CITY OF
BIG BEAR LAKE California
SISORPORATEOD AND
Regular Meeting Minutes - May 14, 2025
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, May 14, 2025, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Herrick
Invocation: Jim Lona, SB County's 3rd District Veterans Affairs Commissioner
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Perri Melnick
Mayor Pro Tem Kendi Segovia
Councilmember Rick Herrick
Councilmember Charles Hick, Jr. (arrived at 4:54 p.m.)
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
Daniel Gulbranson. Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his concerns regarding the City spending additional funds to acquire new properties.
At the hour of 4:35 p.m., Mayor Melnick called for a recess to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:09 p.m., Mayor Melnick resumed Open Session.
RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Stephen P. Deitsch, announced that the City Council discussed the following item in Closed Session and stated that no reportable action was taken by the City Council.
1. 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
Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2025
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation from Evan Rayner, Bear Valley Community Healthcare District Chief Executive Officer regarding the hospital parcel assessment renewal.
• Presentation of Proclamations to the Public Works Department Declaring the Week of May 18 - 24, 2025 as National Public Works Week, and to the Development Services Department Declaring May 2025 as Building & Safety Month.
Introduction of new employee Miguel Cabanas, Engineering Manager in the Development Services Department.
• Presentation of a 10-year Employee Service Award to Nathan Castillo, Acting Senior Planner, and Ryan Masterpol, Wastewater Collection Systems Operator III.
Presentation to Jason Watterson, Public Works Manager (Field Operations / Utilities) recognizing his 25 years of dedicated City service and wishing him well on this upcoming retirement and future endeavors.
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Theodore Trentman, Big Bear resident, shared his concerns regarding the recent City sponsored spay and neuter event because his understanding was that the mobile clinic didn't accommodate large dogs.
Ingrid Olsen, Big Bear Lake resident, shared her disappointment pertaining to Big Bear Disposal's trash program, related regulations, enforcement and suggested creating an ordinance that requires trash bins to be stored in a secured area.
Edgar Alaniz, Big Bear Lake business owner, congratulated Councilmember Hicks on being elected to the City Council; expressed his frustration with some City officials.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, shared his disappointment relating to Bear Valley Community Hospital; expressed his frustration with City leadership.
Tom Sitton, Big Bear Lake business owner, expressed his belief that permits, licenses, property taxes and Code Enforcement fines are unlawful.
Chris Barnes, Big Bear Lake business owner, shared that the intent of the Tour de Big Bear event is to boost our local economy and provide community donations to various local organizations; thanked the City for its continued support of this annual event.
Jim Lona, Big Bear resident, announced that the annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 26" at 11:00 a.m. at Veterans Park.
Matt Scriven, Big Bear Lake business owner, expressed that he is supportive of having a City sign ordinance but believes it is crucial for the City Council to reexamine the existing regulations.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick to pull Item 1.6 from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2025
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Hicks, Herrick, Segovia, Putz, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Councilmember Segovia to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar.
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS - CHECK ISSUE DATE 3/21/25 THROUGH 5/1/25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,234,017.20 AND THE MARCH 2025 TREASURER'S REPORT Approved.
1.2 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 14, 2024 REGULAR
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.3 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 9, 2025 REGULAR MEETING OF
CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.4 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE MAY 7, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING OF
CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.5 AUTHORIZE AGREEMENTS WITH SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
AND SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR MUTUAL AID Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-11
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS WITH SAN BERNARDINO
COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AND SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FLOOD
CONTROL DISTRICT FOR MUTUAL AID
1.6 AUTHORIZE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE TOUR DE BIG
BEAR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar.
1.7 AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO THE WASTE DISPOSAL AGREEMENT WITH
THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
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May 14, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-13
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 9 TO
THE WASTE DISPOSAL AGREEMENT WITH THE
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
1.8 AUTHORIZE INSTALLATION OF A STOP SIGN FOR SANTA CLARA BOULEVARD
AT THE INTERSECTION OF FOX FARM ROAD
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-14
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF A STOP SIGN ON THE
MINOR-STREET APPROACH OF THE INTERSECTION OF FOX FARM ROAD AND SANTA CLARA BOULEVARD; AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) The Consent Calendar, excluding Item 1.6, was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Putz, Hicks, Segovia, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
1.6 AUTHORIZE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE TOUR DE
BIG BEAR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, for further discussion.
