CITY OF
СОТВОРЕНИЙ
BIG BEAR LAKE California
SASORPORATED RAD
Regular Meeting Minutes - November 8, 2023
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Putz at 4:34 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Segovia
Invocation: Jim Lona, Commander of American Legion Post 584 Moment of Silence: Rabbi Zalman Bernstein from the Chabad of Lake Arrowhead & Big Bear
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
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
None.
Councilmember Herrick announced that he was recusing himself from Closed Session Item 2, due to a potential business related conflict of interest.
At the hour of 4:36 p.m., City Council recessed to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:05 p.m., Mayor Putz resumed Open Session.
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. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9
One (1) Case
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2023
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN: 2328-383-01
City Negotiators: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Wade Reeser, President of Big Bear Mountain Resorts Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
PRESENTATIONS
• Presentation of a 10-year Employee Service Award to Becky Romine, Code Compliance Technician.
New Employee Introduction of Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager - Community & Economic Development.
• New Employee Introduction of Brenda De La Rosa, Administrative Clerk - Community & Economic Development.
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Matt Scriven, Big Bear Lake business owner, thanked the City Council for bringing events and concerts to the Village; shared his opinion that the Village is the heart of Big Bear Lake and should be enjoyed by all.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, provided his thoughts related to the Rathbun Trail; expressed concerns about the project's bidding process, contractor plans, and cost.
Erik Zegast, Big Bear Lake homeowner, shared his opinion that in the past code enforcement has been lax and suggested that the City be proactive and communicate enforcement rules with STR owners.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, provided information on the Big Bear Lake Voter Coalition; expressed concerns about the City's leadership and operations.
Kathleen Staunton, Big Bear Lake resident, provided her thoughts and concerns about a consultant's proposal to provide the City emergency management support services; further commented on her recent outreach to the City Council related to an emergency operations plan.
Suzette Guyette, Big Bear resident, invited Councilmembers to attend the Cantree charity Christmas event on December 2.
Ingrid Olsen, Big Bear Lake resident, shared her frustration pertaining to the implementation of the recent changes made to the residential solid waste removal and recycling program.
Jim Lona, Commander of American Legion Post 584, extended an invitation to all to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, November 11, 2023 being held at the Big Bear Convention Center.
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear resident, shared that he is working on a documentary about Big Bear and encouraged the public to visit his website.
Mike Rotman, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his concerns regarding inconsistent code enforcement efforts related to the vacation rental program.
Tom Sitton. Big Bear Lake business owner, shared his frustration about the Village road closures, local crime, possible voter fraud, code enforcement, and City leadership.
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2023
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 APPROVE DEMANDS - CHECK ISSUE DATE 10/01/23 THROUGH 10/26/23 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,399,876.08 AND THE SEPTEMBER 2023 TREASURER'S REPORT Approved.
1.2 ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10.12 OF THE BIG BEAR LAKE
MUNICIPAL CODE
Approved and adopted the following Ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-517
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
3 RESOLUTION APPOINTING ERICA STEPHENSON AS CITY CLERK ANI ESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-5.
Approved and adopted the following Resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-80
RESOLUTION APPOINTING ERICA STEPHENSON AS CITY CLERK
AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-52
1.4 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BID SOLICITATION FOR THE CIVIC
CENTER/PERFORMING ARTS CENTER RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT
Approved and adopted the following Resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-81
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BID SOLICITATION FOR THE
CIVIC CENTER/PERFORMING ARTS CENTER RESTROOM
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
1.5 NOTICES OF COMPLETION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Approved.
1.6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATIONS) FOR ALL
ELIGIBLE CALRECYCLE GRANT AND PAYMENT PROGRAMS
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2023
Approved and adopted the following Resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-82
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION(S) FOR ALL
ELIGIBLE CALRECYCLE GRANT AND PAYMENT PROGRAMS
7 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT O 'HE LEISURE BEAR MOBILE HOME PARI
Approved and adopted the following Resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-83
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH BIRTCHER ANDERSON & DAVIS ASSOCIATES,
INC. FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE LEISURE BEAR MOBILE HOME PARK THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024
1.8 RESOLUTION RATIFYING EXPENDITURES ASSOCIATED WITH EMERGENCI REPAIRS OF SANITARY SEWER LIFT STATION NO. 12
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-84
RESOLUTION RATIFYING EXPENDITURES ASSOCIATED WITH EMERGENCY REPAIRS OF SANITARY SEWER LIFT STATION NO. 12
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
At the hour of 5:54 p.m., Councilmember Herrick announced that he was recusing himself from Item 2.1 and Item 2.2 due to a potential business related conflict of interest; he further stated that he would be leaving the meeting since those are the only two remaining Discussion/Action Items included on the Agenda.
