2023

Planning Commission

The Bishop Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for an 80-room hotel at APN 008-360-09-00. The commission will review project documents and a resolution to approve the permit, with the hearing providing a scheduled opportunity for residents to submit comments on the proposed development. The body will also elect officers and approve routine meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit for APN 008-360-09-00 (Bishop Hampton Inn)
• Review of project proposal, site photos, and trip generation memo for the 80-room hotel
• Election of Planning Commission officers
• Approval of November 29, 2022 Planning Commission minutes
• Next regular meeting scheduled for December 27, 2023 at 301 West Line Street

City Council

The Bishop City Council will consider several consent and new business items, including approving a design task order for South Warren Street improvements, accepting the 2022-2023 audited financial statements, and authorizing a $48,000 communications contract. The Council will also discuss park facility use policies and elect a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for 2024.

• South Warren Street Improvements Design Task Order with a not-to-exceed amount of $55,500
• Approve expenditure up to $48,000 for Rojas Communications Group services ($4,000/month for 12 months)
• Accept the City's 2022-2023 audited financial statements
• Accept the Proposition 4 Calculations Report (Gann Appropriations Limit)
• Discussion and input on Bishop City Park Facility Use

City Council

The City Council will review several financial and project items, including a new vacuum truck and playground replacement. The agenda also includes a proclamation for Home Health and Hospice Care Week and updates from the Chamber of Commerce and Inyo County.

• Purchase of Vactor iMPACT Truck from Haaker Equipment Company not to exceed $449,232.11
• Front Playground Replacement Project purchase and installation not to exceed $115,218.48
• Amendment 3 to the Building Permitting and Inspection MOU with Inyo County
• Grant in Support Awards recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee
• Proclamation for Home Health and Hospice Care Week (December 4–8, 2023)

City Council

The City Council will consider approving a parking demand and land use study with a not-to-exceed amount of $154,140, and conduct the second reading of an ordinance to allow one-way alley access for delivery vehicles. The meeting also includes the swearing-in of new Fire Chief Bret Russell and presentations on a state award for the Specific Plan, a rural healthcare strategy, the Caltrans Bishop Pavements Project, and CERF funding through the Sierra Business Council.

• Consider approving $154,140 parking demand and land use study with Wood Rogers Inc.
• Second reading and adoption of ordinance for one-way alley access for delivery vehicles
• Swearing-in ceremony for new Fire Chief Bret Russell
• Presentation on Caltrans Bishop Pavements Project by Caltrans District 9
• Presentation on rural healthcare strategy for Inyo and Mono counties by NHHA

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Bishop Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss several items. They will receive an update on the Bishop Bike Park, review a proposal for the Front Park playground project (Option 1A), and consider a name change for Field 5. A presentation from the Bishop Union High School Student Senate on activities for teens and a field usage report will also be presented.

• Bishop Bike Park update
• Front Park Playground Project – Option 1A proposal
• Field 5 name change proposal
• Bishop Union High School Student Senate presentation on teen activities
• Field Usage Report

Parks & Recreation Commission Cancelled

The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting set for Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers was cancelled. No agenda items were considered or decided. Residents should note that no decisions or discussions took place at this meeting.

City Council

The City Council will meet on October 23, 2023, to discuss and vote on several items, including a closed session for the Police Chief's performance evaluation, a proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and multiple consent agenda items. Key decisions include approving design task orders for drainage and water main replacements with dollar amounts up to $127,395, and a first reading of an ordinance for one-way delivery access in an alley. The Council will also consider a California Natural Resources Urban Greening Grant agreement for community gardens.

• Design task order for Johnston Drive drainage design at $87,661
• Design task order for West Line Street water main replacement at $116,100
• Design task order for Downtown Bishop Parkways (Whitney Alley) design at $127,395
• First reading of an ordinance approving one-way access for delivery vehicles in the alley
• Authorization of CNRA Urban Greening Grant agreement and MOU with Friends of the Eastern Sierra Community Gardens

City Council Special Meeting

This is a special joint meeting of the Bishop City Council and the Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners. The sole substantive item is a closed session to interview candidates for the position of Fire Chief. The meeting includes public comment on closed session items only.

