CITY OF
*** BIG BEAR LAKE California
HCORPORATED AND
Regular Meeting Minutes - April 9, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Melnick at 4:39 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 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 Girl Scout Troop 1027.
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
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Dan Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his opinion regarding the City acquiring properties and he stated his concerns related to the considerable tax payer cost of purchasing additional properties.
At the hour of 4:44 p.m., Mayor Melnick called for a recess to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:15 p.m., Mayor Melnick resumed Open Session.
RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Stephen P. Deitsch, announced that the City Council discussed Item 1 in Closed Session and no reportable action was taken. He further announced that due to time constraints the City Council did not discuss Item 2, Item 3, and Item 4.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2)
One (1) Case
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: 547 Cottage Lane, APN:0308-163-47
Link to Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UhBbn7ezN3aNZhNs5 City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Henry C. Osborn, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, In Boston Massachusetts Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
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3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: 0 Big Bear Boulevard, APN:0311-221-35
Link to Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3wiCx7JXsnS5YVA59 City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Reinaldo Lopez, BASBYL, LLC Nevada Limited Liability Company Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.8 Property: 0 Sandalwood Drive, APN:0311-361-01
Link to Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gyss3utqtrU5UDF86 City Negotiator: City Manager Erik Sund
Negotiating Party: Mike & Haleh Saghafi, Managing Members, Burbank Manor LLC Under Negotiation: Price & Terms of Payment
PRESENTATIONS
• Presentation of a Proclamation to Hillary Steenson Ray, Associate Network Officer from the San Bernardino County Children's Network declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. • Presentation from Sandy Steers, Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley providing an update on Big Bear's beloved bald eagles Jackie, Shadow and their new eaglets. • Introduction of new employee Nicholas Haecker, Deputy Public Works Director in the Development Services Department.
• Introduction of new employee Ryan West, Assistant Planner in the Development Services Department.
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
George Quijano, Big Bear Lake resident, made an inquiry regarding a storm drain that is located in front of his property.
Jeff Holoubek. Big Bear Lake resident. shared his recent communications with the City regarding the Planning Commission.
Ingrid Olsen, Big Bear Lake resident, shared her frustration pertaining to short term rental issues and related code enforcement protocols.
Richard Jones, Big Bear Lake resident. provided a musical performance in memory of Christopher Fagan.
Clement Ojugo, Big Bear Lake resident, provided his thoughts and concerns pertaining to a fence that was built by his neighbor.
Jim Lona. Big Bear Lake resident, shared that he was appointed as the Commissioner to the 3rd District of the Veteran Affairs Commission; he further provided information regarding local Veteran events and programs.
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Tiffany Atkin, Big Bear Lake business owner, commented on the City's sign regulations related to small businesses; expressed her current frustrations and willingness to work with the City to find a solution to local sign issues.
Debrah Lydon, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that an increase in local trash fees would be a burden to senior citizens; provided information and made a request related to snow berms.
Tim Wolcott, Big Bear Lake business owner, expressed his concerns pertaining to property taxes and municipal property ownership; further shared his opinion on local code enforcement efforts.
Rick Snow, Big Bear Lake business owner, questioned local trash fees, company profits and collection practices.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, provided his thoughts related to cancelled City Council Meetings; shared his opinion pertaining to Planning Commission appointments.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared his thoughts and concerns about taxes and local code enforcement practices; provided information pertaining to the Federal government.
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 2/1/25 THROUGH 2/28/25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,317,202.04 AND THE JANUARY 2025 TREASURER'S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVE DEMANDS - CHECK ISSUE DATE 3/1/25 THROUGH 3/20/25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,369,060.20 AND THE FEBRUARY 2025 TREASURER'S REPORT Approved.
1.3 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 13, 2023 REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.4 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 8, 2023 REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.5 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 13, 2023 REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
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1.6 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 19, 2023 ADJOURNED
REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.7 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 11, 2025 SPECIAL
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.8 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 12, 2025 SPECIAL
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.9 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 12, 2025 REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.10 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FORM THE MARCH 11, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING
OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.11 APPROVE THE REMOVAL OF A PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT Approved.
1.12 AUTHORIZE THE ADVERTISEMENT OF UPCOMING PLANNING COMMISSION
AND DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER BOARD VACANCIES
Approved.
1.13 AUTHORIZE SUBMISSION OF THE 2024 GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING
ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-04
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF THE 2024 GENERAL PLAN
AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS
1.14 APPROVE GENERAL FUND GRANTS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS REQUESTING FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT FUNDS
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-05
RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING S40,000 OF GENERAL FUND MONIES
FOR LOCAL PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS REQUESTING FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS
1.15 ORDER THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER'S REPORT AND RESOLUTION OF
INTENT TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE VILLAGE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1-92
Approved and adopted the following resolutions entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-06
RESOLUTION ORDERING THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER'S
REPORT FOR VILLAGE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1-92 RESOLUTION NO. 2025-07
RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE VILLAGE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1-92
1.16 AUTHORIZE BID SOLICITATIONS FOR UPCOMING CAPTIAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
Approved.
1.17 AUTHORIZE AN AGREEMENT WITH SPADARO ENTERPRISES INC. FOR
CITYWIDE STREET SWEEPING SERVICES
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-08
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH SPADARO
ENTERPRISES INC. FOR CITYWIDE STEET SWEEPING SERVICES
1.18 RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CAT TRACKING, INC. FOR THE 2025 CITYWIDE LINE STRIPING PROJECT
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-09
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO CAT
TRACKING, INC. FOR THE 2025 CITYWIDE LINE STRIPING PROJECT
1.19 INITIATION OF PROPOSION 218 PROCEEDINGS TO CONSIDER PROPOSED ADJUSTMENTS TO SOLID WASTE COLLECTION RATE.
Approved.
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1.20 APPROVE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SB 346 (DURAZO) LOCAL AGENCIES:
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAXES: SHORT TERM RENTAL FACILITATOR Approved.
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote, with Councilmember Hicks voting "no" on Item 1.14 & Item 1.20.
AYES: Putz, Segovia, Hicks, Herrick, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
2. DISCUSSION /ACTION ITEMS
APPROVE AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY COUNCIL POLICY, PROCEDURES, AND
RULES OF ORDER MANUAL
City Manager Erik Sund and City Clerk Erica Stephenson provided a brief overview of the proposed amendments included in the City Council Policy, Procedures and Rules of Order Manual update.
After the staff presentation, 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, expressed his concern pertaining to potential lawsuits that may result due to the City's current regulations and operations.
Tim Wolcott, Big Bear Lake business owner, provided his thoughts pertaining to local code enforcement actions and civil liberty violations.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, expressed his agreement with the prior speaker's comments and shared his frustrations with the City.
Following public comment, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve staff's recommendation and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-10
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL POLICY, PROCEDURES
AND RULES OF ORDER MANUAL
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Hicks, Herrick, Segovia, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Putz
ABSENT: None
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2.2 INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING BIG BEAR LAKE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 1.12 (CITY COUNCIL), CHAPTER 2.12 (PLANNING COMMISSION) AND CHAPTER 13.24 (BOARD OF WATER AND
POWER COMMISSIONERS), CONCERNING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
AND PROOF THEREOF FOR CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION AND
BOARD OF WATER AND POWER COMMISSION CANDIDATES, APPLICANTS AND MEMBERS; AND CONCERNING THE PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL OF
PLANNING COMMISSIONERS AND BOARD OF WATER AND POWER
COMMISSIONERS
City Manager Erik Sund, provided a brief overview of the proposed Ordinance, highlighting the elected/appointed officials' residency requirements and Board appointment/removal procedures.
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, shared his concerns and expressed interest in applying for upcoming seats on the Planning Commission and Department of Water and Power Board.
Following public comment, continued City Council discussion and a few rescinded motions; a motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, directing staff to redraft the proposed Ordinance to only require candidates/applicants to have proof of voter registration and to submit a signed affidavit.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Putz, Hicks
NOES: Segovia, Melnick
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Clerk Stephenson shared that the application period will soon begin to fill the expiring Planning Commission and DWP Board Member terms. City Clerk Stephenson added that on Sunday, April 6' the City in partnership with the County of San Bernardino held a free local spay and neuter mobile clinic.
City Manager Sund shared that the April Cinnamon Rolls with the City Manager event was a great success. City Manager Sund further announced that Nicholas Haecker, the City's new Deputy Public Works Director will be responsible for completing the City's Emergency Management Plan.
COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Hicks shared that attended the Polar Plunge and looks forward to City staff participating in the event next year. He congratulated Luke Wagner on his appointment as the next Big Bear Fire Authority Fire Chief. Councilmember Hicks shared that he attended the Bear Mountain Resort briefing pertaining to the new hotel and resort complex. He thanked the DWP for
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the professionalism they displayed when their crew recently fixed a water main break in his neighborhood. He encouraged citizens to get involved in the upcoming Solid Waste Collection rates discussion. Lastly, Councilmember Hicks requested a review of the current sign ordinance soon.
Councilmember Putz shared that he attended the Snow Summit presentation pertaining to the new hotel and resort complex and the well-attended Cinnamon Rolls with the City Manager event. He added that he attended the League of California Cities Desert Mountain Division meeting and the League's Environmental Quality Policy Committee meeting. Councilmember Putz highlighted an important issue that was brought to his attention by a Councilmember from La Quinta during the recent Policy Committee meeting. He was informed that the City of La Quinta currently lacks the necessary power for new infrastructure and affordable housing projects. In light of this information, he urged the City Council to take a proactive approach when considering potential power and water impacts related to future projects planned in the City. Councilmember Putz requested the City engage in a review of local workforce housing opportunities.
Councilmember Herrick reported that Carrie Schindler was hired as the new SCTA Executive Director, he further shared that Carrie will visit Big Bear in the next month. He also provided an update on the Blanche and Gene Nay Foundation. Councilmember Herrick then thanked Sandy Steers for tonight's informative eagle presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Segovia shared that she attended the grand opening of Radiant Primary Care and provided information on the additional specialty medical services they will deliver to the community.
Mayor Melnick took a moment to congratulate Luke Wagner on his recent appointment as the next Fire Chief for the Big Bear Fire Authority.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Melnick adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
Erica Stephenson
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk