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Regular Meeting Minutes – August 9, 2023
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Putz at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Mote
Invocation: The invocation was delivered by Mr. Bighorn, local musician.
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, Assistant City Manager
Rebecca Cannon, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
• Presentation of a 25-year Employee Service Award to Jared Cheek, Public Works Operations Manager.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Jenny O’Haver, Big Bear City resident, requested that the City Council incorporate Arts & Culture programs into near and long-terms plans for the City of Big Bear Lake in order to establish a cultural district and production-friendly arts destination.
Sophia De Marco, Erwin Lake resident, stated that she would like for Big Bear Lake to begin establishing itself as an arts destination and listed several perceived positive community impacts should programs for the arts be developed and expanded upon.
Jo Tropiano, Big Bear Lake resident, shared examples of the economic and social impacts that Arts & theatre can potentially have on local communities.
Brian Adams, Erwin Lake resident, asked for the City and City Council to consider including Arts & Culture within the near and long-term plans for Big Bear Lake so that the community can become a Performing Arts Destination and Cultural District; also asked the City to partner with the Performing Arts Community by seeking grants and other funding sources for additional performance spaces and venues.
Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2023
Ryan Cohen, Big Bear Lake resident, shared the previous speakers’ wishes of wanting Arts & Culture to be included into the near and long-term plans for the City going forward as she believes Arts & Culture are important for the economy and the quality of life for community members.
Sharon Rizzo, Sugarloaf resident, indicated that she supports everything that has already been said regarding the Arts, and stated that she, too, would like to see Arts & Culture be included in the near and long-term plans for the Big Bear Lake.
David Gulbranson, Thousand Oaks resident, listed the perceived qualities that should be embodied by elected and appointed officials; questioned a number of City policies and procedures.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, insinuated that Big Bear Lake is becoming more of an authoritarian-like community; expressed his dissatisfaction with the City’s Code Enforcement practices and appeal process.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that he cannot tolerate the hypocrisy of local government and that the City Council works for the residents; demanded that the City arrange a Town Meeting with the Sheriff’s Department in response to seemingly increasing petty theft in the Village; expressed his discontent for City Manager Erik Sund.
Pat Enyart, Big Bear resident, indicated that she was pleased with the Vacation Rental Ordinance Workshops; suggested that in-person check-in should be optional for vacation rental property renters, not mandatory; would like to see a “welcome” video be produced by Visit Big Bear for visitors.
Thomas Haridene, Big Bear Lake resident, asked for Council to consider constructing a concrete skate park at the 19-acre lakeside property.
Quinton Page, Big Bear Lake resident, invited the public and Council to the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event that aims to bring awareness of violence against women. The event is to be held at Community Church on Saturday, September 16.
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear resident, invited the public to his Bear Valley Neighborhood Potluck on Saturday, September 16; stated that he will be sharing an anti-breeding ordinance from Las Vegas with the City Council; encouraged the public to reach out to him for more information regarding his website, BigBeartelevision.com
Ellen Clarke, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, highlighted the Chamber’s upcoming community event, “Moonridge Mondays”, which will be held every Monday night in the Moonridge Corridor throughout the month of September.
Tasha Ross, Big Bear Lake second home owner, implied that the City’s rules and ordinances have been recently enforced outside of their original intent.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, to pull Item 1.6 from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Mote, Herrick, Segovia, Putz
Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2023
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Melnick, to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Melnick, Segovia, Mote, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS – CHECK ISSUE DATE 07/01/2023 THROUGH 07/27/2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,307,635.25 AND THE JUNE 2023 TREASURER’S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 29, 2023 Approved.
1.3 APPROVE COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2023 Approved.
1.4 DESIGNATE VOTING DELEGATE AND VOTING ALTERNATE FOR THE 2023
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Council considered a resolution that designated Mayor Randall Putz as the voting delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Perri Melnick as the voting alternate for the 2023 League of California Cities Annual Conference in Sacramento, CA.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-65
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAYOR RANDALL PUTZ AS
THE VOTING DELEGATE AND MAYOR PRO TEM MELNICK
AS THE VOTING ALTERNATE FOR THE 2023 LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
1.5 APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 MEASURE I FIVE YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Council considered a resolution that will formally adopt the Measure I five-year Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 through Fiscal Year 2027-2028 and direct staff to submit the adopted plan and strategy to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA).
Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2023
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-66
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MEASURE I FIVE-YEAR
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-
2024 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2027-2028
1.6 REJECT ALL BIDS - POTHOLE PATCHING PROJECT
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, for further discussion.
1.7 AWARD OF CONTRACT - BOULDER BAY PARK WALKWAY AND CURB
REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Council considered a resolution that will award a construction contract to Siterip Construction Services, Inc. for the Boulder Bay Park Walkway and Curb Replacements Project in an amount not to exceed $341,115.27, authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary contract documents in a form approved by the City Attorney, and approve an appropriation in the amount of $42,000 from Measure Y Funds.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-68
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
TO SITEREP CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. FOR THE
BOULDER BAY PARK WALKWAY AND CURB
REPLACEMENTS PROJECT
1.8 AWARD OF CONTRACT - SANITARY SEWER CLEANING AND CCTV
INSPECTION PROJECT
Council considered a resolution that will award a construction contract to Houston & Harris, PCS, Inc. for the Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and CCTV Inspection Project in an amount not to exceed $265,852.85 and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary contract documents in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-69
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
TO HOUSTON & HARRIS PCS, INC. FOR THE SANITARY
SEWER CLEANING AND CCTV INSPECTION PROJECT
1.9 AWARD OF CONTRACT – ANNUAL CRACK SEAL OF CITY STREETS PROJECT
Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2023
Council considered a resolution that will award a construction contract to Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc. for the Annual Crack Seal of City Streets Project in an amount not to exceed $75,496, authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary contract documents in a form approved by the City Attorney, and approve the rejection of the construction bid submitted by Pavement Rehab Company.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-70
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO
ROY ALLAN SLURRY SEAL, INC. FOR THE ANNUAL CRACK
SEAL OF CITY STREETS PROJECT
1.10 AUTHORIZE CONSULTING AGREEMENTS - MASTER PLANNING EFFORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CITY’S 19-ACRE LAKESIDE PROPERTY
Council considered a resolution that will award a professional services agreement to SWA Group for master planning services associated with the public park amenities in relation to the City’s 19-acre property in an amount not to exceed $29,500, award a professional services agreement to Birtcher Anderson & Davis for assessment and master planning services associated with the Leisure Bear Mobile Home Park in an amount not to exceed $120,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary agreement documents in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-71
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONSULTING AGREEMENTS TO
SUPPORT THE MASTER PLANNING EFFORTS FOR THE CITY’S
19-ACRE LAKESIDE PROPERTY
1.11 AUTHORIZE CITY EVENTS – CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE AND MOVIES IN THE PARK
Council considered a resolution authorizing Concerts in the Village and Movies in the Park and determining that the events are exempt from Major Special Events permitting requirements as allowed by Development Code Section 17.13.030.(E.)(6.).
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-72
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONCERTS IN THE VILLAGE
AND MOVIES IN THE PARK
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
1.6 REJECT ALL BIDS - POTHOLE PATCHING PROJECT
Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2023
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, for further discussion.
Council considered a resolution rejecting the bids received from S. Porter Inc. and Bear Valley Paving for the Pothole Patching Project.
Following Council’s questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Mote to award a construction contract to the lowest bidder, S. Porter Inc. Due to the lack of a second, the motion failed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-67
RESOLUTION REJECTING ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE
POTHOLE PATCHING PROJECT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: Mote
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
2.1 INTRODUCTION (FIRST READING) OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION
17.25.210 OF THE DEVELOPMENT CODE
Council conducted a public hearing to hear any and all public testimony and introduce and conduct the first reading of an ordinance entitled Ordinance of the City Council Amending Development Code Section 17.24.210 Pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units and Finding the Amendment Statutorily and Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Following Council discussion and initial questions, Mayor Putz opened the public hearing at the hour of 6:19 p.m. Seeing no speakers, Mayor Putz closed the public hearing at the hour of 6:19 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick 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 COUNCIL AMENDING DEVELOPMENT
CODE SECTION 17.25.210 PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNITS AND FINDING THE AMENDMENT STATUTORILY AND
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
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August 9, 2023
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Herrick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
3.1 AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT – GENERAL PLAN AND MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATES; DISCUSSION REGARDING THE COMPOSITION
OF THE GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (GPAC)
Council considered a resolution that will award a professional services agreement to Mintier Harnish for updates to the General Plan and Municipal Code in an amount not to exceed $1,542,719 and engaged in a discussion regarding the composition of the GPAC.
Following Council initial questions, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached Council:
Jeff Holoubek, Planning Commission Chair, indicated that he is supportive of the General Plan Update, but is astonished at the cost of the consultants; asked Council to re-evaluate the methodology of the project and consider alternatives to limit the cost.
Ellen Clarke, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, suggested that the City Council consider incorporating a business owner from the west-end of the City and the east-side of the City – such as a business owner from the Moonridge Corridor – to the list of the committee members.
Following Council discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, to continue the discussion regarding the proposed Professional Services Agreement with Mintier Harnish at a future City Council Meeting.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Mote, Herrick, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Council reached consensus on the composition of the GPAC and agreed that there will be seventeen (17) representatives, including:
• 2 City Councilmembers (1 to serve as Chair, 1 to serve as Vice Chair) • 1 Planning Commissioner
• 1 Visit Big Bear Board Member
• 1 Big Bear Mountain Resorts representative
• 1 Big Bear Chamber Board Member
• 1 Big Bear Valley Community Hospital Board Member
• 1 Big Bear Association of Realtors Board Member
• 1 Big Bear Valley School District Board Member
Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2023
• 1 youth representative
• 3 full-time residents
• 2 business owners
• 1 second-home owner
• 1 self-managed vacation rental owner/operator
At the hour of 8:21 p.m., Mayor Putz called a short recess.
At the hour of 8:27 p.m., Mayor Putz reconvened the meeting.
3.2 WEST END DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Council engaged in a discussion regarding the formation and composition of the West End Development Committee proposed by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick.
Council authorized Mayor Pro Tem Melnick to work with the City Manager and City Attorney to finalize the details and composition of the advisory committee. Formal action will be taken at a future City Council Meeting.
4. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
4.1 COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Segovia shared that she visited the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Campus on July 18; noted that she will be attending the Mojave Desert Mountain Recycling Joint Powers Authority Board Meeting on August 10.
Councilmember Mote reported on the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Authority’s (BBARWA) open house event for the Replenish Big Bear Project on July 19 and the BBARWA Board Meeting on July 26.
Councilmember Herrick insinuated that Tour De Big Bear was a success; stated that the memorial service for the late Big Bear Community Services District Board Member John Green was well attended.
Mayor Putz stated that he attended the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Authority’s (BBARWA) open house event for the Replenish Big Bear Project on July 19; shared that he visited the Big Bear Mountain Brewery after the July 12th City Council Meeting and was pleased with his encounters; agreed with Councilmember’s Herrick’s comments and also believed the memorial service for John Green was well-attended and was a very moving service.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council at this Open Session, Mayor Putz adjourned the Open Session meeting at 8:50 p.m. in honor of John Green.
Rebecca F. Cannon, City Clerk