CITY OF BIG BEAR CITY OF
BIG BEAR LAKE California
Special Meeting Minutes - May 13, 2026
A Special Meeting of the City Council and Fire Protection District for the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Putz at 2:02 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Herrick
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Randall Putz
Mayor Pro Tem Kendi Segovia
Councilmember Rick Herrick
Councilmember Charles Hicks, Jr.
Councilmember Absent: Councilmember Perri Melnick
Others Present: City Manager Erik Sund
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Erica Stephenson
Administrative Services Manager Rachel Bowman
City Attorney HongDao Nguyen
PRESENTATION
Dena Heald, Director of Finance / City Treasurer provided the City's Quarterly (July 2025 - March 2026) Financial Update.
1. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
1.1 THE CITY'S FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 PROPOSED BUDGET AND 5-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION (CC)
City Council received a collaborative presentation from several staff members regarding the City's proposed FY 2026-27 Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvement Program.
Following City Council questions and comments, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item. The following individuals approached the City Council:
Dennis Large, Big Bear Lake resident, reminded the City Council that a budget is both a policy and financial document; expressed his concerns about the updated budget format.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his dissatisfaction with California's leadership and budget; provided his opinion on various City projects.
Theodore Trentman. Big Bear resident, questioned whether the City's budget improves the lives of local residents.
Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2026
Following Public Comment, a motion was made by Councilmember Herrick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, directing staff to prepare a Fund Policy and include the Policy on an upcoming Agenda for the City Council's consideration.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Herrick, Segovia, Hicks, Putz.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Melnick
A request was made by Councilmember Hicks, (seconded by Councilmember Herrick) asking staff to prepare a future Agenda item that would include a plan for the 19-Acre / Leisure Bear Property.
At the hour of 4:06 p.m., Mayor Putz called for a short recess; then at 4:07 p.m. Mayor Putz reconvened the meeting.
At the hour of 4:07 p.m., the City Council meeting adjourned to the Fire Protection District.
1.2 APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH PUBLIC NOTICING OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO ADOPT THE BIG BEAR LAKE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
BUDGET (FPD)
Chief Executive Officer Erik Sund made the presentation for this item.
After the Board's questions, Board Chair Herrick invited up speakers who wanted to speak on this item.
The following individuals approached the Board:
Dennis Large, Big Bear Lake resident, requested information about the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District's fire service cost proposal.
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, made inquiries and provided comments about the Big Bear Fire Authority dissolution process.
Martin Gill. Big Bear resident, stated he believes in keeping local control of fire protection services.
Johnny Wells. Big Bear resident, urged the Board to carefully review and consider all the details included in the County's fire protection services contract.
Following Public Comment, a motion was made by Vice Chair Hicks, seconded by Board Member Segovia, to approve staff's recommendation; approving the preliminary Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and authorizing staff to proceed with Public Noticing of Intent to adopt the Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget at the next regular meeting, to be held on June 10, 2026.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Putz., Hicks, Herrick
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Melnick
Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council/Board at this Special Meeting, Board Chair Herrick adjourned the meeting at 4:22 p.m.
Erica Stephenson
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk