OF BIG BEAR CITY OF
BIG BEAR LAKE California
HEORPORATED NOT
Regular Meeting Minutes - August 13, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Melnick at 4:38 p.m., Wednesday, August 13, 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 provided by Stacy Gorin, Executive Director, Southern California Mountains Foundation
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Perri Melnick
Mayor Pro Tem Kendi Segovia
Councilmember Rick Herrick
Councilmember Charles Hick, 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
None.
At the hour of 4:40 p.m., Mayor Melnick called for a recess to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:07 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 LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION pursuant to Govt.
Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4)
One (1) Case
PRESENTATIONS
• Presentation to Administrative Services Manager Rachel Bowman recognizing her achievements and significant contributions related to the City receiving the 2025 CJPIA Risk Management Award.
Presentation of a 20-year Employee Service Award to Dave Wagner, Administrative Assistant in the Development Services Department.
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August 13, 2025
• Presentation of a 5-year Employee Service Award to Michal Maretta, Senior Building Inspector in the Development Services Department.
• Presentation from Big Bear Valley Education Trust representative providing an overview of the organization's community services and projects.
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Garry Dokter, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that the Tour de Big Bear event is dependent upon on assistance from the City's Public Works staff and requested the City Council take that into consideration.
Beth Wheat. Big Bear Lake resident, thanked the City and various community members/organizations for their support of the Big Bear Theatre Project; emphasized the importance of arts tourism in the City.
Phil Hamilton, Big Bear Lake resident, thanked the Council for their past support of Tour de Big Bear; stated that he wants to ensure the VBB Board will continue supporting this event by providing a similar level of assistance.
Chris Lupo, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed her support of the Tour de Big Bear event and hopes that the event will continue to grow in future years.
Stacy Gorin, Big Bear resident, shared her excitement about the future of trails in Big Bear and thanked the Council for implementing the Big Bear Valley Master Trails Plan.
James Hayton, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that he owns the property where Café Crêpe is located; expressed concern about the high speed of traffic and road conditions on Big Bear Blvd; questioned what is being done about some blighted properties in the City.
Richard Jones, Big Bear Lake resident, provided a musical performance in memory of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark and their dog Gilbert.
Jim Lona, Big Bear Valley resident, provided information regarding events and services available to local veterans; he also expressed his gratitude to the City Council for consistently supporting local veterans.
French Stewart, Atlanta resident, expressed his gratitude to the City Council for their support of the arts; commented that the PAC is a great theater; he shared his belief that the City is on its way to becoming a true destination for theater.
Chris Barnes, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his backing for the decision to transfer the Tour de Big Bear event support from the City to Visit Big Bear (VBB), though he also shared some concerns about VBB bylaws related to ongoing event support.
Ron Peavy, Big Bear Lake resident, voiced his support for the Tour de Big Bear and noted that last year's event included the help of over 400 volunteers; he requested the Council's continued event support, including assistance with permits and in-kind funding.
Susie Schmelzer, Big Bear City resident, thanked the City for its continued support and shared that the Kodiak Marathon is scheduled for October; she noted that events like these are greatly appreciated and well-loved by the community.
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August 13, 2025
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Putz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia to approve the Consent Calendar as follows:
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS - CHECK ISSUE DATE 6/28/25 THROUGH 7/31/25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,663,932.96 AND THE PRELIMINARY JUNE 2025 TREASURER'S REPORT
Approved.
1.2 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE JULY 9, 2025 REGULAR MEETING OF
CITY COUNCIL
Approved.
1.3 DESIGNATE VOTING DELEGATES FOR THE 2025 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA
CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-37
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING MAYOR PERRI MELNICK AS THE
VOTING DELEGATE AND MAYOR PRO TEM KENDI SEGOVIA AS
THE VOTING ALTERNATE FOR THE 2025 LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
1.4 AUTHORIZE SANITATION PUMP REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS WITH XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS USA, INC.
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-38
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SANITATION PUMP REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS WITH XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS USA, INC. AND FINDING THIS
PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
1.5 APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 MEASURE I FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-39
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MEASURE I FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND EXPENDITURE STRATEGY FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2029-30
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1.6 AUTHORIZE A TASK ORDER WITH BUCKNAM INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP, INC.
FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE CITY'S PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN Approved.
1.7 AUTHORIZE A CHANGE ORDER WITH TRUEPOINT SOLUTIONS RELATED TO
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACCELA SOFTWARE PROGRAM
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-40
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CHANGE ORDER WITH
TRUEPOINT SOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACCELA SOFTWARE PROGRAM
1.8 AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN EASEMENT WITH BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN
RESORTS RELATED TO THE RATHBUN DRIVE IMPORVEMENTS
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-41
RESOLT BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN RESORTS RELATED TO MENT
RATHBUN DRIVE IMPROVMENTS
The Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Putz, Herrick, Hicks, Melnick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
2. PUBLIC HEARING
2.1 RESOLUTION UPDATING AND ESTABLISHING A MASTER FEE SCHEDULE Prior to the staff presentation, Councilmember Putz stated that out of an abundance of caution he consulted the City Attorney regarding his spouse serving in an uncompensated role on the Big Bear Theatre Project Board, and questioned if it would be a conflict for him to participate in the Master Fee Schedule adoption; the City Attorney confirmed that no conflict existed and Councilmember Putz was mere a d t preseniato i othi tem. Then Deputy Ciry Manager / Chief Financial Officer Kelly Emt
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At 6:23 p.m., following questions by City Council, Mayor Melnick opened the Public Hearing and invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Beth Wheat, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that the Performing Arts Center (PAC) is primarily used by schools, nonprofit organizations, and touring productions; emphasized that the PAC was built by and for the community; expressed concern that schools may no longer be able to afford using the facility; noted that the proposed rates would have significant financial impacts on local theater groups.
Diane Sloan Kubeja. Big Bear resident, noted that the people of this community consistently show strong support for performances by their children, friends, and neighbors at the PAC; expressed concern that the proposed rates could make renting the PAC cost-prohibitive.
Leona, Big Bear student, shared that being able to perform at the PAC has been a highlight of her school experience and she hopes the proposed rates won't negatively impact future students performance opportunities.
Linda Bulman. Big Bear Lake resident, expressed concern with the proposed fee increases; shared her small non-profit organization would no longer be able to afford the PAC; asked the Council to carefully consider the impact of these costs.
Chris Pennington, Big Bear resident, urged the Council not to lose sight of the original intention behind the PAC; that it be a community space, accessible and available for the community to use and enjoy.
At the hour of 6:31 p.m., Mayor Melnick closed the Public Hearing.
Following the Public Hearing, and discussion by City Council, Councilmember Putz made a motion to adopt the five-year fee schedule, with the provision that PAC rental fees, special event permit and film/photography permit fees are limited to only doubling over the five-year implementation period; this motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Then Mayor Melnick made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, to implement the three-year fee schedule, with the provision that PAC rental fees for schools and non-profit organizations are limited to only doubling over the course of the three-year implementation period; and adopt the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-42
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BIG BEAR
LAKE, CALIFORNIA UPDATING AND ESTABLISHING USER AND
REGULATORY FEES FOR VARIOUS CITY REGULATORY ACTIVITIES,
PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES SET FORTH IN A MASTER FEE SCHEDULE Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Hicks, Melnick
NOES: Herrick, Putz
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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August 13, 2025
3. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
3.1 PRESENTATION FROM VISIT BIG BEAR STAFF PROVIDING AN ANNUAL
OVERVIEW OF THEIR ORGANIZATION
Travis Scott, Visit Big Bear's (VBB) Chief Executive Officer presented this Item, providing an overview of VBB's budget, marketing activities, events and achievements.
Following the presentation and after City Council questions, Mayor Melnick invited up speakers who wanted to make a public comment on this Item; the following individuals approached the City Council:
Tara Antongiorgi, Big Bear resident, shared her support and appreciation for Travis Scott and the Visit Big Bear organization.
Robert McCoy, Big Bear Lake resident, thanked the City and VBB for their collaborative efforts to support small businesses and tourism.
Bill Bergen, Big Bear resident, reported that the recent Fun Run Car Show was a success; stated his appreciation for the City's continued support of this event; commented on VBB's future sponsorship of this event.
After public comment, the City Council provided additional comments and thanked Travis Scott for his comprehensive VBB presentation.
4. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
• CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
City Clerk Stephenson reminded the City Council and the public that the regularly scheduled meeting on October 8th will be canceled due to a scheduling conflict with the League of California Cities Annual Conference. She noted that the meeting will be rescheduled as an Adjourned Regular Meeting on Thursday, October 2nd.
City Manager Sund shared that the property owner of the burned-down home at 40095 Big Bear Boulevard pulled a grading permit. The structure has been demolished, and the debris is scheduled for removal. He noted that the property has been an eyesore in the City for over 10 years and thanked Economic Development Manager Kelly Tinker for his persistence and dedication in moving the project forward.
Assistant City Manager Sean Sullivan provided a brief update on a Caltrans project to install 14 new changeable message signs throughout San Bernardino County, 4 of which will be placed in the Big Bear Valley.
• COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Hicks attended the National Night Out event, along with the local Sheriff and Fire Departments and emphasized the importance of safety in our valley. He shared that a constituent inquired about the status of the local emergency sirens and thanked staff for clarifying that the sirens were tested and decommissioned four years ago. He encouraged anyone living in the Valley to stay informed by downloading the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services app or signing up for emergency text alerts. In addition, Councilmember Hicks requested to revisit the Housing
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August 13, 2025
Element at an upcoming City Council meeting, to specifically discuss R-3 zoned properties over 7500 sq. feet that would be mandated to build a second unit on the property in the event of a disaster ruining more that 50% of the existing dwelling. His request didn't receive support from another City Councilmember.
Mayor Pro Tem Segovia announced that she will be attending the upcoming Mojave Desert & Mountain Recycling Authority meeting.
Councilmember Putz reported that he attended the Cal Cities Board meeting in San Jose on July 17th. One key topic discussed was SB 346, which focuses on the effort to require vacation rental platforms to release TOT data. He noted that Cal Cities is actively advocating on behalf of cities to get this law passed, allowing better access to platform data. He also brought up concerns regarding the City's current ordinance on film permits. As written, it appears that business owners are required to obtain a film permit to film on their own property, which raised questions about whether the ordinance is being properly enforced and whether it's practical in its current form. Then Councilmember Putz requested (seconded by Councilmember Herrick) that the City review the film and photography permit ordinance at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Councilmember Herrick attended Assemblymember Lackey's Business of the Month presentation at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and would like to acknowledge the zoo for receiving the award. He also noted that he serves as the Chairman on the SBCTA Ad Hoc Committee for Measure I and is currently collaborating with SCTA on the Rathburn Underpass Project.
Mayor Melnick attended the Desert/Mountain Mayors and Mayor Pro Tem meeting, noting it was valuable to learn about what's happening in other local communities. She thanked City Manager Sund and his team for organizing another fantastic concert in the Village and expressed appreciation to the Elks for hosting the Beer Garden. She reminded the community that the final concert of the season will be held on September 6th.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this Regular Meeting, Mayor Melnick adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m., in memory and honor of Dr. Al Waner. uca Stephenson
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