Regular Meeting Minutes – May 10, 2023
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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, May 10, 2023, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick
Invocation: Invocation was led by Jim Lona, Commander of American Legion Post 584.
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Randall Putz
Mayor Pro Tem Perri Melnick
Councilmember Bynette Mote
Councilmember Kendi Segovia
Councilmembers Excused: Councilmember Rick Herrick
Others Present: Erik Sund, City Manager
Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk
Rebecca Cannon, Deputy City Clerk
A motion was made by Mayor Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, to excuse Councilmember Herrick from his attendance at this meeting due to a family emergency.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: Herrick
PRESENATIONS
• Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing May as Building & Safety Month. • Presentation from the Mayor highlighting the addition of commemorative items that are displayed for public viewing in Hofert Hall.
• Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that served as Economic Development Advisory Committee members.
• Presentation from a Small Business Administration (SBA) representative providing information related to disaster assistance available as a result of the recent Federal Emergency Declarations. • Presentation from DKS Associates regarding preliminary results of the Community Visioning Survey.
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2023
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Gloria Meade, Big Bear City resident, showed appreciation to the City and City Council for accepting the commemorative items from the Big Bear Lake 2019 Rose Parade and for their support during the entire event process.
Helen Walsh, Big Bear Lake resident, addressed the City’s recent beautification efforts by way of the Economic Development Advisory Committee’s “Beautify Big Bear Lake” campaign; indicated that she served on a similar committee in 2010 and stated that although many recommendations were made, nothing was essentially to coincide with the committee’s suggestions; she is hopeful that this beautification campaign will be successfully implemented.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, questioned how much the Community Visioning process will cost the City; expressed his dissatisfaction of the survey and offered a series of alternative questions to ask the community; recalled his disappoint with the City during the February/March winter storm event.
Jim Lona, Commander of American Legion Post 584, shared upcoming events and fundraisers that are geared towards local veterans; invited the public to the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29.
Jenny O’Haver, Big Bear City resident, advocated for the need of more performing arts and entertaining opportunities for the youth in Big Bear; requested City Council include arts & entertainment in their Strategic Plans.
Katt Balsan, Big Bear Lake resident, indicated that arts and entertainment have plenty of benefits for all generations; would like to see more music, arts and entertainment used as a strategic pillar for the community.
Ellen Clarke. Executive Director of the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, introduced the Chamber’s threeyear strategic plan; invited the public to attend the Chamber’s Annual Breakfast and Award Ceremony on Tuesday, June 6.
Michelle Martinez, Big Bear Lake resident, discussed the connection between mental health and community events focused on culturally-based entertainment and programs.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
1.1 APPROVAL OF DEMANDS – CHECK ISSUE DATE 03/31/23 THROUGH 05/01/23 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,319,542.84 AND THE MARCH 2023 TREASURER’S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 8, 2023, REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.3 APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 17, 2023, SPECIAL
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2023
Approved.
1.4 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN UPDATED MOUTAIN AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT
AUTHORITY JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
City Council considered a formal resolution approving updates to the City’s current Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with San Bernardino County. The JPA was formed approximately 30 years ago to implement a public transit system that would serve Big Bear Lake and the surrounding unincorporated County mountain areas. The JPA revision has become necessary recently, due to the County’s redistricting process and it was also deemed prudent to update the older document.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-25
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN UPDATED MOUNTAIN AREA
REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
1.5 RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CAT TRACKING, INC. FOR THE 2023 CITYWIDE LINE STRIPING PROJECT AND FINDING THE
PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT City Council considered a formal resolution awarding a construction contract to Cat Tracking, Inc. for the 2023 Citywide Line Striping Project. The project includes the painting of traffic lines, stripes, crosswalks, legends and other markings during the 2023 construction season, including a complete, citywide effort in the Spring and a second retouch in the Fall. Funding is included in the adopted Fiscal Year 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program budget as well as the proposed 2023- 24 budget for these efforts.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-26
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO
CAT TRACKING, INC. FOR THE 2023 CITYWIDE LINE
STRIPING PROJECT AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
1.6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH BEAR VALLEY PAVING
FOR CITYWIDE STREET SWEEPING SERVICES
City Council considered a formal resolution authorizing an agreement with Bear Valley Paving for Citywide Street Sweeping Services. This project will provide street sweeping services across approximately 88 miles of City maintained streets to clean cinders and other debris from the streets, contributing to the overall aesthetics of the City as well as the City’s compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The efforts will be completed, citywide, by early summer.
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2023
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-27
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH
BEAR VALLEY PAVING FOR CITYWIDE
STREET SWEEPING SERVICES
1.7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 ANNUAL STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT
City Council considered a formal resolution authorizing a Notice of Completion for the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Street Rehabilitation Project. This project performed street maintenance and rehabilitation on approximately 1.85 miles of City streets in 2022 with the work being performed by both a general contractor and City Public Works staff. Bear Valley Paving was awarded a construction contract for the project in June 2022 and the work was substantially completed during the 2022 construction season. The final construction activities are completed and the project is ready for acceptance and the issuance of a notice of completion.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-28
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A NOTICE OF COMPLETION
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 ANNUAL STREET
REHABILITAITON PROJECT
1.8 RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN SB 1 FUNDED PROJECT LIST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
City Council considered a formal resolution adopting an SB 1 funded project list for Fiscal Year 2023-24. SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 provided significant funding for statewide investment in roads, highways, and transportation. The Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) element of this legislation provides annual funding to local agencies for essential road maintenance and rehabilitation efforts. The City’s anticipated RMRA allocation for Fiscal Year 2023-24 is $124,763 and these funds are proposed to be programmed to the Annual Street Rehabilitation Project. The adoption of this list, which includes the proposed FY 2023-24 street projects, is a condition associated with the receipt of these funds.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-29
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN SB 1 FUNDED PROJECT LIST
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
1.9 RESOLUTION RATIFYING BIG BEAR FIRE AUTHORITY ORDINANCE NO. BBFA 2023-001 ADOPTING THE 2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND THE 2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, ALONG WITH
CERTAIN CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS
AND EXCEPTIONS AS ADOPTED BY THE BIG BEAR FIRE AUTHORITY
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May 10, 2023
City Council considered a formal resolution ratifying the Big Bear Fire Authority’s Ordinance No.
BBFA2023-001 Adopting the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code and the 2022 Edition of the California Residential Code along with certain changes, modification, amendments, additions, deletions and exceptions as adopted by the Big Bear Fire Authority.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-30
RESOLUTION RATIFYING BIG BEAR FIRE AUTHORITY ORDINANCE NO. BBFA 2023- 001 ADOPTING THE 2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND THE 2022
EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE ALONG WITH CERTAIN
CHANGES, MODIFICATIONS, AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND
EXCEPTIONS AS ADOPTED BY THE BIG BEAR FIRE AUTHORITY
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote, with Councilmember Mote voting “no” on Item 1.6:
AYES: Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: Herrick
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2.1 2023 MISSION STATEMENT, CORE VALUES AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES At the March 17, 2023 Special City Council Meeting, the City Council received a presentation from Jacob Green & Associates and engaged in a discussion regarding the City Council’s collective vision and strategic priorities for Big Bear Lake. During that meeting the City Council worked collaboratively to draft a list of their strategic priorities for the City organization and the community. The final draft of those strategic priorities including a proposed mission statement and core values were presented by Erik Sund, City Manager, for further City Council review, discussion and potential adoption.
Following Council’s questions, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached Council:
Jim Eakin, Big Bear Lake resident, believes Council should make “preserving the City’s character” a priority; would like to see the City form an architectural committee and adopt architectural guidelines.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, would like to see the City become more business-friendly and promote businesses.
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2023
Following Council discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Councilmember Segovia, to table the discussion on Strategic Priorities until the May 24 Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting and the Core Values and Mission Statement until the July 12 Regular City Council Meeting.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Melnick, Mote, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: Herrick
2.2 ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE DWP’S RATES,
CHARGES AND FEES FOR WATER SERVICE
At the February 6, 2023 Special Joint City Council and Department of Water & Power (DWP) Board of Commissioners Workshop Meeting, the DWP provided a presentation related to a proposed rate plan for July 2023 thru June 30, 2028. The City Council and DWP Board engaged in a discussion and provided feedback to the DWP staff related to the proposed water adjustments.
On April 11, 2023, the DWP Board conducted a Public Hearing in accordance with Proposition 218, regarding the proposed adjustments to the water rates, charges and fees, and approved Resolution No. DWP 2023-04 adopting the proposed adjustments. Pursuant to the City’s Charter and Municipal Code, the DWP’s adopted resolution becomes effective only upon approval of an ordinance adopted by the City Council. Therefore, City Council was requested to consider reading the title, waiving further reading and introducing an ordinance approving adjustments to the DWP’s rates, charges and fees for water service; and finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Reggie Lamson, DWP General Manager, briefly presented this item and during the related discussion it was noted that Mayor Putz read the proposed Ordinance title aloud.
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Councilmember Segovia, to approve staff’s recommendation to read the title, waive further reading and introduce an ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-xxx
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE, COUNTY OF
SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE DWP'S RATES, CHARGES
AND FEES FOR WATER SERVICE
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Mote, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: Herrick
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2023
2.3 AUTHORIZING LETTERS OF SUPPORT AND/OR OPPOSITION FOR LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
City Council considered taking a position of opposition for legislative items including: Initiative No. 21- 0042A1 entitled The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, SB 423 (Weiner) that streamlines housing approvals in multifamily housing developments, and Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. request to increase rates in its 2023 General Rate Case. City Council also considered taking a position of support for Fentanyl and Substance Use related legislation and the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act Budget Trailer Bill if amended.
Erik Sund, City Manager, presented this item and answered City Council’s questions.
Following Council’s initial questions and discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, to approve staff’s recommendation with the addition of language that clarifies why City Council specifically opposes Initiative No. 21-0042A1 since it includes provisions that would retroactively void all local taxes or fees adopted after January 1, 2022.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Segovia, Mote, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: Herrick
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
4.1 CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk, reminded the Council and the public of the June 2, 2023, filing deadline for applications to serve on the Planning Commission and the Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power (DWP) Board of Commissioners; announced that there will be a Special Meeting held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 9 a.m. to review and discuss the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency’s proposed sewer rates.
Stephen Deitsch alerted Council and staff that he will not be attending the June 14, 2023, Regular City Council meeting; declared that Albert Maldonado will be attending in his absence.
Erik Sund, City Manager, announced that he attended a Big Bear High School AP Government class to talk to the students about local government, noted that this discussion was coordinated by the Education Trust; stated that he will be attending the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) City-County Conference in Lake Arrowhead.
Sean Sullivan, Director of Public Services, provided an updated on upcoming solid waste service changes for residential properties.
4.2 COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Segovia reported on the City Council Budget Subcommittee meeting; thanked staff for providing a clear and informative presentation.
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2023
Councilmember Mote reported on the April 26 Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency (BBARWA) Board Meeting; requested that the Rathbun Creek Trail Project Phase III be brought forward for future Council discussion and consideration. Mayor Pro Tem Melnick showed support for this request.
Mayor Putz reported on the April 18 Southern California Montane Forests Project Advisory Committee; briefly discussed a meeting he and the City Manager had with the External Affairs Division for Governor Newsom’s office on April 19; reported on the April 21 League of California Cities Desert Mountain Division Meeting in Hesperia; discussed his attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Conference and General Assembly from May 3 - 5; announced that he testified at the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) Public Hearing on the Bear Valley Electric Services (BVES) Inc. rate case on May 9.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council at this Open Session, Mayor Putz adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:03 p.m. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 24, at 9 a.m. ____________________________
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk