Regular Meeting Minutes – November 7, 2022
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A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Herrick at 6:00 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Mayor Pro Tem Mote
Invocation: Invocation was led by Jim Lona, Commander of American Legion Post 584.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Rick Herrick
Mayor Pro Tem Bynette Mote
Councilmember Perri Melnick
Councilmember Randall Putz
Councilmembers Absent: Councilmember Alan Lee
Others Present: Erik Sund, City Manager
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk
Rebecca Cannon, Deputy City Clerk
Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney
A motion was made by Councilmember Melnick to excuse Councilmember Lee from his attendance at this meeting. The motion failed due to a lack of second.
PRESENTATIONS
• Presentation of a Proclamation to the Family Court Awareness Month Committee in recognition of November as Family Court Awareness Month.
• Presentation to Janice Etter, Senior Principal Planner, recognizing her for receiving a Planning Advocate Award from the Inland Empire Chapter of the American Planning Association
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Patty Hafen, Big Bear Lake resident, corrected misinformation about the “Recall Alan Lee” campaign funding that she indicated was inaccurately reported in Councilmember Lee’s recent newsletter; made comments related to possible voter fraud; encouraged the community to vote to recall Councilmember Lee.
Kendi Segovia, Big Bear Lake resident, urged the public to participate in the November 8 election; expressed the reasons as to why she initiated the recall effort for Councilmember Lee; expressed her concerns about the mistruths and personal attacks recently aimed at her; requested the community to support the recall.
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November 7, 2022
Chris Segovia, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his opinion that Councilmember Lee’s newsletter is full of inaccurate information; commented on Councilmember Lee’s personal attacks made against his family members; remarked on Councilmember Lee’s negative comments directed at several local business owners.
Jim Lona, Commander of American Legion Post 584, shared upcoming and recent events hosted by the American Legion including the Veteran’s guitar building event; announced that the American Legion will be celebrating the 246th birthday of the Marines at the Elk’s Lodge on November 12; invited the public to attend the Veteran’s Day Ceremony on November 11.
Bynette Mote, Big Bear Lake Councilmember, displayed a “Recall Alan Lee” sign.
Mickey Peterson, President of the Big Bear Association of Realtors, conveyed her support for the four Councilmembers in attendance at the meeting and expressed her gratitude for their service to the community; provided her opinion that Councilmember Lee has made efforts to cause dissention and discord in the community; shared her beliefs that if Measure O were to pass it wouldn’t result in increased long-term rental housing.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
1.1 APPROVAL OF DEMANDS – CHECK ISSUE DATE 10/05/2022 THROUGH 10/31/2022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,775,074.20 AND THE SEPTEMBER 2022 TREASURER’S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 3, 2022 REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.3 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 17, 2022 REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.4 ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AND THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
City Council considered an ordinance adopting the 2022 California Building Standards Code and the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code. This is a triennial update to the Building Codes and will update the Title 8 (Health and Safety) and Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) sections of the Municipal Code. City Council introduced the ordinance, conducted the first reading of the title and waived further reading at the October 17, 2022 regular meeting.
Approved and adopted the following ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-508
ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2019-475 AND ADDING AND AMENDING TITLE 8 (HEALTH AND SAFETY) AND TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION) OF THE BIG BEAR LAKE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO
THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS, HOUSING,
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ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, AND FIRE PREVENTION BY ADOPTING THE 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE AS FOUND IN TITLE 24 OF THE CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS COMPRISING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, VOLUMES 1 & 2, AND APPENDICES B, H, & J OF VOLUME 2, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE AND APPENDICES AH & AO, & AX, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND APPENDICES CHAPTER 4, A, B, BB, CC, D, H, I & J AND ERRATA, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA REFERENCE STANDARDS CODE, 2022 EDITION: THE CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 2022 EDITION; THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2018 EDITION
1.5 ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 15.44 (ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS) TO TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
MUNICIPAL CODE, PURSUANT TO STATE LAW
City Council considered adopting an ordinance adding Chapter 15.44 (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations) to Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) to the City of Big Bear Lake Municipal Code.
Assembly Bill 1236 requires local agencies to have a streamlined process for electric vehicle charging stations, to be in-place by January 1, 2023. City Council introduced the ordinance, conducted the first reading of the title and waived further reading at the October 17, 2022 regular meeting.
Approved and adopted the following ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-509
ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 15.44 (ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING STATIONS) TO TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND
CONSTRUCTION) OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
MUNICIPAL CODE PURSUANT TO STATE LAW
1.6 RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO T-REX DEMOLITION, INC. FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDING AT 40986 BIG BEAR BOULEVARD City Council considered a formal resolution awarding a construction contract to T-Rex Demolition, Inc. for the demolition of the building at 40986 Big Bear Boulevard. This building is located on the 19-acre parcel that the City recently leased from Bear Valley Mutual Water Company and the building is unsafe and in need of considerable repair. Being that there is no perceived use for the current structure, it is proposed to be removed in order to alleviate the safety and aesthetic concerns while allowing the property to be reimagined.
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion at the request of staff.
