Bishop City Council Grapples with A-Frame Visitor Center’s Future Amid Community Passion

By: Tyler Beadle, Sierra Wave Media Writer

The Bishop City Council meeting on August 11, 2025, unfolded with a blend of routine governance and fervent community engagement, as residents rallied to preserve the A-Frame Visitor Center, a cherished local landmark. The session, held at City Hall, balanced procedural matters with a deep dive into the future of the A-Frame, revealing both the challenges of aging infrastructure and the community’s resolve to protect its heritage.

The meeting began with a closed session before 6:00 p.m., where the council met with legal counsel to discuss potential litigation under Government Code 54956.9(c), addressing one prospective case. The open session followed, opening with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Public comment was notably subdued compared to the previous meeting, as many reserved their remarks for the A-Frame agenda item. A standout moment came from Jennifer Beaudean, who questioned the council’s financial priorities, noted the city’s $85,000 annual marketing contract with the Chamber of Commerce and an additional $55,000 for rent and utilities. She asked whether the council would commit to investing that $55,000 to support the Chamber’s potential relocation. The session paused briefly when Fire Chief Bret Russell excused himself to respond to an emergency call, earning gratitude for his service and that of Bishop’s volunteer firefighters. Department reports proceeded as usual, though absences were noted from Nora Gamino, Ana Budnyk, and Chief Russell, who remained on call. Detailed department reports are available on the City of Bishop’s website, with the agenda at the end of the council meetings. An anticipated Inyo County update was canceled, with Mayor Karen Kong noting that Supervisor Jeff Griffiths was unwell.

The consent calendar moved swiftly, with the council unanimously approving an ordinance amending Title 10 of the Bishop Municipal Code. The new Chapter 10.54 regulates electric bicycles, scooters, and motorized boards. Revised since its last review, the ordinance passed 5-0, reflecting the council’s commitment to updating local regulations.

The focal point of the evening was Agenda Item 14a: “Discuss Options for the Future of the A-Frame Building at the City Park.” A recent inspection by an ICBO-certified inspector deemed the southern addition to the A-Frame unsafe, recommending immediate eviction and a structural engineer’s report to assess repair options, as shared in city correspondence with local media. Public comment on the item drew a passionate crowd, including familiar faces and newcomers. Jennifer Beaudean presented a petition with over 100 handwritten signatures and 170 digital signatures (at the time of writing this), underscoring widespread support for saving the Visitor Center. Resident Carl Hoelscher questioned the city’s handling of the situation and the integrity of the recent red-tag report. A proposal from Wood Rodgers, Inc., priced at $20,285, was introduced to assess the building’s structural integrity. City Administrator Deston Dishion estimated the report could take a month, though such assessments often require three months, with hopes that Wood Rodgers might expedite the process.

Discussion revealed the issue’s complexity. Dishion noted that the A-Frame’s structural concerns have been known to the Chamber for four years, during which the city has assisted in exploring relocation options. Councilmember Stephen Muchovej highlighted “generational costs,” pointing to the city’s aging infrastructure, like the 70-year-old sewer system, and noted that the $20,285 assessment would divert funds from priorities like after-school programs. Councilmember Karen Schwartz questioned the necessity of a physical Chamber building in the “digital age,” prompting debate about its relevance. Some council members proposed a meeting with the Chamber to clarify plans, amid rumors of the Chamber pursuing a new building. Ultimately, as the assessment cost fell within the city administrator’s spending authority, no council vote was required, and the structural assessment was allowed to proceed.

The meeting concluded with council and committee reports. Councilmember Muchovej raised concerns from a recent Rural Fire District meeting, noting proposed expansions and financial challenges. Councilmember Jose Garcia urged residents to participate in a freight survey to address speeding semi-trucks, expressing support, alongside Muchovej, for a potential bypass. The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

The A-Frame discussion reflects Bishop’s delicate balance between preserving history and addressing fiscal realities. All Residents are encouraged to review the recordings and the Agenda from the Council Meeting on the City of Bishop’s website. You can reach me by email at [email protected] with any feedback or questions.\

Jennifer Beaudean, who questioned the council’s financial priorities, noted the city’s $85,000 annual marketing contract with the Chamber of Commerce and an additional $55,000 for rent and utilities. She asked whether the council would commit to investing that $55,000 to support the Chamber’s potential relocation.