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Regular Meeting Minutes – July 10, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Melnick at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 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 Rabbi Zalman Bernstein from the Chabad of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Perri Melnick
Mayor Pro Tem Kendi Segovia
Councilmember Rick Herrick
Councilmember Randall Putz
Others Present: Erik Sund, City Manager
Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk
Rachel Bowman, Administrative Services Manager
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, expressed concerns related to City spending; he provided his opinion that the City Council agenda needs to be simplified.
Tim Wolcott, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared his belief that the City should focus more on the needs of locals and less on the needs of tourists; he also stated that City streets need to be repaired.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his dissatisfaction with the City of Big Bear Lake’s operating procedures and property acquisitions.
At the hour of 4:11 p.m., City Council recessed to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:04 p.m., Mayor Melnick resumed Open Session.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation from Evan Rayner, Bear Valley Community Healthcare District Chief Executive Officer regarding the hospital parcel assessment renewal.
Presentation to Jared Cheek, Public Works Manager, recognizing his 26 years of dedicated City service and wishing him well on his future endeavors.
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: 42139 Big Bear Boulevard, APN:2328-191-19
Link to Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ohM6YPjjDDmPm6uP7 City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Wayne and Belinda Evans, Bear Country Quilts & Gifts Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
No reportable action.
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: 40752 Beaver Lane: 0 Beaver Lane, APN:0307-111-06 & APN: 0308-162-46 Link to Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HdeexMdvTbQ1wU2cA City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Mr. & Mrs. Gonzalez, Reygon Properties, LLC Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
No reportable action.
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Tim Wolcott, Big Bear Lake business owner, voiced his frustrations related to Caltrans and the Bartlett Public Parking Lot restrooms.
Beth Wheat, Big Bear Lake resident, thanked everyone for supporting the Big Bear Theatre Project and highlighted efforts to support local arts and culture tourism with their upcoming events.
Ingrid Olsen, Big Bear Lake resident, detailed her dissatisfaction related to the Big Bear Disposal trash cart rollout and her frustrations with the City’s documentation related to this new program.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, provided an update on the Big Bear Lake Voter Coalition efforts and voiced his concerns about the City.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his opinion and frustration with the City staff and City Councilmembers.
Jim Eakin, Big Bear Lake resident, announced that he is running for City Council in District 1 and provided information about his current community volunteer efforts.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Putz, to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS – CHECK ISSUE DATE 06/01/24 THROUGH 06/30/24 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,224,051.66 AND THE MAY 2024 TREASURER’S REPORT Approved.
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Putz, Herrick, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2.1 AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT – SUMMIT BOULEVARD
REHABILITATION PROJECT
Sean Sullivan, Assistant Manager, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation and City Council questions, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner, inquired about the overall project costs proposed for the Summit Blvd. Rehabilitation project.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, questioned the City’s capital project bid and contractor selection process; inquired about the project’s funding.
Rusty Barnes, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his support for the project and asked if the project stops at Big Bear Blvd.; stated he would like stop signs installed on Garstin Dr.
Following public comment, a motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-40
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO S. PORTER, INC., APPROVING A TASK ORDER WITH MERRELL-JOHNSON COMPANIES,
AND A BUDGET APPROPRIATION TO COMPLETE THE SUMMIT
BOULEVARD REHABILITATION PROJECT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Putz, Herrick, Segovia, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
2.2 AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT – CASTLE ROCK TRAILHEAD PARKING
LOT PROJECT
Sean Sullivan, Assistant Manager, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation and City Council questions, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner, inquired about the overall project costs proposed for the Castle Rock Trailhead Parking Lot project.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, questioned the City’s bid process, and inquired about the cost and funding of this project.
Michael Beveridge, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed support for the project; suggested that the local ski resort should contribute to the cost of street maintenance for roads located around the resorts.
Following additional staff comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-41
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO S. PORTER, INC.,
APPROVING A TASK ORDER WITH MERRELL-JOHNSON COMPANIES,
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRCUTION ACCESS AND MAINTENANCE
OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, AND APPROVING A BUDGET APPROPRIATION TO
COMPLETE THE CASTLE ROCK TRAILHEAD PARKING LOT PROJECT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Segovia, Putz, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2.3 SMALL BUSINESS FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation and City Council questions, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner, reminded the public that City Hall isn’t a business; expressed his disappointment over the City’s denial of painting a mural on the outside of his restaurant.
Jeff Holoubek, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his concern about the lack of standards needed for a business to qualify for this program’s funding and added that the program needs to define a clear criteria required for grant approval.
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his frustration with the City’s operations and indicated more needs to be done to fix local potholes.
Following City Council’s further discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, seconded by Councilmember Putz, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-42
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR IMPLMENTATION OF THE BIG BEAR LAKE SMALL BUSINESS FAÇADE IMPORVEMENT PROGRAM
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Putz, Segovia, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2.4 VACANT PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation and City Council questions, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Jeff Holoubek, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that he believes this is a legitimate problem, however, he added that California laws make the demolition of a building very expensive; he recommends tabling the program for now to allow for continued discussions.
Alaine Uthus, Big Bear resident, agreed the program would enhance the esthetic and safety of community, however, she questioned the proposed program provisions; she also expressed concerns that the program may infringe on property rights.
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed concern with the vacation rental citations; questioned the City’s funding for this proposed program.
Michael Beveridge, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that this is a property rights issue; explained that older cabins can be repaired; questioned if City employees would be qualified to identify properties that are in deteriorating condition.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared that he agreed with the statements made by the previous commentors; stated he thinks City regulations need to be relaxed.
Cindy Dupre, Big Bear Lake business owner, expressed concerns regarding the City’s current code enforcement Division.
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner requested for the program to be presented to the Planning Commission for their input prior to the City Council considering this proposed program.
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
Following City Council’s further discussion, and failed motion due to lack of a second, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, directing staff to try to work with derelict property owners first in an effort to attain voluntary compliance, then if unsuccessful, staff should enforce applicable Building Codes and the City’s Municipal Code to gain compliance regarding derelict properties.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Putz, Melnick
NOES: Herrick
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2.5 REAL PROPERTY PURCHASE – 42139 BIG BEAR BOULEVARD
Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, shared his frustration about this proposed purchase and questioned the City’s plans for the current building located on this property.
Rusty Barnes, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that he is opposed to the City’s proposed purchase of this property.
Following City Council’s further discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-43
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO CONSUMMATE THE PURCHASE TRANSACTION,
CONVEYING TO THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE THAT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 42139 BIG BEAR BOULEVARD, PARCEL NO. 2328-191-19; AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET APPROPRIATION; AND FINDING
THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Herrick, Putz, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2.6 REAL PROPERTY PURCHASE – 40752 BEAVER LANE; 0 BEAVER LANE Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager, made a staff presentation for this item.
After the presentation, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individual approached the City Council:
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his frustrations related to the City’s leadership and recent property acquisitions.
Following City Council’s further discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-44
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO CONSUMMATE THE PURCHASE TRANSACTION,
CONVEYING TO THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE THAT CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 40752 BEAVER LANE AND 0 BEAVER LANE, PARCEL NUMBERS 0308-163-50 AND 0308-162-46; AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET APPROPRIATION; AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Putz, Segovia, Herrick, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Clerk Erica Stephenson announced that at the upcoming November 5, 2024 election, City Council seats will be open for District 1 and District 5. She encouraged residents in District 1 or District 5 who are interested in running for City Council to contact the office of the City Clerk.
City Manager Erik Sund shared that the City is receiving information that some second home owners aren’t consistently following local trash can regulations. The current areas of concern the City is focusing on addressing is in the upper Moonridge and Boulder Bay areas. City Manager Erik Sund announced that the Summer Concert series successfully kicked off with Young Guns.
He further stated that the next concert is Saturday, July 27th with a Bruno Mars tribute band. He then thanked the Sheriff’s Department for managing traffic during 4th of July. COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Herrick announced some highlights from a recent SBCTA meeting, including the approval of a $1.1 billion dollar budget for this fiscal year. Councilmember Herrick also shared that the Rathbun Creek underpass can’t handle the 100 year flood water and must be reimagined. He also provided an update on the last BBARWA meeting he attended.
Mayor Pro Tem Segovia thanked City Manager Sund and Assistant City Manager Sullivan for providing her a helpful overview of the Replenish Big Bear project. Mayor Pro Tem Segovia shared that her and Mayor Melnick had an open and productive conversation with nine women who had expressed concerns at a recent City Council meeting. She stated that she appreciated the women for taking the time to voice their concerns and for meeting with her and the Mayor.
Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2024
Mayor Melnick further commented on that meeting and was pleased to report about the constructive and honest conversation they had with the nine concerned female citizens. She stated that the recent concert was a great community event and announced that the ground breaking for the new Mountain Transit facility will be held on, July 15.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Melnick adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
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Erica Stephenson, City Clerk