 |
July 2008 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
MT News Briefs |
|
|
Thursday, 17 April 2008 |
Water District wants more work done on geothermal MOU
The Mammoth Community Water District's Board of Directors held a special meeting on April 8 to discuss the revised Memorandum of Understanding from Iceland America Energy, the group hoping to come to Mammoth and explore the potential of geothermal heating. The Board was still not satisfied with the MOU, and Director Tom Cage stated he was insulted that it was brought forward again.
“I've seen agencies come and go regarding this, and I'm not interested in supporting it anymore,” Cage said. “It's not totally honest, they need to say exactly what they want.”
The MOU still commits the Town and the Water District to various agreements that the Water District is not comfortable with.
“At this point we support the concept, but we need a less encompassing MOU that approaches this in a phased approach,” said Director Tom Smith. “The District does not want to incur any costs while Icelandic does their due diligence.”
Iceland America representatives were scheduled to visit Mammoth and meet with High Sierra Energy Foundation staff on Friday, April 11.
HSEF Executive Director Rick Phelps stated he and Director Cage had met on Thursday, April 10, and come to the conclusion that the issues could be solved. “We have a lot of work to do, but we are moving forward,” Phelps said.
Director Cage added, “We hope they (Iceland America) see the Water District's point of view and come up with a more balanced MOU. It is a work in progress.” -MT
Water District Board meeting
The Mammoth Community Water District Board will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the MCWD offices on Meridian Boulevard. On the agenda, the Board will review the status of the developing water year and may make a determination to end Level 1 water restrictions, in place since July 2007.
One major topic will be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding a geothermal heating district. Board members have been supportive of the project in concept, but said they would like to see environmental and financial analysis conducted first.
At 6 p.m., a public hearing will be convened concerning Director compensation. Also discussed will be preparation of golf course water conservation plans, whether to appoint Board members to attend a quarterly liaison meeting with Forest Supervisor Jim Upchurch and two members of the Town Council, and the possibility of awarding a contract for water line replacement this summer on Berner Street, Alpine Circle, and Mountain Boulevard. Contact the District offices at (760) 934-2596. -MCWD
Mosquito abatement fish stock vandals 'a real buzz kill'
Just weeks before the Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program (OVMAP) was scheduled to restock mosquito sources throughout the Owens Valley with Mosquito Fish, earlier this month unknown vandals reportedly made their way to the organization's fish rearing pond and released OVMAP's stock.
"This deliberate act of Piscean sabotage will slow fish planting operations, but will not slow it," said OVMAP Manager Jerrold Oser in a written statement. Oser added that anyone living within OVMAP's boundaries seeking to plant Mosquito Fish in small pond water bodies can still call (760) 873-7853 to arrange delivery. -MT/OVMAP
Lake Mary bike path project hits the road with public meeting
The Town of Mammoth Lakes last week announced a Lake Mary Road Bike Path Project public information meeting on Thursday, April 24, in Suite Z beginning at 4 p.m. Town staff will outline the details, extent and impact of the project to the community, with Public Works staff on hand to answer questions and address concerns from the public. The $12 million project is scheduled to restart work on May 5, weather permitting.
Information in the form of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document and aerial map is available for preview on www.visitmammoth.com/LMRproject. The public is also invited to submit their e-mail address to receive regular updates regarding the project.
For additional information, contact John Milne, Assistant Engineer/Project Manager at (760) 934-8989, ext. 276. -MT
Former Inyo supervisor Bright to receive Manzanar honor
Former Inyo County Supervisor Keith Bright will be honored for his body of work on the campaign to preserve the Manzanar War Relocation Center as a National Historic Site operated by the National Park Service. Bright will receive the honor during the annual Manzanar Pilgrimage reception on Friday, April 25, from 4-6 p.m. at the Eastern California Museum on the western edge of Independence, at 155 N. Grant St.
“It wouldn’t have happened without Keith,” said Rose Ochi, another pioneering Manzanar backer, who noted Bright worked tirelessly as a county supervisor on the Manzanar designation. Ochi was instrumental in preserving Manzanar during her tenure as an attorney for the City of Los Angeles Attorney under Mayor Tom Bradley.
The 39th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage will be from April 25-28 at the Manzanar National Historic Site, located seven miles south of Independence. Call (760) 878-2194. -NPS
Steer clear of cattle on Lower Rock Creek Road
California Highway Patrol has issued a cattle advisory to motorists using Lower Rock Creek Road (Old U.S. 395). According to Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, ranchers will be utilizing the open range area between Gorge Road and Swall Meadows for approximately three weeks as of April 14. Residents should take extra care during all hours to avoid collisions with livestock. -MT/CHP
Who's in town?
Occupancy has settled into a shoulder season sort of groove, as spring break vacations wrap up, though snow enthusiasts are still taking advantage of our great spring conditions. Figures from the Visitors Bureau estimated an occupancy rate of 47 percent for the April 11-12 weekend, down 2 percent from the previous weekend. Midweek figures saw a bigger decline to 18 percent for the April 13-17 period, an drip of 23 percent from the week before. -MT
RPAC examines Lee Vining affordable housing, skate park issues
RPAC members all declared agreement that the lack affordable housing in Mono County is a big problem. There are several potential affordable housing sites in Lee Vining and the committee is going to narrow it down to three possibilities which they will bring to the table at the next meeting slated to take place on Wednesday, May 14.
Also, Lucy Parker has apparently decided to take the lead when it comes to the construction of a skate park in Lee Vining. “This is very important for the kids here,” Parker said. “It's something that this town really needs as soon as possible.” -MT
Mammoth School Board considers childcare facility location
The Mammoth Unified School Board unanimously approved a resolution for the “possible” use of a site on School District property for a future childcare facility. The site is behind Mammoth Middle School, near the football field. Before saying definitely the Board wanted to explore what the School District would need to receive from the other partners in this project in order to legally allow this piece of public land to be used. -MT
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 April 2008 )
|
|
|
|
