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Regular Meeting Minutes – March 8, 2023
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Putz at 5:05 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Mote
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Randall Putz
Mayor Pro Tem Perri Melnick
Councilmember Rick Herrick
Councilmember Bynette Mote
Councilmember Kendi Segovia
Others Present: Erik Sund, City Manager
Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk
Rebecca Cannon, Deputy City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Sandy Steers, Big Bear resident, requested that the City Council sign a Letter of Support for the acquisition of the Northshore parcel popularly known as “Moon Camp” by the US Forest Service with the Land and Conservation Fund; stated that Senator Feinstein’s office is requiring Letters of Support by the local agencies in order to add this land acquisition in the budget; indicated that this is a time sensitive matter and the Letter of Support, if approved, would need to be sent to Senator Feinstein’s office within a few days.
Stephen Deitsch, City Attorney, discussed the two findings that are needed in order for the City Council to add an item on the Agenda and indicated this request for a Letter of Support would appear to meet the criteria.
A motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Mote, to add an Urgency Item (due to the fact that the Council just became aware of this request and the time sensitive nature of the matter) to the Agenda, related to a request for a Letter of Support for the acquisition of the “Moon Camp” parcel to be included in the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Segovia, Herrick, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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March 8, 2023
Annette Karnes, Big Bear Lake resident and Mountain Homeless Coalition Board Member, took the opportunity to bring awareness about the Mountain Homeless Coalition organization, and the services the organization offers for the local homeless population; encouraged anyone who needs assistance with finding shelter and other resources to reach out to the Mountain Homeless Coalition.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Mountain Brewery representative, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Planning Department regarding the plan-check and variance permit approvals processes related to several improvements he is proposing for the Big Bear Mountain Brewery property; requested that a time extension be granted for his variance permit; in addition to requesting that Temple Lane be annexed back to the adjacent property and turned into a parking lot, citing his safety concerns with the current configuration of Temple Lane.
The following individuals approached City Council to express their support of Rick Snow, the Big Bear Mountain Brewery business, all the proposed property improvements and many echoed Rick’s safety concerns related to Temple Lane; in addition, they requested that the City Council provide an extension of the related variance permit:
Brad Rizou
Robert McKenzie
Randy Bozwell
Katherine Cazab
Cody Holden
Cynthia Booth
Mark Mullin
Rusty Barker
Joyce Barker
Laura Johnson
Laura Chesnut
George Leono
Cody Whitehouse
Tamara Whitehouse
Rick Spaulding
Babetta Jurgens
Alberto Rivera
Merta Forte
Dave Gora
Gabriel Puerta
Debra Liden
Ron Warren
James Sullis
Taylor Borne
Michael Vandenburg
Glenn Yander
Dan Rubendal
Rick Christenson
Dewayne Burley
Kimberlee Kidd
Kimberlee Kidd, Big Bear Lake resident, acknowledged that it has been two years since the Vacation Rental Ordinance has been approved and stated that she would like to see the ordinance reviewed again soon by the
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March 8, 2023
City Council; suggested that a Citizen’s Advisory Committee be formed to make related recommendations before Council deliberation; supports raising fines related to illegal parking and illegal snow play during snow conditions.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his opinion that the City’s Code Compliance Department is overreaching in their efforts relating to issuing citations/fines and towing vehicles during snow conditions; urged the City to look at the adopted Vision, Mission, and Core Value Statements before acting punitively; would like the City to protect the City’s visitor-friendly reputation.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
1.1 APPROVAL OF DEMANDS – CHECK ISSUE DATE 01/27/2023 THROUGH 02/22/23 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,043,272.27 AND THE JANUARY 2023 TREASURER’S REPORT Approved.
1.2 BEST BEST & KREIGER WAIVER AND CONSENT LETTER RELATED TO THE
REPLENISH BIG BEAR PROJECT
City Council considered approving the Best Best & Kreiger Waiver and Consent Letter related to the Replenish Big Bear Project and authorizing the City Manager to sign this letter on behalf of the City of Big Bear Lake.
Approved.
1.3 ORDINANCE CANCELING THE CITY’S ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR
ENFORCEMENT OF THE MOBILEHOME PARKS ACT AND THE SPECIAL
OCCUPANCY PARKS ACT, AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
City Council considered adopting an ordinance that would revert enforcement responsibilities of mobile home parks back to the state. City Council introduced the ordinance, conducted the first reading of the title and waived further reading at the February 8, 2023 Adjourned Regular Meeting.
Approved and adopted the following ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-513
ORDINANCE CANCELING THE CITY’S ASSUMPTION OF
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE MOBILEHOME
PARKS ACT AND THE SPECIAL OCCUPANCY PARKS ACT,
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
1.4 CONSIDERATION OF NOTICE OF INTENT FOR VACATION OF A PORTION OF
LAKEVIEW DRIVE AND SPRUCE ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY AND SETTING A PUBLIC
HEARING FOR SUCH VACATION
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City Council considered a formal resolution of intent to vacate a portion of Lakeview Drive and Spruce Road, and set a public hearing date on the matter. The City Council also considered a formal resolution declaring the vacation of right-of-way exempt from the Surplus Land Act. The proposed vacation of right-of-way (VRW 2022-145) would abandon an approximately 1,000 square foot section of Lakeview Drive and Spruce Road. Private improvements supporting the former Cowboy Express Steakhouse, addressed at 40433 Lakeview Drive have been constructed in this portion of the right-of-way, including parking spaces, and a retaining wall. On February 1, 2023, the Planning Commission determined that the request is consistent with the General Plan.
