OF BIG BEAR, CITY OF
BIG BEAR LAKE California
1980
Regular Meeting Minutes - July 8, 2026
A Regular Meeting of the City Council, Fire Protection District, and Successor Agency of the City of Big Bear Lake was called to order by Mayor Putz at 3:31 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Civic Center, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, California. In compliance with California Senate Bill 707, this meeting was conducted as a fully hybrid meeting, and both in-person and remote public participation options were provided.
OPEN SESSION
Flag Salute: Flag Salute led by Councilmember Melnick
Invocation: Canon Martha K. Estes, St. Columba's Episcopal Church Councilmembers Present: Mayor Randall Putz
Mayor Pro Tem Kendi Segovia
Councilmember Charles Hicks, Jr.
Councilmember Perri Melnick
Councilmember Absent: Councilmember Herrick
Others Present: City Manager Erik Sund
City Attorney HongDao Nguyen
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Erica Stephenson
Director of Administrative Services Rachel Bowman
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, provided his thoughts related to city litigation.
At the hour of 3:38 p.m., Mayor Putz called for a recess to Closed Session.
At the hour of 5:01 p.m., Mayor Putz resumed Open Session.
RESULTS OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney HongDao Nguyen announced that the City Council discussed the following items in Closed Session, and that no reportable actions were taken by the City Council.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 Name of Negotiators: City Manager Erik Sund and Assistant City Manager Erica Stephenson Name of Organization: Teamsters Local 1932
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION pursuant to Govt.
Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3)
Two (2) Cases
PRESENTATIONS
Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026
• New Employee Introductions:
• Jennifer Lindquist, Deputy City Clerk
• Erik Boone, Accountant Il
• Presentation to US Navy Veteran and Street Maintenance Worker I Brandon Gewecke recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Veteran's Park Memorial Plaque Restoration Project. • Presentation from Economic Development Analyst Jessika Leverich providing an update on the Small Business Façade Improvement Program.
OPEN SESSION PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, spoke about public litigation records; and expressed his opinion that Item 1.8 should be included on the Discussion/Action portion of the Agenda.
Jim Eakin, Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his frustration regarding the amount of time it took him to wait for the Mountain Transit shuttle after the 4h of July fireworks show.
Kara Flietstra, Big Bear Lake resident, announced her intention to run for a District 2 City Council seat.
Robert Cherno, Big Bear Lake resident (via Zoom), made a complaint about the condition of the property surrounding the DWP Wolf Reservoir site.
Michael Beveridge, Big Bear Lake resident, spoke about the City's film permitting process item; and stated his opinion that the City should make efforts to speed up the building plan permitting process.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Councilmember Hicks, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia to pull Item 1.8 from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Melnick, Hicks, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
A motion was made by Councilmember Melnick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar as follows:
1.1 APPROVE DEMANDS - CHECK ISSUE DATE 6/01/26 THROUGH 6/30/26 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,387,154.64 AND THE MAY 2026 TREASURER'S REPORT (CC) Approved
1.2 AUTHORIZE AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF FLEET MANAGEMENT
SOFTWARE (CC)
Approved
1.3 AUTHORIZE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS FOR
VACATION RENTAL PROGRAM ANALYTICS (CC)
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July 8, 2026
Approved
1.4 AUTHORIZE THE SUBMITTAL OF A CLAIM FOR TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT ARTICLE 3 FUNDS (CC)
Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-36
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A CLAIM TO THE
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
FOR TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 FUNDS
FOR THE BIG BEAR RATHBUN CREEK TRAIL BIG BEAR
BOULEVARD CROSSING (DESIGN) PROJECT
AS FARE FISCAL YEAR 2036-27 MEASURE I FIVE: YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT Approved and adopted the following resolution entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-37
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MEASURE I FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND EXPENDITURE STRATEGY FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2026-27 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2030-31
1.6 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 10, 2026 REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL, FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY (CC, FPD, SA)
Approved
1.7 APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
OF CITY COUNCIL (CC)
Approved
The Consent Calendar, excluding Item 1.8, was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Segovia, Hicks, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
1.8 AUTHORIZE A SOLICATION OF A DESIGN BUILD PROCESS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PROPERTIES (FPD)
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Hicks and seconded by Councilmember Segovia for further discussion.
Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026
Following the FPD Board's questions and comments, a motion was made by Councilmember Hicks and seconded by Councilmember Melnick, to approve the staff's recommendation to proceed with a Design Build Solicitation for Improvements to Fire Protection District Properties.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Hicks, Segovia, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
2. PUBLIC HEARING
APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1-92 (VILLAGE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 (CC)
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Sean Sullivan made a staff presentation for this item.
At 5:46 p.m., Mayor Putz opened the Public Hearing and invited up speakers who wanted to comment on this item. The following individual approached the City Council:
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, stated he opposes the City's collection of the Village Streetscape Improvements Assessment.
At the hour of 5:49 p.m., Mayor Putz closed the Public Hearing.
Following further City Council discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Melnick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia, to approve staff's recommendation and adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-38
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNUAL ENGINEER'S REPORT,
CONFIRMING THE DIEAGRAM OF ASSESSMENTS, AND ORDERING
THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY
OF BIG BEAR LAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1-92 (VILLAGE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Melnick, Hicks, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026
3.1 AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ELEGANT CONSTRUCTION, INC.,
AUTHORIZE A TASK ORDER WITH MERRELL-JOHNSON COMPANIES, AND APPROVE
A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR THE BARTLETT PARKING LOT EXTENSION PROJECT (CC)
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Sean Sullivan made a staff presentation for this item.
Following the presentation, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to comment on this item. The following individuals addressed the City Council:
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, shared that he will be monitoring the construction of this project.
Andy Acosta, Big Bear Lake resident, stated he believes staff is incorrect regarding their proposed construction contract award; and further indicated his opinion that Elegant Construction's bid is non- responsive.
Steve Porter, Big Bear Lake resident, announced his disagreement with staff's recommendation to award this contract to Elegant Construction; indicated his opinion that it is important for the City to award bids to local contractors to support Big Bear's economy.
Eddie Phillips. Big Bear Lake resident, requested the City Council review the subsistence or per diem costs that may be included in the contractor's bid; and expressed the importance of taking care of local contractors and their employees.
Following public comment and further City Council discussion, a motion was made by Councilmember Melnick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia to approve staff's recommendation and adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-39
RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO
ELEGANT CONSTRUCTION, INC., IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,954,302,
AND AUTHORIZING A TASK ORDER WITH MERRELL-JOHNSON
COMPANIES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,000, AND APPROVING A
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO FUND ALL PROJECT EXPENDITURES FOR THE
BARTLETT PARKING LOT EXTENSION PROJECT
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Melnick, Segovia, Hicks
NOES: Putz
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
3.2 PROPOSED UPDATES TO THE CITY'S FILM PERMITTING PROCESS (CC) Director of Community & Economic Development Kelly Tinker made a staff presentation for this item.
Following the presentation, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to comment on this item. The following individuals addressed the City Council:
Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, announced that he will be performing First Amendment audits of local public buildings; and asked if that type of filming would be included in this ordinance.
Michael Beveridge. Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his support for simplifying the filming process and related regulations; and urged the City Council to remain business friendly.
Following public comment, a motion was made by Councilmember Hicks, seconded by Councilmember Melnick directing staff to prepare a future City Council agenda item, that would include these proposed City film permitting process amendments to Chapter 5.97 of the Big Bear Lake Municipal Code, for formal consideration and adoption.
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Segovia, Melnick, Hicks, Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
3.3 AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (CC)
City Attorney HongDao Nguyen presented the report on this item, which included reading the proposed employment agreement amendments aloud in compliance with the Brown Act. She also stated that there was a typo in the fiscal impact section of the report and clarified for the record, that the severance payment would apply if the City Manager's employment was terminated without cause.
Following the presentation, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to comment on this item. The following individuals addressed the City Council:
Daniel Gulbranson, Big Bear Lake resident, stated he opposes the proposed amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement.
Michael Beveridge. Big Bear Lake resident, expressed his support for the proposed amendment to the City Manager's Employment Agreement.
Ann Kaesman, Big Bear Lake resident, stated that the Governor of California makes $245,929; and questioned if the City Manager of a small City deserves to make more than the Governor.
Following public comment and City Council discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia seconded by Councilmember Melnick to approve staff's recommendation and adopt the following resolution RESOLUTION NO. 2026-40
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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July 8, 2026
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Hicks, Segovia, Melnick Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
3.4 APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE TEAMSTERS LOCAL 1932, AND THE CITY'S PAY SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026 (CC)
Director of Administrative Services Rachel Bowman made a staff presentation for this item.
Following the presentation, Mayor Putz invited up speakers who wanted to comment on this item and no individuals approached the City Council.
Then a motion was made by Councilmember Melnick, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Segovia to approve staff's recommendation and adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-41
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE
AND THE TEAMSTERS LOCAL 1932, GENERAL EMPLOYEE UNIT
FROM JULY 1, 2026 - JUNE 30, 2029
AND
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-42
RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026 PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7522.34
Said motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Hicks, Segovia, Melnick Putz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Herrick
4. COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
CITY CLERK, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Stephenson gave a brief overview of tentative items that will be presented at upcoming public meetings. She also provided a reminder to the community of the City Council Candidate Filing Period for anyone interested in running in Districts 2, 3, & 4, which starts on July 13 and closes Friday, August 7. She encouraged the community to call the City Clerk's office if they have any election related questions.
Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026
City Manager Sund gave an update on the upcoming Prayer Breakfast that will occur on September 15, 2026. He announced that all Big Bear Lake property owners have been sent a Fire Protection District mailer communicating that the FPD has chosen contract Option C with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District. He also shared that there is more information posted online on the Fire Protection District's webpage and encouraged the public to review that information.
COUNCILMEMBER BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS & COMMENTS
Councilmember Melnick congratulated City Staff for the July 4" event and specifically thanked Sean Sullivan for coming up with the idea of providing the Mountain Transit shuttle service to help ease event traffic.
Councilmember Hicks asked the City Attorney to provide further information regarding the City's legal requirements related to public comments on items pulled from the City's Consent Calendar. Also, he requested that the Planning Commission work with staff to determine if there are more ways to streamline the City's permitting process.
Mayor Pro Tem Segovia shared that she attended a recent Mountain Transit meeting, Cal Cities meeting in Barstow, GPAC meeting, and the Mayor/Mayor Pro Tem meeting that was hosted by the City of Big Bear Lake. She also stated that she attended a SBCTA meeting, and the Leisure Bear Subcommittee meeting which was very well attended by the residents.
Mayor Putz thanked everyone for joining tonight's meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Fire Protection District Board and Successor Agency Board at this Regular Meeting, Mayor Putz adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
Euca Stephenson
Erica Stephenson, City Clerk