Dena Heald

The Special Meeting agenda focuses on matters pertaining to the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). Key discussion and action items include determining the categories for GPAC representatives, conducting interviews for the GPAC second-homeowner applicant, and appointing one individual to that role. Additionally, the agenda outlines conducting interviews for GPAC full-time resident applicants and the subsequent appointment of at least three individuals to serve as GPAC Committee Members.

The primary focus of the meeting was the discussion and proposed amendment of the development code concerning temporary non-commercial signs, particularly during local election seasons. This involved streamlining the enforcement process, which currently takes 4 to 8 weeks, to a projected 2 to 3 weeks by relocating regulations and changing the determination authority for sign violations from the Planning Commission to the City Manager's designated staff. Commissioners debated the impact of this change on political messaging neutrality, as well as detailed regulations regarding sign placement on private property, size limits, and spacing. The commission also reviewed the consistency of the amendment with the General Plan goals related to community development, land use, and public safety enforcement.

The planning commission discussed a major special event application for the 2025 Turkey Trot, a holiday-themed running event. The event is scheduled to take place at Moon Ridge corridor. The commission reviewed details such as the course route, safety measures, and compliance with city development codes. Public comments were heard, and the commission addressed questions regarding emergency services and the event's impact on the community. The commission also discussed the event's consistency with the general plan and development code, measures to protect public health and safety, and provisions for site cleanup and restoration.

The Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District held a special meeting. The agenda included a closed session item regarding anticipated litigation, and open session items such as approving meeting minutes from a previous special meeting, approving the annual appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26, authorizing a loan agreement with the City of Big Bear Lake for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget adoption.

The meeting included discussions and public comments regarding a waste transfer site relocation and its potential impact on a residential neighborhood, including concerns about unlawful activities, safety issues, property values, and traffic. The commission also discussed and approved a major special event application for the 2025 Turkey Trot, a holiday-themed running event, including considerations for emergency services and compliance with city development codes.