CY BIG BEAR LART CITY OF
BIG BEAR LAKE California
HCORPORATED ARD
Regular Meeting Minutes - September 13, 2023
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Putz at 3:03 p.m., Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Herrick
Invocation: Invocation was led by Tom Owens from Big Bear Foursquare Church
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
Erica Stephenson, Assistant City Manager
Rebecca Cannon, City Clerk
Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Rick Snow. Big Bear Lake business owner, expressed his concerns related to a few City management employees, including the City Manager.
Chuck Hicks, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his opinion and frustrations related to the recent implementation of the A-frame sign regulation, citation issuance, building permit delays, and the City Manager.
Rick Shearer, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the Big Bear Lake Licensing Department's customer service.
Daniel Gulbranson. Big Bear Lake resident, shared his concerns about City employees, City Council and the vacation rental program.
At the hour of 3:14 p.m., Mayor Putz adjourned to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:06 p.m., Mayor Putz resumed Open Session.
PRESENTATIONS
Introduction of new employee - Garret Brosky, Associate Planner - Community & Economic Development
Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2023
Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
• Presentation of a Proclamation to Janice Etter, Senior Principal Planner, in recognition of her recent retirement.
Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing Big Bear Deputy Zakkary Planz from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as Deputy of the Year.
RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Stephen P. Deitsch, announced that the City Council discussed the following items in Closed Session and no reportable action was taken by the City Council.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957 Title of Position: City Manager
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: APN 0309-011-33 & a portion of APN 0309-011-26 City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: George Hanson, Bear Valley Mutual Water Company & Greg Schick Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: 40940 Pennsylvania Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Bear Valley Unified School District
Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Chuck Hicks, Big Bear Lake resident, shared his disappointment related to the City's outdated Emergency Operations Plan and staff's proposal to contract with a consultant to assist in related training and updates to the emergency document.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, voiced his opinion and frustrations related to local voting/election issues, and the City Manager.
Steven Jones, Big Bear Lake resident, requested for the City Council to change the unmaintained status of his local residential street (Ford Lane) and for the City to begin snow plowing his road.
Pat Enyart, Big Bear resident, explained her remote guest check-in process, and indicated her support for video cameras to be used at rental properties.
Drew Placos, Big Bear resident, shared his support for local small businesses; requested the City implement a smoother business permitting process.
Darrel Finch, Big Bear Lake resident, commended the Mayor on his vision for the City, and shared his dissatisfaction with the City Manager.
Jack Cole, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his concern regarding the unmaintained status of his local residential street (Ford Lane).
Bob Chestnut, Big Bear Lake resident, shared his support for local small businesses.
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September 13, 2023
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, thanked police officers for their service, and voiced his concerns about City citations, the use of City funds, and the City Attorney.
Bobbi Hazelton, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced her opinion about event road closures between Village Dr. and Pine Knot, and requested surveillance cameras be installed to monitor the ballot box.
Beth Wheat, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that the Big Bear Lighthouse project will be hosting a Community Summit on Thursday, September 21 at 6pm, and invited the community to attend.
Linda Terrio, Big Bear resident, shared her concern for local small businesses, and expressed her dissatisfaction with the City Manager.
Ronald Snow, read an article from the San Clemente Times regarding the City Manager.
Joyce Barker, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced her opinion pertaining to the invocation presented at the start of the meeting.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, and 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: Segovia, Mote, Melnick, Herrick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Councilmember Herrick to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar.
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS - CHECK ISSUE DATE 07/28/2023 THROUGH 09/01/2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,962,072.06 AND THE JULY 2023 TREASURERE'S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVE COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2023 Approved.
1.3 TREE DONATION
Approved.
1.4 ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 17.25.210 OF THE
DEVELOPMENT CODE
Approved and adopted the following Ordinance entitled:
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September 13, 2023
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-516
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
FORM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIORNMENTAL QUALITY ACT
1.5 APPROVE CARRYOVER OF APPROPRIATIONS
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-74
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CARRYOVER OF APPROPRIATIONS
FROM FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 TO FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
1.6 AUTHORIZE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT - CONSULTING FOR
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar.
1.7 AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - COTTAGE LANE SEWER LINE
REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-75
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO
ROMANS CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR THE COTTAGE LANE
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The Consent Calendar, excluding Item 1.6, was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
1.6 AUTHORIZE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT - CONSULTING FOR
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
his item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayc ro Tem Melnick. for further discussior
Following City Council's questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Councilmember Segovia to authorize Jacob Green and Associates to prepare and update an emergency operations plan at a cost not to exceed $35,000.
Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2023
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Melnick, Segovia, Herrick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2.1 DISCUSSION PERTAINING TO ANIMAL BREEDING
Sue O'Strander, Director of Community & Economic Development, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation and City Council questions, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Pat Enyart, Big Bear resident, shared her beliefs that Big Bear has a huge problem with illegal animal breeders.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, shared his dissatisfaction with City management and operations.
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear resident, voiced his opinion about animal euthanasia and community responsibility related to animals, and suggested the City require a breeding license.
Mike Rotman, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his opinion pertaining to animal rights, licensing, and suggested the City support local spay/neutering programs.
Teresa Agrasandra. Big Bear resident, shared her experience fostering a local rescue dog.
Following public comment, the City Council continued their discussion on this item, and requested that it be included on a future City Council meeting for further consideration. City Manager Erik Sund added that he would invite San Bernardino County representatives to make an animal control services presentation at an upcoming City Council meeting.
No formal City Council action was taken related to this Item.
At the hour of 7:17 p.m., Mayor Putz called for a recess and at the hour of 7:26 p.m. Mayor Putz reconvened the meeting.
2.2 DISCUSSION PERTAINING TO THE HISTORY OF A-FRAME SIGNS Sue O'Strander, Director of Community & Economic Development, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Drew Placos, Big Bear resident, shared his support for A-frame signs, stating they allow businesses to differentiate themselves and promote their business.
Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2023
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, stated his opinion that local dilapidated buildings are a far worse problem for the City, than A-frame signs.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, indicated that A-frame signs are currently in front of many local businesses; expressed his frustration related to the City's management and enforcement efforts.
Darrel Finch, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that he recently conducted a local A-frame sign survey, and questioned the fairness of the City's enforcement efforts.
Michelle Eggen, Big Bear Lake resident, shared her support for A-frame signs, and requested consistent City enforcement.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, requested for the City to show kindness and flexibility regarding issuing A-frame sign citations.
Gabriel Flores, Big Bear Lake business owner, stated he is in support of local small business, and the use of A-frame signs.
Tom Stoffer, Big Bear resident, shared his support for small business, and believes the A-frame sign ordinance should be reviewed.
Angel Velasquez, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced her positive opinion regarding A-frame signs, and encouraged building community relationships.
Leanne Riskol, Big Bear resident, shared that she supports small businesses, and their use of A-frame signs.
Jeff Holoubek, Big Bear Lake resident, stated his opinion that the City's signage rules can be improved, and that he believes exceptions could be made to allow A-frames signs.
Following the City Council's questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Councilmember Herrick to send the ordinance to the Planning Commission for their review, with the general direction to simplify the City's current sign ordinance, include support for A-frame signs, and to present an ordinance update recommendation back to the City Council; and to provide direction to staff to pause the City's current enforcement of A-frame signs.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Mote, Herrick, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2.3 2023 MISSION STATEMENT, CORE VALUES AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES UPDATE
Erik Sund, City Manager, made the brief presentation of this Item.
After the staff presentation, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individual approached the City Council:
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his opinion pertaining to the City's Mission Statement, Core Values and Strategic Priorities, and he stated his belief that it's "a lot of fluff'.
Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2023
Following the City Council's questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Segovia, seconded by Mayor Putz to adopt the proposed 2023 Mission Statement.
Said motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia
NOES: Herrick, Melnick, Mote, Putz
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Mayor Putz to retain the City's current Mission Statement.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Herrick, Melnick, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Then the City Council continued their discussion, focusing on the Core Values portion of Item 2.3.
A motion was made Mayor Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick to adopt the revised Core Values wording suggested by Councilmember Mote.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Melnick, Herrick, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Erik Sund provided a brief community update.
COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Herrick thanked all involved in Saturday night's concert and shared that is was a great event.
Mayor Pro Tem Melnick announced that she had received great feedback from community members regarding the concert.
Councilmember Mote reported on recent Mountain Transit and BBARWA meetings that she attended.
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick to schedule a workshop to discuss properties with ADU's and possible vacation rental eligibility.
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September 13, 2023
A motion was made by Councilmember Mote, seconded by Mayor Putz to discuss a Dark Sky Ordinance at a future meeting.
Councilmember Segovia reported on last month's Mojave Desert Mountain Integrated Waste Joint Powers Authority meeting that she attended.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Putz adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m., in honor of respected resident and businessman Fred Goldsmith.
Lica Stephenson
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk