CITY OF
BIG BEAR LAKE California
HAGPRPORATED ADM
Special Meeting Minutes - February 11, 2025
A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Melnick at 9:02 a.m., Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Perri Melnick
Mayor Pro Tem Kendi Segovia
Councilmember Rick Herrick
Councilmember Charles Hicks, Jr.
Councilmember Randall Putz
Others Present: Erik Sund, City Manager
Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney
Erica Stephenson. City Clerk
Rachel Bowman, Administrative Services Manager
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Jeff Holoubek, Big Bear Lake resident, announced that he was speaking on behalf of a few community members; inquired about the reasons why the CSD & BBARWA Boards rejected the Environmental Impact Report, requested updated financials, and shared concerns about water being sent to the Stickleback Ponds.
Tom Sitton. Big Bear Lake business owner, provided information about "primary water"; indicated he doesn't support the Replenish Big Bear Project.
Ruth Thue, Big Bear resident, shared her concerns about "toilet to tap" water making people sick; provided some Constitutional information.
Jim Miller, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his concerns about the lake drying up; added his opinion that it's only a matter of time before the State mandates that we take action to clean up our water to address forever chemicals; briefly discussed local water sustainability issues.
1. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
1.1 WATER MATTERS RELATED TO THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
The City Council received a presentation from Assistant City Manager Sean Sullivan, Bear Valley Mutual Water Company General Manager George Hanson, Bear Valley Mutual Water Company Special Consultant & Watermaster Appointee Sam Fuller and City of Big Bear Lake DWP General Manager Reggie Lamson. The comprehensive presentation was regarding Big Bear Valley's water history, the Big Bear Lake water system and local water sustainability.
Special Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2025
Following the presentation and the City Council's preliminary questions and discussion, at the hour of 10:37 a.m., Mayor Melnick called for a short recess and at the hour of 10:48 a.m. Mayor Melnick reconvened the meeting
After the recess, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals then approached the City Council:
Jim Miller, Big Bear Lake resident, further discussed local water sustainability issues; talked about how the lake water contributes to local tourism and helps to sustain our local community.
Steve Pontell, Big Bear Lake resident, shared he was a longtime resident and provided a historical perspective of water issues in Big Bear; stated he strongly supports the Replenish Big Bear Project.
Tom Site are if the busines nir expanse cent is regarding acry do ta Councilmember Hicks.
Ruth Thue, Big Bear resident, further shared her health concerns related to water; provided additional Constitutional references.
Following the public comments, the City Council, staff and the water agency representatives engaged in further discussion.
No formal City Council action was taken related to this Item.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Melnick adjourned the Special Meeting at 12:01 p.m.
Erica Stephenson
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk