Regular Meeting Minutes – November 13, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Melnick at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 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 Jim Lona Commander of American Legion Post 584
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 Service Manager
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his dissatisfaction with the leadership of the City Council and the behavior of City management.
Jeannine Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared that she is a local business owner that hasn’t had a raise in years, and expressed concerns about the proposed City Manager salary increase.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, voiced his negative opinion pertaining to the City Manager.
At the hour of 4:10 p.m., Mayor Melnick called for a recess.
At the hour of 5:00 p.m., Mayor Melnick resumed Open Session.
PRESENTATIONS
• Mayor Perri Melnick recognized Councilmember Randall Putz for his achievements in the Council Members Leadership Academy Torch Program and for recently being appointed to serve on the League of California Cities Board of Directors.
• Presentation made by Andrew Mellon, Community Development Manager providing a Fiscal Year 2023-24 Overview of the Community Development Department’s activities and accomplishments. • Presentation made by Kelly Ent, Deputy City Manager / Chief Financial Officer providing the
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City’s Fiscal Quarter 1, 2024 Financial Report.
• Presentation made by Sean Sullivan, Assistant City Manager providing an overview of the upcoming winter operations plan.
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 Government Code Section 54957 Title of Position: City Manager
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency designated representatives: Mayor Perri Melnick and City Attorney Stephen Deitsch Unrepresented employee: City Manager Erik Sund
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner, provided his thoughts related to business murals; expressed concerns about City transparency.
Tara Antongiorgi, Sugarloaf resident, thanked the City for their support of the Plein Air Arts Festival and provided a positive overview of this event.
Candy Hallstead, Fawnskin resident and Bear Valley Meals on Wheels representative, requested for the City Council to donate funds to the local Meals on Wheels program.
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear City resident, shared that Big Bear Television is up and running; expressed concerns about animals displaced by the Line Fire and the Apple Valley Animal Shelter operations.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his concerns about the State of the City event being held three days before the election day, the Rathbun Trail, and City management.
Jeannine Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, thanked the City for recently surveying Village business owners but expressed concerns that not all business owners received the survey; shared her beliefs that it is possible for a good balance to exist between special events in the Village and the City.
Dennis Nelson, Big Bear Lake resident and President of the Big Bear Lions Club, requested for the City Council to donate funds to the upcoming Bear Valley Holiday Collaborative.
Tiffany Atkin, Big Bear Lake business owner, voiced her opinion and recent confusion related to the Big Bear Lake Sign Code, and requested clarification.
Tim Wolcott, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared his concerns regarding business signage regulations, City spending, and the lack of a local community center.
Pat Enyart, Sugarloaf resident and Community Pet Food Pantry representative, provided some background related to the Community Pet Food Pantry and shared that the organization has applied for the Community Development Block Grant.
Ellen Clarke, Big Bear Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, commended the City for the Small
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November 13, 2024
Business Façade Improvement Program; noted the Chamber is seeking donations of “soup and socks”; explained the upcoming Village Holiday Passport program.
Joe Prizament, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared his frustration pertaining to the Big Bear Lake Sign Code; and expressed his concerns regarding the City’s snow plowing operations.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, voiced his concerns related to outside vendors competing with Village businesses, the annual car show, and Village street closures; for future events he recommends rolling street closures.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS – CHECK ISSUE DATE 10/01/24 THROUGH 10/31/24 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,322,101.29 AND THE SEPTEMBER 2024 TREASURER’S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 10, 2024 REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.3 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE JULY 10, 2024 REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.4 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 9, 2024 REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.5 ADOPT AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY’S RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-58
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY’S RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE
AND AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF EMAILS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 34090
1.6 AUTHORIZE NOTICES OF COMPLETION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Approved.
1.7 AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT – PAC RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT
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Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-59
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION CO. FOR THE PAC RESTROOMS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT 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. PUBLIC HEARING
2.1 ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S DEVELOPMENT CODE RELATING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
Nathan Castillo, Senior Planner, made a staff presentation for this item.
At the hour of 6:31 p.m., Mayor Melnick opened the Public Hearing, and the following individuals approached the City Council:
Michael Beveridge, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that he is in support of the ADU Ordinance and provided many positive reasons why he is in favor with this proposed Ordinance.
Annette Karnes, Big Bear Lake resident, asked City Council to consider allowing all homes to build ADU’s, including properties that operate a STR.
At the hour of 6:35 p.m., Mayor Melnick closed the Public Hearing.
Following the public hearing and City Council comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, to approve staff’s recommendation to read the title, waive further reading and introduce an ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-xxx
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE AMENDING DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 17.25.210 PERTAINING TO
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND FINDING THE AMENDMENT
STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT UNDER PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE § 21080.17
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Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Putz, Herrick, Segovia, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
3.1 AUTHORIZE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR CONCEPTUAL
PLANNING SERVICES RELATED TO EVENT SPACE
Sean Sullivan, Assistant Manager, and Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager made a joint 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:
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, indicated that he doesn’t agree with the City demolishing buildings on City property and expressed concerns with demolition costs.
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner, provided his thoughts related to the City’s recent Village business survey and suggested that Code Compliance Officers personally reach out to each business to get a better survey response.
Patrice Duncan, Sugarloaf resident, thanked Councilmember Putz for his comments about divisiveness; she commended the City for taking action on this item and purchasing these properties; thanked the City Manager for his efforts.
Tara Antongiorgi, Sugarloaf resident, asked the City Council to continue to support the arts, and thanked the City for all their hard work.
Michael Beveridge, Big Bear Lake resident, stated his beliefs that the City’s recent property acquisitions enhance our status as a visitor community which supports the tourism economy.
Following public comment, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-60
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
SWA GROUP FOR CONCEPTUAL PLANNING SERVICES RELATED TO EVENT
SPACE WITHIN THE BARTLETT PARKING LOT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Segovia, Putz, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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3.2 ORDINANCE APPROVING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 2023-068 TO
REMOVE FUTURE CERTAIN COMMERCIAL LAND USES AND LIMIT
DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING UNITS IN THE R-3 (MULTIPLE FAMILY) ZONE DISTRICT CITYWIDE
Mayor Melnick announced that the Public Hearing for this Item was held and closed during the October 9, 2024 Regular City Council meeting, therefore, no new public comment is permitted during this meeting.
Andrew Mellon, Community Development Manager made a staff presentation for this item.
Stephen Deitsch, City Attorney, announced that Councilmember Herrick was not present at the October 9, 2024 Public Hearing and didn’t participate in the City Council consideration of this Item. In order for Councilmember Herrick to participate in tonight’s discussion of this Item, he was required to watch the video recording of this Public Hearing Item from the October 9, 2024 City Council Meeting.
Councilmember Herrick confirmed that he had watched the video recording of this Item and is prepared to fully participate in tonight’s discussion and consideration of this Item.
Following City Council comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, to approve staff’s recommendation to read the title, waive further reading and introduce an ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE 2024-xxx
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE APPROVING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 2023-068 TO REMOVE
FUTURE CERTAIN COMMERCIAL LAND USES AND LIMIT DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING UNITS IN THE R-3 (MULTIPLE
FAMILY) ZONE DISTRICT CITYWIDE, AND FINDING THESE AMENDMENTS
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Putz, Segovia
NOES: Melnick
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3.3 AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER’S EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
Stephen Deitsch, City Attorney, 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:
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Neighborhood Preservation Division operations, City Council, and the City Manager’s proposed salary increase.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, shared his frustration pertaining to City Council and the City Manager.
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Following public comment and City Council comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, to approve staff’s recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-61
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO
THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Herrick, Putz, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
4. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
• CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Manager Erik Sund thanked the Mayor and City Council for a wonderful State of the City event. He also thanked Visit Big Bear and the Chamber of Commerce for helping to sponsor the event.
• COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Segovia announced that she attended the recent League of California Cities Annual Conference. Then she requested for the City Council to donate funds to the local Meals on Wheels and Bear Valley Holiday Giving Collaborative programs.
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, and seconded by Councilmember Herrick to add an emergency item to the agenda, to allow the City Council the opportunity to consider making a donation to the Meals on Wheels and Bear Valley Holiday Giving Collaborative programs, prior to the upcoming holiday season.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Putz, Segovia, Herrick, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick to use the City Council’s discretionary fund to donate $2,000 to the Meals on Wheels and $2,000 to the Bear Valley Holiday Giving Collaborative programs.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Putz, Herrick, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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Councilmember Putz briefly shared that he attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
Councilmember Herrick announced that the Blanche and Gene Nay Foundation now has brochures regarding “planned giving”. The brochure includes details on legacy gifting opportunities.
Councilmember Herrick further shared that he attended a SBCTA meeting; announcing the Santa Ana Water Quality Board is stepping up requirements for water runoff. Councilmember Herrick added that he would like for the City Council to donate funds to the Veterans Guitar Project.
Mayor Melnick shared her concern regarding vacant businesses and retail spaces she sees around the City. Therefore, she requested that Kelly Tinker, Economic Development Manager consider a future presentation providing the City Council with information on what the City can do to help support and attract new business. In addition, Mayor Melnick highlighted a few of the City’s upcoming meetings including: a Special Meeting on December 11th to consider the role of Councilmembers when they’re representing the City on various Committees and Boards, a Study Session to be held January 28, 2025 to discuss water matters related to the City of Big Bear Lake, and a Special Meeting on February 12, 2025 to review General Election Matters and the City Council Rules of Order Policy.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Melnick adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk