FLOCK SAFETY SURVEILLANCE CONCERNS, NEW SEWER & WATER RATES FOR 2026, & MORE. (Tyler's City Briefing: February 23, 2026)


BISHOP, Calif. –


The Bishop City Council convened Monday evening, February 23, 2026, for a session marked by strong public engagement on surveillance concerns, utility rate debates, and community preservation efforts. The meeting opened with Mayor Stephen Muchovej noting appreciation for the many locals who stepped up to help one another during the recent storms, offering thanks to the community for their support for one another.


Public Comment proved to be one of the evening's highlights and most spirited segments. Numerous residents voiced strong opposition to the City's current contract with Flock Safety (often referred to as FLOCK), raising concerns and rumors about potential AI-driven facial recognition, broad surveillance capabilities, long-term data storage, and related privacy/security issues. A representative from the Small Business Administration (SBA) briefly outlined available services and disaster loans for the area. Additionally, Noel G., a key advocate in efforts to preserve the iconic A-Frame building, presented a large posterboard filled with Valentine's messages and support for the structure, drawing attention to ongoing community preservation discussions.


The scheduled Presentation on the "Not Another Kid" Project by Penni Brown was cancelled and did not occur. Department Reports featured solid updates from each head (full details available in the agenda packet and on the City of Bishop website at cityofbishop.com). Fire Chief Bret Russell, Police Chief Nate Derr, Public Works Director Nora Gamino (appearing via Zoom), Community Services Manager Daniel McElroy, and City Administrator Pam Foster provided insights into their areas. Notably, Police Chief Derr addressed some of the public concerns about the Flock contract directly during his report, stating he did not believe the current agreement involved facial recognition, AI surveillance, or the rumored issues raised—but he committed to further review, open discussions, and looking into all points raised with FLOCK.


The Consent Calendar, including the December 2025 Budget Report, Financial Reports (bank reconciliation, cash, investments, warrants), an amendment to the Lechowicz & Tseng contract for the water/sewer rate study (increasing by $4,296 to $62,896 total), and a resolution for AHSC program documents/funds for the Silver Peaks affordable housing project, passed unanimously 5-0. Item 10: Public Hearing and Adoption of Water and Sewer Rates (Proposition 218) drew significant discussion. Only five written protests were received, and there needed to be around 800+ for the rates to not be passable. Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Freundt presented a compelling case highlighting disproportionate impacts—large grocery stores like his facing increases of 200%+ due to high usage, while some restaurants with lower fixtures might see milder adjustments despite heavy water/sewer demands. After debate, the resolution establishing the new rates (effective July 1, 2026) passed 4-1, with Councilmember Jose Garcia voting no. He advocated for higher rates on high-volume users like the hospital.


New Business (Item 11):A. Updates to the Utility Rate Assistance Program — Council provided clear direction to staff on revising Title 13 of the Municipal Code to shift from a "senior citizen" focus to a broader low-income/income-qualified program, identifying verification methods via existing programs (to be set by resolution), and determining benefit structure/amount (currently 25% for qualifying seniors). Good, productive discussion.


B. Ad Hoc Committee with Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center — This topic generated heated input, particularly from A-Frame preservation advocates. After discussion on clarifying goals and purpose, Council approved creation of a two-member ad hoc committee (as requested by Mayor Pro Tem Freundt) on a 4-1 vote, with Jose Garcia abstaining. Mayor Pro Tem Freundt decided to recuse himself from the committee for valid reasons (himself being a Chamber Member and his Spouse), and Councilmember Karen Kong agreed. Appointments were made (with Karen Schwartz and Stephen Muchovej being selected).


C. Six-Court Pickleball Layout for Lower Courts — Council gave direction to staff for restriping the lower courts to accommodate the expanded pickleball design. The upper courts will be resurfaced, but the stripes will only be for tennis.


D. Draft Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement for Bishop Area Wastewater Authority (BAWA) — Discussion focused on potential inclusion of the Tribe as a partner amid plans for a new sewage treatment facility. Council provided comments and direction for the ad-hoc committee, but nothing was voted on.


The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm, with few future agenda items mentioned, with the next regular session set for Monday, March 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on Line St. As always, full agenda packets, reports, resolutions, and video (if archived) are available via the City of Bishop website or Granicus portal. Thank you for reading, and if you have any comments, feel free to email me: Tyler@sierrawave.net

 

 

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