OF BIG BEAR CITY OF
CITY
BIG BEAR LAKE California
Regular Meeting Minutes - October 11, 2023
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Putz at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 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
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 concerns related to the City's current policy that he feels allows the City Manager to spend tax payers money without restraint.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, voiced his negative opinions pertaining to the City Manager and the City's current Code Enforcement efforts.
Cindy Dupre, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared her dissatisfaction concerning the City's Code Enforcement employees, stating her opinion that they are rude and have been given too much power.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, stated his belief that the City's management lacks good judgment and wisdom.
At the hour of 3:42 p.m., Mayor Putz recessed to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:06 p.m., Mayor Putz resumed Open Session.
PRESENTATIONS
Introduction of new employee - Alan Mondragon, Administrative Analyst, Management Services Department
Introduction of new employee - Brys Kuntz, Facilities/Parks Maintenance Worker, Public Works Department
• Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing October 2023 as Community Planning Month.
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Stephen P. Deitsch, announced that the City Council discussed the following item in Closed Session and no reportable action was taken by the City Council; he also stated that the City Council did not complete their discussion related to this item and indicated they could continue Closed Session after the City Council adjourned the Open Session.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Title of Position: City Manager
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, made a request to include an agenda item to discuss changing the City Charter, in order to establish a Mayor/City Council government structure.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, requested that the City Council not close Village roads to accommodate special events.
Helen Walsh, Big Bear Lake resident, and Chief Officer of the Big Bear Community Maui Relief Fund reported that the community has raised $47,000; she thanked community members and the City Council for their support.
Steven Jones, Big Bear Lake resident, stated he lives on Ford Lane; voiced his public safety concerns regarding Ford Lane and it not being paved or maintained by the City.
Jack Cole, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that he lives on Ford Lane and explained that travel on that road is difficult and nearly impossible during the winter; provided a history regarding the maintenance of this road.
Ellen Clark, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, thanked City Council and the community for supporting Moonridge Mondays; further expressed her gratitude for the Public Works and Planning Departments' assistance related to this event.
Victor Oberneder, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his concern regarding traffic impacts to Tanager Drive due to the new hotel; he requested that the City add traffic signage to Tanager/Park, and Tanager/Swan in an effort to discourage non-resident traffic.
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear resident, shared that a local household recently surrendered 23 cats to the Big Bear Animal Shelter; he also reminded the public that October 11" is National Coming Out Day.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his concerns about the City's lack of transparency, the misuse of tax payer funds and corruption.
Craig Sheets, Brea resident, shared his concerns about the environment and negative impacts on natural resources; warned of shipping containers containing nuclear war heads being placed in the forest.
Bernard Bryan, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that the City Council has infringed on local voting rights and constituted the intimidation of voters.
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
Cindy Dupree, Big Bear Lake business owner, notified the City Council and City management that their overreaching authoritarian actions must stop; encouraged residents to educate themselves by researching the Constitution in an effort to take back their liberty.
Ronald Snow, paraphrased an article included in the Grizzly newspaper regarding the City's recent purchase of a property adjoining the Public Works Yard.
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 09/02/2023 THROUGH 09/30/2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,643,504.81 AND THE AUGUST 2023 TREASURER'S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVE COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 9, 2023 Approved.
1.3 APPROVE 2024 COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
Approved.
1.4 AUTHORIZE ON-CALL SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACTS
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-76
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ON-CALL SNOW REMOVAL
CONTRACTS FOR WINTER SEASON 2023-24
1.5 AUTHORIZE RENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-77
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENTAL AGREEMENTS FOR
SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT FOR WINTER SEASON 2023-24
16 AUTORIZE AGREEMENT WITH MOUNTAIN TRANSIT FOR CITY
CONTRIBUTION TO THE FREE TROLLEY SERVICE
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-78
RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
MOUNTAIN AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT AGENCY FOR
THE FREE TROLLEY SERVICE
1.7 NOTICES OF COMPLETION - FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
Approved.
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Mote, Melnick, Herrick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
2. PUBLIC HEARING
2.1 INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10.12 OF THE BIG
BEAR LAKE MUNICIPAL CODE
Erik Sund, City Manager, requested for the City Council to combine Item 2.1 and Item 3.5 into this The City Council agreed to this staff recommendation, therefore, City Manager Sund then presented After the presentation and City Council questions, at the hour of 6:16 p.m., Mayor Putz opened the Public Hearing, and the following individuals approached the City Council:
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared his support for local parking enforcement and fines.
Carol New, Big Bear resident, questioned the wording of the ordinance and is concerned about chasing away visitors; stated the ordinance verbiage needs to be very clear.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, asked if the amount of the parking citation could be reduced; he also inquired about the cost of new parking signage.
At the hour of 6:21 p.m., Mayor Putz closed the Public Hearing.
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
Following the Public Hearing and City Council's further discussion and suggestions, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, seconded by Councilmember Mote, to add the verbiage "during snow conditions" to section 10.12.030 of the proposed ordinance; and 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 CHAPTER 10.12 (PARKING DURING SNOW CONDITIONS - GENERALLY) OF TITLE 10 (VEHICLES AND
TRAFFIC) OF THE BIG BEAR LAKE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO
PARKING REGULATIONS IN MOUNTAIN AREAS
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
3.1 COMMUNITY VISIONING
Kendall Flint, DKS Associates Project Manager, 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:
Steve Finn, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his opinion pertaining to the vision statement and expressed his beliefs that the City's rules should apply equally to both residents and tourists.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, stated that the City Council should reconsider taking over Big Bear Blvd.
Pat Enyart, Big Bear resident, expressed concerns related to the vision statement, stated that Big Bear Lake is a visitor destination and the local economy and workforce relies on tourism.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, indicated that he is not pleased with the City engaging consultants to complete these types of projects, including the recent revision of the City's Mission Statement.
Following public comment and City Council discussion/consensus regarding a few small revisions to Couprime Sign a to aprove stairs recommend bion and adopt the folle, seconded by RESOLUTION NO. 2023-79
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE VISION STATEMENT TO GUIDE
THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROCESS
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Herrick, Mote, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3.2 AUTHORIZE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR LAND
MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SELECTION SERVICES
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:
Chuck Hicks, Big Bear Lake resident, emphasized the importance of following a bidding process and avoiding reliance on personal relationships to make contract issuance decisions; questioned the cost of purchasing new software.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his opinion and dissatisfaction pertaining to the City's bidding process and the timing of this software project.
Following public comment, a motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Mote, to direct staff to issue an RFP for the Land Management Software Selection Services project. Then further City Council and staff discussion regarding this item continued.
After the continued discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Segovia to call the question.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Herrick, Mote
NOES: Melnick, Putz
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
After that motioned passed, the City Council voted on Councilmember Herrick's original motion to direct staff to issue an RFP for the Land Management Software Selection Services project.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Mote, Melnick, Segovia, Herrick
NOES: Putz
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
At the hour of 7:40 p.m., Mayor Putz called for a short recess.
At the hour of 7:49 p.m., Mayor Putz reconvened the meeting.
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
3.3 VACATION RENTAL ORDINANCE RELATED TIMELINE
At the hour of 7:40 p.m., Councilmember Herrick recused himself from Item 3.3 and Item 3.4 out of an abundance of caution due to a potential conflict of interest.
City Manager Erik Sund, made a staff presentation related to this item, providing the upcoming timeline for updating and adopting revisions to the City's Vacation Rental Ordinance.
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, was surprised by the review process of the ordinance; indicated she doesn't think the City needs to continue with the strict COVID vacation rental regulations.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, disapproved of the timeline and review process of the ordinance.
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear resident, voiced his opinion pertaining to the vacation rental check- in process; stating that self-managed check-in using technology is more convenient and efficient.
Catherine Commander, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that she wants guests to feel welcomed and is concerned about the number of rules.
Jerome Quint, Big Bear resident, shared his disappointment about the timeline of the ordinance revisions and the lengthy process for approving the revised ordinance.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, inquired about the process for approving the updated ordinance and said he thinks that the process takes too long; stated he believes that the prior fines should be forgiven.
Jeff Holoubek, Big Bear Lake resident, suggested that the City give warnings instead of issuing citations until the ordinance revisions are finalized and approved; believes that fines should only be issued for egregious offenses per his understanding of the current ordinance's intent.
Steve Finn, Big Bear Lake resident, requested alternatives to in person check-in and a time frame for correcting violations prior to being cited; thinks excessive fines related to administrative error Following public comment, the City Council and staff engaged in further discussion. No formal City Council action was taken related to this item.
3.4 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN/SNOW REMOVAL OVERVIEW
Sean Sullivan, Deputy City Manager/Director of Public Works, made the presentation.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, inquired if Big Bear Disposal was going to hit trash carts if left out on the streets; indicated he thought it was a good staff presentation.
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2023
Following the staff presentation, the City Council asked questions and engaged in discussion related to the FY 23/24 Traffic Management Plan and the City's snow removal operations. No formal City Council action was taken related to this item.
3.5 INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.12.040 OF THE
BIG BEAR LAKE MUNICIPAL CODE
Please Note - Item 3.5 was combined with Item 2.1 for City Council consideration and action.
At the hour of 8:45 p.m., Councilmember Herrick returned to the meeting.
4. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
• CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Erik Sund reported that he attended the State of the County event. City Manager Sund provided an update on the purchase of property 42106 Big Bear Blvd. He explained that the purpose of purchasing the property is to expand the Public Works Yard and to look into future economic opportunities. Additionally, he shared that a priority in relation to the property is to remove blight and to help beautify the Blvd. City Manager Sund invited the community to join him at Moonridge Coffee on October 26"h from 7:30-9:30 a.m. for Cinnamon Rolls with the City Manager. The event is an opportunity for the public to engage with City Manager Sund and his executive team.
• COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Melnick requested permission from City Council to waive the 20 minute rule so she may work with City staff on the West End Advisory Committee (City Council consensus was received). In addition, Mayor Pro Tem Melnick made a request to include an agenda item to discuss the City taking over Big Bear Blvd; Councilmember Mote seconded the request to add the item to a future agenda.
Councilmember Mote shared an update on a recent BBARWA meeting, and the Replenish Big Bear Project. She also noted her attendance at the League of California Cities conference.
Mayor Putz reported that he enjoyed attending the League of California Cities Conference.
Additionally, Mayor Putz shared that he represented the City at the 60th anniversary of the Palm Springs tram and a recent SCTA meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Putz adjourned the Open Session at 9:20 p.m. and recessed back into Closed Session with the City Council's agreeance that the Closed Session meeting would adjourn at 10:00 p.m.
arica Stephenson
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk