Big Bear Lake hires Minteer Harnish for $1.7M general‑plan update; council sets advisory committee
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Summary
The council approved a not‑to‑exceed $1,696,426 professional services agreement with Minteer Harnish (with Rincon, DKS and Urban Green) to update the city's general plan, development code and prepare an EIR; council also directed staff on the proposed General Plan Advisory Committee membership and timeline.
The Big Bear Lake City Council voted to approve a professional services agreement with Minteer Harnish to undertake a comprehensive General Plan and development code update, including a program environmental impact report, under a not‑to‑exceed budget of $1,696,426.
Planning staff described the competitive RFP process that produced five proposals, in‑person interviews and staff review. Minteer Harnish was recommended for its demonstrated experience (70 general‑plan updates statewide), a detailed, task‑based scope of work, an all‑in not‑to‑exceed budget, and an approach that integrates the city's 2023 community vision. Consultants proposed Rincon Consultants for environmental work, DKS Associates for outreach and transportation, and Urban Green for design charrettes. Staff noted the proposal estimates roughly 7,000 staff hours from consultants across general plan, development code and environmental work and proposed a 36‑month schedule to complete adoption by late 2028.
Council discussed the cost differential with lower proposals and staff explained the higher‑priced bid included a firm not‑to‑exceed amount and detailed task accounting, while some other proposers had time‑and‑materials uncertainties. Several council members expressed support for an all‑in contract and the consultant's in‑person presence. Council approved the agreement and then discussed the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) composition (two council members including the mayor, planning commission chair, agency representatives, full‑time residents, business owners, a youth representative, a second homeowner and a self‑managed vacation‑rental operator). Staff will advertise openings, seek alternates for agency appointments and tentatively schedule interviews in mid‑January.
