City Council Briefing: Bishop’s Packed December 8 Meeting Tackles Housing, Rates, and Tennis VS Pickleball

By Tyler B.

Bishop, CA—

The December 8, 2025, session at City Hall was a long one: starting at 6:04 p.m. under Mayor Karen Kong and wrapping up late into the evening. The chambers were jammed—standing room only—with folks fired up over everything from homeless housing to park plans. Council lineup was the usual crew: Mayor Kong, Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Muchovej, Councilmembers Dennis Freundt, Jose Garcia, and Karen Schwartz. All present and accounted for, no absences noted. Let’s break it down step by step.

Opening and Public Comment Period

The meeting kicked off with the standard call to order, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. But things heated up quick during public comment, which Mayor Kong trimmed to two minutes per speaker (down from the usual three) due to the crowd. This segment alone ran long, with over 20 residents chiming in—mostly on the controversial Kings View Bridge Housing proposal for the old Elms Motel site on East Elm Street.

Proponents, like Michelle D. from St. Vincent de Paul, highlighted the need: her group spent $34,000 last year on emergency housing, and she argued bridge housing could provide stable support. Larry from the Methodist Church board echoed that, saying supervised housing beats the status quo. Virginia F., also from St. Vincent, shared stories of community donations and bake sales, urging approval.

But opposition was fierce. Aaron Schat, a local property owner (including spots near the proposed site), said he’s offered jobs to homeless folks who turned them down. Tim P. worried the area could turn “bad” like the nearby Wellness Center, citing safety concerns. Steven H., from Howard Street pointed to high relapse rates (90%, he claimed) and called the location a poor fit. Tracy M., who lives next to the Wellness Center, described an eroded sense of safety, along with threats with shovels, drug activity, and fears for kids walking by. Others, like Kevin O’Hara (right next to the Elms), shared data from Fresno’s similar program (only 47% success rate) and called the spot “irresponsible” near parks and homes. Keith Jackson urged council to “read the room” and that no one wanted it in their backyard. Michelle H., from N. Third Street presented 150 signatures against it, pushing for a new site. Haltey from Howard Street supported the idea but not the location, noting potential substance use issues in an already low-income area. Henry, who lives near the Wellness Center, described harassment and needing frequent cop calls.

Beyond housing, other hot topics surfaced: Cam railed against converting the last tennis court to pickleball, accusing players of marking lines with Sharpie. Noel G. demanded transparency on the A-Frame/Bishop Visitors Center saga, questioning how the city found $158,000+ for consultants like Wood Rodgers after claiming they had no funds for repairs. Christina Justice drove from Nye County, NV, to defend the A-Frame, calling the council’s decisions a “stab in the back” to the chamber and community—it got huge applause. In contrast, Jim R. from the tennis community begged to agenda-ize preserving the tennis courts. Michelle P. from Options Pregnancy Center demanded a public apology from Councilmember Muchovej over alleged online comments damaging their rep. And Mark Harris from the Eastern Sierra Pastors Association led a prayer for the city council.

Presentations: Milestones, Student Voices, and the Bridge Housing Deep Dive

Shifting gears, the council went to presentations: Police Sergeant Brian Hohenstein got a 10-year service nod. Then, the Bishop Union High School Student Senate reps shared updates—football wins, 30+ active clubs, and an upcoming “No One’s Alone Day” on Thursday. They pushed for youth-friendly upgrades: more music events (beyond country), a YMCA-style center, basketball courts, and community funding to make Bishop “more fun for kids.”

Anna Scott from Kings View presented on the Bridge Housing project—not seeking a vote, just info-sharing. The site’s “perfect size” with beneficial aspects, bought by a Kings View entity (not city or county). They’d staff it 24/7 (at least two on-site, evening shifts covered), fund via Medi-Cal and saved hotel costs. When asked about the Residents, they said all people will be vetted by the county; No walk-ins, invitation-only, Scott addressed Mono/Inyo crossovers and committed to community care, citing 10-15+ years of county partnerships. Jeff Thomson noted folks are already in hotels, so this might stabilize things. Councilmember Freundt grilled on avoiding Wellness Center “issues”. While Kings View stressed hourly check-ins and entry monitoring, Muchovej pointed out the city’s hands are tied: It’s zoned commercial, no regulations to block it. The county controls some of the funds for this project, but not a direct vote.

Department Reports, County Update, and Quick Consents

Department heads’ reports (fire, police, public works, community services, planning, city admin) were posted online only. Doing no verbal recaps to save time. You can find highlights from the Department Reports on the City of Bishop’s website.

County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths gave the Inyo update: Voter turnout hit 60% locally (50% statewide), the majority voted NO on Prop 50 here. District shifts incoming. Praised staff, touted the new County Health Plan (read it, folks—substance use is a biggie). County’s hunting a permanent administrator amid small-county shortages. Other notes: Southern Inyo solar project, Amargosa monument push, air service cost-sharing with Mammoth, and SIHD’s stability (for now) as rural hospitals close. Griffiths wrapped up his CSAC presidency term and will be the past president next year.

Consent calendar flew through 5-0: Approving minutes, a park master plan ordinance (unlocking grants, per council), budget tweaks, and more. Council clarified the master plan’s value—costly but opens funding doors. Garcia quipped, “Gotta spend money to make money.”

Hearings and New Biz: Rates Up, Ordinances In, Leadership Shuffle

Public hearing on industrial waste discharge permits: Nora presented all fees and covered inspections/processes. Passed 5-0.

New business highlights:

Mobile Businesses Ordinance: First reading, by title only. Regs for safety, noise limits. Council discussed ways to make ice cream trucks exempt from full bans.
Water/Sewer Rates: Final adoption after presentation skip. Covers delivery/treatment costs. Kong downplayed the $\sim$ $15 hike; Muchovej pushed hardship/senior discounts (income-based). Garcia suggested general fund aid; they tasked staff to explore. Opted for public outreach over mailers. Passed 5-0.
Grant Awards: 2025-26 community grants/applications discussed. Passed 4-0 (Muchovej stepped out).
Planning Commission Vacancy: Heather Lind’s term ends Jan 2026. Four applicants; Freundt and Schwartz to interview/appoint.
Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem Selection: Muchovej tapped as 2026 mayor (5-0). Freundt as pro tem (5-0).
Committee Appointments: Mostly status quo, with minor shifts.

Wrapping Up: No December 22 Meeting

Future Agenda items and Committees were reported briefly. The Council adjourned with the Dec. 22 meeting canceled; The next one is January 12, 2026. Tonight’s meeting included passionate debates on housing and parks, showing we’re a tight-knit town grappling with big issues. Bridge housing’s fate? Once I know more, we will report the news. As always, if you have any questions about my article or writing, you can email [email protected].