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2023
2.1 VACATION RENTAL ORDINANCE AND FINES REVIEW
City Manager Erik Sund made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation and City Council questions, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak and the following individuals approached the City Council:
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared his opinion that the vacation rental fines were never intended for business owners that were consistently remitting their TOT to the City.
Nancy Shearer, Big Bear Lake resident, provided her personal story related to a vacation rental fine and the citation appeals process; expressed her belief that it is an unfair process. rik Zegast, Big Bear Lake homeowner, stated that he feels if a vacation rental homeowner :
nable to rent their house due to an expired permit, then that is essentially a fine because of th loss of rental revenue.
Dion Olson, Big Bear Lake business owner, had questions regarding the new vacation rental renewal notice mailer; provided her feedback related to the annual vacation rental license numbering system.
Lori Avery, Big Bear Lake homeowner, commended the City Council for their current efforts related to revising the Vacation Rental Ordinance; stated her beliefs that the City's current ordinance was meant to only fine the "bad actors" that are intentionally renting without a license.
Mike Rotman, Big Bear Lake resident, shared his opinion that the fines were meant for the "bad actors"; believes if the vacation rental owner isn't remitting TOT than they should be fined; further commented on the "Good Neighbor Policy".
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, questioned the City's Agenda documents; commented on property lien and contract bidding procedures.
Cindy Dupree, Big Bear Lake resident. provided Constitutional information related to governmental licenses, permits and fees.
Theodore Trentman. Big Bear resident, shared information related to local regulations and enforcement efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steve Fin, Big Bear Lake homeowner, expressed support for the previous public speakers; questioned the proposed major/minor fee categories.
Ronnie Fin, Big Bear Lake homeowner, questioned some of the proposed fines and fee structure; requested that the final ordinance be very transparent.
Tasha Ross, Big Bear Lake homeowner, commented on the City's rustic charm; shared her thoughts on kindness; requested that the ordinance be revised and in effect prior to the busy winter season.
Following public comment, the City staff further commented on the proposed fine structure that would be incorporated into the Vacation Rental Ordinance revisions.
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2023
At the hour of 6:58 p.m., Mayor Putz called for a short recess; then at 7:05 p.m. Mayor Putz reconvened the meeting.
After the recess and further City Council questions and comments, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Melnick, seconded by Councilmember Segovia to suspend (effective immediately) the City's enforcement of major category fines and in person check-in requirements, assuming the "Good Neighbor Policy" is signed, until the new ordinance revisions are approved, but no later than the March 13, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.
Said motion was approved by the following votes:
AYES: Mote, Segovia, Melnick, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Herrick
ABSENT: None
The City Council provided staff additional input and direction related to suggested ordinance updates, including reducing the major category fines, that should be included in the proposed Vacation Rental No further formal City Council action was taken related to Item 2.1.
2.2 VISIT BIG BEAR'S FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT, GAAP
AUDIT & ANNUAL REPORT
Ryan Domino, CPA and Partner with Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP provided a virtual presentation for this item.
After the presentation and City Council questions and comments, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item and no individuals approached the City Council. Then the City Council and staff engaged in further discussion related to this item.
No formal City Council action was taken related to Item 2.2.
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
• CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Clerk Erica Stephenson thanked the City Council for entrusting her with the important role of being the City of Big Bear Lake's City Clerk.
City Manager Erik Sund shared that the Rathbun Trail Project ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 7h. Additionally, he announced that the Halloween in the Village event/concert was well attended this year and was a major success.
• COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Segovia shared that she and her family attended the Halloween in the Village event and it was excellent.
Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2023
Councilmember Mote reported on a recent BBARWA meeting, sharing that there were no changes or updates to the Replenish Big Bear Project; in addition she shared an overview of a recent Mountain Transit meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Melnick expressed that the Halloween in the Village event was a great community event.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Putz adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m.
Erica Stephene