Approved and adopted the following resolutions entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-14
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL DECLARING ITS INTENT
TO VACATE A PORTION OF LAKEVIEW DRIVE AND SPRUCE
ROAD AND SETTING A DATE AND TIME FOR A PUBLIC
HEARING ON THE PROPOSED VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
and
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-15
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL DECLARING THAT THE
PROPERTY LOCATED ON LAKEVIEW DRIVE AND SPRUCE
ROAD ADJACENT TO 40433 LAKEVIEW DRIVE WAY IS EXEMPT
FROM THE SURPLUS LAND ACT AND TAKING RELATED
ACTIONS TO VACATE THIS RIGHT-OF-WAY
1.5 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF THE 2022 GENERAL PLAN AND
HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS
City Council considered a formal resolution directing staff to submit two required annual progress reports (APR) to the State of California. The Housing Element APR provides data on the number and types of residential units permitted or built over the past year, and the General Plan APR summarizes the City’s progress towards implementing the goals and policies of the General Plan.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-16
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF THE 2022
GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
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March 8, 2023
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2.05 LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE “MOON CAMP” PARCEL TO BE INCLUDED IN
THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve a Letter of Support for the “Moon Camp” parcel to be included in the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Melnick, Herrick, Mote, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2.1 2023 EXTREME COLD WINTER STORM EVENT - EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
City Manager Erik Sund, Director of Public Services Sean Sullivan, and Deputy City Clerk/PIO Rebecca Cannon provided the City Council an overview of the City’s response to the recent winter storm event in relation to Public Works snow removal operations and the City’s communication strategy and efforts.
Captain Kelly Craig from the San Bernardino County Sherrif’s Department and Chief Executive Officer Evan Rayner from the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District provided an overview on their respective agencies’ response to the recent winter storm event and a general update on their overall operations.
Following Council related questions, comments and feedback, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached Council:
Manny Arceiga, Big Bear Lake resident, questioned if the City has an Emergency Response Plan and asked who is the City’s Emergency Response Coordinator; indicated that the City did not communicate enough during the storm event and businesses are struggling; stated that he supports Council’s decision to raise fines for illegal parking and illegal snow play; would like to see the community move on from Measure O.
Charlie Brewster, Big Bear Lake resident and local Business Owner, impressed with the Electric company, City and Caltrans recent storm response; concerned about road closures to tourists and the resulting negative economic impact to businesses.
Rick Ray, Big Bear Resident and local Business Owner, praised the City and various agencies for their recent storm response; questioned if there is something the business owners can do to open the highways up for tourists; questioned if there is a business task force planned for the next disaster.
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March 8, 2023
Michael Beveridge, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed satisfaction and gratitude regarding the City’s storm response.
Mayor Putz read aloud the County’s Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s written comment, thanked City Council and City staff for their dedication to residents during the recent storms; indicated that she stands ready to assist the local residents and businesses.
Fred Baziz, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed concerns about the City’s berm reduction process, thanked Mayor Putz and the City Manager for their prompt reply to his recent communications; expressed his gratitude to Councilmember Mote and her husband for their help reducing his berm; requested that a no parking sign be removed on a portion of the right side of Pine Knot.
Andy Acosta, Big Bear resident and local Business Owner, spoke of his previous snow removal contracting work completed for the City and County; explained that he has idle equipment that could currently be put to good use; expressed concerns with the City, County and Caltrans storm response; questioned why the roads weren’t cleared faster.
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear resident, questioned the whereabouts of the emergency information spokesperson and why the community is depending on social media for related information; believes the City should contract with a Public Relations firm for emergencies; concerned with lack of plows; indicated that Caltrans does not provide accurate updates; stated he is working with a committee comprised of local residents in an effort to handle emergency responses on their own; expressed the need for an emergency plan.
Loren Hafen, Big Bear Lake resident and local Business Owner, thanked the City and partnering agencies for their emergency storm response; expressed concerns with recent highway closures, especially related to restricting local residents and home owners access up and down the mountain roads; requested that in the future the City would strongly lobby to Caltrans in an effort to keep the roads less restricted in upcoming emergency situations.
Sarah Bouchard, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed her concerns with the City’s snow removal/berm and towing policies; hopes the City can take notes from other effective State and City storm response practices.
Councilmember Herrick proposed a motion that the City Council hold a Special Workshop Meeting in April 2023, to review and discuss the City’s recent emergency response and the City’s current emergency plan relating to all natural disasters and unforeseen urgent incidents. Councilmember Mote seconded the motion.
Said motion was affirmed by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Mote, Herrick, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
3.1 CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
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March 8, 2023
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk/Director of Human Resources, acknowledged and thanked staff for their commitment and hard work during the storm event and said she is proud of all the community support the employees were able to provide throughout the emergency.
Stephen Deitsch, City Attorney, stated that he was very impressed with how well the City has handled the recent snow emergency.
3.2 COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Segovia reported on her attendance at her first Mojave Desert Mountain Integrated Waste Joint Powers Authority Meeting on February 9 and a CalCities Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Update Meeting.
Councilmember Mote said that it has been fun to see the community come together during this storm event; acknowledged the communication and support from different organizations and agencies within the Valley; announced that the Economic Development Advisory Committee will be meeting March 14 to finalize the Beautification Brochure; briefly reminded the community to be mindful of the snow load on their roofs, uncover gas meters and support local businesses.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Putz adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:57 p.m. in recognition of all the community members that have been negatively impacted as a result of the recent storms.
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Erica Stephenson, City Clerk