• Closed session under Government Code § 54957 for Public Employee Appointment: Fire Chief (Council and Commissioners to interview candidates)

City Council Meeting - CANCELLED

The Bishop City Council announced that the regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, 2023 has been cancelled. No agenda items were set for discussion. The next regular meeting will be on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, Bishop.

City Council Meeting - CANCELLED

The Bishop City Council regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2023 has been cancelled. No agenda items were considered. The next regular meeting is set for Monday, October 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, California.

City Council Meeting (Zoom Recording)

The Bishop City Council will consider a resolution supporting a Caltrans grant application to reconnect communities divided by highways, approve a $6,377 security and fire alarm upgrade for City Hall, and appoint Bret Russell as Fire Chief. The meeting also includes proclamations for Constitution Week, Hispanic Heritage Month, and California Native American Day, as well as annual reports from the tourism district and chamber of commerce.

• Resolution authorizing Eastern Sierra Council of Governments to apply for Caltrans Reconnecting Communities: Highways to Boulevards grant
• Purchase of security and fire alarm system upgrades for City Hall at $6,377.38 from Community Services budget
• Appointment of Bret Russell as Fire Chief and approval of his employment agreement
• Letter of intent to allow Brookside Estates Mutual Water Company to consolidate with City of Bishop
• Expense account budget reallocation for C.O.P.S. Fund

City Council

The City Council will discuss placing a moratorium on short-term rentals, a topic that has drawn public comments. The council will also consider reappointing Robert Lowthorp to the Planning Commission, receive a presentation on the Whitney Alley Design, and act on a consent calendar including budget adjustments and an agreement with the Bishop Unified School District for after-school programs.

• Discussion on placing a moratorium on short-term rentals
• Reappointment of Robert Lowthorp to the Planning Commission (term ending September 11, 2027)
• Presentation on Whitney Alley Design by Assistant Planner Ana Budnyk
• Budget adjustment and wage scale changes for Police Department Relief Communications Operator
• Agreement with Bishop Unified School District for after-school and summer program services

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

The Bishop Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve prior minutes, receive updates on the Bike Park project and Community Garden Urban Greening Grant, and conduct a reorganization by nominating and voting for a new Commission Chair and Vice Chair. The meeting includes routine public comment, correspondence, and a staff report on facilities and programs.

• Commission reorganization – nomination and vote for new Chair and Vice Chair
• Bike Park Project update (old business)
• Community Garden Urban Greening Grant update (old business)
• Approval of minutes from February 22, 2023 and May 24, 2023
• Staff report on facilities and programs

City Council

The City Council will consider approving a cost share agreement for multi-agency emergency response to the 2023 winter storms. Also up for action are the second reading of an ordinance adding vacant building nuisance regulations and a police vehicle lease not to exceed $1,000 per month per vehicle. The council will also discuss filling a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission.

• Second reading/adoption of ordinance on vacant building and storefront nuisances (Chapter 8.07)
• Police department communications operator job description approval
• Enterprise Fleet Management lease for two police vehicles, up to $1,000/month for 60 months each
• Cost share agreement for multi-agency emergency response to 2023 winter storms
• Filling a scheduled vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission (term ending Oct 28, 2023)

City Council

The City Council will hold a first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 8.07 to address vacant building and storefront nuisances. They will swear in newly hired Police Chief Nathaniel Derr and introduce Police Officer Robin Ludovico. Other actions include approving guidelines for the FY 2023-2024 Grant in Support Program, adopting an updated Conflict of Interest Code, and setting an interview committee for a Planning Commission vacancy. The consent calendar includes approval of minutes, budget reports, and agreements such as the 2023 Destruction Derby Agreement and a MOU for the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership.

• First reading of ordinance adding Chapter 8.07 on vacant building and storefront nuisances
• Swearing in of Police Chief Nathaniel Derr and introduction of Officer Robin Ludovico
• Approval of FY 2023-2024 Grant in Support Program guidelines
• Adoption of resolution updating the local Conflict of Interest Code (repealing Resolutions 2022-27 and 2018-18)
• Ratification of Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership (ESSRP) Memorandum of Understanding

City Council Special Joint Meeting with the Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners

The Bishop City Council and Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners are holding a special joint meeting. The main agenda item is a closed session to consider the appointment of a Fire Chief under Government Code § 54957. No other substantive business is scheduled.

• Closed session: Public employee appointment for Fire Chief

City Council Meeting - CANCELLED

The Bishop City Council regular meeting scheduled for April 24, 2023, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 8, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

• No items were discussed because the meeting was cancelled.

City Council Meeting - CANCELLED

The regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, July 10, 2023, has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 24, 2023.

City Council Meeting - Audio Recording ONLY (Click on "Video" to hear audio recording)

The City Council will decide on hiring a part-time accounting assistant to a full-time position, authorizing an IT support services agreement with Carmichael Business Technology, and designating voting delegates for the Cal Cities conference. Presentations include receiving a planning award for the Downtown Bishop Specific Plan and an update from Coast2Coast Public Safety on emergency medical services. The consent calendar covers approval of May financial reports, salary schedules, and budget adjustments.

• Approve hiring Jessica Ortiz to full-time Administrative/Accounting Assistant at Step 1 effective July 1, 2023
• Authorize information technology support services agreement with Carmichael Business Technology
• Discuss attendance and appoint voting delegate/alternate for Cal Cities Annual Business Meeting September 22, 2023
• Receive 2023 CAPA Central Section Comprehensive Planning Award for Downtown Bishop Specific Plan and Mixed-use Overlay
• Consent calendar includes May 2023 budget reports, warrant registers, salary schedules, and budget adjustments

City Council Special Joint Meeting with the Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners - Audio Recording ONLY (Click on "Video" to hear audio recording)

This special joint meeting of the Bishop City Council and the Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners includes a closed session to consider appointing a Fire Chief. In open session, the bodies will review a Fire Department assessment completed by ESCI. The meeting is primarily procedural aside from these two items.

• Closed session: Public employee appointment for Fire Chief (Gov. Code § 54957)
• Open session: Review of Bishop Fire Department assessment by ESCI

City Council Meeting

The Bishop City Council will consider adopting the proposed operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2023‑2024. Council members will also vote on the proposed Chief of Police employment agreement. Routine items on the consent calendar, including several budget adjustments and procurement contracts, will be approved by a single motion. The meeting includes public comment, proclamations, department reports, and updates from the County of Inyo.

• Adopt FY 2023‑2024 operating and capital budget
• Approve Chief of Police employment agreement
• Purchase Digital Audio Logger – not to exceed $49,646.04
• Agreement with Axon Enterprise for body‑worn cameras – not to exceed $114,883.05
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system upgrade

City Council Special Joint Meeting with the Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners

The Bishop City Council and the Bishop Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners are meeting jointly. The only substantive item is a closed session to discuss appointing a Fire Chief. No other decisions or discussions are on the agenda.

• Closed session discussion on public employee appointment – Fire Chief (Gov. Code § 54957)
• Meeting is a special joint session between the City Council and the Fire District Board

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will review updates on the Bike Park and Urban Greening Grant. The commission will also hear a presentation regarding pickleball courts for discussion and a vote.

• Bike Park update
• Urban Greening Grant update
• Pickleball courts presentation, discussion, and vote
• Facilities update
• Programs update

City Council Meeting

The City Council will consider adopting a resolution that approves the list of projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act. The agenda also includes presentations on the Bishop Community Garden Enhancement and Expansion Project and a City Tile to Symons Emergency Specialties, Inc. for ambulance services. Routine consent items include ratifying a letter regarding an HCD loan forgiveness request and an alcoholic beverage license application for 524 N. Main Street.

• Proposed resolution to adopt list of SB1-funded road projects for FY 2023-2024
• Presentation on Bishop Community Garden Enhancement and Expansion Project
• Presentation of City Tile to Symons Emergency Specialties, Inc. for ambulance service
• Ratify letter to state senator supporting HCD loan forgiveness request
• Alcoholic beverage license application for 524 N. Main Street (SHOT OF WHISKEY INC)

City Council Special Meeting

This special meeting consists solely of a closed session to consider the appointment of a Police Chief, with no other substantive public agenda items. The council will then report on any actions taken in closed session before adjourning.

• Closed session discussion on appointing a Police Chief (Gov. Code § 54957)

City Council Meeting

The Bishop City Council will hold a closed session to discuss the appointment of a new Police Chief. In open session, the council will hear a presentation from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on the 2023 runoff and discuss whether to adopt an invocation or welcoming message at future meetings. The consent calendar includes ratification of commercial lease agreements and several routine financial reports.

• Closed session: Public employee appointment – Police Chief
• Presentation: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power 2023 Runoff Update
• Discussion and possible action on invocation/welcoming message at City Council meetings
• Ratify Commercial Lease Agreement with West Line Properties
• Ratify Commercial Sublease Agreement with Coast2Coast Public Safety

City Council Special Meeting - No Video/Audio Recording Only

The City Council will consider a resolution amending fees for public safety, planning, and building services following a public hearing held April 10. A strategic planning workshop will follow to set goals, objectives, and priorities for the city. The Council will also enter closed session to discuss the appointment of an interim police chief.

• Resolution amending fees for public safety, planning, and building services
• Strategic planning workshop to define mission, objectives, and next steps
• Closed session to consider appointment of interim police chief
• Over-the-counter building permit fees set at predetermined rates (e.g., reroof $292.73)
• New fee for plan reviews beyond two plan checks at hourly rate

City Council Meeting - Audio Recording ONLY (click on "Video" to hear audio recording)

The Bishop City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to city service fees, consider accepting the FY 2022-2023 mid-year budget adjustments, and decide on a six-month lease of the Symons Ambulance Facility for $24,000 (or $12,000 with Bishop Rural Fire Protection District support). A presentation on the Cordico Wellness app for police officers is also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on proposed resolution amending and restating certain fees and charges for city services – Administration
• Council consideration of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Mid-Year Budget Reports and adjustments
• Proposed six-month lease of Symons Ambulance Facility for $24,000 without BRFPD support or $12,000 with support
• Presentation by Police Chief Standridge on the Cordico Wellness application for officer wellness
• Consent calendar includes ratification of Sunrise Mobile Home Park Real Estate Services Agreement extension (March 2023 – March 2024)

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

The Bishop Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to conduct a workshop on parks and recreation topics, receive staff updates on facilities and programs, and handle routine business such as approval of minutes and public comment. The agenda is largely procedural, with the workshop being the main substantive item.

• Parks and Recreation Workshop under New Business
• Facilities update from staff
• Programs update from staff
• Next meeting (March 22) cancelled; next scheduled is April 26, 2023

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Cancelled

The City of Bishop Parks and Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for November 23, 2022 has been cancelled. No substantive items were discussed or decided. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 28, 2022.

• Meeting cancellation notice
• Next meeting date: December 28, 2022 at 6:00pm in City Council Chambers

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider a pickle‑ball proposal presented by Kerry Benjamin, hear a City of Bishop programs presentation by Dan McElroy, and discuss planning for a public workshop on parks and recreation. The agenda also includes staff updates on facilities and programs, as well as routine items such as approvals, public comment, and correspondence. No specific decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Pickle Ball proposal – presentation by Kerry Benjamin
• City of Bishop Programs Presentation – Dan McElroy
• Planning discussion for a Parks and Recreation public workshop (date and time)
• Facilities update (staff report)
• Programs update (staff report)