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Melnick, to approve the consent calendar, with the exception of Item 1.6.
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Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Putz, Mote, Herrick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Lee
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
1.6 RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO T-REX DEMOLITION, INC. FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDING AT 40986 BIG BEAR BOULEVARD City Council considered a formal resolution awarding a construction contract to T-Rex Demolition, Inc. for the demolition of the building at 40986 Big Bear Boulevard. This building is located on the 19-acre parcel that the City recently leased from Bear Valley Mutual Water Company and the building is unsafe and in need of considerable repair. Being that there is no perceived use for the current structure, it is proposed to be removed in order to alleviate the safety and aesthetic concerns while allowing the property to be reimagined.
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion at the request of staff. Sean Sullivan, Director of Public Services, briefly provided additional information related to this demolition project’s bidding and contract award process.
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mote, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-125
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO
T-REX DEMOLITION, INC. FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE
BUILDING AT 40986 BIG BEAR BOULEVARD
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Mote, Putz, Herrick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Lee
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
At the hour of 6:34 p.m., Mayor Herrick recused himself from Item 2.1 due to a potential conflict of interest and requested Mayor Pro Tem Mote to act as presiding officer in his absence.
2.1 2022-23 WINTER TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, PARKING, AND ENFORCEMENT PLANS Sean Sullivan, Director of Public Services, provided the City Council with an overview of the 2022- 23 Winter Traffic Management, Parking, and Enforcement Plans. The review of the Winter Traffic Management Plan provided updates that have been developed during the recent offseason to accommodate forthcoming changes to winter operations. Sean Sullivan further explained that during the recent offseason, the City retained a traffic engineering firm to support the review and updating
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of the Winter Traffic Management Plan with involvement from the City staff, Big Bear Mountain Resorts, the Sheriff’s Department, and Mountain Transit. Then Wade Reeser, Big Bear Mountain Resorts (BBMR) President/COO, answered Council’s questions and provided additional information related to BBMR’s winter operations and parking plans.
Following Council’s questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Melnick, to approve staff’s recommendations and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-126
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND
PARKING AGREEMENT WITH BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORTS
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Putz, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Herrick
ABSENT: Lee
At the hour of 7:01 p.m., Mayor Herrick returned to the dais and acted as presiding officer for the remainder of the meeting.
2.2 URGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 17.25.210 (ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) OF THE DEVELOPMENT CODE (TITLE 17 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE) TO
IMPOSE NEW LIMITS ON LOCAL AUTHORITY TO REGULATE ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AS A RESULT OF
RECENT STATE LAW CHANGES
City Council considered adopting an urgency ordinance to address new legislation, recently signed into law by Governor Newsom in September 2022. The new legislation amends Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22, affecting accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, and will take effect on January 1, 2023. Janice Etter, Senior Principal Planner, gave the presentation and stated that a formal development code amendment process will follow to incorporate the necessary regulations permanently into the Municipal Code, including public notices and hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.
Following initial Council questions and comments, Mayor Herrick invited speakers that wished to speak on the item; the following individual approached Council:
Barbara Olsen, Big Bear Lake resident, questioned how this new legislation would impact prior projects or if the new rules would only apply to future projects.
Following Council’s questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Melnick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mote, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following urgency ordinance entitled:
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URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2022-510
URGENCY ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 17.25.210 OF THE
DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
(ADUs) AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (JADUs);
FINDING THE ORDINANCE EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Putz, Mote, Melnick, Herrick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Lee
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
3.1 CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk, reminded the public of election day and gave additional information on polling locations and drop-off ballot locations; encouraged the public to contact the City Clerk’s Office with questions and stated that the Registrar of Voters has thirty (30) days to canvass the election and certify the results which sets a December 8 deadline, therefore the December 5 City Council Meeting will need to be adjourned to December 12.
Erik Sund, City Manager, reported on the Big Bear Urgent Care Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; announced that the City will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 17 to celebrate the completion of the Moonridge Corridor Improvements Project; commented on the success of the recent Halloween in the Village event; invited the public to attend the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 25 and a menorah lighting ceremony in December; said that he attended the Big Bear Professional Firefighter’s Association Annual Stachetober event and the latest Visit Big Bear Board Meeting.
3.2 COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Putz expressed that he has been honored to work alongside his Council colleagues and City staff members; said he is grateful for the dedication and sacrifices that Council has made, and continues to make for the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Mote reported on the October 19 Mountain Transit Board Meeting, the October 19 San Bernardino County Solid Waste Advisory Task Force Board Meeting, and the October 26 Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency Board Meeting.
Mayor Herrick also reported on the October 26 Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency Board Meeting.
Councilmember Melnick read aloud a prepared statement addressing the recent mean-spirited political activity that has occurred in the community; she urged the public to start focusing on compromise, civility, respect and kindness in an effort to reunite the community; she further stated that she has served her constituents with honor and integrity.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council at this Open Session, Mayor Herrick ended the meeting with a unity prayer for the community, and adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting to be held on Monday, December 12, 2022.
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Erica Stephenson, City Clerk