Councilmember Herrick made a motion (seconded by Councilmember Putz) to include an item on a future Agenda to allow the City Council an opportunity to further discuss the annual Tour de Big Bear event and the related City support.
Following City Council's questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Putz and seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve the staff's recommendation.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-12
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH STATEWIDE TRAFFIC SAFETY AND SIGNS, INC.
DBA AWP SAFETY FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE 2025 TOUR DE BIG BEAR EVENT
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May 14, 2025
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Herrick, Putz, Melnick
NOES: Hicks
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
2. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
2.1 AUTHORIZE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE PAC RESTROOMS
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Assistant City Manager Sean Sullivan made a brief staff presentation for this item.
Following the presentation, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to make a public comment on this item and no individuals approached the City Council.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hicks, seconded by Councilmember Herrick, to approve the staff's recommendation.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Hicks, Segovia, Herrick, Putz., Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: None
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
This presentation began with Mayor Melnick reading the Ordinance title aloud, then City Manager Erik Sund made a brief staff presentation for this item.
Following the presentation, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to make a public comment on this item and no individuals approached the City Council.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hicks, seconded by Councilmember Segovia, to approve the statf's recommendation to read the title, waive further reading and introduce the following Ordinance entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xxx
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),
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May 14, 2025
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
COMMSSSIONERS AND BOARD OF WATER AND POWER COMMISSIONERS Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Putz, Hicks, Segovia, Herrick
NOES: Melnick
ABSTAIN: None
EXCUSED: None
3. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
• CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Clerk Stephenson shared information regarding the open application period for the Planning Commission and the Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners. Currently, there are four seats available on the Planning Commission and two seats on the DWP Board. She announced that applications are being accepted until May 30"*, and you can find the application details on the City's website. City Clerk Stepheson added that the City Council will conduct interviews for qualified applicants at a Special City Council meeting scheduled for June 11"h City Manager Sund shared that he and Economic Development Manager Kelly Tinker attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Conference. Furthermore, City Manager Sund, along with City Councilmembers, attended the City County Conference. He stated that the City County Conference was a great opportunity to connect with Supervisor Rowe and other cities across the County of San Bernardino.
• COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Hicks shared that it is Police Week and thanked the Sheriff Deputies in attendance at the City Council meeting. Councilmember Hicks added that he is now a member of the Big Bear Lake American Legion Post. Councilmember Hicks asked for an update on A-frame signs. City Manager Sund indicated that A-frame sign enforcement is currently paused at City Council direction, but shared that A-frame sign regulations will be reviewed as part of the upcoming General Plan amendment process.
Mayor Pro Tem Segovia announced that she attended the City County Conference and gained valuable insights. Additionally, she shared that tomorrow she will participate in the Mojave Desert Mountain Recycling meeting. She also stated that the Replenish Big Bear Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been approved.
Councilmember Putz shared that he attended the City County Conference and that lots of good information was provided. He further stated that in April, he attended Cal Cities Legislative Action Days and Cal Cities Board Meeting in Sacramento and added that the City recently hosted the Cal Cities Desert Mountain Division meeting, and had a roundtable discussion on fire insurance.
Councilmember Putz requested (seconded by Mayor Melnick) that the City staff not let too much time pass before revisiting the A-frame sign regulations.
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May 14, 2025
Councilmember Herrick announced that BBARWA is advancing with the planning process for the Replenish Big Bear project, which will include a cost estimate. Councilmember Herrick, City Manager Sund, and Councilmember Putz had the opportunity to meet with Carrie Schindler, the Executive Director of SCTA; he stated it was a significant occasion to discuss the needs of our small community and advocate for our local interests. Additionally, Councilmember Herrick shared that the NAY Foundation is in the process of planning a Gala, and that he also enjoyed attending the recent City Council Conference.
Mayor Melnick thanked Councilmember Putz for organizing a meeting for them with Senator Adam Schiff's representative, Mohamad Almouazzen. She shared it was a great opportunity to highlight the Big Bear Valley and foster relationships. She also announced that she attended the City Council Conference and further stated that the City attended a recent Bear Valley Search and Rescue meeting, to provide needed supplies to this community volunteer organization.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Open Session, Mayor Melnick adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Euca Slipperson