BBMWD board to weigh launch ramp window replacement and temporary easement for Moonridge hotel project

The Big Bear Municipal Water District board meets Wednesday, September 17, at 1:00 p.m. at the District office on Lakeview Drive to take up two substantive items: replacing aging windows at the West Public Launch Ramp Office and granting a temporary drainage easement to an unnamed Moonridge hotel developer — a decision that puts District property at the center of a private construction project, at least for now.

Window replacement at the West Launch Ramp

Staff is recommending the board approve the purchase and installation of three replacement windows at the West Public Launch Ramp Office for a base cost of $7,161.37, plus a 10% contingency of $716.14, bringing the total authorized amount to $7,877.51^[1]. To find the best price, staff solicited quotes from three local vendors and determined that Bear City Glass submitted the most responsive and best-value bid^[1]. The project is funded within the District's existing FY26-27 Operations Building and Facility Maintenance budget, so no additional appropriation is required^[1].

Temporary easement for Moonridge hotel

The more consequential item on the agenda involves a Moonridge Hotel development project seeking access to drain across District-owned land. Staff recommends the board approve a temporary drainage easement while negotiations over a permanent easement — and what the District would be paid for one — continue^[1].

According to the agenda packet, the temporary agreement would not create permanent property rights and would require the developer to carry insurance, indemnify the District, reimburse District costs, and restore any affected District property if a permanent deal is never reached^[1]. The District would retain full ownership of the property throughout; no land is being sold or leased^[1].

Staff cited project timing constraints before fall as the reason for seeking a temporary arrangement rather than waiting for permanent easement terms to be finalized^[1]. The identity of the hotel developer, their rationale for routing drainage across District land, and any community reaction to the hotel project itself are not detailed in the agenda documents.

The consent calendar also includes minutes from the September 3 regular meeting and the September 11 special meeting, along with a warrant list of $64,704.93^[1].

The board's next regular meeting after September 17 is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at 40524 Lakeview Drive, Big Bear Lake. Agenda materials are available at bbmwd.com or at the District office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.