OF BIG BEAR CITY OF
BIG BEAR LAKE California
TISORPORATED ID
Regular Meeting Minutes - February 14, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Melnick at 4:01 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Herrick
Invocation: Pastor Robert Grand, Summit Christian Fellowship Councilmembers Present:
Mayor Pro Tem Kendi Segovia
Councilmember Rick Herrick
Councilmember Bynette Mote
Councilmember Randall Putz
Others Present: Erik Sund, City Manager
Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, inquired about some of the Closed Session items; and questioned if Charter Cities have unique regulations.
At the hour of 4:06 p.m., Mayor Melnick called for a recess to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:04 p.m., Mayor Melnick 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 stated that no reportable action was taken by the City Council on any of the three items. He then provided an update regarding the litigation noted in Item 1 and stated that the City has incurred $59,000 of expenses related to this case.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PENDING LITIGATION pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of Case: Recall Mote Now! a Political Action Committee (FPPC ID# 1449920), and Bernard Dale Bryan v. Erica Stephenson, City Clerk of the City of Big Bear Lake Court & Case No: San Bernardino Superior Court, Case No. CIV SB 2218531
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February 14, 2024
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: Vacant Property (Parking Lot) Along Rathbun Drive, APN: 2328-383-01 City Negotiators: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Wade Reeser, President of Big Bear Mountain Resort Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: 40940 Pennsylvania Ave (Former Big Bear Elementary School Site), APN:0309-111-01 City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Bear Valley Unified School District
Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
PRESENTATIONS
• Employee Presentations:
•Presentation of a 10-year Employee Service Award to Tammy Rawlings, Permit Technician • New Employee Introduction of Ryan Dorsett, Public Works Supervisor - Public Works Department
New Employee Introduction of Jackie Rogers, Communications & Events Specialist - Management Services Department
• Presentation from Sean Sullivan, Assistant City Manager provided a Capital Project update. • Presentation from Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager provided a Beautify Big Bear project update.
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Bynette Mote, Big Bear Lake resident, announced her resignation effective immediately as a member of the City Council.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared several specific frustrations pertaining to the Fire Department, Councilmembers and the City Manager.
Yvonne Phillips, Big Bear City resident, expressed her concerns pertaining to expensive lawsuits; shared that she has served with Mayor Melnick on charitable organizations and has found her to be honest.
Linda Goldsmith, Big Bear Lake business owner, stated that she is in support of Mayor Melnick and against the Recall.
Ingrid Olsen, Big Bear Lake resident, shared her disappointment pertaining to Big Bear Disposal's trash can rollout, related regulations, enforcement and the lack of communication between the public and the City.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his dissatisfaction related to the City Council and City staff, he emphasized the importance of City leaders pausing to reflect on the current situation.
Patrice Duncan, Big Bear resident, gave remarks on behalf of John Bidwell, President of the Big Bear Firefighters Professional Association. Mr. Bidwell is against the recall of Mayor Melnick, and looks forward to seeing what Mayor Melnick will achieve in her position as Mayor.
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February 14, 2024
Poities and le ale Be resist shared heresyone fore Say makes d, stated she is impressed with her Evan Engle. Big Bear Lake resident, thanked the Councilmembers for their service; he added his opinion that a Recall is not the answer.
Loren Hafen, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared that he is not in favor of the recalling Mayor Melnick; he added that he would like the community to be more cohesive.
Greg Clapper, Big Bear resident. asked the City Council if anything can be done about the City issuing parking tickets to contractors working within Big Bear Lake.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS - CHECK ISSUE DATE 12/01/23 THROUGH 1/25/24 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,559,464.91 AND THE NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2023
TREASURER'S REPORTS
Approved.
1.2 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DELEGATE FOR THE MOJAVE DESERT
MOUNTAIN INTEGRATED WASTE JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-01
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DELEGATE FOR THE MOJAVE DESERT
MOUNTAIN INTEGRATED WASTE JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
1.3 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DELEGATE FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN
BERNARDINO SOLID WASTE ADVISORY TASK FORCE
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-02
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DELEGATE FOR THE COUNTY OF SAN
BERNARDINO SOLID WASTE ADVISORY TASK FORCE
1.4 RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE LOCAL ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
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February 14, 2024
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-03
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE LOCAL ROADWAY SAFETY PLAN
IS ROTAIRSOR VOR ATHIE TRAPHASE IT WITH BIG BEAR
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-04
RESOLUTION APPROVING A TRAIL EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH BIG BEAR
MOUNTAIN RESORTS FOR RATHBUN CREEK TRAIL PHASE III
1.6 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A CLAIM TO THE SAN
BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 FUNDS FOR THE
STANFIELD MARSH OUTDOOR RECREATION AND | EDUCATION TRAIL
SEGMENT II (SMORE II) PROJECT
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-05
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A CLAIM TO THE SAN
BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 FUNDS FOR THE STANFIELD MARSH OUTDOOR
RECREATION AND EDUCATION TRAIL SEGMENT II (SMORE II) PROJECT
1.7 NOTICES OF COMPLETION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
Approved.
1.8 AUTHORIZATION OF BID SOLICITATIONS FOR UPCOMING CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Approved.
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote, with Councilmember Herrick abstaining on Item 1.5.
AYES: Herrick, Putz, Segovia, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
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2. PUBLIC HEARING
2.1 RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) 2024-2025 PROGRAM YEAR APPLICATIONS AND FUNDING
RECOMMENDATIONS
Assistant City Manager Sean Sullivan and Project Manager Katya Meyer provided a presentation on this item. City Council then conducted a public hearing to receive comments regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2024-2025 Program Year Applications and Funding Recommendations.
At the hour of 6:09 p.m., Mayor Melnick opened the Public Hearing and the following individuals approached the City Council and provided their comments:
Stephanie Albright, Pause 4 Paws Big Bear volunteer, shared that this charitable organization is dedicated to connecting residents to low cost pet resources, services and programs.
Ryan Orr, Big Bear resident, shared that Pause 4 Paws is a good organization and would benefit from the City's assistance.
Sierra Orr, Big Bear resident, added that Pause 4 Paws relies solely on volunteers, and could use the City's funding support
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that he would gladly contribute funds to Pause 4 Paws Big Bear; instead of the City contributing funds to this organization.
Seeing no further public comments, Mayor Melnick closed the Public Hearing at 6:18 p.m.
Following public comment; a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Segovia, to approve the staff's recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-06
RESOLUTION TO MAKE A PROJECT FUNDING RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO USING THE CITY'S 2024-2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATION OF $35,853
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Putz, Herrick, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: None
Then a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve the staff's recommendation (regarding the second resolution included in this Agenda Item) and adopt
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RESOLUTION NO. 2024-07
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROPRIATION OF GENERAL FUND GRANTS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS REQUESTING 2024-2025 CDBG FUNDS Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Putz, Herrick, Segovia, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: None
3. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
3.1 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENTS TO THE BIG BEAR AREA REGIONAL
WASTEWATER AGENCY JOINT POWERS AND OPERATING AGREEMENTS City Manager Erik Sund and BBARWA General Manager David Lawrence provided a brief overview of the proposed amendments to the Big Bear Area Regional Wastewater Agency Joint Powers and Operating Agreements.
After the presentation and City Council questions/comments, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individual approached the City Council:
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed frustration over City spending; questioned project costs and future impacts to local property taxes.
Following public comment and further discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Putz, to approve staff's recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-08
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO THE OPERATING AGREEMENT NO. 1 BETWEEN
THE BIG BEAR AREA REGIONAL WASTEWATER AGENCY, BIG BEAR LAKE
SANITATION DISTRICT, BIG BEAR CITY COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT AND
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, AND SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO THE JOINT
EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN BIG BEAR CITY COMMUNITY
SERVICES DISTRICT, CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE AND SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CREATING THE BIG BEAR AREA REGIONAL WASTEWATER AGENCY
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Putz, Herrick, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: None
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February 14, 2024
4. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
• CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Clerk Erica Stephenson shared that City Hall administrative offices will be closed on Monday, February 19t in observance of President's Day.
City Manager Erik Sund thanked the Public Works Department for their successful snow removal efforts during the recent storms. City Manager Sund asked the public to reach out to the City directly to discuss options they may have related to City fines. He further announced that the STR Vacation Rental Ordinance rollout occurred on January 18". City Manager Sund shared that in addition to our monthly Elevation 6752 newsletter, we will be introducing a new weekly newsletter called "The Week That Was." He indicated that the new publication aims to keep everyone informed about the week's events, updates, and highlights within the city. • COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Putz shared a brief overview of the recent League of California Cities Desert Mountain Division meeting that was held in Barstow. He shared that there was an interesting presentation by the BNSF Public Affairs Director, which was BNSF is working towards getting approval on a 4,000 acre rail gateway project in Barstow.
Councilmember Herrick (seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia) requested to revisit the City's parking enforcement rules at a future City Council meeting. Additionally, Councilmember Herrick announced that he attended a SBCTA meeting and is working towards possibly securing funding for the Rathbun Creek underpass on Big Bear Boulevard project.
Mayor Pro Tem Segovia shared that the traffic concerns raised by residents living around the Hampton Inn are being addressed and that City staff has been engaging with the community to address these issues and gather feedback. Mayor Pro Tem Segovia (seconded by Councilmember Herrick) requested an overview of the TBID MOU and how it came to pass.
Mayor Melnick asked residents and business owners in District 4 to keep an eye out for upcoming information on how they can become involved in the West End Redevelopment Advisory Committee. She added that she welcomes the opportunity to sit down and discuss issues with members of the community. Mayor Melnick also thanked Councilmember Mote for her service to the community and wished her well on her future endeavors.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Melnick adjourned the meeting in memory and honor of John Eminger at 6:39 p.m.
Luca Stephenson
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk